I grew up in the cooking industry, my mom owned 2 restaurants during her time and I had the privilege of owing one as well. Today I enjoy working for someone else for the sheer pleasure of being a mom... the kids are 9 & 17 and I love them like mad. My wonderful stay-at-home hubby does most of the cooking but I still get my time in the kitchen every now and again. My goal is to end my days being at least as half as great at cooking as my mom... she is the best! Back in the day, the time consuming, often tedious nature of pastry cooking was my ultimate favourite adventure! Now days family meals are are the focal point of my life. The children love chicken and fresh veggies. The hubby loves his beef while I'm a total pasta girl. We all love fish and seafood from lobster to squid. Southern and Mexican fare are a family favourite while the kids and myself enjoy a Mediterranean twist whenever we can. Making our Traditional French Canadian Tourtieres in November for the Christmas season with my mom and until 2006 with my grandmother! We make loads of this delicious family recipe for gatherings of 50+ family and friends! My Pork and Wild Rice Casserole was a delight to concoct... wild rice is so abundant here and a natural choice to build upon. I used what I had on hand including pork sausage and it turned out to be very hearty and a great compliment at our winter gatherings! I also love my gooey Oriental Chicken Wings, I make them with splenda and they are a perfect low carb treat! I always whip things up with on-hand ingredients and consequently I've made a few too many flops to mention but what has always irked me the most are the beef roasts that turn out tough and dry. I haven't found a recipe that I can make work... they're always a bust and I get so darned frustrated! lol