I love to try new recipes and do lots of experimenting! I generally stay away from, or at least spice up, the usual standbys. I don't use measurements and very rarely follow recipes exactly~I tend to use them as a base. My husband & I love good food, so cooking has become a really enjoyable hobby for me. Since I never really "have" to cook, it's not a chore. I am very critical of my own cooking, but when I feel like I've succeeded I marvel in it! And, a little wine with dinner always helps! Real Italian meat sauce (that took lots of practice), risottos, Spanish food and desserts. My biggest accomplishment has been hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the past 2 years. I don't know that I've ever had anything major go wrong. I think that some people are meant to be good cooks and adapt to it quickly. I've been lucky in that most things come out pretty good, even my first time around.