I'm a native Californian that moved up to Seattle in February 2008. I'm a cancer survivor, "culturally" Jewish, and Taoist-in-progress. I'm an avid reader and spend most of my money between books and baking supplies. I've abandoned my plans to apply to the University of Washington as a history major. Instead, I will be entering Seattle Central Community College for their Specialty Desserts and Breads program! I'm so excited to turn my passion into my occupation! I love to bake. I love to try new recipes. I adore making food that my friends and family ask for again and again. I'm always looking for something just slightly more challenging than the last thing I made... however, baking bread will always be my first love. There's just something about being up to my elbows in flour and dough that makes my heart swell. :-) Both my parents are amazing cooks, and my mom always made a point of explaining to me what she was doing while she made dinner. I guess my favorite would be my dad's chili, though, because it's delicious and unique. I just recently made croissants for the first time... a few bugs to work out for the next time (such as butter catching on fire on the bottom of the oven...) but they turned out light, fluffy, and delicious! I was so excited! My mom has a wonderful recipe for a banana chocolate chip cake, and when I was in middle school I attempted it... and accidentally added twice the butter it called for. It was a bit greasy, to say the least.