January 3, 2014
One of my goals for 2014 is to cook a new recipe at least once a month. I thought it would be a great way to introduce new (and healthy!) foods to my diet, diversify my weekly meals (although healthy, they tend to be same week to week and a bit boring), better my cooking skills, and share the finished product with friends and family (do I hear dinner parties??)
After reading some online reviews, I ordered The Runner’s World Cookbook, “150 Ultimate Recipes for Fueling Up and Slimming Down – While Enjoying Every Bite” prior to the new year. My cookbook arrived this week – what perfect timing! (I think you can download a Kindle version on Amazon as well).
This post is not meant to be a review (you can Google it and find a good number of blog reviews) – but I must say I do like the layout, pictures, introduction, and recipe key. After flipping through the book I thought it would be fun to cook my way through all 150 recipes, a la the Julie/Julia Project Blog, the inspiration behind the movie Julie & Julia.
Unlike the book/movie I will NOT attempt to cook all of the recipes in one year, it will probably take much longer for me (plus there are loads of other recipies I want to try from different sources). I’ll most likely share my creations (or disasters) in picture form on this blog and add a tab on my header to track my progress.
And because today is Friday, I thought I would share the first five recipes I will attempt to make. I chose these dishes because I already have some of the ingredients in my pantry or they include ingredients I typically buy week to week. In no particular order:
- Butternut Squash Hummus – I went to Zaytina for the first time a few weeks ago and had their version of butternut squash hummus. It was delicious – I hope this version will be just as good.
- Maple-Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – I recently cleaned out my pantry. Based on the number of canned pumpkin pie I have, you would think there was a shortage.
- Chickpea-Pesto Tomato Soup -See #2, and also add in chickpeas, black beans, and diced tomatoes (I’ll have to post a photo one day).
- Chicken-Quinoa Soup – It’s cold outside, I love chicken + quinoa, perfect!
- Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts – A couple of weeks ago I had the most amazing brussel sprouts at Logan Tavern, and I’ve been craving them since. I hope this recipe will satisfy my craving.
Today I am linking up with Mar, Courtney, Cynthia, and Jill.
Do you have a favorite recipe?
Do you plan your meals each week?