I started cooking/baking when I was nine years old and in 4-H. When I was active in 4-H from the age of 9-17 I loved competing at the county and state fair in various food categories. I went on to major in Home Economics at Ohio State University with the plans to become a cooperative extension agent...however, after graduating and getting married I realized that teaching home economics was the best career choice for me. I have two children ages 19 and 17 - I was able to stay at home with them unitl my youngest started school - so I have been teaching for about 11 years. I am constantly trying new recipes. Slow cooker meals are my favorite because it is so nice to come home from a day at school and have a home cooked meal ready to serve. My favorite slow cooked meal is swiss steak with potatoes, carrots and onions. I also enjoy baking but because it seems like we are always watching our calories I don't bake as often as I use to:( I would have to say the holidays especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. My children and I bake a lot of cookies! We also always try to decorate gingerbread houses. To me there is nothing better than spending time in the kitchen making memories with those that you love!