I'm 30 years old, and have always loved to cook, but until I met my boyfriend, I never really had anyone to cook for. Now he's my guinee pig and will try almost anything (except scallops). In the past, I've tried recipes out on friends and roommates, but all were too picky. I've lived with several vegetarians- so they're no fun, and my last roommated wouldn't eat anything aside from meat and potatoes (literally!). I love to make a good gumbo, and have tried several recipes; all good so far. (Ooo... that sounds good right now!) I'm also quite fond of Mexican; being from south Texas, you can't walk down any street and not see a Mexican food restaurant, so I've had lots of inspiring dining moments there. I also make a lot of pasta, and pretty much anything involving fresh veggies- I'm always looking for ways to make them a little more interesting. I'd have to say any of the gumbos I've made, and general tsao's chicken- I was very surpised with myself that I pulled that one off! Oh, kung pao shrimp- what a catastrophe! Neither my boyfriend or I could finish what was on our plates- and ended up wasting tons of otherwise delicious shrimp. I'll blame that one on the sesame oil I used, was so gross!