Lately, I haven't been much of a New Year's resolutions-type myself (although I used to be in the past). I know a lot of people may have already made their resolutions, and I totally get it, but I decided the best thing to do is to set goals for myself throughout the year as I go along.
However, at the beginning of 2013, I do like to take the time to re-examine some of the things that work and don't work...and make a fresh start, so to speak. So I thought I'd share some of my kitchen resolutions, or more properly said,
kitchen lifestyle changes, that I want to continuously work on in the coming months.
To cook from scratch as much as possible, and rely less on processed, pre-made foods. To me, this is a great goal for many reasons, and also a very satisfying accomplishment. Last year, I made some progress in that department, adding homemade pancakes, marinara sauce, and
chicken broth to my list.
Hands down, homemade tastes so much better than store-bought! And it's a lot healthier, not to mention, less expensive!
To rely less on take-out food and dining out. I get it. I'm a working mom, trying to raise a family and balance everything else life has to offer. It's tough....and some things have to give. But I believe with a little planning, making a daily home-cooked meal for my family can be accomplished. And this is the best gift I can give them every day!
There are many times when I prepare one-pot meals ahead of time, stick them in the fridge, then pop 'em in the oven the next day. Like roasted chicken with red potatoes and carrots or baked ziti, for instance. (By the way, they both make great leftovers to enjoy with a side salad even the following day).
My kids just love cajun chicken scampi...and I love making it because it's a fast and easy one-pot dish.
I'll be honest, since I've been more diligent in this department, my family and I hardly go to fast-food restaurants anymore. My kids have a home-cooked meal pretty much every day and even prefer it over those greasy, fried foods. Although, we do have a tradition of going out with family and friends for a slice of thin crust pizza on Sunday nights occasionally after church. But it's all about the planning for me. And it's okay to splurge once or twice a
month on an
In & Out burger or a
Chick-Fil-A sandwich (my faves!), but I do want to make a home-cooked meal the norm, not the exception.
To expand my baking skills. I remember when I first started baking many years ago, I was afraid of messing up and thought using a boxed cake mix was the way to go. But, it took countless hours in the kitchen and botched-up batches of batter (try saying that 20 times
over and over again!) for me to finally feel comfortable with baking. And I still have so much more I want to learn!
It takes baby steps, and lots of practice, practice, practice. Start off simple, like making some red-velvet cupcakes, or
chocolate chip muffins, and work your way up to apricot walnut tartlets and raspberry French macarons, then improve as you go along. And don't give up!..that's my number one motto.
And lastly,
to not be afraid of going out of my comfort zone. One of the things I enjoy about this blog is that it encourages me to try foods I would never have thought of eating
before. Like, pasta with butternut sauce or buttermilk mashed potatoes, for instance. Try something different, experiment a little, you'll be glad you did. I know I am!
I love the encouraging verse in
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (ESV). This verse reminds me of the importance of persevering and why we shouldn't give up no matter how rough the road is. For if we persist and keep on, "in due season we will reap" our reward.
What a great verse to start off the New Year!
So what are some of your kitchen resolutions, or should I say, kitchen lifestyle changes? I hope that, no matter where you are in your cooking or baking journey, my suggestions inspire you to be courageous, try new things, and mostimportantly, enjoy making a home-cooked meal as much as I do! With God's help, we can make 2013 a very blessed and delicious year!
Hi Anna, Happy New Year's! May God give you strength as you cook for your family... it's not always easy to make meals from scratch, especially when you work outside the home.
ReplyDeleteHome cooked meals are so worth it, though... and as you said, with God's help all things are possible. It's also good to remember to not be weary in well doing, even when we are tired or when certain meals don't come out as expected:).
Have a blessed day!
Thank you, Ellie! Yes, home cooked meals are so worth it, and do-able with God's help and some planning!
DeleteHave a blessed day!