I am a working mom and wife with a 2 year old son. I love trying new recipes and making old favorites for family and friends. Cooking is my stress relief from a hectic day and the perfect escape. I love simple, flavorful food with fresh ingredients. My #1 turnoff is an over complicated, drawn out recipe. Anything with meat or seafood for my carnivore husband. Stews and one pot meals. Interesting dishes from other countries. Primarily India, China, Japan, VietNam, Mexico, Italy,and France. Roast chicken and veggies for a game night with friends. Lasagna when someone has the sniffles, it's great comfort food! Cookies for Christmas morning. Firing up the grill during the long TX summers. Anything by Ina Garten. She is my hero and I fell in love with food on a different level through her recipes. I have had great success with Barefoot Contessa recipes. I love that she is a less high strung version of Martha Stewart! I've had several baking casualties. I especially remember my sad attempt at cheesecake with cracks that resembled the Grand Canyon. This is one area I'd like to dive into deeper.