The Supermarket Gourmet

by Buck Reed

. New Year’s Resolution in the Kitchen

A new year means a new beginning for some of us. The rest of us tend to meander along doing the same thing we did last year. How many times have we made resolutions that have us bettering ourselves or promising ourselves to try new things, yet we sadly gave up on them by the end of February? So, maybe you aimed too high or you just didn’t find your challenge interesting enough. Or, perhaps, it was someone else’s fault (this excuse is getting more and more popular these days). Maybe, you just need some new ideas, and I need an article to write. So, let’s look at what you might be interested in doing this year for your New Year’s Resolutions!

How about resolving to take your lunch to work one or two days a week? This should certainly save you a little money over getting takeout. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich seems like a good start, or even a leftover meatloaf sandwich might be a simple way to start. There are many things you can do with a meatloaf sandwich. Think about changing up the condiments or sandwich spread you use. I like pickled onions or roasted garlic. Maybe lettuce and tomato might do the trick. Several different flavored mayonnaises might also add a new twist. Just look in the condiment aisle to see what you like, and then go home and try them out for a whole new sandwich experience. See, now you are getting creative.

Another good resolution is to cut down on waste. Try to eat all the food you are buying. Repurpose your leftovers into another meal, or use them for that bag lunch we talked about. Another good use, before it turns green, is to start composting it. Look into adding it to your yard waste (look, now you are resolving to keep up on yard work) and turning it into organic material for your garden (another resolution). Or even better, if it’s usable, non-perishable food, box it up and donate it to a local food bank or charity (man, these resolutions just keep racking up!).

Finally, try something new. If you are cooking at home, try working with a new vegetable or another ingredient you have never used. Do a little research to figure out how to use it correctly and give it a shot. If you like Thai food, then give a curry a shot—that, along with sticky rice, makes a satisfying meal that really isn’t all that difficult. If you are eating out, try something different. You can get stuck in a rut eating at the same place every week. If you are too chicken to try a new place, then order a different dish on the menu instead of ordering the same thing you always do. This might not be life-changing, but you will feel satisfaction in changing up that routine!

We all know that resolutions can be tough to follow through on. It takes character, drive, and an open mind to make that commitment. If you do make a resolution, you can take pride in the idea that you came up with an original one. And if it doesn’t exactly go as planned? You made a good try at it, and you can always stop at the end of February. But try to make it until March.

Eat Well Live Well