Being the only child of two full time working parents, I was given a lot of time to myself.  My adoring Grandmother, Verna Scobey and loving Aunt Evie were both integral parts of my life.  I learned much of my love of cooking from them both and was fortunate enough to be handed down family recipes all the way from my great-great-grandmother.

As a matter of fact, during my freshman year of high school when I was 14, our social studies class at Manalapan High School in Englishtown, NJ debated the traditional roles of male vs. female and one of the topics came to cooking.  We were discussing that most of the famous chef's of the time (early 1970's) were men with few exceptions (Julia Child being one of my culinary heroes).  There was even a cook by the name of Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet, who was a hit at that time.  I digress, anyway, our class decided to have a "bake-off".  Well, being renowned for throwing some fancy dinner parties for my friends in drama club and band, and my cooking knowledge from scouting, I was chosen to represent the male species against Connie "Smith".  We had the head of the Economics Department (Ms. "Jones") watch us as we prepared and baked traditional chocolate chip cookies.  The cookies were then taken back to class and labeled "A" and "B".  The students tasted each and then voted on the best cookie.  Ms. Jones also said who, in her opinion, made the best cookie.  In both cases (OK, here it comes) the most tasty treat came from yours truly.  Connie never spoke to me again all through high school.

So it goes that to this day, I take pride in my cooking and put a lot of love into everything I make and do.  I try hard to be a good citizen, and do the right thing.  Living by the "Golden Rule" has always been my trademark.  I still enjoy throwing the occasional dinner party and enjoy my cooking as much as the guests, but I am even more thrilled to see their enjoyment of a good time.

I am also very honored to be an Eagle Scout, although it perplexes me why some people have determined that an honest, hard-working and sincere person such as myself (and I say that as humbly as one can) has been deemed unfit as a role model.  In my opinion, the world could use as many positive role models as it can get, regardless of their personal lifestyles.

When I am not cooking, I do have a real job that pays the bills and buys the food.  I am the Owner and President of Spirit Title & Escrow, Inc., a full service real estate title insurance company.  We handle refinance and purchase transactions throughout the State of Florida.  Give us a visit if you're in the area.

Also, I am very blessed to have a special soul-mate.  He is Paul, The Palm Doctor, and author of The Wise Gardener, who truly enjoys watching my enthusiasm and ardor in the kitchen.  I bless him, and thank him, for always trying everything I make and for being the very special man he is for almost thirteen years now.

Our latest venture is in the tending of 13 hectares (28 acres) of rainforest in the northwestern province of Bocas del Toro in Panama.  We are in the process of transforming the land from semi-forestation and cattle grazing to become a world-class botanical garden and preserve.  Find out more by visiting TropicRiverWoods!

And last, but by no means least, is our "daughter" Sage.  We rescued her from the Broward County Animal Shelter (the Heizenga Center) on Labor Day Weekend of 1998.  We have given her a home, and she has given us her love.

So now you know a little more about me and my dedication to perfecting the art of cuisine on a personal level.  Though not a professional chef by trade, I am by devotion, and take cooking very seriously.  Thanks for joining me here and I hope to hear from you.   And by all means please let your friends know about oldetimecooking.com.  I enjoy each and every one of you visiting me!

Note: Our dear Sage has left us, too soon as far as we are concerned.  However, she asked us to open up our home to another dear an needful pet companion so we went to Broward County Rescue and found 3!  We fostered them since they were only one month old and by the time we had to "turn them in" we just couldn't so we kept all 3.  Here they are when we got them; and today!

Write me at Brad or please sign my guestbook.  Thanks!