Denis's cooking expertise traveled no further than brewing sun tea (putting a teabag in a jar of water) and an occasional batch of cookies (with her sister's help) until she was 20. Then, her kind and gracious college roommates began a test of patience.

They agreed on a schedule to rotate cooking so that each roommate cooked once a week, and they all could (theoretically) enjoy home cooked meals regularly. Shortly thereafter, Denis's cooking was kindly described as "creative." Fortunately, her roommates continued to encourage her attempts and even ate most of what she prepared. One lesson that she still carries with her (and has not attempted again) is that grenadine added to gravy turns it Pepto-Bismol pink!

Later, she discovered the bliss of homemade breads and began making them regularly. She enjoyed cooking theme meals and trying new recipes. In an early love note from her future husband, he said, "Even with the music, the chopsticks and the homemade bread, the most memorable thing will always be you."

Now, Denis' and her husband of 10 years rarely eat at restaurants. They enjoy hot, homemade meals at home instead. Recently after dining out, her husband said, "You cook much better than this." Ah, the ultimate compliment.

"Shortly after we were married, a mutual friend told me that my mother-in-law was bragging about my cooking," Denis' said. "It's funny, because I used to know so little and was remembered for my 'creations' more than for my successes. If I can come that far, then anyone can."

Newly Wed and Newly Cooking, her first book, began as a wedding gift to Dan and Sarah, a young couple at her church. "Eating together is very romantic," she said. "I wanted to give them a head start with some great recipes and tips that they wouldn't have to learn the hard way like I have. I thought it would be fun to interview couples that have been married awhile and learn how they met and what advice they had for a couple just starting out in married life." Others from her church brought recipes and quotes to be included and the result was The Newlywed Cookbook. After revising, expanding and testing every recipe that wedding gift became Newly Wed and Newly Cooking.

"It helps that those people are some of the best cooks around. It's a very practical, real-world and Southern cooking style. I added my favorite recipes that I've collected or created, and I'm really pleased with the result. I love this cookbook! It's the one I reach for when I'm cooking in my own kitchen."

Her favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because, "We stay home and I get to cook. Our family comes to us. I really enjoy planning and preparing the whole thing, and I look forward to it all year." One year, they also stayed home for Christmas, and Denis' cooked her first goose and plum pudding. She's not afraid to try new things and perhaps that is why she is so memorable.

Denis' earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Abilene Christian University and a master's degree in school counseling from Middle Tennessee State University. She will soon embark on her doctorate in Counselor Education at the University of Tennessee. She and her husband, Tim, make their home and enjoy life in Woodbury, Tennessee, with their two dogs and cat where she currently works as school counselor.