In the two years that I’ve had this blog, I’ve grown a lot as a cook. I’ve become more adventurous in the kitchen, and I’ve tried a lot of things that I never thought I’d try – at least not without my mom standing right next to me to help out in case anything went wrong. In the beginning there was a lot of throwing things together in an attempt to produce an edible result and to get experience doing basic things, like cooking a piece of salmon or roasting vegetables. While I still do a lot of those basic things, I have also become more confident in my cooking skills and have made things like bagels, tortillas, cheese, and fresh pasta. There have been some disasters, but there have also been many successes. I’m not going to be on Top Chef anytime soon, but I’d happily serve a hot slice of homemade sausage and sauerkraut pizza to anyone who happens to be around.
Since I’ve been cooking more, I’ve been reading more cookbooks, cooking magazines, food blogs, etc. I’ve subsequently compiled a lengthy mental list of things that I want to make, and several months ago I transferred it to paper. Not much came of the list for a couple of reasons. One is that some of the recipes seem a little daunting, either by calling for unusual ingredients or by requiring a lengthy process to complete them. The other, which is more often the case, is that since I added something to the list, I haven’t been in the mood to cook it. Inspired by the new year and some of my resolutions, I decided to make a list on my blog of 31 things that I want to make this year, and instead of thinking, I’m going to do some doing. Why 31? I couldn’t settle on a number, and 20 + 11 = 31.
At some point in 2011, I hope to be in the mood for and have the necessary ingredients for each item on this list. With 31 items – less than one per week – I’m pretty confident that I can reach my goal. Here’s the list as it stands now, with a little room for growth. You can follow my progress on the 31 in 2011 page.
- Focaccia
- A perfect omelet
- Chocolate layer cake
- Donuts
- Stuffed masa cakes
- Marshmallows
- Graham crackers
- Spring rolls
- Cassoulet
- Jucy Lucys
- Homemade Almond Joy bars
- Buttermilk ranch dressing
- French macarons
- Sourdough starter & bread
- Homemade grape nuts
- Olive tapenade
- Mile high biscuits
- Tamales
- Baguettes
- Ravioli
- Challah
- Yogurt
- Pasties
- Snickerdoodles
- Ham & cheese stuffed pancakes
- Steak frites
- German caraway meatballs
- Chicken enchilada bake
- Eggs Benedict w/hollandaise
- TBD
- TBD
I’m kind of loving this idea…I might need to do something similar, if you don’t mind. It’s the best way to clear off some of those “culinary bucket list” items…otherwise I just keep adding to it!
Go for it! Maybe some things on your list will help me fill up my last two spots.
I just love your blog and cooking adventures! Can’t wait to see how the 31 turn out. I’m especially interested in 24 and 29!
Thanks, Stephanie!
I ran across this recipe the other day and it made me think of your Samoa Ice Cream recipe.
http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/01/04/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-samoas-or-caramel-delites/
Keep up the awesome work on your blog.
Homemade Samoas were actually on my to-do list at one point, but I completely forgot about them when working on this list. Thanks for the reminder, Stacey!
I love this idea–challenging yet totally approachable. I might have to do something like this myself to get us using our new cookbooks.
Here’s my go-to focaccia recipe if you’d like it: http://themanhattanfoodproject.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/10-31-09-lets-make-focaccia/
I love this idea too — will get started on my own list tonight! If you need a challah recipe, incidentally, check this one out:
http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/09/best-challah-egg-bread/
I’ve made it twice and it’s turned out wonderfully (and deliciously!) both times.
Thanks for all the good food and good reading!
Thanks for the recommendation!
I love reading about food and came across your blog awhile back! I can’t wait to see your 31 in 2011! What an amazing idea.