I was kicked out of the kitchen at an early age (my brownies tended to have 2T salt, instead of 2t), so I had a rude awakening when I married, and had to start cooking for both of us... I love cooking strange, complex things that taste out of the ordinary. I'm tired of baked chicken, potatoes and boiled vegetables. Give me Chicken Marsala, Garlic-Herb Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans Sauteed with Thyme and Pine Nuts. The only problem is I tend to mess up complex recipes, so I stick with what I know works. My Mum kicked each of us out of the house with a smile and a blue binder full of all the recipes she made for us growing up. She never made anything that she didn't like (regardless of whether or not we did), so I guess that's the tradition we have inherited - only cook what you like. Oh, and cook extra portions so you don't have to cook tomorrow - reusable storage containers are your friend. I haven't burnt a pizza in over a year. Yes, that IS a triumph. 3 burnt pizzas in one night. My husband hasn't let me live that down.