My mother cooked for my sister and I everyday of our lives (and practically still does). Whether it was schnitzel (the jewish chicken cutlet) and chips, roasted apricot chicken legs with potatoes or the most amazing cheese blintzes, my mother never got lazy.

As a kid,I spent summers in Israel enjoying the culinary wisdom that was passed on to my mother from my safta (grandmother) who could put most bakeries to shame with her endless variety of cakes,cookies,rugelach,etc.

When I began to cook for myself and roomates In college,I started to realize the incredible influence my grandmother's expertise had on my mothers cooking,and now mine.Even if it wasn't a a specific recipe she got from safta,my mother was never lazy in trying to please her children's palates.

I find myself in the exact same situation now. Even when my wife asks me to "make an egg" for our 15 month old daughter...Ten minutes later I find myself knee-deep in cutting boards,frying pans,zesters,spatulas and perfectly chilled goat cheeses... whipping up the most magical egg experience of my daughter's life...a perfectly slow cooked scrambled egg with chopped white and green asparagus,lemon zest,crumbled goat cheese garnished with fresh minced chives....see where I am going with this?

I love it! There is nothing more pleasurable than providing some taste bud heaven for the people I love,even if I'm not at the top of my game that day.

What or who influenced you to get this "meshugena" (yiddush for crazy) about cooking? Don't be shy,I know you all are as "sick-in-the-head" about cooking as I am? I'd love to hear your story...