God gave us so many amazing foods, and the possibilities are so vast in how to put them together, that holding something as simple as an apple can make me smile. I love my family, so cooking things we all love is a fabulous way to bring us all together. I love natural and organic foods, and enjoy supporting Fair Trade. Hydrogenated oils are a big no-no in our house, butter tastes and works better anyway. Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, Wild Oats and Lassen's are my favorite markets, and I love getting fresh produce from our local farms. Probably fresh bread, with dessert coming in a close second. I love to assemble sandwiches. Making Italian food is pleasant and sensual. Making breakfast is sweet and awakening. I am delighted by the experience and nostalgia of cooking. Hm. I'd ask my mom to make a rich chocolate mousse every year for my birthday. I have made it a few times on my own, and still get a happy feeling when I serve it up in custard cups and enjoy it with a tiny spoon. I made Thanksgiving dinner on my own, over a process that took two days of straight cooking. It was so much fun. I was going all out because my husband had just returned from a year-long deployment in Iraq, making it a very thankful day. It also was my