Culinary Resolutions for 2007

[sazji]

This thread was started last year by Pontarmo, and as the new year approaches it seems to be reviving. So I thought I'd start it up again with the current year!

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The new year is just a little over 3 weeks away. Fill in any or all of the blanks below:

In 2007, I will eat__________________

I will make_______________________

I will find___________________

I will learn_________________________

This is the year I will try_____________________________

I will taste____________________________

I will use________________________________

I will give________________________________

I______________________

We________________________

My kids_______________________________

I will teach____________________________

I will read___________________________

Edited December 12, 2006 by sazji (log)

[sazji]

Ooops...seems html tags don't work in headers. And I can't change it now. I'm sure somebody can!

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The new year is just a little over 3 weeks away. Fill in any or all of the blanks below:

In 2007, I will eat more fish.

I will make at least 10 recipes from the new Indian cookbook I got.

I will find a good recipe for the walnut çörek I ate last year.

I will learn to make my own yufka.

I will use more eggplant.

I will give at least half of anything sweet I cook to other people. Unless it's made of chocolate.

My kids will continue not to exist.

I will teach my friend who wants to learn to make cheesecake the necessity of having an oven thermometer.

I will read more local Turkish foodblogs!.

[srhcb]

In 2007, I will eat - lots of good food.

I will make - lots of money to buy good food.

I will find - peace of mind, through cooking and eating good food.

I will learn - the secret of life, which I suspect has a lot to do with good food.

This is the year I will try - to make more relevant posts on eGullet.

I will taste - success, in my food writings.

I will use - correct spelling and commas in the right place when writing about good food.

I will give - more money to the eGullet Society.

I - promise to do my best, to do my duty, ..... (the Cub Scout Oath I believe?)

We - who's we, you gotta mouse in your pocket? (as my Grandmother used to say)

My (grand) kids - (Zach 3 and Jenna 4 mo) will spend at much time with me in the kitchen as I can arrange.

I will teach - them to have fun cooking.  (They already have fun eating)

I will read - all my MFK Fisher books over again.

SB

Edited December 12, 2006 by srhcb (log)

[dvs]

In 2007, I will eat more home cooked meals

I will make something other than meatloaf & lasagna

I will findmore local foods to cook & eat

I will learn how to tend to my garden

This is the year I will try at least 10 new recipes

I will taste consistantly delicious food!!

I will useevery bit of produce from my garden

I will give away to my friends what i can't

I will be more organized in the kitchen

We will eat more meals together

My child will continue to be an adventuous eater (fingers crossed!!)

I will teach my daughter how to make fun things in the kitchen from scratch and how to tend to our garden

I will read all the books i didn't get to last year & maybe even some new ones!

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[MarketStEl]

Okay, Year Two. Any resemblance between this year and Year One is purely coincidental.

In 2007, I will eat as cheaply as I can (within reason, of course) so I can save up in order to celebrate my 50th birthday in 2008 at Le Bec-Fin.

I will make paella. It seems like it's not that complex a dish to make, just time-consuming, and it's something I imagine I could do at home.

I will find my way to Tierra Colombiana, finally.

I will learn how to hand-toss a pizza crust if it kills me.

This is the year I will try tomatillos. Maybe in a homemade salsa if I work my way up to it.

I will taste organically raised meat or poultry and see if I notice any difference between it and the conventional product.

I will use a new gadget I don't yet know I need.

I will give the rough equivalent of the contents of my pantry to local food banks over the course of the year.

I am always interested in finding companions for dining out.

We will nonetheless do the bulk of our entertaining at home, no doubt.

My kids will continue not to exist.

I will teach others how to write well if the occasion presents itself.

I will read as much good food writing as I can, in hopes of emulating it soon.

[Lori in PA]

I'm amending this to "In 2007, I will TRY to..."

In 2007, I will eat the foods my body not only wants, but needs.

I will make more shortbread!

I will find the best method for ME to bake "artisinal" breads.

I will learn to work bread-baking into my daily routine.

This is the year I will try not to check a cookbook out of the library without trying at least one dish from it.

I will taste more critically, without becoming critical of others' efforts.

I will use my talents as a cook to bless others in my orbit.

I will give more time to teaching adult friends to cook.

I will give thanks every day for not just enough food for my family, but good food, tasty food, and healthful food.

We (The Husband and I) will try to budget for another meal at Restaurant Sydney.

My kids will continue to learn cooking skills through my summer cooking classes.

I will teach more children than I wish to cook.

I will read about a cuisine unfamiliar to me.

[shellfishfiend]

In 2007, I will eat more ethnic food (not just japanese).

I will make_more baked goods (and not hate measuring so much).

I will find a really great fish market.

I will learn how to roast the perfect chicken.

This is the year I will try to cook out of the freezer so it doesn't stay so packed.

I will taste at least one new vegetabe.

I will use more produce from the farmer's market.

I will give more food that I cook to the neighbors (I don't share as often as I should).

I will search out great independent resturants.

We will eat togehter more often.

My kids do not exist.

I will teach myself how to cook with fewer ingredients (but really quality ones).

I will read three new cookbooks even if I just check them out from the library.

Edited December 12, 2006 by shellfishfiend (log)

[srhcb]

I will teach more children than I wish to cook. 

I will read about a cuisine unfamiliar to me.

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That unfamiliar cuisine includes children?

Shades of Jonathan Swift!

SB (frequent butcher of English)(language that is, not children)

[Lori in PA]

I will teach more children than I wish to cook. 

I will read about a cuisine unfamiliar to me.

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That unfamiliar cuisine includes children?

Shades of Jonathan Swift!

SB (frequent butcher of English)(language that is, not children)

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Whoops!

Lori, who is not a consumer of either children or adults

[purplewiz]

In 2007, I will eat at one new restaurant a month. It's a good resolution that works for me, so why change it?

I will make one new recipe a month. At least.

I will find a new local supplier of my favorite sugar free chocolate sauce. Sure, I could mail order it, and I will if I have to, but I'd rather know somewhere close by.

I will learn more food Italian and food Spanish. (Recognize the ingredients and be able to read a menu)

This is the year I will try deep fried twinkies. Or deep fried Oreos. Or deep fried pizza. Or deep fried Snickers. Or....you get the idea. I've been meaning to do this for years. No, I'm not going to make a steady diet of it, I want to TRY.

I will taste foie gras again.

I will use all of my kitchen equipment.

I will give away all the cooking gadgetry I don't use during the year (which doesn't have any sentimental value, which is most of it).

I will update my restaurant review/food blog on time.

We will continue to eat according to our plan.

My kids will continue not to exist.

I will teach anyone who really wants to learn almost anything I know how to do.

I will read my foodie magazines within the month of their date. No more backlogs.

Marcia.

[C. sapidus]

I believe in setting achievable goals . . .

In 2007, I will eat fresh fish and shellfish from the roadside stand that we discovered one week before it closed for the winter.

I will make Julie Sahni’s delicious vindaloo for the first time in years. Where did I put that mustard oil, anyway?

I will find a reliable local source for dried Thai long chilies (phrik haeng) – a kitchen essential if ever there was one.

I will learn to make simple baked goods – biscuits, maybe even no-knead bread.

This is the year I will try making mapo tofu.

I will taste bitter melon at least once, probably when cooking for myself. I will also taste really good and salty to the dogs after I play volleyball.

I will use asafetida.

I will give more time to my family.

I will add at least one new vegetable to the boys’ “eat willingly” list.

We will invite friends and family over for dinner more often, and in smaller manageable groups rather than huge unwieldy invasions.

My kids will continue to tolerate, and often enjoy, their dad’s weird cooking.

I will teach my kids to expand their cooking skills beyond grilled cheese, scrambled eggs, and omelets.

I will read Jeffrey Steingarten or Anthony Bourdain, perhaps both. Also, I will read the introductions to my old cookbooks, many of which contain fascinating culinary and cultural information. Apparently, long ago I read cookbooks strictly for the recipes. Can you imagine?

Edited for clarity - the dogs don't play volleyball.

Edited December 13, 2006 by C. sapidus (log)

[jennahan]

In 2007, I will finally go to restaurants outside of London.

I will make a larger variety of dishes at home.

I will find a better system of organizing my recipe clippings.

I will learn to make my own shortcrust pastry and puff pastry.

This is the year I will try and start a vegetable garden.

I will taste dishes outside my comfort zone (offal, blood sausage, and the like)

I will use more local ingredients.

I will give away all the cookbooks I don't use.

I will not buy any more cookbooks, instead I'll try and master the ones I already own.

We will eat more often as a family.

My kid will have an interesting, nutritious, and fun packed lunch daily for school.

I will continue to teach my child a love of cooking, and tasting food.

I will read, finally, my Larousse.

[enurmi]

In 2007, I will eat fresher, more seasonal food, and more vegetables.

I will make a sourdough loaf every month. And a Buche de Noel.

I will find the perfect bread recipe. (See above)

I will learn to make all the really important, basic dishes and sauces.

This is the year I will try to use a new spice every week.

I will taste caviar and blue cheese.

I will use my new knives (yay!)

I will give more gifts of food.

I will perfect my knife skills. (or try)

We... are people?

My kids will definitely (hopefully) not exist by the end of 2007.

I will teach... maybe.

I will read as much of the Professional Chef as I can.

[ChryZ]

In 2007, I will eat more wholesome.

I will make more kimchi and more kinds of it.

I will find new ways to challenge myself cuisine wise.

I will learn about Indian food.

This is the year I will try to exel on plating.

I will taste food that I don't like to revaluate, to give them another chance.

I will use less bolder, more subtle flavours from time to time.

I will give more thought to seasoning.

I will bake more.

We're going to have LOTS of fun, it should NEVER become a chore.

I will teach and share my successes and failures.

I will read more cookbooks, recipes and background infos.

[Mar Calpena]

In 2007, I will eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant

I will make cookies

I will find a way not to overload my freezer

I will learn all of my mother and my aunts' old recipes.

This is the year I will try to publish my food writing

I will taste frog legs

I will use my wok more often

I will give food related gifts

I will stop buying cookbooks, and try and use the ones I own

We will join more often for family gatherings

My kids might come into existence (or they may get postponed yet another year)

I will teach a certain friend how to cook something without deep-frying it.

I will read Nestor Lujan's work

[Daniel Rogov]

Stepping a bit out of the mold for a moment.

I will not go on a diet

I will not worry about Mad Cows

I will not be concerned about non pasteurized cheeses

I will not worry that eating soy products will shrink my penis

I will not visit El Bulli again

I will not eat in any churascuria restaurant unless it is in Brazil or Argentina

I will not be growing any heirloom vegetables

I will not drink Coca Cola unless I have an upset stomach

I will not eat more than 24 oysters at a single sitting

[Mikeb19]

In 2007, I will eat better. While I'm in good shape (6'1", a very lean 190), especially for a professional cook, my diet could still be better. While I'm at it, I need to get out and run/hike more. I lift lots of weights, but my cardio needs improvement.

I will make more food from scratch at home. I've been really slacking on my home cooking, hard living with 3 other roomates, this is a factor in my less than ideal diet...

I will learn more about my culinary heritage (Ukrainian food). I've already got all my grand-mothers recipes and techniques down very good (I've had several Ukrainians tell me my food is the best they've ever had in a restaurant), but I'm always looking to improve, always looking to progress my skills and knowledge. I've also always been interested history and archaeology, I'd love to learn more about food in antiquity.

I will learn more about wine, beer, spirits, and other beverages, and how they relate to food. I'm already above average in this department, but my knowledge could still be better, plus I love learning. I was unable to attend post-secondary school for a variety of reasons, so I try to get my learning fix on my own.

This is the year I will try to eat out in others' restaurants more often. I'm always in the back, yet I've never experienced what I serve from the front perspective. For the first time ever I'm working a normal schedule (Mon-Fri, 9-5), very unusual for a cook, but I like it.

I will teach my co-workers more about pastries and baking, Ukrainian food, flavour combinations and good technique in general. Theres alot of improvement to be made, I haven't been able to leave my mark yet this year (too busy with Christmas parties), but in the New Year I should have time.

I will put more effort into creating menu items. My employer wants me to be more active and creative, he's letting me leave my mark, but (due to many outside factors) my heart just wasn't in it.

I will read all my books. I've got so many, yet have read so little. First is probably to read the biographical section in Marc Veyrat's encyclopedia, then I need to finish reading Michel Bras' book. And I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to re-read Pierre Gagnaire and Hervé This' new book.

I will also learn to enjoy the small things in life more. I've put so much time and energy into cooking, into my career, I've forgotton how to actually live. I've already made the first step by working less (it's nice being able to dictate what hours you're going to work to your boss), dating again, something I was never able to do working so much. I came to this realization when I got my first couple interviews and offers for an executive chef job, yet I'm only 21 years old - dream come true, except my personal life was seriously @#$%ed up (that's actually an understatement). Just need to slow things down, get my head level again, and re-organize things.

And finally, I will start thinking more about my future in the culinary business. Getting a business plan together, doing some dinners to showcase my talents to local media and possible investors, maybe even some culinary competitions. I've got skills, but have never really applied them (this goes back to all my personal problems, hard to have your head in the game when your life is a mess), it's time for me to really show off what I can do, and hopefully make money off my own work, instead of making others money.

[miladyinsanity]

In 2007, I will eat as healthily as I can.

I will make candied fruit.

I will find fresh yeast.

I will learn to cook.

This is the year I will try to be less messy in the kitchen. If I use less bowls, I will wash less bowls and I don't like washing bowls.

I will taste liver. Again. Maybe I'll like it this time.

I will use the vanilla powder I have.

I will give away more of the baked goods I make rather than eat them all.

I will learn to pipe things that are round, ie don't have the sharp tip from being piped.

We...who's we?

My kids will hopefully never exist.

I will teach the youngest brother to cook, even if it's just instant noodles, and the other one to cook something other than eggs, ham and instant noodles.

I will read more recipe books? I really don't to read more because I'm on my way to going blind.

[reverendtmac]

In 2007, I will eat at home more often, despite my strange and wonderful shift work routine.

I will make all the things that look appealing out of the cookbook from Vij's, because Saint John doesn't have anything like that.

I will find some sort of seafood that my girlfriend will enjoy - and maybe even get her to like eating eggs, instead of her eating them out of some sort of strange duty to feel better about bacon consumption. (Or maybe I'll just explain to her to skip the eggs and eat the bacon.)

I will learn all the tricks and techniques associated with making a masala.

This is the year I will try to cook a real sit-down family-style dinner on Sunday afternoons, even during golf season.

I will taste every non-caffiniated tea I can find, in the hopes of finding something to replace my quad americano. Also, it's about time I got into port.

I will use more measuring devices when baking.

I will give away more food to my friends and associates.

I will stop eating before bed, if only to avoid the dreams.

We (being my girlfriend and I) will eat more at the table, and less on the couch.

My kids, hopefully, will still be a twinkle in my eye for the next few years. Although it's about time I taught my pseudo-neice how to fool around in the kitchen.

I will teach some friends how to make gumbo, some other friends how to make my rather infamous stout-based risotto, and myself how to enjoy doing dishes.

I will read "On Food and Cooking", 'cause I still haven't gotten to it yet - and the forums here, too...

[miladyinsanity]

I will teach some friends how to make gumbo, some other friends how to make my rather infamous stout-based risotto, and myself how to enjoy doing dishes.

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I'll drink to this!

[Carrot Top]

In 2007, I will eat more mindfully.

I will make more things that give pleasure to others.

I will find a place that makes decent coffee on a consistent basis to sit in and people-watch. (Wish me luck, please )

I will learn more about how parts of the world that go hungry on an ongoing basis got that way.

This is the year I will try to smile dismissively rather than bite intuitively.

I will taste love, in its various guises.

I will use only the money I have in the bank and no more. ( )

I will give thought to words about food.

I am not sure that I can manage all these things.

We eat too much junk.

My kids will be spending Christmas Day with me, dining at our table with the foods that Mommy will make for them, for the first time in five years, and *that* says volumes about how this year coming will hopefully go forward.

I will teach my children that whatever they eat, it is their own business, and that finger-pointers are mostly mirroring out onto others their own personal fears or insecurities.

I will read more food history, food anthropology, food sociology - all with a great hunger and joy.

[dividend]

In 2007, I will eat as locally and seasonally as possible, and in restaurants for pleasure, rather than poor planning.

I will make an effort every day to remember, as I cook dinner after 10-12 hours in the office, that it's a labor of love and not a chore.

I will find a group of people who feel the same way about baking, eating, and cooking that I do. Bonus points if I can find a friend who will call me, excited about a new restaurant.

I will learn how to make croissants.

This is the year I will try foie gras. I want to know what all the fuss is about.

I will taste oysters again. On the half shell. Cold beer in my hand. Salt breeze on my skin. This may require getting out of Kansas City for a day or two, which is OK with me. I'm willing to sacrifice to taste the ocean again.

I will use the pasta rolling attachment to my KA mixer. I'm slightly embarassed that I haven't before now.

I will give homemade jam baskets for Christmas, with jams and jellies that span the seasons, instead of the all fall fruit I'm doing this year.

I will bake more, instead of thinking about it all the time.

We (my grandmother and I) will plant tomatoes in remembrance of my grandfather. It's been 15 years since the last season he tended them. We'll see if the strip of soil behind her house remembers. And when we succeed, we'll eat them with steak and toast his memory.

My kids don't exist yet. But...

I will teach the joy of breadmaking to the kids at my church's annual Healthy Kids Camp.

I will read M.K.F. I feel like I'm missing out not having read her. Also Nina Plank's book.

[Saara]

In 2007, I will eat even more foods directly purchased from local ranchers and farmers.

I will finally make doughnuts fried in lard that I rendered myself, but not too often. I will also render tallow for french fries.

I will find morels, chantarelles and boletes in the forest!

I will learn how to make my own puff pastry.

This is the year I will try to grow more of our own food. I will, however, realize that I cannot win to the slugs with some things and enjoy the greens, carrots and radishes from the CSA box and not feel like a failure about it.

I will taste more new wild foods that we can forage ourselves.

I will use my preserving equipment (pressure and water bath canners, steam juicer, dehydrator, smokers and vacuum sealer) more than I do to save our seasonal bounty (and money).

I will give the cookbooks that I don't regularly use to our local library.

I will remind him that I love him more often.

We will hike more and pick enough nettles, mushrooms, rosehips, berries, and other small forest denizens for our winter larder.

My kid will not greet people by sniffing them inappropriately, or not, since that's what dogs of a certain size tend to do. I will continue to apologize profusely and do my best to prevent it.

I will teach myself how to make charcuterie. I will continue to advocate supporting our family farms.

I will read more novels and less non-fiction.

[dansch]

I've only made one food-related resolution for the new year, and I've already begun implementing it:

I will only eat meat at restaurants if I know they procured it from trustworthy sources. I've long implemented a policy of not purchasing commercial meat for home cooking - getting all of my meat from local sources who treat their animals well, but have made exceptions when I eat out.

-Dan

[judiu]

<snippage>

I will find a group of people who feel the same way about baking, eating, and cooking that I do.  Bonus points if I can find a friend who will call me, excited about a new restaurant. 

</snippage>

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dividend, I beleive you've already found us here on eGullet!