Hi Cora.
I too never studied at a Culinary Institute. My father was a diplomat (in Foreign Service) and we were posted to many parts of the world. Then I
married a U.S. Marine Officer and we also traveled. Early in life I learned to appreciate authentic foods of the then country I lived in. My only regret is that I never went into the kitchen to watch the cook preparing our meals. (It was sort of an understood no no ...as the staff didn't like the Mrs. looking on) So when it was time to face my own kitchen walls alone - I armed myself with good cookbooks and learned by trial and error. I did have the advantage of knowing how the dishes should taste. So like when I serve "curry" I get my spice grinder out and go to work. No white sauce with a teaspoon of curry powder.

I enjoy "kitchenlink" so much and can't thank Betsy enough for giving "birth" to it. I look forward to opening my computer everyday to TKL How about sharing some of your recipes...I shall be looking for your name!! Dulcinda