Some of my greatest and influential memories took place around the table.  My mom is a gifted cook and baker, setting an early example for me. My childhood friends still talk about my birthday parties and sleepovers.  We would host large parties, my mom was in the kitchen for a week preparing. She was exhausted but fulfilled.  She undoubtedly passed that passion onto me.  From a young age, I started cooking and baking.  Baking for my brother's friends in high school, feeding my friends in college, hosting countless holiday gatherings and dinner parties over the years. Cooking and baking for my girls and with my girls is treasured.