Between work and family life, cooking is my main creative outlet. I like to experiment and try new cuisines. Here's how I determine my recipe ratings....5 STARS: Love it! Wouldn't change a thing (well, maybe one little teeny tweak or two, because, you know, that's what I do, but nothing that changes the nature of the recipe. 4 STARS: Really good! Maybe needs one or two adjustments to ingredients, seasoning or process, but a really good recipe. 3 STARS: A good recipe, but it either needs something extra or the result is just "good" - not bad, but no "wow" factor either. 2 STARS: As stated, I would not try again, but I usually find inspiration in these recipes - revamped, they could be really good, but it would take a lot of changes. 1 STAR: Would not try again as stated, and I cannot think of a way to transform into something we would like. Thanksgiving dinner has got to top the list - I love incorporating my family's traditions with my husband's family traditions, then adding our own new ones. As far as day to day cooking, I'm happiest when I'm baking! I like trying new things and although I like meat, I have a tendency to go through vegetarian phases every now and then. Holiday baking, Thanksgiving Dinner are my all-time favorite traditions. I love putting together buffets - it gives me an opportunity to try a variety of recipes. I had always wanted to do an elaborate wedding cake, so when a good friend's daughter got engaged I offered to do her wedding cake. I was not intimidated at first, BUT they were engaged for 3 years... It went from a 50 person do-it-yourself semi-potluck reception to a 140 person elegant, catered event. I worked on it for 3 days, baking, making the two fillings and batch after batch of Italian Meringue Buttercream. My mixer even burnt out and I had to run out and get a new one at 10:30 P.M. The results? Although I saw some flaws, it really looked lovely and tasted great! It was definitely my most challenging feat in the kitchen, and so far my greatest success! No major tragedies, but I make the ugliest pie crust in the world, but it tastes good, so I guess that's not a total failure... Oh, I do tend to burn things...I'm usually multi-tasking, so I always forget about something until the smoke detectors start blaring. That's why I married a firefighter, I guess! ;)