I'm a bit of a foodie who loves to experiment and try new things. However, I am constantly on the go and live by myself, so I tend to make things that are quick, easy, and simple--or just easy and simple and can be made with my new favorite toy, my Crock Pot. My specialty is what a former roommate has dubbed "neo classics", which is classic American homestyle foods with a twist (usually to make it healthier). I also have a fondness for Scandinavian cooking, though I am very much a beginner in that arena. My mom is of a Mexican-American background and my father's family roots are in deep Southern soul food. I grew up trying everything, but when it comes to my family's cooking, I guess they have the classics nailed! (Enchiladas, fried chicken wings, and the like.) I went after and nailed a Scandinavian feast of Swedish meatballs, Danish red cabbage, and Norwegian lefse! I also make a great turkey chili, and my first batch of homemade pesto sauce was a success. With me, rice is a crapshoot. It's the one thing I can't eyeball measure, so half the time I end up burning the bottom. I finally gave up that battle, got smart, and purchased a cheap little rice cooker and I don't know what I'd do without it.