born and raised in Western PA. Noodles, kielbasa(sp?),cabbage country. Then Iowa..where corn reigns supreme. Now SF Bay Area, CA..gourmet cooking, wine & cheese. Have become quite a good cook, I am told. Chicken dishes. Pork Chops with Sauerkraut, Pork and apples, glazed meatloaf. My FAVORITES are Italian foods! ALWAYS bring a dish to family gatherings! And let the grannies help you cook anytime you get the chance! Getting hubby to try new foods. Introducing him to the delights of squash. Actually having him LIKE eating sauerkraut (all I had to do was sweeten it with brown sugar). He is my best judge when I invent new dishes..can count on him for honest appraisals. I like to "invent" recipes. Biggest disaster was trying a bit of pickle brine in a spaghetti sauce. OMG was it AWFUL!!!