I took Home Ec, took cooking in 4H, Mom taught me a little, both Grandmas taught me a little, -- I guess after all those lessons you could say I know how to cook, but the meals I come up with always seem uninspiring. I love to bake but when it comes to meals, my creativity is pathetic.

I still have my recipe card box from Home Ec and still use a lot of recipes from back then. We had this goofy old lady come in and do a demonstration every year in Home Ec. She was from the Gas Service Company and she showed us some specifics about using a gas stove and gas oven (and explained that vs. using electric, etc.). She had these blue flame earrings that we all made fun of. But she did make some good casseroles and I still have (and use) those recipes.

Mom and I took a cooking class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking a few years ago and that was fun. I'd love to learn how to make some of the fancy flaming dishes someday.

So I've learned in Home Ec, at home, and all over.--

Deb