hostlaura

Jersey Shore, NJ

I love everything about cooking! I delight in the aromas that fill the kitchen, I enjoy tweaking recipes to make them my own, and I have a good time winging it by simply combining the ingredients that I have on hand. I especially love that cooking draws people to the table. There's no better way to enjoy your family and friends then by having great times and wonderful conversations over a meal. I look forward to "mixing" it up with all of you here! I've been a message board moderator for Meredith since 2007. I've also been participating and working on message boards since 1997. I have a Liberal Arts degree and have worked as a newspaper reporter and editor.

hostlaura Interests

• Baking
• Cooking for Kids
• Desserts
• Food & Wine Pairings
• Grilling
• Healthy Eating
• Holidays & Entertaining
• Quick & Easy
• Slow Cooker

• Badges & Trophies (2)
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Points earned: 17,070

My Groups

• Bake Sale Favorites

  It's a question that wakes you up at night -- what am I going to bake for the school bake sale? Here's your answer.

• Dinners Anyone Can Make

  You don't have to be a pro to make an excellent dinner. This group is for all of those who are new to the kitchen but want to learn to cook with styl

• Affordable Dinners ...FAST!

  Let's face it. None of us have time to spend hours in the kitchen every night, and takeout is getting old (and expensive). This group is for everyone

• I Only Eat Sweets

  So I don't really only eat sweets (I can dream, right?), but I love dessert. I mean, I really love dessert. What better way to end a meal? Or perk up

• Grill Masters

  Love to grill? This is the place for you! Share your favorite recipes, photos, and thoughts right here.

• Healthy & So Easy!

  You don't have to spend lots of time (or money) to eat right. Share your best healthy, delicious, and budget-friendly recipes today!

• Slow Cooker Solutions

  There's nothing like a Crockpot, ready and waiting, full of goodness, when you get home from a hectic day of work. Especially when it's cold outside.

• CajunCookin'

  Whether you're from South Louisiana, or just crave the heat of authentic Cajun cuisine, this group is for you.

• Very Vegetarian

  Whether you love to cook--or just eat--meatless meals, this is the group for you!

• Crazy-Good Comfort Food

  It's cold outside -- and sometimes there's nothing like a warm-and-cheesy pan of lasagna or a creamy casserole to chase the winter blues away. Share

• Welcome to BetterRecipes.com!

  Welcome to Better Recipes! This group will help get you started making friends and sharing recipes at your new online home for all things cooking.

• The Budget Diva

  Award-winning cook Kristina Vänni shares recipes, tips and tricks to live well while spending less!

• Pasta! Pasta! Pasta!

  Post your pasta dishes here! It doesn't have to be italian, but should involve a noodle or two.

• There's Always Room for Jell-O!

  A place for recipes using Jell-O

• My "Go To" Recipes

  We all have many reliable recipes we have been making for years that our families love. It may be as simple as a burger patty covered with onions and

• Yummiest Pumpkin Recipes

  Pumpkin isn't just for pie -- this fall favorite makes delish soups, muffins, chutneys, cakes, and cookies too. Get creative and share your best pump

• St. Patrick's Day Recipes

  St. Patrick's Day, March 17th every year, when EVERYONE is Irish! Beer dyed green, corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread.....these are but a few

• Fall Flavors

  Hearty soups... Warm drinks... A place to share your favorite flavors of fall...

• All Things Thanksgiving

  One of my favorite holidays deserves a group of it's own, to post family recipes, memories, what to do with leftovers or anything that cries turkey a

• Comfort Food Bliss

  There's just something about simple and familiar home-cooked food that brings a sense of well-being and satisfaction. Take a trip down memory lane wi