I am a Neuroscientist, but I love cooking as a way to relax and take part in my household. Born and raised in rural Florida, I have been cooking since I was a child, as it was one of my chores (which was fine by me). After living in Chicago for a while, haute city food style cooking crept into my cooking a little, but most of the time what I prepare is a return to my roots, minus the deep fat frying. I like to cook simple, clean food that is light but full of flavor. I was raised to be pretty "meat and potatoes," so a lot of my food is a variation on that theme. During grilling season, you'll find me outside by the grill, beer in hand. My mother and grandmother baked a lot, and trained me to do so, too. I still make Stollen every year at Christmas, in their memory. The worst ever was a cake from a Martha Stewart cookbook (which was NOT my idea in the first place). I don't believe anything she (Martha) says now.