New Year's Kitchen Resolutions 2010-Part 2

I"m not perfect. I never said I was. . .even if I try. Naturally, there are things about myself I'd like to improve on. However, I try my hardest to start being a better person when I learn of a fault of mine instead of waiting for a new year to make the change my ways. Still, I make New Years Kitchen Resolutions because it encourages me to "think outseide of the box". . .to be creative in what I want in regard to my hobby of cooking. It's not something I'll beat myself up about if I don't succeed. It's just an opportunity to create a wishlist for the betterment of my family and possibly for my sanity.

So, here are my thoughts for my 2010 Kitchen Resolutions. Some will need immediate consideration. Others apply to after the baby gets here. Either way, they're in the cards.

• I've been told you get a maximum of two stops when you're out and about with a kid. Therefore, it will be a necessity for me to consolidate my grocery shopping. Usually, I prefer stops at Aldi, Cotsco, and Publix because they're in the same area. Resolution One is to start rethinking my schedule.

  Also, something I noticed quite by accident this year is that if I do one big shopping trip and one small shopping trip (for milk and bananas) for a two-week time period, I actually spend half as much on groceries. This idea would give me more time with the family. I haven't had a stiff food budget in the past, but this little step will help cut our bill, which is important since we will be out some funds due to maternity leave. I'm going to practice living on a tighter food budget.

• Resolution Two is experimenting with baby food. I've gotten some coupons for free baby food, which I love. I've also registered for baby food at Target. (Our registry is very practical.) However, one thing I noticed is that often baby foods have additives and preservatives. I want to experiment making my own baby food because a) I think at times it will be cheaper, b) I want to feed my baby as naturally as possible, and c) I have read that a great way to ensure kids are good eaters is to serve them the same thing you eat. For example, when I make roasted sweet potatoes, I'll keep some on the side without the salt, rosemary, and other seasonings, and simply blend it my food processor so Baby Rabbit will be served the same thing her parents get.
• Paul picked up some Goya Pearl Rice one day when he was shopping with me at the grocery store. I had no idea what it was or what to do with it. However, the visiting family wanted rice last week, and the largest bag I had was this rice. I ended up cooking it and come to find out, it wasn't scary at all! It was just like any other white rice. Why did I leave it sitting in the cabinets so long? Resolution Three is to NOT be afraid of something Paul wants to try AND to give him more opportunity to make dinner recommendations. I want him to feel like he's welcome in our kitchen.
• During his long weekend in New York on a marketing adventure, Paul learned about the importance of fiber in health and in keeping weight down. Since then, he often asks about the amount of fiber in different items on our table. Resolution Four is to be more open in sharing with Paul why I buy the products I buy and even to encourage discussion about items we should add or remove from our pantry and fridge.

I don't know if I'll make specific posts in relation to my successes with my Kitchen Resolutions, but for sure you'll be able to see how I'm doing based on my posts throughout the year.

Do you have a New Year's Kitchen Resolution for yourself? Or do you have a resolution for me and my family? Please share your comments below.

Would you like to know what we're eating next?