I am a young female who is still learning how to cook. I am always checking the Encyclopedia and handy Tips and Advice section of the site, or calling my grandma. I live with my boyfriend of 4 years who eats and enjoys everything that I make, even when I over or under cook something. We have a kitten named Kiwi who is the sweetest thing ever. I love to cook. I am working on perfecting a few recipes so that I can one day branch out and feel like I have a good foundation. One thing that helps me accomplish that are the recipes reviews. They are life savers. I love cooking with and for my family. When I lived at home we would always make dinner together and sit down and eat together. It was the best part of my day. My stepdad makes the best authentic Mexican/Southwest food I have ever tasted. His specialties include Green Chile, Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Refried Beans (from scratch), rice, and salsa. The rice is my favorite part. My mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies, and although I have the recipe, her's still taste better. I have not made anyone sick yet. I think that is any cooks worst nightmare. I am always very careful to cook my fish, chicken, and pork chops until they are no longer pink. I also recently made a chicken pot pie from scratch for my mom, stepdad, and my boyfriend's mom--talk about pressure--and everyone loved it. In fact, I think I will make it again this weekend! For some reason I keep catching my oven mits on fire. I think this is a trait that I have inherited from my stepdad who does this on a regular basis. I have also been known to add too much flour or salt to cookies. As I am sure you can tell, I am really not much of a baker but I hope to improve.