I come from a family of great cooks. Both my mom and stepmom were extraordinary cooks, and my dad was pretty good in the kitchen as well. I started cooking when I was 7 or 8 years old. My mom was a student in a culinary program that featured single topic cookbooks by Better Homes & Gardens. I used to pour over those books, which I still have, planning the dinner parties I would have in the future! I loved being in the kitchen learning how to duplicate the recipes that were enjoyed by all. My love for cooking continues to this day. I usually cook 4 or 5 times a week and always try a new recipe from my vast collection of recipes or cookbooks. I think I have over 200 cookbooks and have finally come to terms with the fact that I can't buy anymore because I don't have anywhere to put them! Since I have so many cooking resources, there's always something new being prepared in my kitchen, so I don't have a regular weekly rotation of recipes. I cook whatever sounds or looks good! I love to cook just about everything! It's probably easier and shorter to say what I don't like to cook and those tend to be recipes that use prepackaged, canned, or processed ingredients. For me, fresh is always better. I enjoy cooking with fresh herbs and veggies from my garden. The difference that fresh herbs make to a dish is amazing, and I like how I can get a entirely different taste by using a different herb in the same recipe. I love to grill, bake, roast, saute, steam, stir fry, fry, slow cook, braise, and manage to do just about all of them in one of the numerous cooking appliances that I own. Did I mention that in addition to collecting cookbooks and recipes, that I am also a cooking appliance and gadget junkie! I have enough countertop appliances to cook a full course meal without using the stovetop or oven! Southern/Midwestern. The only cooking disaster that I have had is one time trying to cut corners I made this dreadful green bean casserole that used canned cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, and called for way to much thyme. It was really disgusting. I took one bite and threw all of it away and started over using my recipe that uses all fresh ingredients.