Why is cooking so important to me?

     I am 1 of 6 kids. My mom is 1 of 4. My dad was 1 of 7. My step-mom is 1 of 5. Safe to say - regardless of what side I am on, there are a lot of people. Not including all of the extra family members. On my dad's side I am Spaniard and my mom's is the German/Slovakian. The one thing both sides have in common? Food. 

     Guy Fieri said: "Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together."
     Ever since I could remember - cooking has been a constant in my family. Growing up, my dad + mom shared cooking duties with one taking over the kitchen or both helping out. After the divorce and household split, both were pretty consistent in the kitchen. My dad was one to try more recipes than my mom, but now as she gets older and has a little more time on her hands, she tends to find new recipes to try, which means I have more recipes to taste. I am incredibly lucky to have parents who have fostered my love for trying anything at least once (although I do have those couple of recipes I stick to more because they're my favorite). 
     Cooking is a science I can get and maybe that is why I love it so much - even though I am absolutely horrible at science and math, cooking makes sense. It might also be cooking is a great way for people to come together, whether it is because everyone is helping out or just to eat a meal together. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my friends at any point, and I hold each time in my heart, but my absolute top tier favorite moments include Lexi, Kaci and I making friendsgiving dinner, 5 of us out to eat in Vegas, making homemade pizza for the first time with Kelsey back in 2013. Cooking is a way to pour your heart into a dish and when someone you love eats it or even shares in making it, there is nothing better.
     It might also help that I am a huge foodie, so food is a pretty big deal in my life - especially homemade food.  From an early age, I took to cooking and baking like a fish to water. I learned recipes from my parents and even made a few of my own. I am the sole owner of my grandma and great grandma's cookbooks I still use this day and during the holidays, baking is my contribution. 
     ​Cooking is what connects me to my ancestors and the people who came before me so it is something I take pride in. I am extremely blessed to be able to use it as a way of connecting to people. 
     Does your family cook? What are some of your family recipes you've learned?