cooking more.

this is one of the things I feel like I have gotten away from. specifically trying new recipes and techniques. my cooking, like my art, is in a rut. it's all chicken breasts, pasta, and salad, which I love, but could use a taste of something new. so here is what I have decided to do in an effort to rejuvenate this area of my life.

I loved the book and the movie Julie and Julia. the whole notion of cooking your way completely through a cookbook, leaving no recipe unturned, no matter your tastes sounds like an excellent adventure to me!! however, Mastering the art of French Cooking is not my answer. I wanted to start with something less daunting with simple recipes that I could work through in the course of a month or so. below is my solution.

I chose this because the recipes use simple, fresh ingredients. the recipes can be completed in 30-90 min in most cases. I have a TON of these magazines in my cupboard. they can be picked out seasonally so I can get the freshed produce for a good price and stay in tune with the seasons. here is a list of the recipes I plan to complete. I think I want to scan in each page/recipe then add a photo of my own finished product. there is no time limit. I may do five in one week, then none the next. and I am not limiting myself to doing them in order. simply to complete the magazine.

chicken tenders parmesan w/ penne and broccoli

mashed sweet potatoes

baked sweet potatoes

moroccan chicken stew w/ sweet potatoes

watercress salad w/ roasted sweet potatoes

sweet potato souffle

lighter chicken pot pie

meatloaf three ways: bacon/cheddar/onions

pear and honey oatmeal

blt to go

crunchy caramel corn

pappardelle w/ sauteed scallops and peas

amaretto cocktails and goat cheese stuffed mushrooms

muenster, turkey, apple quesadillas w/ halloween salad

mediterranean tuna noodle casserole

cinnamon applesauce

baked ziti w/ crunchy italian salad and garlic bread

stuffed chicken breast and roasted broccoli

country fried steak w/ green beans and rice

pork tenderloin w/ sauteed apples and leeks

vegetarian black bean chili

porcini and parmesan risotto

spice rubbed chicken w/ hominy saute

coconut and beef curry w/ noodles

salmon w/ wasabi sauce and baby bok choy

braised short ribs

sauteed broccoli rabe w/ garlic

creamy polenta w/ thyme

roasted pears w/ amaretti cookies

apple crisp

banana raisin bread pudding

warm almond cherry cake

chocolate pudding cake

cheddar masked potatoes

peas w/ bacon

brown sugar glazed carrots

quick stewed tomatoes

sauteed collard greens with raisins

minestrone w/ collard greens and white beans

braised collard greens

baked eggs w/ croutons and onion

spiced prune cake

lolllipop cookies

WOW Danielle!! that sure seems like a lot! won't this up your stress level and make you feel like you have more things to do?! you may be asking. but, in reality it will not. with no time limit and a whole list of things to make without going through multiple recipe books/cards it should be a breeze. and also a lot of fun I hope :) any guesses on how long it will take me?