I recently became unemployed for the first time in 35 years. I've decided to use this unexpected gift to get back into cooking at home for my family. I've spent a lot of years eating out, using frozen and prepared foods. Now that I have the time, I want to put creative thought and effort into the food my family and I consume. I used to do that many years ago but got caught up in the busy-ness of life.

I like just about everything except bell peppers and okra. I have an 8 year old who is open to trying new foods but usually ends up declining to eat them. My husband is finicky as well and won't tolerate too much spice.