I' originally from Chicago but made my way down to the south via L.A. (the real one, not Lower Alabama). When I left Chicago I was not much of a cook but blossomed in California. The array of fresh seafood made it easy for me to want to start. By the time I got to Tennessee, I found that cooking actually relaxed me, especially as a single person without a family to have to worry about. But of course that's all changed and my meals are built around a full-time job and two children, Samantha (11) and Max (7). I am proud to say that Sam is developing into an excellent cook, she already has the baking downpat. I'm just glad that she is realizing the wonders of cooking. Italian (who doesn't), cakes (i know technically baking but I'm throwing it in anyways), anything on the grill, fish, jambalaya, anything in the crockpot. And for anybody that shuns the crockpot; when was the last time you looked at the some of the new cookbooks? I didn't realize this was weird at the time but Christmas Eve dinner consisted of a multitude of appetizers, and meatball and italian beef sandwiches. Thank you Rosario's on South Pulaski. My jambalaya in the crockpot. I know my critics don't think it authentic but please keep in mind that I'm trying for recipes for my family that are ready when I get home from work. The evening goes by pretty darn quickly when you factor in homework and baths. Too many to list.