Q&A: Mary Louise Lever, Better Homes and Gardens Annual Challenge Recipe Winner

I love rosemary and think it can go with sweet and savory dishes. I grow all my own herbs in flowerpots and am always trying to think outside the ordinary way of using flavors.

My dad was my original taste tester. Before he passed away, he was always the one who gave me feedback. These days, my friends, neighbors, and people at Georgia Highlands College [where Lever is a volunteer] are the ones letting me know what they think. If they like a recipe, I know others will, too.

I had a mother who was an adventurous cook. When we were growing up, I didn't realize it, but when I visited at someone's home the cooking wasn't the same. Later in life I realized why everyone loved to come to my house!

I remember that when my mother would make a pound cake or do any baking, she always went by the recipe. You can play around with a lot of foods, but when you're baking, you may not get the product you want if you don't use the right proportions. Baking is a science.

I make my own peanut butter. I have a cousin who has great access to peanuts every year. She sends me fresh peanuts, which I use to make my peanut butter. It's so easy and a great gift to give people.

The Joy of Cooking is great and so basic. I love some of the other basic cookbooks, like Cookwise by Shirley O. Corriher. I use her book because it gives you an understanding of how things work in the kitchen.

I've been entering recipe contests off and on for 20 years. One thing I've learned is that if you feed them, they will come.

See Mary Louise Lever's Rosemary-Kissed Orange Thumbprint Cookies Tuscano recipe.