Hashbrown-Chili Casserole

About me

I'm a real "foodie". I live in a small rural town west of Seattle Washington. I try to attend any and all food/wine classes or events I hear about. I sometimes drag my husband along, but best if I go with a girlfriend. This photo is at our Washington State Seafood Cookoff, I didn't win, but it was lots of fun. My friend Lana told me about this site so we could share recipes. Hers look absolutely wonderful! I am a self-taught cook, from the time I was 18 years old and married and had to learn fast. I found that it was relaxing and fun and love to share with others. I especially like to entertain in a warm comfy way even if I'm doing gourmet fare. No snooty wine attitudes here! I started a club in my community a couple of years ago called "Epicureans at Large" and have made some dear friends through that. I am interested in all things culinary.

About my cooking

I went to many classes and even taught a few cooking classes in the past decade. Taught one on canning and one called Easy Gourmet, which were great fun. I don't have time to do that any more, and entertaining is much harder now that I have some health issues, but still try to go to classes; I don't think you ever stop learning. I learn from books, friends, TV, magazines, and sometimes just dumb luck! Most of all, cooking is just pure joy for me.

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