I am quite comfortable in the kitchen and am learning not to be afraid to tweak and customize recipes. I have a definite preference for baking, particularly cookies, but can cook a pretty good meal as well. I only eat organic and/or natural foods. I never touch anything labelled low-fat, low-cal, low-carb, etc. They are always loaded with artificial flavors (which are, in fact, toxic chemicals) since all the natural flavors are taken out in the process. Anything that utilizes whole ingredients. I do not like recipes that call for premixed food (e.g., cake mixes, soups, etc.) Seriously, how can you call something homemade if most of your ingredients came out of a box or can?? I made a black forest brownie a few years back, and despite baking it considerably longer than recommended, the center was raw batter. I was so disappointed because the areas that were baked through tasted really good. Now I bake this in a larger pan!