my new years resolution

I am VERY excited about my resolution this year. Its not the normal loose weight or quit smoking resolutions that everyone makes. Those would be silly as 1. I go to the gym regularly already and 2. I don't smoke.

My resolution is.... To become a good cook by the end of the year!

Right now if I have a recipe and all of the ingredients I can cook just about anything. I want to be able to go in the kitchen have a look at the fridge and cupboards and think "right, I'll make this" and know exactly what to make with whats there. Also, when I look at a recipe I want to be able to say, "oh I would probably like it with a or b added, or I don't have x I can just substitute z." See I want to feel confident in the kitchen. I want to feel like I know exactly what to do rather than feeling like a bit of a nervous novice. I also want to be good at timing so all the food is done at the same time and served hot. Oh, and be able to host dinner parties.

So how am I going to do this? Practice makes perfect.

In the sales I bought an excellent low fat cookbook that is big with lots of pictures. W H Smith was practically giving it away, I Had to have it. It even rates recipes on difficulty, one chef hat to five. After purchasing this I received Nigella's Express cookbook from Gemma, one of my fav new friends here. It was such a perfect Christmas pressie! Now I am set with cookbooks and ready to learn.


I have done well so far, practically started living in the kitchen. Over the weekend I made a vegetable and lentil soup, turkey ciabatta sandwiches and salmon linguine in a white wine sauce. Last night I saved some old bananas by turning them into banana muffins. I have had success so far and it's not even a week into the year. At this rate I will be an expert foodie in a year.

Any recipes or suggestions please send them my way please!

love