Food-olutions...

Prepare to say goodbye to all the goodies of 2006. Soon, 2007 will be here, all fresh and rosy, with that unmistakable new-year aroma. You know the one... It smells like less fat, fewer calories and worst taste. Things start to look up around March when folks start reaching for the Krispy Kremes again...

Well, I resolve to do the opposite of what most people will when it comes to food: I plan to eat (gasp!) MORE in 2007. Not more from a quantity standpoint, but more variety... For instance, I want to try some of the fruit I marvel at in Jungle Jim's, but always put back on the shelf. I'd like to visit the tried and true restaurants about town. You know the ones that don't advertise, but manage to stay in business for 50+ years? That's where I'll be, getting all nostalgic as I stare at tattered wallpaper and dig into comfort food... I also plan to grocery shop every Sunday and plan my meals weeks ahead so I can cook every day after work without stressing about it. Right now, my pantry is so bare it's an embarassment. Lastly, I want to be a more adventurous cook. Here are two dishes I've already put on my crazy-things-to-cook list for '07:

Doro Wat - A yummy Ethiopian stew I'd love to make at home, in spite of the laundry list of ingredients. I'll try to make injera, the traditional Ethiopian flat bread, while I'm at it. I wonder where I can find teff in Cincinnati...

Turducken - This is Paula Deen's recipe; I'll save this one for the holidays.