I've never been one to make a set of resolutions to kick off the New Year or a person that sets personal goals. This post is going to feel a bit “resolution-y” and goal-focused but let's just call it “hopes and dreams”, okay? Doesn't that sound like a more enjoyable way to go about incorporating something into your life? Welp…it does to me, and I'm sticking to that (or I will at least try!)
Food and wine are two of my favorite hobbies (sleep is a close third in case you were wondering.) And in 2019, I would like to develop myself a bit more as a foodie and an oenophile. Below are a few ways that I will be doing so.
Side Note – If you have additional suggestions or advice, please sound off in the comments below or email me at laurie@workplayandchardonnay.com. Thanks in advance!!!
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Making Use of my Cookbook “Library”
Look…I LOVE me some Barefoot Contessa. I will continue to read and utilize her cookbooks throughout the year (Winter Minestrone for your birthday will happen, Mom!) BUTTTT…look at the sampling of cookbooks I have below. I want to see how many recipes and cookbooks I can make hay (or pasta or soup) with throughout the year.
My hope is to make a minimum of 24 new recipes. My dream is to review 12 cookbooks.
Develop My Taste for Wine
Here's the deal… There are three methods I employ when I purchase bottles of wine for my home. They are either selected for me as part of my monthly Tim's Wine Market membership, I find the label cute or intriguing, or they are a repeat buy. There's nothing that is wrong with any of this per se, but I think I can refine my palate with some trial and error. What could go wrong with more (responsible) wine tasting?
My hope is to attend a minimum of three blind wine tastings (you hear me, Uber?) My dream is to be able to tell a Cabernet from a Pinot Noir on taste alone.
Cooking Classes and Demonstrations
As much as I enjoy a good cookbook, there is just something about a hands-on cooking class or sitting back to watch a professional chef work their magic. I always take away a new nugget of information or see a gadget that MUST come home with me (like the garlic press linked here that I saw a Stonewall Kitchen chef use). The best part of these classes? The eating, of course!
My hope is to take six classes. My dream is to start planning a cooking class tour in Tuscany!
Dining by the Dozen
The process of cooking and its results are fabulous. The downside to it is ALL of the clean-up that is required. Just ask Jared. He's almost always doing the dishes as I am typically the cook (and an ambitious one at that) in our household.
There are times when I don't want to cook and, quite frankly, he doesn't want to clean. So we do have a tendency to go out to dinner about once a week. We have our favorites that are frequented quite often – Wine Bar George! But we do like to try a new place whenever possible. I'm looking at you, Jaleo.
My hope is to try a dozen new places in the Orlando area. My dream is to sit at a Chef's Table.
I'm a Cheesy Girl
Do you remember when I took a cheese making class at Leu Gardens last year? If not, check out the post Curd Your Enthusiasm to learn more. This is the year that I am going to milk that class for all it was worth and make my own cheese. <—that pun was for you, Momica!
My hope is to make ricotta. My dream is to pull mozzarella in my own kitchen.
Taking a Crack at Crack Pie™
I'm a mover, a shaker, and a home baker. I've made cookies, brownies, and whoopie pies. But Crack Pie by Chef Christina Tosi of Milk Bar is a whole other pastry ball game. I've wanted to try it for years but have been a culinary chicken. It's allegedly addictive (thus the name!) and time-consuming.
From what I can gather, the recipe is going to take me a minimum of two days. It seems a little finicky, a bit complicated. I'm going to need really comfortable shoes, more cushioned floor pads in my kitchen, and a steely resolve. Wish me luck!
My hope is to make Crack Pie. My dream is to do so without dissolving into a puddle of tears.
I'm setting myself a reminder to read through this on December 31st to see how I fared with my 2019 Food & Wine Hopes and Dreams. What are yours for this year? Let me know in the comments!
Work Hard. Play Hard. Drink Chard.
Laurie