I started cooking in College. I rarely used a recipe and most things I made were pretty basic. I really started to enjoy cooking when I moved to Oregon and started experimenting. Then I discovered Allrecipes! I love to bake: cheesecake, cobblers, cookies, breads. I also really enjoy grilling with a great marinade or dry rub...my two favorites are on this site! My mom used to make a really good Beef Stroganoff that isn't like most Stroganoff recipes...it has a tomato base. I'm from the midwest, so I have the same kinds of traditions that most midwesterners have. The cheesecake has really been my greatest masterpiece. Although, I've been tapped to do Christmas morning breakfast because of the make ahead casserole recipe I found here! I am notorious for not reading a whole recipe and missing the way to combine ingredients...that is NEVER good...but it's really not good when you are making shortbread!