Giangi's Kitchen

2019 New Year’s Resolutions — Mine and Possibly Yours, Too

It is the start of a brand new year, which hopefully fills each of you with energy and inspiration. Who knows what you will learn, discover and accomplish in the 12 months ahead?

It is also that time of year when millions of people around the world make New Year’s Resolutions. Sometimes we meet our aims. But more often than not, we miss the mark. In fact, researchers have found that a whopping 92% of people do not achieve their lofty New Year’s Resolutions.

However, one of the big reasons for this grizzly statistic, is that people tend to aim too high. Yes, it is important to set big goals. But if they are TOO BIG, then instead of motivating us to move forward, they can frustrate, intimidate and crush us — until we give up entirely and “try again next year.”

Well, this year I feel things can be different! That is because I am personally choosing 3 New Year’s Resolutions that are ambitious, but not unrealistic. And I have also picked 3 New Year’s Resolutions that each of you may want to add to your list, whether you are new to the culinary arts or a veteran chef.

First, I will start with my personal New Year’s Resolutions:

1. I will finish my cookbook! This has been in the works for a while, but there is always something that comes up — you know how life can get. However, this year I am going to really try and make the time to finish this enjoyable project. I will keep all of your posted on developments.

2. I will create a least 2 new recipes a week. For me, creating recipes is truly a labor of love. So, this year I am really going to try and dial things up so that I am adding 2 original and creative recipes a week, including some classic recipes with the pressure cooker, as well as more recipes from around the world. Of course, this will make it even harder to pick my favorite recipes of 2019, but that is a problem for another day! By the way, you can see my favorite recipes of 2018 here.

3. I will create a lot of new content for GiangisKitchen.com. As you may know, last year we completely re-invented GiangisKitchen.com, and launched a mobile-friendly website that has lots of great features. In 2019, I will strive to create much more original content for all of you, such as tips and life hacks, and videos of recipes so that you can follow along and we can virtually cook together!

Now, here are 3 New Year’s Resolutions for you to consider adding to your list this year: 

1. At least a few times this year, I will think outside of the (recipe) box. I’m sure that you have your favorite dishes, and your family has theirs, too. But this year, I really encourage you to try new recipes that introduce you to new flavors, combinations and experiences. You do not have to jump into the deep end by preparing an extravagant meal that might turn out to be a miss instead of a hit. You can start small with snacks, and slowly but surely expand your culinary horizons. You will be AMAZED at how many things you can create. There is a whole world of cooking out there — go and explore it!

2. I will try to spend more time cooking with my family. The critical word in this resolution is “with,” because the idea here is not that you just have more at-home family dinners, or that you cook while your family members casually pitch in (or more often than not, go and watch TV or start using their iPad!). This is about turning cooking into a family event, where everyone rolls up their sleeves and has a role to play. I encourage you read this article for tips on how you can turn cooking time into family time, and bring more love into your home!

3. While staying in my budget, I will add to my kitchen toolkit. Whether you have been hankering for a pressure cooker, food processor, melting drome, cookie press or anything else, I encourage you to make 2019 the year you add to your kitchen toolkit. Please note that I am not suggesting that you go on an epic shopping blitz and end up with huge credit card bills! Instead, I am nudging you to go ahead and get at least one of the gadgets or tools that you have been craving. It will inspire you to spend more time cooking and try new recipes, which are both positive developments! And in the long run, cooking more often at home vs. going out to expensive restaurants will save you money — hundreds of maybe even thousands of dollars a year.

Wishing You the Best

 On behalf of everyone at GiangisKitchen.com, I would like to wish you and yours all the best for 2019. I hope that the year brings you plenty of smiles and lots of love, and that you enjoy your time in the kitchen and at the dinner table!

Sincerely yours.

Giangi