Systems Analyst and all around geek that loves the outdoors, geocaching, cooking, exploring, traveling, music, snuggling at home with a movie and the cats. I love to make one-dish meals such as casseroles, stews, soups and chili. I also love to experiment with different cuisines and spices. I'm consistently trying new recipes and/or some new ingredient, usually every week. Everyone uses their first turkey in the category, but I have to use it too. My triumph is my first Thanksgiving dinner, which occurred after my mom passed away. I was so afraid the family would be disappointed but everyone loved it! So did I. Whew. I only get 1000 characters? Why answer this at all but I'll try :) Pie crust dough. Can't get it. Overcooked lots of nice roasts even when using thermometers (both instant read and probe types). How does that happen?????