Looking Back...

That's it, folks. My 2010 New Year's resolution has come to a close.

So, how did it go? What do I think looking back? To be honest, this was the most successful resolution I have ever made in my life! And that is not an exaggeration.

Last year I found myself looking at recipes, but constantly eating microwaveable food. I was scared and lazy and unmotivated to tackle any of the recipes I found. I wanted to, but a) didn't have the confidence, b) didn't think I had the time, and c) didn't really have the kitchen experience and/or tools. But I made a resolution to make two new recipes a month and I more than exceeded that goal and my own expectations. I went well beyond 24 recipes for the year, but more than that I changed my way of thinking and doing when it came to cooking. Now I would consider myself someone who likes to cook! There are definitely still recipes that scare me, tools I don't have, and foods I'm just not ready to tackle, but that just means this resolution doesn't have to end.

The very best thing about this past year's resolution is that it has become a habit. My cabinets are now usually stocked with foods that are often used for recipes, even if I don't have a recipe in mind. I actually take the time to make a recipe, my own creation, on almost every given night with what I have on hand. I want to cook and try new things and am looking forward to that party or get-together to make something new! Plus with all my new kitchen gadgets my repertoire of recipes has greatly increased.

The problem with resolutions is that often they aren't tangible. You can't see the results immediately and so get off track or give up (at least for me). But the difference with this resolution was that I was able to see my habits and attitude change and the blog was a big part of that. I kept track of all the recipes I made - the good, bad, and just plain ugly - and can look back at my progress. This may have started as a resolution, but it has become a lifestyle. I plan to continue this blog and document the new recipes I make. In my very first post I referenced how I didn't want to become a wife who didn't know her way around the kitchen (in so many words) and now I am positive that that won't happen.

As far as my favorite and/or most successful recipes from this blog, the ones that stand out are:
- Pumpkin Muffins because they were so easy and so good! Plus this was the first recipe I made because I realized I already had all the ingredients on hand.
- I find myself cooking way more than baking, but these Chocolate Cherry cookies were so good and easy!
- All the mac n cheese recipes have been good, but I would say my favorite was the recipe using squash.
- Helping my mom prepare Thanksgiving was definitely a high point, especially since it was a big time first for me!
- And getting out of my comfort zone to make Quinoa (twice) and Spaghetti Squash has been great and both have now become staples in my diet.

As for my resolution for 2011... I'm still tweaking it, but am planning for it to be something along these same lines. Something I can see happening and really commit to. And in the meantime, onward to a new year and a whole slew of new recipes!