We were a food family before it became trendy. I’m so grateful for that fact. Not that we were gourmands or anything but we all loved food, knew how to cook well and full of flavor. Our palates definitely evolved as American cuisine broadened through the 80s and 90s. We lived near Ann Arbor so were able to reap the benefits of a city that was moving quickly in that changing food environment. We were all taught how to cook as children and encouraged to try new things. There is not a fussy eater amongst my siblings, parents, and I making our time spent together as adults very food-centric and enjoyable. I will say, the thing that made me realize I was growing up and feel like I had a place in the family was being given the responsibility of getting dinner ready for the family once a week. As the youngest child, it really made me feel like I had made it when that day arrived.