I consider myself an unofficial gourmet cook - I've learned basic French cooking, vegetarian/vegan, cake decorating (wedding cake level). I'm Greek and learned from my mother who was an excellent cook. I love to bake, and am very much into bread making (including bread maching baking), and especially pastries. I have over 10 book shelves of cookbooks of various kinds. My favorite pros -- Mario Batali, and Paula Deen.

I haven't done too much in the kitchen in the past few years as I am just now starting to cook and bake again, having been done in by a massive car accident.

My favorite cookware -- hard anodized non stick (Calphalon/Unison), Le Creuset stoneware (not cast iron), and All Clad.