I am a homecook- I started cooking in the kitchen with my mom when I was very little and was making up my own recipes by middle school. My husband (who grew up on hamburger helper) claims I've turned him into a food snob. I love cooking BEAUTIFUL food and food for the holidays. My mom always would let my brother and me pull up a chair to the stove and help her cook. I like doing that with my own little ones because it reminds me of being home with my mom. It was so special to me then and hope that one day my kids will look back and remember it fondly the way I do now. My perfecting a prime rib recipe- and a lovely chocolate torte. And my Ministrone is to DIE FOR! I once made a butternut squash that my husband says was not very good. I still think it was delicious. But I haven't made it since.