Reflecting

                   

Christmas has come and gone. The presents are all unwrapped, the tree has lost a little luster, and I'm still eating pie for breakfast while I can.

I used to think that New Years with all it's resolutions and recaps was just not for me. It was one of those things that went on without me caring.

I didn't rehash the years highlights or low-lights, I never cared to go out and ring in the year with a bang, and I rarely made resolutions because I figured it was just buying in to the hype and in a week it would be back to the same old.

I guess I'm getting older, maybe wiser, or just a sappy sucker but I've been reflecting, and plotting and thinking maybe I can stay up late and sip a little champagne.


Maybe it's because January is the month of birthdays around here, mine included. This month is starting to remind me of all the beginnings around here - wedding anniversary, the little lives I'm in charge of, and my own birthdays that I'm blessed to have stacking up.

Last year I did compose a list, a little set of goals for the blog and yet another list of things for my little self.

At first when I looked back on it I thought "oh crappy, I didn't really follow through on some things did I? How embarrassing." Then I realized that it's good to see just what I didn't do, to see why and to see where the year has taken me instead.

I didn't get the kids involved in a complete kitchen takeover. I was sad at first, then I realized that this is ok. I tried, and the more I tried the more they resisted. I realized that I made it too structured for them and that the 'every so often' moments that they WANT to join me in the kitchen are very precious. That I need to take them up on it more often as not to loose them entirely.

This year more than ever I realized that this blog is more about the kitchen as a spring board for the rest of my self. That this blog isn't a stress of something I must do, but yet a place I like to be.

There were surprising unexpected changes in my life that may have gotten in the way of plans here, or on my personal list. But the fact that I just let them happen has made me feel completely at ease and ready for the rest of what's going to come.

I'm still working out a few things for the New Years; do I want to make a new list for the blog or not? I'm tinkering with a drinky drink to share, and maybe a tasty appetizer. I'm still not one for the big blow out bash, but if you want to get all retrospective and munch on something delicious - I'm here for you.

Here's my favorite posts and recipes from this fabulous year:

  

I love this smoothie and have it often.

 

This ice cream is exceptional!



I didn't blog about it, but I think about this brunch I had with my friends often. We made a delicious chicken and waffle brunch and discussed The Help. I enjoyed myself thoroughly. It reminds me that life is really sweet and taking moments with people you enjoy makes it even better.

 

And I must say that this was indeed one of the most amazing things I ate all year.

Some other super notable recipes:

• Jamie Oliver's chicken in milk recipe is simply life changing. If you haven't tried it yet I highly recommend adding this to your menu this week. It will change everything for you.
• Cornflake, marshmallow, chocolate chip cookies. Everyone asks for these now. I can't stop making them. From Momofuku Milk Bar, but I saw them on Cozy Kitchen. Serious cookie indeed!

Are you a New Years junky? Resolutions, reflections, bubbly?