Avid recipe reader. Have a great, nearly 4 octave, singing voice. Love to cook but with my physical limitations, I do not have much strength or energy, so I take short cuts to get good things cooked and on the table, to enjoy with those I love. I don't use artificial coloring nor ordinary shortenning, because I believe they are both detrimental to my husband's health. I love creating soups, Casseroles, anything to combines my veggies with my protein. Turkey and Chicken are great whether whole, ground or in pieces. I prefer main dishes that are saucy and not dry. Family mealtimes are a great tradition that started with my family of origin. All of us come to the table, give thanks and share our food and stories of the day. I am grateful that I can still call my mom and ask her those favorite recipes I grew up with and share. Nowadays we can email them back n forth. From her fudge or stew, to my own cranberry relish. Thanks Mom, you're my favorite cook! God bless whoever invented the crock-pot!!! Are they a saint yet? LOL! I can toss almost anything in, add some seasonings, broth or water and have a great soupdujour or a tasty casserole without a fuss. While I could barely even stand or walk in 98, even I could cook with a crockpot (that's when my friends lovingly dubbed me with the title of "Catholic Soup Queen"). It's easy on the joints, feet & seat. It was the greatest wedding present that I did not ask for, but received. My candy making is fabulous and my baking is pretty darn good, too...most of the time. I love writing recipes and long for the day when I finally finish my cookbook. While we were still grade school children, in the early 70's, my lil sister & I decided to make brownies. One of us added about a cup of baking soda (we each insist that it was the other). It was like molten lava. We ended up taking the pan and all and dumping all the goop down the sewer. The oven was a disaster. We are still laughing about that over 30 years later. Wondering in hindsight if we were the ones to create the very first Lava Cake? Ya' think???