The Picture

Here is my mini-bio as a Taste of Home field editor in the February / March 2009 issue!

This is the thing I wanted to show you. You can take your hands off your hats now.

Here is what it says:

Rebecca Cook Jones / HENDERSON, NEVADA

FAMILY STATS: Husband Bryce, attorney; four children, Tyce, 12; Mary Rachel, 9; and twins Cameron and Harrison, 4. Rebecca is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer.

"Growing up I didn't do any cooking at all, so imagine my rude awakening when I went away to college! After a few not-so-pleasing concoctions, I started to get a little more comfortable in the kitchen.

"As a wife and mother, I love planning special meals and parties and creating recipes that use unusual combinations of ingredients. I also enjoy serving as president of our church's young women's group and singing in the choir."

I literally had no idea how to shop, plan, or prepare meals when I got on my own. But I loved to be creative and try. Carmen remembers the infamous turkey/ramen/Veg-All casserole from our Liberty Square days . . . oh, that was hideous.

I won't say that was my only flop. But it was one of my worst "creations."

From that point, the only way to go was UP.

Through the years I figured out what I was doing, for the most part. Most of my meals turn out just fine. And I do love to throw a party!

But I've mentioned before that I'm trying to move us all to a more vegetarian diet. New protein sources, new spices, new cooking methods . . . I feel like that college girl all over again.

This time I have four picky "roommates" who openly reject my offerings.

But at least my boyfriend likes my cooking. And, just like in college, that's all that really matters to me.

(Kids, don't worry--you can have macaroni and cheese tonight.)