I grew up eating mostly vegetarian. My mom liked to cook experimental vegetarian meals(Morningstar grillers, alternative meat products, etc.) before being a vegetarian was so common. I learned to cook both from my mother and from post-college roommates and friends. I credit my parents for exposing me to many different kinds of cuisine as the reason that I love so many different kinds of food! I'm really interested in eating/cooking more whole foods, interesting and flavorful vegetarian meals, and I love to bake. I just got Artisian bread in 5 minutes a day for Christmas and I'm excited to try! My sister's strawberry whipped cream white cake. Fried okra, homemade vegetarian meatballs, and meatloaf. I once made this gourmet layered chocolate cake with the best chocolate frosting I've ever had in my life. I have not yet made a banana bread that's truly very edible. It never comes out moist enough and burns on the top. Maybe next time.