[xsmommy]

my mother's meatloaf and chili both were not good, but when i had it elsewhere i discovered i liked them both. i have to say that i learned most of my cooking skills from my best friend in law school. she is an excellent cook. a group of us used to have homemade pasta and sauces parties etc.

my friend's husband is SOOOOO spoiled that when she goes out of town, she makes and freezes him entire meals of things like lobster newburg etc. complete down to the desserts. She is the one who taught me how to make tiramisu, my all time fave dessert.

[Gabz]

My mothers cooking when I was a child and dad worked shift work consisted primarily of hamburger or tuna helper. occasionally mac and cheese, made with velveta. Dad did most of the cooking, until I was in my late teens when I took over that chore.

My grandmother was really the cook in our family and that is where I learned it from, but I never picked up her knack for baking.

I actually got shamed into trying to bake an apple pie by one of the men I worked with - when I would go to family in NYC for the holidays he would always send a half dozen pies to them - and he had baked them all. while my pies may not be picture perfect - but I will put my crust up against any professional's for tender ness and flakiness!!!!