Culinary Resolutions

 With the New Year starting it's time to think about what you want to change or keep in it. It could regard appliances or expanding your global cookbook. What's on the agenda?

Will the new year bring a new kitchen? If you've been dithering about a whole new makeover make 2023 the year to do it. Take a look at other kitchens on line  along with consulting with  a reputable remodeling company. Keep in mind to plan now and start renovations in the warmer weather when it's easier to cook outside. What about appliances? Take a good look at your ovens and fridges. If you feel they need to be replaced then  consider a state of the art replacement  . This is also the time to take advantage of those holiday gift cards. Get that air fryer or electric wok for new ways to cook. Many stores like Target and Wal-Mart have some great sales on most kitchenware  right now so take advantage of them. Are you looking to expand your global cookbook like I am?Then comsider buying some new spices such as Berbere spice and Szechuan pink peppers. I know I want to try more African and Asian dishes in 2023 so that means using different ingredients like teff in my cooking.

What other resolutions should you make? Cleaning out. My spice cabinet is overbrimming with all sorts of herbs and spcies that I rarely use. Open it and they come cascading out. All that cinnamon and sage has to go. It makes for a easy reach when I do need my most used spices like onion and garlic powders. Another must do throughout the year is cleaning out the refrigerator. It's a good habit to get into. Get rid of all those little containers with leftovers from who knows when.  Another good habit to begin ih the New Year is using up leftoivers a day or two after they've been cooked. It means less cooking , especially during a busy week and emptying out the fridge . Also don't save those little dribs and drabs of sauces and condiments. You can combine ketchup and barbecue sauce for a new dipping sauce or something to slather on barbecue ribs and chicken. Those packets of soy sauce from your Chinese take out can easily be used in homemade Asian dishes while those Taco Bell sauce packets can be used in making homemade chili. 

There are so many resolutions to make culinary wise. Will it be an expanded kitchen ?A new ovn? Or just tidying upa messy cooking space? It's your resolution. Stick to it.

Resolving Those Resolutions

It's already two weeks into the New Year and some diets have probably been ditched.It is hard to stick to a regime where favorite foods are forbidden and have been replaced by bland greens and cardboard crackers. Don't despair. Any dieter can combine tasty and healthy to create satisfying meals and snacks.

Most people nix chocolate from their diets. This is one of the hardest foods to cut out as we all know.
Luckily it doesn;t have to be given up. Instead of going for milk chocolate treats opt for the dark chocolate instead. A dark chocolate bar can be just as rich an even more sinful. It also is chock full of antioxidants along with being good for your heart and brain. You can even cheat a bit and have a dark chocolate drenched Mallowmar or Pinwheel. Treat yourself to the Lu company Petit Ecolier in the dark chocolate variety. This is a sizeable square of dark chocolate topping a crisp buttery cracker. Ice cream is another treat that's always a struggle with dieters.Instead of pints of rich Turkey Hill or Hagen Daz try Weight Watcher's or Skinny Cow. This last has an amazing array of cones and sandwiches. Their cones are truly delicious and have a variety of different flavors mixed with a chocolate syrup topping. The best part - they're only 150 calories with 90 fat calories. Fruit bars are also yummy and low on fat. Try Stop & Shop's chocolate dipped ones One is just 90 calories with 30 fat calories.

One of the hardest foods to give up is the hamburger.Who can't resist a juicy patty , sometimes smothered in cheese and bacon?  Again, no need for tears.Dieters can have their burgers and eat them too.Turkey burgers are  much leaner and higher in Vitamin B 6. You can still have bacon but switch over to the turkey version,It has a high amount of ever needed zinc to it. As for cheese go for the soy kind. which tastes like the real thing. Another dieting no no and temptation is fried chicken. The best alternative is the baked version. it does take much longer to make(think forty five minutes in the oven) but it has fewer health risks.It does still have the flavorful crunchy coating and tender juicy meat inside. Serve with a mayo less cole slaw for a fun weekend meal.Many dieters miss big breakfasts full of three egg omelets and French toast. They can still have these, but with healthy twists. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs, along with more veggies than ham or bacon. Nix the cheeses too.The egg whites also make a great coating for French toast too. Instead of the usual white bread use whole grain for a healthier slice.Top with dark honey to mix it up and a small pat of butter.

Diets are always hard , especially if it means giving up much loved favorites. Turn these into healthy good for you meals.  It'sll make sticking to that resolution easier.

Tough Foodie Resolutions

It's tough being a foodie and dealing with new year's resolutions. After all what's bad for us is usually the tastiest. What's good for us usually isn't. What to do? Try to be good throughout the whole year but throw in a little naughtiness along the way (which I guess can be said for life in general too).


If there's something you crave like soda (my vice) then in once in a while. Slowly wean yourself away from it. Try flavored seltzer which has the carbonation and the taste but no sugar and absolutely no calories. Surprisingly it's a refreshing kick , especially with ice added. There are some great flavors too , like lemon lime, peaches and cream and my fave black cherry. For fast food lovers think about having that burger and fries maybe once a month. That way it's something you can still eat but it;s becomes a treat rather than a habit.

The worst foodie vice - anything dessert or sweet. Candy is just the downfall of anyone making a resolution. You can change your sugar habit Try the extra dark chocolate which is much better for you than the milk. Or better yet. try chocolate covered cranberries and blueberries. Yes. they;re decadent but the dark chocolate and the berries are a little more healthier than those milk chocolate enrobed caramels. Cakes and cookies are another matter. Limit yourself to maybe a treat once in a great while. have a cup cake every so often to satisfy your cravings. That usually does to for many sugar addicted foodies.

I;ts tough making any kind of resolution and sticking to it. Luckily with food there are so man ways t get around it while still resolving . it just takes creativity and a bit of will power.