I'm a newly-wed and a new cook. I never thought I'd enjoy cooking, but it's become a creative outlet for me. Making dinner is what I look forward to every day. My husband is an adventurous guinea pig; (our dog helps out sometimes, too.) In 2011, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. During flare ups, my diet is extremely restricted (no vegetables, fruit, whole grains, etc.), and I recently heard through the medical grapevine that organic meats can limit my symptoms. So, the hubby and I are experimenting with organic meats, in hopes that someday, I'll be symptom-free. I've begun the 'Perfect This' list, where I plan to perfect cooking, baking, preparing certain foods. This year, it's been pot roast, gravy, pie crusts, and oven-baked bread! Right now, we're loving vegetarian dishes. Mushrooms have been the name for the game in our family--they're meaty, delicious, and versatile. So far we've placed our stamp of approval on mushroom stroganoff, potato and mushroom gratin, and stuffed mushroom caps! Yum! My Mom always makes Julia Child's boeuf bourguignon at Christmas time and my Grandma's delicious rolled sugar cookies - we sit around the table and frost them all different colors together, and get sprinkles everywhere. As I read up on cooking, baking, and prepping techniques, I've become a much more competent and confident cook. Triumphs include: meaty and meatless marinara sauces, chocolate chip cookies, pork enchiladas, and chicken pot pie. White clam sauce with fettuccine: (a runny, dripping, flavor-less mess), and my first attempt at mashed potatoes: (burnt potatoes because I cut them in huge chunks). Here's to better results! :)