I spent half my life in Toronto, Canada so I had the opportunity to try a variety of ethnic foods because it is a city of such diversity. Salads, soups, creme brulee. Although I am a vegetarian I make chile for friends, they have to taste it for me to tell me if there is enough seasoning. If I make a chunked meat version someone else has to cut it for me - I'm nice but not that nice. I've broken away from most family traditions. I grew up in a meat eating environment - lamb chops, brisket, corned beef, chopped liver. My grandfather ran his own wholesale produce company so we had lots of fresh food - that has stayed with me. People love my salad dressing. I don't measure anything so I can't come up with a precise recipe. The best creme brulee recipe I have came from Flavour cooking school in Forest Park IL. They also devised a vegetarian sausage roll that has always been a hit. I just can't make a good pie crust. I am intimidated by fruit pies.