I grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana and then went on to graduate from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. I met my husband at Purdue and we married shortly after graduation. We now have three beautiful little girls that keep us both very busy. I love to entertain and look forward to family and friends coming to visit so that I can cook for them. I love to have parties and get-togethers and try out new recipes. My favorites would have to be finger foods, appetizers and party food. I do love to have small dinner parties and prepare something a little more intimate and offer a nice wine choice as well. Soups are another one of my favorites to try and serve to company. Always looking for a great new soup recipe. I didn't come from a big "tradition" based family but it always seemed when we had get togethers we always had great food to go along with the great company. My Mom let me help out in the kitchen from a young age and she always seemed to enjoy cooking and I did as well. Mom always prepared a Great Thanksgiving Dinner and I have such good memories of the good food and good times! I belive I have thrown some nice parties and showers where I have done the planning, prep. and cooking and they have been a hit. It seems as though someone is always asking for me to share recipes and that is a nice compliment. I am not a horrible baker but a baker I am Not! I just don't seem to have the nack for turning out great pies, cakes, pastries, sweets, etc. It seems like an awful lot of work and then when it doesn't turn out just right it gets frustrating. I most often stick with the pretty simple dessert recipes but sometimes I may go out of my comfort zone to try a more challenging dessert.