I enjoy cooking for family and friends. It is a creative experience for me. I seldom make the same thing twice as I enjoy trying new things. I enjoy using seasonal ingredients and I tend towards the mediterranean and Mexican styles as these reflect my region and I understand the flavors and ingredients. I read cooking magazines and like to experiment on the weekends. My Mom and Sister Anita and I love to cook together. Our favorite holiday is Thanksgiving when we must have some traditional things but also must try some new ones. My children are grown and have become very health conscious. I enjoy finding new things for them when they come home as well as their favorites. Being named a finalist in the All Recipies contest for my Mangolicious Tilapia takes the cake! I get raves for apple pie and molten chocolate cakes from the gang. The first that comes to mind is that when I was 12 or so, I baked a pan of Christmas cookies at 100 degrees higher than the recipe called for. My mom made me eat them. It might sound extreme but I thank her. I learned to pay attention to directions. As a registered nurse for my career, who knows how many errors she prevented!