I cook because I like to eat. It's thats simple. My Grammie and a southern lady who works for my Mother were the ones who I look to emulate. If I do well, it's because I followed their lead. My favorite ingredient hands down is SUGAR. I love to cook deserts of all types. My favorite desert recipes are chocolate Ho-Ho cake, ice cream (various flavours), brownies. One ingredient I never use is fish.. can't stand it!. I love country cooking.. I have to admit being excited when my issue of Taste of Home magazine arrives. I try out so many things from that magazine, some great as is, others not so great but better when I add stuff I think are missing, others are not liking to my palate at all. They can't all be winners! I grew up in a tradtional Irish home. We lived on Lamb, Mashed Potatoes, Shepherd's Pie (yummy), Soda Bread, Yorkshire pudding, (terrific!!!!!) My Grammie was an accomplished baker, her pies have never been reproduced to her level. Her coffee cakes were so great neighbors would order them almost daily. They were melt in your mouth delicious. My Mom's employee is a southern lady who taught me to fry chicken and make southern dishes that are so fattening but so delicious. Cheese souffle.. i must have read the recipe 12 times while working through the steps. It was exeptional!! Lasagna with 4 different meats and home made noodles.. took all day, but well worth the effort. I forgot I had a loaf of bread in the oven, it baked to a crunchy golden brown in only 3 and 1/2 hours. Homemade croutons... or a door stop.