One of the things that I'm most proud of br Since I was very young br Is learning to cook and enjoying it so br And what a pleasure it has become br br It started with egg sandwiches for Dad br He liked one when he wanted a snack br He said mine were the best that could be had br I was proud to do something back br br Then there was the apples pies I baked br One day when mom was out br And to my joy, the crust turned out great! br And my love of cooking came about br br Mom taught me to season everything just right br And all the tips she knew br The soups and gravies, and cakes so lite br The cassaroles and the irish stew br br Then I was making dinner for the family br My four brothers, mom and dad, and me br And at fourteen years old I was hired to cook br For the neighbor with seven kids to feed! br br Later when I got a place on my own br I couldn't afford to go out to eat br I could barely afford to pay the rent! br I was broke, but I ate like a queen! br br I've fed all my family and friends that I know br And catered parties and festivals too br And the joy that I feel can't help but show br I love to nurture people with food! br br We must all nourish our bodies each day br So why not make it taste great! br With a little planning, a will, and a way br The skies the limit on what we can make! br br The joy of cooking is something learned and shared br And it unites the young and the old br A lifelong love that can only be compared br To a treasure more precious than gold!br br Kathleen Westbr br