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I recently read there was a study done that explains why time seems to speed up as we age. Something to do with the brain slowing down, so that’s reassuring. In any case, can you believe 2019 is a quarter over? Since that’s our reality, I’m checking in with my 2019 kitchen resolutions with a first quarter check-in.
As a reminder, my four main kitchen goals for the year are:
- Utilize Tools And Gadgets To Make Eating Healthy Easier
- Clean Small Appliances Immediately After Using
- Fill My Fridge With Locally Grown Produce
- Attempt To Make A Sourdough Starter – And Keep It Alive!
Utilize Tools And Gadgets To Make Eating Healthy Easier
We haven’t started using all of our new appliances and gadgets, since we are planning on moving to a real house in the near future. However, I’ve been strategic about which ones to keep in the kitchen instead of storing in the basement until the move.
One that I have used a few times in the food processor. I have learned that ground up lentils make an excellent meat substitute, which works great for my psuedo-vegetarian diet.
Overall, I’d still like to work on this goal, and hope that as we get into summer I am utilizing the juicer and air fryer more.
Clean Small Appliances Immediately After Using
I’m still a horrible slob, who is just not bothered at all when I’m surrounded by mess. But I’ve been trying to be more conscious about these appliances. While I am okay with messes, I’m not cool with scrubbing the little moving parts when things crust onto them.
That’s been my main motivation, and I’ve been doing well. The espresso machine is the easiest to keep clean. It’s been nice to have that all ready to go in the mornings so I can have a tasty coffee treat whenever I want.
This goal needs work, but that’s because it’s something I have to decide to do everyday. I was sort of hoping cleaning could become a habit, but I don’t see that happening to me.
Fill My Fridge With Locally Grown Produce
It’s still winter in upstate New York, but we’re wrapping up soon! However, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t make progress on this goal. I researched local farm shares and CSA’s, and found one that I think will work for our diet and lifestyle. I signed up, and now we’ll get fresh fruits and vegetables all summer!
Besides the farm share, I can also work on buying any supplemental produce from local farm markets. Again, this will have to wait until we actually start getting plants to grow here!
Attempt To Make A Sourdough Starter – And Keep It Alive!
I’m doing it! I started my adventures with sourdough a couple weeks ago, and it’s been going pretty well. I’ve tried to make feeding the starter a part of my morning routine. The more difficult part is remembering to do a second feeding at night!
I’d going to amend this goal slightly, by adding in a stipulation that I try, when possible, to use my discard starter instead of tossing it. Otherwise, I’ll just keep up the work, and hopefully it’ll stay alive.
So that’s where I am. I still have nine months to work toward these goals, and I’m looking ahead. Once spring and summer hit, that’s when I’ll be putting the first and third goals truly to the test. How are you doing with your goal progress for the year?
Nutrition Facts
These are some unique goals! I have tried to clean up after myself after every meal, but the struggle is real ?
Thanks! I know what you mean about cleaning up. I give myself 24 hours for things I really hate, so I can tackle them when I’m feeling more up to it. I also don’t wash dishes on weekends (except to throw them directly in the dishwasher) to keep me from feeling like all I do is clean.
It sounds like you are making good progress on your goals! I’ve never really been bothered by mess, but as I’ve worked to create better habits, I appreciate the calm that comes with a cleaner house. I am going to sign up for another CSA box this year, it is a great way to support the local economy and try new recipes.
Thanks, I feel like I’m getting somewhere! I totally understand the calm of a clean house as well, but when it’s messy I must just forget about that, haha. I’m excited for the CSA. It’s our first time trying it, and I can’t wait for all the tasty produce.
Wow, these food/cooking goals are inspiring! I am learning more and more about navigating a kitchen but haven’t heard of some of these until today!
Thank you! I hope I’ve inspired you to learn a bit more about your own kitchen and make it a great place to work in.
These are great goals! One thing I need/want to do is purge my kitchen and get rid of any tool that doesn’t get use.
Thanks! I have so many single use tools, but I actually love them. I agree that getting rid of things you don’t use at all is a good idea, but as someone who experiments in the kitchen a lot, I love having the right tool when I do need it!
I am dying to get my hands on a processor and an air fryer! I think both appliances open up so many new options at eating healthy at home. Also, I’m right with you with being a slob, but it DOES make things a lot harder to clean once they’ve been sitting there a while!
The food processor is life changing for my healthy eating habits. I’m still learning about the air fryer, but hopefully I’ll figure out some tasty treats to make in that as well. Slobs unite!
I love these goals! I have kitchen gadgets that never get used. I need to start to use them or find them a better home. This post inspires me to make my own list of kitchen goals. ?
Thank you! I love my single use kitchen gadgets, but if you really never use them then there’s no point keeping them around. I’d love to hear what goals you come up with.
Interesting goals! These all seem like so much effort, especially the sourdough. Good luck!
The effort level varies, but the sourdough is the most time intensive for sure! I have posted more in detail about that journey as well. It’s been fun, but a little crazy!