I'm married to a great guy for 43 years, a grandma and retired social worker. I majored in nutrition, so I'm a bit on the "Alton Brown" scientific side and always looking for the ultimate version of a classic. I love to bake, but am trying to love cooking more. My hubby works out and begs for more goodies while staying trim. Me...not so energetic. My mom was a great cook with a German and English emphasis. She ran a catering business after raising 8 children. I like old European traditional but also love the casual west coast. People love my desserts and cakes. We do a progressive dinner each Christmas season, and may have to repeat the apple dumplings. Many, but one stands out. Shortly after I was married and still in school,we barely had money to eat. Dinners were often spagetti or rice with no sauce. I made a polenta dish that was layers of polenta and cottage cheese for dinner. It was horrible.