My most challenging cooking experience was Christmas dinner 3 years ago. I was cooking for my family of 5, my parents and my brother's family of 3. My mom was very tired and layed down to take a nap, my two daughters were entertaining their little brother and cousin, and the men just don't help. I was on my own making Christmas dinner. There were so many details to do and times to remember. The one thing I remember messing up badly was the greenbean casserole. I had forgotten to steam the beans before mixing them up and baking them. They were crunchy, not the way my family likes them. Most every thing else turned out pretty good, but I was exhausted. Then there was clean up:(

I hear you, Pink Forever! It can be quite a challenge, getting the timing right on everything!

Hurrah for you, keep up the good work!

I would have loved the crunchy green beans, I'm not one for mushy vegetables! I sure hope you put the menfolk to work on the dishes that day!

I'm not usually a good cook and since we moved here, the mother-in-law has been over for dinner once every weekend. It's been a real effort but so far every dinner has turned out suprisingly well. Last night was fried then baked chicken slices with mushrooms sauted in butter and wine, tomato slices, and mozarelli cheese on top. Yum! And so easy. She did make fun of me for using a recipe book. I love recipe books!

Sounds quite tasty, Alice!

Well, here's a big secret: I ADORE cookbooks! and though the collection has shrunk in recent years, I once had about 50 of them, I think! Even though I create my own recipes, I also love reading cookbooks and trying out lots of new recipes. So don't let anyone put you off of them! That's how we learn!