I never learned to cook or bake at my mother or grandmother's side. In particular, my father's mother is an amazing baker but I never spent any time with her in the kitchen. I suppose I was always afarid of critisicm at home. Anytime I had tried to do anything food related as a teenager, I messed it up-- even if premade cookie dough was involved. The first time I was brave enough to venture into the kicthen and give all those appliances a try was in college in my first apartments. I saw food could bring people together in both the preparing and consumption-- both of which were an awful lot of fun. Straight out of college, I moved to Atlanta. I was all on my own and did not know too many people-- I spent a good deal of time alone. I began seriously watching Food Network and started to think I could give this cooking stuff a try. So, that's what I did. I found I loved to be in my kitchen. It was a wonderful creative outlet for me-- it was an activity that really allowed me to be in the present. I became so proud of my culinary achievements that I even began brining them into work to share with my co-workers. I never received any complaints. Currently I find myself living in a tiny studio (less than 400 sq. ft.) in New York City. Yet, even this incovienance has not squashed my love for food and food preperation. In fact, I cook and bake now more than ever before. Baking is my favorite activity. I believe cake equals love. Nothing seems to put a smile on someone's face quicker than a nice piece of cake. I still bake and share with my co-workers and loved ones. Now, I hope to share online with all of you.