I had a beloved aunt who would cook the most delectable dishes, as we used to say, 'from scratch'. This was traditional Sicilian food, recipes handed down for generations. That was art, and she regarded it jealously as such. Whenever she was asked for a recipe, she gladly shared it...but always left out one ingredient (she once confessed). The only people who got the whole deal, who were handed the true art, were her daughters. The highest compliment I ever received, as a cook, was when she appreciated my cream cheese cookies. She asked for the recipe. And I gave it to her...the whole recipe. She was wonderful.