I'm currently working on a PhD in psychology, but cooking gives me a release and helps me to pursue a passion outside of my work. If grad school doesn't work out, I know I'll still have my cooking to come back to. :) I have a huge sweet tooth so whether it's a cookie-baking extravaganza or a four layer chocolate raspberry cake I'm always ready to dive into something bad for me. I also recently got a breadmaker so I've been loving the opportunity to make my own breads, baquettes, focaccia, and even pitas! Yum. My mother was actually a pretty terrible cook, mostly because she has ADHD and can't stay in the kitchen long enough to keep things from burning. ;) That being said, she did teach me how to make my great grandmother's absolutely perfect pumpkin pie. Tonight I made the Carmel Apple Porkchop recipe and it was absolutely amazing! I've never tasted pork chops so melt in your mouth tender. Delicious! Coming from a family that didn't cook it has been a really gratifying experience to learn how to prepare beautiful and delicious meals on my own. It's important for me to one day bring my own family together around the table to share dishes they will remember forever. So every dish I make is a triumph! Sweet potato casserole has always been my cooking arch-nemesis. I've had casseroles with pools of butter in the center, sweet potatoes that turned brown, and marshmallows that shrunk into tiny burned bits. No matter the recipe, something is always not quite as perfect as I would like... Also, I struggle with overcooking meat since we never really ate it growing up and I've never quite learned how to make the perfect steak.