My love of cooking began about seven years ago when I had to start cooking for myself. As I began working in Restaurants I learned more and my tastes expanded. I watched and listened and learned techniques. I've worked in American, French and Italian restaurants. Cooking techniques and experiences are often a popular topic amongst my family and I. I read cookbooks for relaxation and I find they can be very helpful...even if I never make anything out of them. I'll cook just about anything that sounds yummy and is reasonably priced. I love healthy foods as well as rich foods. Since I've been living in Quebec my interest in French cooking has grown. However, homestyle foods such as roasts, stews, pasta and BBQ are always amongst my favourites. I'm also interested in recipes that are delicious but easy to cook over an open fire because my bf and I love camping. Chicken soup, roasted chicken, Italian dishes. I was taught by my grandmother and mom how to be a very efficient cook and make everything last through as many meals as possible. I use the freezer a lot and I want to learn how to can this fall. I grow my own vegetables and always minimize waste with compost and recycling. sauces...I haven't perfected them but it took me a while to just be able to whip up a sauce, either cream, wine or otherwise, off the top of my head. I'm also a relatively brave cook and I'll try anything once, as long as it seems to fit w/in the tastes of those whom I'm cooking for. haha...the first time I tried to cook something in my first apartment I started a small kitchen fire while boiling water...I still don't know HOW I did that!