My interest in cooking began in my late teens by encouragement of my dad. I love to explore new recipes as well as utilize old favorites. I wouldn't say I focus on healthy so much but do try to maintain well balanced hearty meals made with love. I love southern and mexican dishes the most. I'm a garlic and butter fanatic. I try to introduce new spices and herbs frequently and try to incorporate a variety of vegetables (onions, celery, peppers) into recipes by either adding to the main dish, making a sauce or maybe a relish-type side dish. There are family favorites I like to keep alive that my mom made growing up. We always have a seafood spread on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Smoked oysters wrapped in bacon, peel & eat shrimp with garlic butter or cocktail, bunya calda (sp?) w/bread & broccoli for dipping, and also olives and cheese. I have had many, especially a success on an complex recipe. The challenge is ongoing. I have had many of these too..over cook, under cook. Once I left the tuna out of the tuna casserole!