My mother cooked every meal from scratch and grew many of her own vegetables when I was a child. I have fond memories of picking vegetables and fruits and then helping her can them. Sadly, my mother was gone from my life by the time I was 7 and my single father took us out to eat every night. As a young adult, I had to teach myself how to cook again. I emulate my mother and try to cook everything from scratch. In my home, food really is love and our single friends often drop by around dinner, knowing there is always an extra place at our table. Soups, stews, breakfast,comfort food, Mexican, and Asian. I'm happiest cooking for a crowds. Hearty German food. I finally managed to make the perfect crust for a chicken pot pie - thank you America's Test Kitchen! The perfect loaf of bread continues to elude me...