Why I cook

Sometimes when I'm elbow deep in dough, have a toddler pulling at my legs and a dish that needs to come out of the oven right this second or will be ruined I ask myself why do I cook so much. I could just as easily buy canned goods and boxed dinners. But instead I choose to make it all from scratch, because it's good, it takes the flavor to a new level.

I cook to hear people say, "this is the best I've ever had, this is amazing, I never had anything like this." I get a profound feeling of happiness knowing I can cook something that gives people so much pleasure and something to smile about. I also like to introduce people to new foods or ways of cooking old favorites. I seem to have become notorious for grilled pizza.

Anyway I made grilled pizza and from scratch eggnog for Daniele's friends tonight. Needless to say they were very pleased.