I am a meeting planner and avid traveler (second to cooking of course!) living in a western suburb of Chicago. I'm not a native Chicagoan though.... I am originally from a small town about 50 miles south of St. Louis, MO. I have always enjoyed cooking, but it never became a hobby (more like necessity...) until I moved out of my parents house to set out on my own. My grandmother (dad's mom) was a fantastic cook. She'd make delicious pies, cakes, salads and anything else you can think of. Almost all of her dishes included fresh produce from her and grandpa's garden. I swear that my grandmother could make the most AWFUL vegetable taste divine : ) Now I enjoy cooking for my boyfriend (UPDATE: AS OF 7/4/09, MY FIANCE!!!!!), friends and family. I hope to someday publish a cookbook for them. There are so many wonderful recipes I've stumbled upon that I'd like to share. Thanks Allrecipes!!! My favs are Italian, Mexican and comfort food (i.e. mac & cheese, pot roast, banana pudding, etc.). I am not a gourmet cook. I prefer to prepare simple, filling dishes... and desserts - the typical "family comfort food" that I grew up on. I tend to enjoy specific cooking styles also (i.e. healthy, quick & easy, slow cooking, etc.). Dishes that simplify preparation after a long day at work are my top pics. My grandmother, mom and several of my aunts are especially good cooks. They have passed down many "heirloom" recipes that I hold near and dear to my heart (I just COULDN'T live without them!). All of my family favorites have been added to my growing recipe collection. I am trying to start my own traditions, especially Christmas cookie baking and making cookies (and breakfast... if we get up in time) with my nieces when they come to visit. I wish I had more time for these traditions, especially holiday cookie baking (but who has "spare" time during the holidays - not me lol??!!??!?!!?)!!!! My most memorable experience was serving Thanksgiving dinner to very dear friends and my parents. It was the first time I had EVER prepared a turkey or "full-spread" holiday meal and it was my first Thanksgiving in my new townhome. I love fall, Thanksgiving and the foods/smells associated with the season (i.e. pumpkin pie, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes, etc.). The sense of accomplishment I felt after the dinner table was finally set (I started baking several days beforehand and early on Thanksgiving morning) and knowing that everyone was satisfied (and helping themselves to seocnds!) was a real confidence booster for me. My dad actually mentioned that he should have brought his camera to take pictures of the dishes I prepared! Hmmm. I seem to have them all the time! Even the best cooks aren't perfect.... I still have not successfully mastered the art of baking (or is it a science???), but I try. Sometimes my baked goods turn out perfectly, but often times they just don't!