Sigh. There is a part of me that says "Why even bother"? Cuz this is the third year in a row that I, ahem, didn't do even half of my cooking resolutions. Okay that's not even close. I did one. One out of nine. That's as close as I got. But as this postcard says "Resolve to renew all your old resolves". So I guess I just take the old resolutions and roll them over into 2010. Again. I'll be ecstatic if I complete all of them. Over the moon if I do half. Still dang pleased if I can cross off two. Pretty sure I can complete at least one. Maybe. So here we go again....
1. Cook with Phyllo Dough - This may be the easy one. Have you seen those cute little rounds of brie wrapped in phyllo with a bow? Determined to make one.
2. Make six of the cookie recipes from the Martha Stewart Cookie Cookbook - This originated years ago when I first picked up the Martha Stewart Christmas Cookie magazine. I actually did bake one of the recipes. That means only five more to make in 2010.
3. Make a complete Rachel Ray 30 minute meal - I'm determined to actually only take 30 minutes. I hear it can be done. I hope to prove it either way.
4. Beer Can Chicken - Am I the only one who has never made this?
5. Have a couple over for a formal dinner (complete with appetizers, veggies, main dish and dessert) - I need to get over this fear of having to call for pizza should I mess things up. I just need to find a couple who REALLY likes pizza just in case.
6. Decorate a Cake - I say I get half points for this as I made several birthday cakes last year and at least frosted them. A third of a point? Anything?
7. Cook something with rhubarb - Memories of my first taste of rhubarb in one of my Grandmas Strawberry-Rhubarb pies still haunt me.
8. Make at least one food item as a Christmas present - DING DING DING. Though I kinda overdid this. Lime Meltaway cookies. Buckeyes. Hershey Pretzel Bites. Butterscotch Brownies. Chocolate Cocoa Nib Shortbread. Preserved Meyer Lemons. Honey-Preserved Clementines. And, the pièce de résistance, Bacon Jam. Never again will I try to make so many food gifts at Christmas. Cross this one way off the list.
9. Better use of leftover fridge ingredients - I made a list of what was in the fridge and in the pantry. Several times. Never used them. There are things in there that have probably been there since the Clinton administration. I will figure out a use for them. Before they take over the world.
10. Make biscuits - Or more importantly, make biscuits that don't resemble hockey pucks.
Not exactly rocket science. I've seen folks put some amazing things they want to accomplish in 2010 on their food resolutions lists. But I know myself and I'm happy with attempting these simple little things this year. Though since I actually did one of the ten above, that means I have to come up with one more resolution. I'm still thinking about that one. Any suggestions?
1. Sounds fun!
2. Didn't the Christmas frenzy make up for this?
3. Don't know if I've done one in 30 minutes, but remember that when trying ended up with waaaaaaaay more pots and pans to clean than I was willing to keep with Rachel's plans.
4. Hint, it really helps to have an extra set of hands around when removing the chicken from the can.
5. This type of entertaining is becoming a lost art. See, now you're an artist!
6. Could you accomplish this one through a class? That would be fun.
7. I have a friend who is great with rhubarb and can just invite you over. ;-)
9. Consider it an Iron Chef style challenge!
10. Mmmmmmm, buscuits!
Posted by: Louise | January 13, 2010 at 06:17 AM
I didn't bother this year... does that make me irresolute? Good luck, at least you started off the year with one crossed off!
Posted by: foodhoe | January 13, 2010 at 08:27 AM
These are totally attainable goals. You will have no problem with them whatsoever.
Posted by: noble pig | January 13, 2010 at 01:22 PM
Louise - As for the second resolution...the original intent was to make all 100 cookie recipes in that magazine (this was before I started the blog). I think six is a good start!
Foodhoe - hey not doing them is kinda like not even resolving in the first place!
Noble - I like your faith in me!
Posted by: Mrs. L | January 14, 2010 at 10:51 AM
I like your number 9! I tend to overbuy pantry items and then every once in a while I frantically try to use them up before they expire. It would be like on Splendid Table - the pantry ingredient challenge!
Posted by: healthierkitchen | January 15, 2010 at 03:01 PM
hey, you guys had me over for a nice diiner with appetizers, salad, main course and dessert. i'm not a "couple" but that should count toward your goal. :)
Posted by: Chef Barbie | January 15, 2010 at 04:52 PM
You'll love beer-can chicken. First, it's just so funny looking when you put it in the oven or in the covered grill. And second, it comes out so heavenly moist that you're going to want to make it again and again.
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | January 15, 2010 at 09:42 PM
HealthierKitchen - Seriously, every time I buy some new spice or condiment I'm trying to find space for it. And some stuff I have to toss cuz it never gets used. I want to be better this year!
Chef Barbie - Having you over is what really made me want to do it up a bit more. I'll have you over again to test out the meal :)
Carolyn - It's such a simple thing and it might be funny to include but I've been wanting to make it for years.
Posted by: Mrs. L | January 16, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Great resolutions! I didn't make any food related ones this year, but there are quite a few on your list that I'd like to do!
Posted by: Deborah | January 18, 2010 at 07:07 PM
Ok, did not make any resolutions this year. But see my answers to your 10.
1 Phylo: Very Easy. Make yourself some spanikopitas. Frozen spinch, ricotta, butter & Phylo.
2 martha'a cookies: 6 batches of cookies in a year. Come on! I have to make 10 dozen for the cookie exchange. Thei year I won most original from the judges and best overall from the attendies for my mom's Almond Lace Wafers. Let me know what you like best as i need arecipe for next year.
3 30 Minute Meal. Yeah, they don't always happen in 30 minutes.
4 Beer can Chicken. Did Adam Gertlers form Next Food Network Chef a couple years back. The only difficulty is they fall over. You can get stands to help but I use Big Bob Gibson's Loaf Pan Chicken that I got out of the 5/09 Chile Pepper Mag. Same principal to keep the bird moist but easier.
5 Formal Meal: This is easy if you plan well and design a meal that parts can be done ahead. Your pot roast is better the secone day and they done have to know.
6 decorate a Cake: I think that you get full points for this. I have't baked a cake in ?????
7: Cook with Rubarb: You got me on this one.
8: Cook for presents: Ok, now I'm upset. I did not see any of these items in my stocking. I pickle all year long for gifts and to sell.
9: Better use of left overs: Well most leftovers go to work with the spousal unit for lunches. But we have been very good lately. Lots of crock pot and pressuer cooker meals that lend themselves to great leftovers. As for those mystery ingredients in the back corner of the fridge, I have started to try to clear those that have grown leggs. My pantry is so full of exotic sauces, spreads, pickles that it will be decades before I can go through all of them. And I keep buying.....
10: Biscuits: Can't help here. The spousal unit if from Georgia so that is her domaine.
For you new resolution, to come to Florida and cook for me.
Rick, Zaphod Kitchens
Posted by: Rick Huber | January 22, 2010 at 01:32 PM