I’m not a firm believer in “resolutions” as I detailed over at Just Because… However, I am a fan of “Goals” and decided that, in addition to making my “2009 Life Goals”, I was going to add some culinary goals to the mix. Of course, you know you’ll have a front row seat if I pass or fail. So, without further adieu, may I present some of my 2009 Culinary Goals…
- Attend the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Granted, every year I hear about it and every year I whine about how I should have gone. Well, considering that I live in Florida, I bit the bullet last night and I bought a ticket for a day to at least check it out. Yes, it’s pricey but to see some of my fave chefs cook i.e. Michael Symon, Sunny Anderson, Ingrid Hoffman, Tyler Florence, Cat Cora, etc. Who knows, maybe next year I’ll go for the whole event. Either way, a day at South Beach – YAY!
- Take a cooking class (or three) at a local cooking school here in Orlando. I found out about Truffles and Trifles through Chowhound and I’m intrigued to say the least. I know the Italian and Cajun ones are on my list. The Williams-Sonoma “demos” aren’t really “cooking classes” per se. While they are good, if I’m going to spend $40+ for a class, I’d rather it be hands on. I learn much better that way.
- Learn to make fresh pasta. This means I have to do my research on Pasta Machines, find some fab pasta recipes and, for the love of all things Italiano, learn to NOT hit the boxed penne if I fail miserably.
- With the pasta comes the pizza… Learn To Make My Own Pizza Dough…
- Finally cave and getting some “good china and glassware.” Now, I have some great pieces courtesy of Southern Living, my family and various finds. I still lust after the Vietri line that I first saw on Everyday Italian years ago. So I’m going to work on actually finding pieces I adore at the best price. Seriously, my one wish would be to raid the Food Network “closet” (you know like the Vogue closet with all the goodies). I’d be up to my eyeballs in all things Le Creuset, Simon Pearce and Vetri. *sigh*
- Learn to make dog food for the pug. The cat is pretty well established with her fave food, treats and whatnot. The pug is a very finicky eater so I’ll be researching more on this. Plus, I feel bad for the little guy who is getting sick all the time. Poor munchkin.
- Finally, a blog culinary goal - Move this blog over to WordPress. Blogger and I are *ahem* cool but I want to really work on making Cooking In Stilettos the best it could be. So, make sure to keep http://www.cookinginstilettos.org in your bookmarks. I’m hoping to get this transitioned by the end of February – maybe sooner. Don’t quote me, though.
What’s on your culinary agenda for 2009?
What a fun list! Oh and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival? I'm jealous!! haha. I tried clicking on the link for the Everyday Italian plateware, but it said the session was expired. Which of the sets were you referring to? I love everything in the kitchen on Everyday Italian. That is my DREAM kitchen! Not the one on her new show, but the one on Everyday Italian is just gorge!
Culinary Goals? Hmm…I'll have to think on that one.:) Diana
i got bit by the "i wanna cook til i drop" bug for the past two days…i am cooking up a storm.and i even went online and purchased new goodies. probably not things you'll be impressed with, but things i totally have been wanting (lodge cast iron cookware) i bought a 20×10 in griddle/grill and a press thingy. i'm so excited. i've been wanting steak but i dont like broiled steak and i can't grill outside…hopefully this will do the trick. i'm excited.i am so hoping to get into some sort of cooking mode full time. next on my list is a set of good knives. suggestion?
Wow,Those are enough goals for a few years, not just one. With the way things are now, stores should be GIVING away all that fancy dish and glassware, but somehow it never works out that way.
what a good idea, I've never thought at culinary goals for new year, I'll start my own list! and I can teach you on-line how to do fresh pasta; it is soooo easy that even my boyfrind – who is no good at all in the kitchen – can do it
))ciaoSimonahttp://www.cellartours.com/blog
1. sell my book to a major publisher
2. pitch my own show to a major network
3. land a regular appearance on a local station
4. get my hands dirty with thai food
5. donate for of my time to the needy (foodbanks, church's, schools)
6. host more parties
7. buy my first piece of Le Creuset (TJ Maxx has great discounts on them)
and the list goes on and on!