Why do you love to cook?

Chances are, if you frequent this site, you love to cook. And with all the cooks I've met over the years, no two stories are the same about why they have a passion for cooking, where they learned how to cook, and what their favorite dishes are to make.

So I'd like to hear from you: Why do you love to cook?

For inspiration, check out some of the answers that readers have already submitted about why they love to cook.