I grew up in the mountains of Colorado (way in the mountains!) and lived a simple life growing up. I moved to Dallas about 9 years ago after High school and have been here ever since. I work for a Spanish Language Radio Station in Sales for 5 years and love it! I live in an awesome apartment near downtown and I spend alot of time there with my friends and neighbors-feeding them, they love that! My passion for cooking came from my Dad-Love him!. He was always creating some concoction in the kitchen on a random night. He would become inspired from a vacation, TV program or a special at the grocery store and go to town in the kitchen with it. His food was always VERY spicey, full flavored and creative. I would always help him and try to learn from him, and now I cook the way he does. I tend to cook with alot of spice and flavor. I always use fresh ingredients and spices and never measure. I generally create my own dishes deriving from a great meal I had at a restaurant or seeing some wierd chile or veggie in the market. Also, I  have spent alot of time in India and have learned many authentic Indian dishes and have taken alot of spices and direction from that experience as well. I love to entertain others and this is another way to share my joy in the kitchen. I hope that you too can enjoy my recipes! Yours truly, Mariah