Cooking Tips from the Tasteless

We are  more than halfway through January, so it may be a little late in the game to talk about New Years Resolutions … buuuuut I feel like I am actually succeeding for once, so I want to share my winningness with you, dear readers!

This year, instead of cut and dry, do or die resolutions having to do with my weight (a favorite for me and every other person in America according to current TV commercials), I made a promise to myself to work on some more general things.

1. I will yell at my kids less (already failed spectacularly, but hey it’s an every day battle)
2. I will get back to crafting (I have made 6 batches of goats milk soap and cannot wait to make more while also boring everyone to death with details about soap making. Look out, that post is coming soon, dear readers … i.e., captive audience)
3. Learn some new recipes…

…I am a mediocre cook (and that is being nice). Don’t get me wrong, I love to eat delicious food and I appreciate that cooking is an art form … mama just don’t have time for all that nonsense. For years the only “spice” in my cabinet was salt and my usual goal is to have a protein, vegetable, and starch on the plate in under 30 minutes. Edible is what I aim for, adjectives like “tasty” and “flavorful” are out of my reach. But recently my husband and my oldest daughter have been voicing their … let’s say concerns … over my recipe repertoire. So this year I decided to try something new. I checked out a few cookbooks from the Library, found recipes to try, and then (this is where it gets interesting) … I read them. I didn’t just glance at the ingredients, substituting half of them with what I had on hand.  I made lists, I purchased things and I followed the directions. And do you know, it worked? So far I have made three different meals from three cookbooks that my husband and kids ate, and then … ASKED FOR MORE. Not for something else, mind you, but for more of the thing I cooked.  It. Was. Amazing.

The Best 30 Minute Recipe (suggested by my boss Ian!)
From this cookbook, I made a skillet version of shepherds pie. Even with peeling and mashing the potatoes myself (my kids had a field day with the peels, creating “witches stew”) this really did only take 30 minutes and it was delicious. (Sadly this was also the only meal I remembered to photograph.) I plan on making several more recipes from this book. I may even go out and buy my own copy, and that is saying something.

I Didn’t Know My Slow Cooker Could Do That
This one I just pulled off the shelf on a whim. I love my slow cooker and the few passable things I do make are made in the slow cooker, where all I have to do is dump the ingredients in and walk away. I have tried to find different slow cooker recipes before but generally get annoyed because they mostly seem like variations on the same 10 to 15 recipes. This book had a couple new things I have never tried before and the beef and broccoli recipe that I made was great.

One Pan, Two Plates
This was another one I found on the shelf. I really like the idea of those “4 or 5 or whatever random number of ingredients” recipe books, but when I’ve flipped through them I don’t really see anything interesting. I picked this one up hoping it would be similar in theme given that the recipes were limited to one pan and meant for weeknights. But that it would offer more flare; and while the recipes were a little more involved, I liked that the directions were simple and ingredients were kept to a minimum. Also, technically I have four plates I need to fill nightly, but my seven-year-old eats like a bird and the toddler can only put away so much before passing out in a food coma, so it worked for us. I made Hungarian beef goulash, mainly because I have always wanted to try goulash; it’s a great, fun word to say. I will admit I may have liked this more than my husband and kids, but I don’t care. It was yummy. A lot of the recipes in this book seem like things outside my ability level, but they also sound delicious, so I am going to try and stretch myself by making a few more recipes. If things go well this might be another title I actually go out and buy for keeps.

I am going to try and keep this resolution. There is a certain amount of pride I felt making things that my family liked instead of  something that just met their basic dietary requirements. If you have any suggestions for other recipes or cookbooks I should, try leave them in the comments, and I will report back any triumphs, and failures, from your suggestions.

-Natalie

 

New Year’s Resolution Ideas

For the past two months I have shopped, gorged and fretted my way through the snowy season. Now I have the next few days to spend time with the special people in my life, sharing laughter and love. Many folks use this time to reflect on the previous year, all the things they have accomplished and all the things they want to do in the New Year. I am mostly looking forward to all of the things waiting for my family in 2014. We are expecting in late spring and our 5 year old is heading off to kindergarten in the fall. Change is happening in our household and I am both excited and nervous for the future.

I am pretty shallow so I don’t often reflect, but 2013 changed our lives in a lot of ways and I found myself thinking about the New Year’s resolutions I made (and in most cases promptly forgot) last year. As January approaches I have resolved to make some healthier changes in my life, focus on my family, and do the laundry more than once a week (this is an often made resolution in my life). A quick Google search brings up several lists of the top New Year’s resolutions and I wanted to share some of them with you, along with some resources to help you start fresh in 2014!

1)      Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly (a.k.a. lose weight). This is a staple for most people this time of year. The holidays can stress people out and stress can lead to over eating, so it is no big surprise that when we think about how we want to change our lives we think about a healthier -balanced lifestyle. You can find great reading and DVDs at the library to help you on your way.

2)      Learn something new. It doesn’t matter if it is a new language or an instrument, learning something new gives you a chance to gain a new perspective on life.

3)      Volunteer. Helping others is a great resolution that tends to make it on to most top resolution lists. The Library offers volunteer opportunities in the libraries and in our friends’ organizations.

4)      Save Money. In years of plenty and in the lean years this resolution tends to find a spot on lots of lists. The library, of course, is a great money saver when you use it as a patron, but also offers lots of resources to help you with investing, aid, and taxes!

5)      Get organized. This is a hard one for me, it is always on my list and is the first resolution to fly out the window. I am just naturally a hair-brained type gal but there are lots of different titles out there to help you try to get your house, family and work more organized!

How about you? What are your tried and true (or tired and over-used) resolutions?

–Natalie

A [kind of] New Woman

I am one of those people who make New Year’s Resolutions. I try to make them realistic, but not too easy. For example, I can say I’m going to give up Indian food, Jim Beam and HBO. With nooooo problem. Because I don’t like the food, drink the booze or have cable. Done and done!

No?

All right…

My 2013 Resolutions

One new vegetable a month*

I almost said one new vegetable a week, but that seemed way too ambitious. I can’t even think of 52 vegetables. Not that I don’t love my steady diet of broccoli, spinach, green beans, peas and asparagus, but it’s time to mix it up. To that end, here are few cook books I’m going to use to help me out.

Eat your vegetables, Arthur Potts Dawson

The art of cooking with vegetables, Alain Passard

Cooking with fruits and vegetables, Claire Llewellyn

*I will not, however, be eating any form of mushroom.
They taste like dirt, people.

Stop saying sorry

I apologize for everything. I apologize for stuff that’s not my fault, for events that I have no control over, things that have nothing to do with me. I apologize when someone does something to me! It’s stupid and doesn’t get me anywhere. These people will help me.

Manage my money better

I pay my bills on time and all that jazz. But I really should have way more expendable income than I do. Like way more. Especially since I quit smoking (2011’s resolution) and added an extra $4000 a year to my pocket money. Where is it going???

Also, managing my money better would mean I could donate more to charity, which is always on my resolution list. I’m so fortunate to have the life I have. I should absolutely be helping others in need. For real.

I signed up for  Mint.com, a website that pulls all your financial accounts into one place. You can set a budget, create and track goals and [gulp] see where your money is really going.

The behavior gap : simple ways to stop doing  dumb things with money, Carl Richards

The debt-free spending plan : an amazingly simple way to take control of your finances once and for all, JoAnneh Nagler

The only budgeting book you’ll ever need : how to save money and manage your finances with a personal budget plan that works for you, Tere Stouffer.

30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge

I am going to do 30 days of Bikram (hot) yoga, in a row, without a day off. Frankly, I think this will be the hardest resolution to keep. Because of work and chores and things that constantly interrupt my fun, there will be days that I have to go to the 6 a.m. class. In the dead of winter. Probably on my bike. From the South Side to Lawrenceville. To say that I’m not a morning person…well, this could be ugly.

I plan on starting February 1st and going through to March 2nd. Now that it’s out in the universe, I have to do it. If I succeed, I am totally buying a pair of yoga pants with bling on the butt. Because I will have earned them.

Pray for me. Happy 2013!

-suzy

Your New Year

Each January, many of us decide to change our lives. There are the usual things we want to do:

       

Eat healthier: 

• Culinary Intelligence: The Art of Eating Healthy (and Really Well) by Peter Kaminsky
• Everyday Happy Herbivore: Over 175 Quick-and-easy Fat-free and Low-fat Vegan Recipes by Lindsay S. Nixon
• Hungry For Change: Ditch the Diets, Conquer the Cravings, and Eat Your Way to Lifelong Health by James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch

End bad habits:

• The Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Stuff Done by Piers Steel
• Smoke Free in 30 Days: The Pain-free, Permanent Way to Quit by Daniel F. Seidman
• Would It Kill You to Stop Doing That?: A Modern Guide to Manners by Henry Alford

Handle money better:

• All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi
• The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money by Carl Richards
• Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner

Work out and lose weight:

• The Big Book of Health and Fitness: A Practical Guide to Diet, Exercise, Healthy Aging, Illness Prevention, and Sexual Well-being by Philip Maffetone
• Body by You: The You are Your Own Gym Guide to Total Fitness for Women by Mark Lauren with Joshua Clark
• Chubster: A Hipster’s Guide to Losing Weight While Staying Cool by Martin Cizmar

These are all good things to focus on, but here are some ideas for other changes you could make.

       

Add some creativity to your life:

• The Book of Doing: Everyday Activities to Unlock Your Creativity and Joy by Allison Arden
• The Flavor Thesaurus: A Compendium of Pairings, Recipes, and Ideas for the Creative Cook by Niki Segnit
• How to Write Songs on Guitar by Rikky Rooksby

Forgive someone:

• Beyond Revenge: The Evolution of the Forgiveness Instinct by Michael E. McCullough
• Finding Forgiveness: A 7-step Program for Letting Go of Anger and Bitterness by Eileen Borris-Dunchunstang
• Unconditional Forgiveness: A Simple and Proven Method to Forgive Everyone and Everything by Mary Hayes-Grieco

Make it yourself:

• Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques & Recipes for Mastering World-class Cheeses by Mary Karlin
• Green Beauty Recipes: Easy Homemade Recipes to Make Your Own Natural and Organic Skincare, Hair Care, and Body Care Products by Julie Gabriel
• How to Make Your Own Brewskis: –The Go-to Guide for Craft Brew Enthusiasts by Mark Murphy & Jordan St. John

Show gratitude:

• 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik
• Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation by Mike Robbins
• Living Life as a Thank You: The Transformative Power of Daily Gratitude by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons

Whatever you choose to do with your new year, I hope you have a wonderful one.

–Aisha

A Resolution to Tie Up Loose Ends

Every year, I always come up with New Year’s resolutions and goals for myself. As I was thinking about it this week, I realized that, for the very first time, I couldn’t think of anything new to accomplish in the new year that I wasn’t already doing. This is unusual for me as I always think of new ways to improve my life, my health, and my bank account.

In past years, I’ve made resolutions to eat better; now I’m vegan. Or to live with less; check. To exercise daily; double check. To save more money; triple check.

But there is something that’s really important and something that only someone who is practical (and getting older!) like myself would think about: making arrangements with an attorney to set up a revocable living trust, a durable power of attorney for health care,  and a financial power of attorney. This is something I’ve been meaning to do for a very long time and, since this is a lean year for resolutions anyway, this one seems easily achievable.

Here are a few very helpful books I’m consulting:

Protect and Enhance Your Estate: Definitive Strategies for Estate and Wealth Planning by Robert Esperti

Living Trusts for Everyone: Why a Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle Estates by Ronald Sharp

Suze Orman’s The Ultimate Protection Portfolio by Suze Orman

How about you? Resolutions, anyone?

~Maria, who wishes everyone a very happy and healthy 2013!

Resolutions

Another year is soon coming to an end, and with that comes my New Year’s resolutions (subject to change or not be resolved):

Run more, eat better.

After time spent reading about the ills of eating some foods, I am knowledgable, although not entirely convinced that such an extreme approach is for me. However, I have less of an excuse to be picky about what goes into my body, and how I use that energy. Also, it works for Murakami.

Watch more Nicolas Cage films.

I am serious. Cage is the single most interesting actor alive, and he seemingly doesn’t turn down a role – it makes him both fascinating and impossible to keep up with. A true National Treasure . (Sorry, I had to. Really.)

Read a classic.
I am guilty of not putting enough of these down in my time reading – I am guilty of being too contemporary. One way to tackle this is to promise yourself at least one classic a year. This year for me was Don Quixote (full disclosure: it remains unfinished). Next year I’m letting three excellent choices guide me and seeing where I end up. The new translation of Madame Bovary by Lydia Davis is pretty hot right now (again, guilty of being most interested in the newest). Time will tell which one ends up in my hands.

Be more social.

Simple enough, right?

Write more.

No matter how many writing guides I may read, or how many of my favorite novels are about living as a writer, the mantra is simple: write every day. This is an easy one, do what you love. Take what you know, how you live, and put it down. This applies to anything you do.

I plan on feeling better, doing better, and living well in the next year. I hope you, dear reader, will as well. A happy new year to you all.

– Tony

Resolute

The promise of a brand-new year never fails to fill me with joy and hope.  No matter what I have or have not accomplished in the previous twelve months, when I look at all those blank boxes on the coming year’s  January calendar page I think to myself, “Sweetheart, this is your time.  Go crazy.”

So, that’s my plan:  to learn new crafts, visit new places, read as many books as possible, and otherwise explore and savor everything life has to offer.  Obviously, I’ll be using the library as a get-started resource for many of my adventures.  Life can’t be experienced solely through books and reading, but a great library can provide both the practical tools and the inspiration any lifelong learner needs to take the next flying leaps into the unknown.

In the spirit of “I am crazy, and so can you,” here is a list of 100 things you can do in 2011 with the friendly help of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. *

1. Sign up for Winter Read-A-Thon.
2. Give your furniture a facelift.
3. Build a marshmallow muzzleloader and other cool gizmos.
4. Read more.
5. Learn to bellydance.
6. Pick a Guinness world record and try to break it.
7. Become a library volunteer.
8. Forgive your parents.
9. Forgive your children.
10. Forgive yourself.
11. Throw a “Love and Tacos” party.
12. Learn to change your oil.
13. Dabble in unusual languages.
14. Get a positive I.D. on the bird that wakes you up every morning.
15. Start your own business.
16. Expand your musical horizons.
17. Appreciate wine.
18. Eat more vegetables.
19. Laugh more.
20. Get lost.
21. Join a Friends of the Library group.
22. Draw dragons
23. Pump yourself up.
24. Raise chickens.
25. Relive the 1980s.
26. Start dating again.
27. Spice up your life.
28. Build your own “antique” furniture.
29. Double down on black and beat the house.
30. Update your résumé.
31. Start a ‘burgh blog.
32. Design a board game.
33. Prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
34. Organize a poetry slam.
35. Sign up for a Donor Plus card.
36. Save money.
37. Try hooping.
38. Say yes.
39. Say no.
40. Rock out.
41. Make movies.
42. Sing the theme song from Bonanza.
43. Explore your family tree.
44. Play with LEGOS.
45. Become a fan of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh on Facebook.
46. Get over your fear of Facebook.
47. Have a cookie swap.
48. Pretend you don’t own a television.
49. Adopt a ferret.
50. Brew your own beer.
51. Assess your investments.
52. Join a book club.
53. Start a book club.
54. Ignore a book club.
55. Learn to play the mbira.
56. Research your next pet.
57. Get over it (whatever “it” is).
58. Come out.
59. Stay in.
60. Go away.
61. Choose or design your next tattoo.
62. Decipher hieroglyphics.
63. Check out a Playaway.
64. Get the grant.
65. Trick out your “man cave.”
66. Make wooden toys.
67. Conquer your fear of math.
68. Dabble in vegan baking.
69. Discover ‘zines.
70. Take the plunge and join Twitter.
71. Follow the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh on Twitter.
72. Restore a classic car.
73. Rediscover fairy tales.
74. Start building up your urban homestead.
75. Become a philanthropist.
76. Avoid information overload.
77. Mind your manners.
78. Discover just how hilarious good grammar can be.
79. Grow in your faith.
80. Exercise your skepticism.
81. Get married.
82. Get remarried.
83. Get sober.
84. Celebrate Pittsburgh writers.
85. Throw out fifty things.
86. Run the table.
87. Train for a marathon.
88. Cook for a crowd.
89. Practice mad science.
90. Do something different with your hair.
91. Hack the planet.
92. Freestyle rap.
93. Grow bonsai.
94. Give good meeting.
95. Watch all the films that were ever nominated for an Academy Award.
96. Understand comics.
97. Do a little dance.
98. Make a little love.
99. Get down tonight!
100. Ask a librarian for more possibilities.

I’m not sure why it’s so much easier for me to believe in transformation and hope at this time of year.  Maybe it’s the snow, or the way people let down their guard and treat each other a little more gently, exchanging presents and reconnecting with loved ones.  Who knows?  Perhaps it’s not something that can be rationally explained, merely savored–as if savoring life could ever be merely “mere.”

As the wheel of the year slowly turns us once more toward the light, can you regain that sense of childlike belief that you could accomplish just about anything to which you set your mind?   What are your hopes and dreams for 2011, dear readers?  What astonishing things will you do?  And, most importantly, how can we help you?

–Leigh Anne
your eternally optimistic opsimath

*With a tip of the hat to the Phillipsburg Free Public Library for publishing a similar list back in the day, and the excellent colleague who loaned me her poster of said list.