When I started blogging, it was simply a creative outlet that gave me some relief from a job I didn’t enjoy. I had no idea that it would turn into a love affair woven with meaningful friendships, daily education, and a constant challenge to better myself in the kitchen, as a writer, and as a blossoming food stylist and photographer.
With the year coming to a close, I’ve given some thought about where I want SS&GF to go in 2010. I’m sharing my plans because I’d love to hear your feedback, as so much of what I do springboards off of your comments and e-mails.
In 2010:
- SS&GF is going seasonal, local, and organic. Learning to cook this way takes time and effort. I’ve been moving in this direction over the last six months and have gotten a real education from my CSA membership. Our CSA is ‘closed’ until late January because there local farmers can’t grow enough produce right now. We’ve had bizarre weather and several freezes so sometimes ‘local’ is not a viable option.
- whole grains and whole grain flours will be making regular appearances in my baking and cooking. I’ve fallen in love with buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth flours. I’ve started to move from a place where I need my gluten free, sugar free baking to be just like ‘glutenoid,’ sugary baked goods and have found such freedom in letting the flours be what they are.
- a variety alternatives to sugar will make appearances aside from agave – dates, raisins, yacon, fruit juices and frozen concentrates, and stevia.
- Joe and I are going to put a garden in the 30 square feet of space we have available. Small but mighty is what we’re planning on.
- Slightly Indulgent Tuesday will continue to grow. I have found so much joy in learning how we make food healthier in different ways and look forward with excitement to more participation and new ideas.
- I plan to finish the cookbook I’ve been writing. I’m most excited about this! It’s a dream I’ve had since I was in high school, and my goal is to finish this year.
- I’ll write more about healthier eating that will contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. So many people e-mail me about weight loss and though I’ve had huge long-term weight loss success, it’s my least favorite topic. For 15 years my focus was wrong. I was so worried about losing the weight, and in my worry I couldn’t make a change. Once I changed my focus and started feeding my body in a healthy way, the weight came off without effort. I’ll write more about that this year.
- I’m going to enjoy the journey. This is a lesson I’ve been learning for quite some time. I’ve always been one of those people that wants to get “there,” where ever “there” happens to be. Over the last few months I’ve started to see that it’s really about enjoying NOW. Peace and joy are readily available when I remember this.
I wish you a happy and safe New Year and a 2010 full of everything you want in life.
Is there anything you’d like to see at SS&GF? I am always happy to hear your comments and feedback.
This post is linked to The Nourishing Gourmet’s New Year’s Resolution Carnival.
