2012

Although I haven't historically made New Year's resolutions, there are two things I'd like to do in 2012: become a better cook and also complete a triathlon. One requires a lot more work than the other, particularly because my awesome friend Jena bought me a slow cooker for Christmas. Over Christmas break, I made a new cookbook by cutting out recipes from the last six months of Cooking Light. My sister asserted that I wouldn't make any of these recipes, but rather that this was just a project to keep me busy over the holidays.

I am determined to prove to her that I will cook and also become a very talented cook. I've made about four things in the past two days and will lead off with what's been my favorite thus far, Guinness Lamb Stew. The recipe can be found here: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/guinness-lamb-stew-50400000109599/



There are a couple things I've learned thus far in my new found cooking career. At first I was hopeful that I was going to save a bunch of money by cooking my own meals rather than ordering from Seamless and/or stopping on my way home for dinner every night. However, I've learned you have to be very careful to manage your input costs. The lamb in this stew is amazing. However, it also cost $12.99 a pound at Citarella, which means my cost for 7 servings of this stew, including all items, is about $35 (I used two pounds of lamb). That equates to about $5 per serving, which isn't horrible, but is also not too much cheaper than the $8-10 for daily lunch. Hmmm.

I've also learned some new ingredients. This lamb stew is the first time I purchased and consumed turnips, which are kind of similar to radishes. I had to go to several stores to find them. Further, I learned that Guinness is not only good for drinking, but can also be used to make a very flavorful stew. I'm proud to be executing one of my goals for 2012 and I still have a couple of days before the New Year's begins. Hooray!

Iceland

In October, a friend and I visited Iceland for five days. It was beautiful, relaxing and we were one with nature, quite a change from New York City. Unfortunately someone stole my Nikon D90 on the trip, which was a total bummer for a number of reasons. I bought a replacement camera in Iceland, a simple point and shoot, which I'm sure was marked up at least 50% to what I could have got it for on Amazon.com

I would definitely recommend visiting Iceland, just do it before October and also don't leave any high end consumer electronics in your purse when you go out. Here's one of my favorite videos of us snowmobiling out on a glacier.

Reggie and the Old Spice Bear

Reggie, the best dog ever who is currently vacationing with my parents in Virginia while I live in the Big Apple, is not exactly one with nature. For some apparent reason, she was mortified of one of my father's Christmas presents, an Old Spice bear.



She was also mortified of one my mother's Christmas gifts, a pig that looks like a sweet potato. We can't be sure why these inanimate objects caused such a reaction from her, but we're glad she was able to keep us entertained over Christmas break. Love you, Reg!