I prefer to view cooking as more of a hobby than a chore. I enjoy trying new recipes and working with new ingredients. I tend to take my time cooking with a glass/bottle of wine and some enlighting conversation. The kitchen is the hub of my home and my favorite place to entertain friends/family or just enjoy a quiet evening with my husband and some cocktails. I like to create comfort food with a twist; my goal is to have my guests come away from a meal both satisfied from the unexpected flavors and also asking for the recipe. I am a potato-aholic and have a million ways to prepare them. I love Thanksgiving! My husband and I start the day with the Macy's Thanksginving Day Parade on TV and a "few" mimosas. We both enjoy cooking throughout the morning and afternoon in preparation for the big meal. The only problem is that we both hate cleaning up, so we try to clean as we go so it is not too bad at the end. Also, I like to host brunches on New Year's Day, Father's Day and Mother's day for my family. In 2005, I stole Thanksgiving dinner away from my aunt; with her approval of course. It was the first time I hosted a large family meal (20+ people) and the first Turkey I have ever prepared; it came out perfect.........which I feel is quite an accomplishment for a former vegetarian of 20 years. Thanksgiving is now MY holiday that I will continue to host; I only see the guest list getting bigger every year as the family grows! When I was younger, I tried heating up ravioli on the stove top in a tupperware container....what a mess! Also, after I was first married I made chili using dried beans. After soaking them for what seemed like forever, I thought all was good.........until that first bite. My husband was "ill" for the entire following day and asked me never to do that again.......I have not!