i've been cooking since childhood & inherited the gift from my great-grandmother & mom. i have to cook, so i do. many days, i'd much rather not... i find it monotonous, so i'm always searching for something that will spark new interest. i bake A LOT, probably more than i should:) i also spend the better part of my summer canning. cookies, pies, cakes, breads, muffins, apple dumplings, "home cooking" when it comes to dinner. family favorites are chicken & noodles, beef & noodles, chicken enchiladas, burrito casserole, anything with pico de gallo. my 10 yr old son likes to help. my 13 yr old son has decided that cooking is "women's work". my husband can be helpful if asked, but usually isn't available. i try to involve the guys in christmas baking - always! i have to admit to being charmed in this one area of life. i rarely have a flop in the kitchen:) way back when i was first married, i tried boiling an egg in the microwave. unless you enjoy explosions, don't try it!