I've been cooking ever since I was about 6 years old, and my mom taught me how to make Campbell's tomato soup and grilled cheese. I was probably about the same age when she started letting me 'help' baking Christmas cookies. I've cooked for family, roommates, housemates, and now for me, my husband, and whatever guests we decide to have over. Cooking is a cerebral creative experience for me, and baking is soothing and comforting. The kitchen is my favorite room in my home! I love to cook! I enjoy spicy and ethnic dishes, and anything that is new and challenging. My standard dishes include several soups, casseroles, and just about anything you can put in a crock pot. I'm also pretty enthusiastic about baking- bread at least once a week, cookies and desserts when I want something sweet. When I'm really in the mood, I like to go into project mode and make jams and jellies. At Christmas time, I go all out baking cookies. There are usually two or three traditional varieties that I make to take to visit family. I also always peruse various magazines and online postings to find new recipes to try. One of my favorite things is to make a new bread recipe and have it come out perfectly golden. Also, living in Memphis, making a great BBQ is essential, but we have no smoker, and couldn't use one anyway in an apartment. I've made BBQ in my crock pot that even native Memphians think tastes like the real thing! Early in my marriage, I attempted to make Thai chicken with broccoli. We had no peanut sauce, so attempted to make it with peanut butter. Let's just say that scorched peanut butter coated broccoli and chicken is no bueno. My other real tragedy occurred when I was replicating Shells' shrimp linguine with cream sauce. The recipe called for white wine. I used white whine vinegar. Completely inedible. :(