I started cooking because I don't like to settle for "instant foods" like the majority of single people my age. I couldn't afford to go out every night so I decided to learn to cook myself. I've found that I have a natural aptitude for cooking any thing from Beef Wellington to Maniccoti w/ my own home made tomato sauce. I always like to try something different that you can't find locally. I also like the challenge of something difficult. My aunt is a kitchen goddess. I always loved holidays at her house when she was cooking. Not only was the food great, but I had access to all her best recipes! My Beef Wellington is one of my greatest accomplishments. I'm also proud that I learned that it is always better to make sauces yourself than to use them from a jar or can. Too many preservatives! I've been fortunate so far. Nothing too detrimental.