I am an avid cooker. I love food, recipes, spices, etc. To me cooking is the joy of a home. You can make something hearty and thick on a cold day. You can make something sweet for date night. You can make a full 4 or 5 course meal for family or friends on the holidays. You can bake cookies for someone sick. You can throw dinner in a slow cooker or crock pot on long day. Cooking can be good for anything. The center of all occasions is usually food, so lets indulge!

Food is inviting, its sexual, sensual, friendly, and comforting. And there's so many ways to do it. You can braise, boil, poach, saute, fry, bake, slow cook, bbq, freeze, whip, stir, toast, etc.

I find the greatest joy in hot thick foods. Broccoli cheese soup or potato soup. Stew, roast, shredded meats, pastas, bakes, casseroles. You can plan a date night, pull out the crock pot, make a white chocolate fondue and set down to a candle-lit table with a platter of fruit and your loved one. If its a business meal, you can make a casserole such as broccoli, lasagna, chicken bakes, a vegetable quiche. Throw a side of fresh home made garlic or cheese bread. Mmmm Mmmm Mm! If its for family you can throw together a nice southern comfort meal such as fried chicken and potatoes, and greens.

If your having a tailgating party, throw on some spicy wings, a few toasted sandwiches, some pizza bread sticks, a potato salad or cold picollini pasta with cherry tomatoes and bacon.

If your looking for something light throw a salad together. Some spinach leaves with some baked chicken slices and tangerines. Maybe drissle an oil based dressing on top or an avacado ceaser.

For me, Baking is how I say I love you or get well. Cooking a hearty hot dinner is how I tell my husband I respect his hard work every day. Breakast is how I show my children I adore them. Brunch is how I invite my friends in for some quality time.

Food can say a thousand words without even speaking. So remember, show the ones you love that they mean alot to you with a dish. Best of luck from my kitchen to you.

P.S. I have a recipe for every occasion!