I was born in Brazil and came to the U.S. to go to school here when I was 16. I got married at the young age of 17 and needless to say cooking was not my forte. Even through the years I didn't have a deep interest in it but that all changed about 7 years ago when I started looking for recipes online and came across allrecipes! I work full time and finding the time and disposition can be hard but thanks to this site I'm able to treat my family to a world of exciting dishes! I also have a lot of fun and a great support group in a cooking forum I belong to: http://www.thequalitycook.com/index.php?sid=379197f58c4be4eaed00dd857e678b5d We met through Allrecipes and have become great friends. I enjoy baking. I like to make cookies and bake cakes, bread, pie, etc.. I bake or roast often, except in the summer and I grill. Chicken is one of my favorite ingredients because it is so versatile and so many different cuisines can be done with it. I also love to make things for special occasions and I am known for going overboard and making too much! Grilling in the summer. Sundays are stake night at our house. Brazilian white rice is a constant side dish for most of our meals. Christmas Eve dinner is another tradition for us Including Turkey , Ham, Asparagus Casserole, pecan pie, Cherry pie,Mashed potatoes, Cranberry Jello Salad, and I always make "Arroz de Festa" (Confetti Rice), for this special occasion. A triumph would be any time my family and friends complement my cooking and also any time I'm asked for a recipe. I Once decided to make Butternut Squash Bisque for my sister-in-law who was sick, and take it to her as a surprise. Well, it smelled and tasted wonderful and towards the very end I was suppose to add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and I was in a hurry and did not taste the cream first and it had spoiled. I found out after adding it to the pot of Bisque. I was so upset that it could not be salvaged since I had mixed it in.