I learned to cook on my own when I came to the United States to pursue my education. While I started out not even knowing how to fry an egg (!!), through much trial and error (and a brave husband with a strong stomach to try my cooking), I think I've become somewhat more seasoned and am comfortable with my way around the kitchen. I love to cook and enjoy a good meal with my husband. I recently graduated with my PhD and starting a new job in the fall, so I am always trying to find good ways to continue making good food that are healthy, fun and quick. I love cooking pasta dishes, casseroles, chicken, salads, tacos, meatloaf and grilled veggies... and hearty stews and soups in the winter. I love trying new things. My mom is the cook in my family. Growing up, I've always attested that mom's food is the best, and I've missed it so much being here in the US. Even with the simplest ingredients, my mom creates the heartiest home-cooked Malaysian cuisines. Unfortunately, I have not inherited her skills for Malaysian cooking! Being called the best cook by my husband - even better than his mother! One night about 7 years ago, I baked a pan of pork and potatoes. When I opened the oven to check on the food, an inferno burst out from inside the oven, singeing my eyebrows and even some of my bangs. I got a little scared of the oven for a while after the incident - but quickly recovered.