Giuseppe’s Pizza and Chocolate Ganache Cake
Aw, I’m all verklempt. I’m so glad to have you guys here, cheering me on, balancing things out, telling me what I need to hear when I can’t see past my thighs. (Especially my right one, which is inexplicably two inches bigger than my left one.) It’s silly, isn’t it? The hungry part of my brain easily convinces the part that controls my hands and mouth that life is too short to worry about aesthetics, that I shouldn’t waste my time caring about my hair or what I can or can’t wear and who might see me, but rather seize the day (and the donut) and appreciate what I have. Which is all true. Especially when news comes of the death of someone close to many friends and colleagues, and another old friend is suddenly admitted to the ICU. What better salve than a comforting meal shared with people you love? To obsess about that extra piece of buttered toast with tea before bed seems trite. Lucky me to have such worries as a job as a food writer and too much bakery bread with strawberry-balsamic jam.
I want to do it up right, to live unreservedly, deliberately and without regret, not because life is short, which too often it is, but because I can. I sometimes look at life as if it were one of those little plexiglass booths they have at car shows – the ones a person can win a minute to climb inside of and grab as many fluttering dollar bills as they can. If you won a minute you wouldn’t just stand there, would you? If you had that opportunity to reach out and try to catch as many experiences as possible in the time you had? Would you care who was watching? (I suppose I would, what with all that jumping and bending over and plexiglass.) And what do weight and self-consciousness have to do with it, except perhaps make it more difficult to maneuver in that little booth?
Ah, the bottle of Red Rooster Cab Merlot from the Naramata Bench is doing its thing. You can tell when I start speaking in bad metaphors. I’m telling you, if you had half a bottle of red on board this would all make perfect sense.
So I ate out twice today. We’ll call it research-slash-therapy. It’s far easier to carry out a new years’ resolution to spend more time with friends than to eat food, not too much – mostly plants. And it’s sometimes difficult to follow through with both when socializing so often involves chatting at a table laden with yummy stuff.
This morning was spontaneous lattes and morning glory muffins (they do all their baking from scratch now) at Caffe Rosso, and then after a meeting at the Epcor Centre I popped over to Giuseppe’s Italian Market on 1st St, beside the Drum & Monkey, for pizza.
One Margarita and one Giuseppe’s (spicy pancetta, purple onions and sundried tomatoes specked with red pepper flakes) made from the rolling out of chewy dough to blasting in the wood-fired oven while we wandered the store and ogled giant meatballs, cheeses, homemade sauces, sausages and pastas.
The slab of cake-shaped chocolate ganache wasn’t our fault. The manager showed up at our table with it, having overheard the guy who made our pizza raving about how good it was. And it really was; like a big triangular Icy Square on a thin layer of sponge cake that really served only to keep the giant truffle from sticking to the plate.
After a full two days without chocolate, it went down all too easily. I had help, but not much; she left me to finish the second half myself and I didn’t even argue.
January 09 2010 12:28 am | eating out
Laurie on 09 Jan 2010 at 12:57 am #
Well, the best New Year’s resolution I ever made was never to make New Year’s resolutions again. It’s the only one I’ve ever stuck to for a whole year.
What I had for dinner tonight was a barley soup. I’m trying to learn how to cook with lentils and other wholesome things. I’ve never liked barley, so I’m experimenting with it to find ways of cooking with it that I’ll enjoy. I’m using pot barley because it has more roughage than pearl barley. Tonight’s effort included a variety of veges (garlic, onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, beans, peas, spinach, brocolli) and a soy sausage that I’ve found I like the taste of – though the texture in a soup was not quite what I had in mind. Flavoured with fresh herbs, dried herbs, vegemite (a cheating way to give a meaty flavour to the broth)and tomato paste, it was a lovely, satisfying, low fat low salt meal high in flavour, textures, and antioxidants. I’m going to have a another try at it tomorrow to tweak it a bit. (Something else for protein, I think.)
mamasutra on 09 Jan 2010 at 1:18 am #
I’m making an attempt to go mostly veggie for at least January; if it goes well, I may keep continue into February. Tonight I made sauteed rainbow chard on polenta with an egg on top. Even the kids ate the chard!
Brenda H on 09 Jan 2010 at 4:04 am #
Hi Julie – tonight I made my Mom’s recipe for Lazy Cabbage Rolls in honor of Ukrainian Christmas. Yum; high in salt and not a green veg in sight! Tomorrow I am going to make Kale chips to make up for the lack of veggies on Friday’s menu. No New Year’s resolutions are the best resolutions.
Trissa on 09 Jan 2010 at 5:02 am #
I like this post – very well said. As for me, only one resolution this year – just to have fun and stop procrastinating happiness!
Denise on 09 Jan 2010 at 5:43 am #
I attended a conference in December where the guest speaker talked about seeing the “diamonds” in every day and decided that from that point on I was going to try to see the positive in whatever came my way, no matter how challenging the situation. So it’s not so much a new year’s resolution, just a good thing to do. Oh yeah and we went out for Chinese last night for supper, a nice break after a week of rushing home from work to cook supper.
Kelly on 09 Jan 2010 at 6:01 am #
Dinner was a pulled brisket (from SmittenKitchen) and coleslaw. I tried really hard not to eat the skillet potatoes, but those little crunchy hard pieces of butter-fried potatoes kept calling to me. New Year’s resolution is to lose just enough weight to be able to remove my wedding rings (just for cleaning purposes, not for good!)
June on 09 Jan 2010 at 6:18 am #
Life is so short and uncertain. Enjoy each day as it comes!
Sarah G on 09 Jan 2010 at 6:19 am #
I forgot about resolutions! Oh well, there is always next year!
For dinner last night I made pork medallions with madeira and wild mushroom sauce. Served it with a few grape tomatoes and thinly sliced green peppers barely stir fried. I actually had dessert, which is rare. I made an Indian kneer all dressed (chopped almonds, chopped raisins, coconut, and saffron).
Oh, sh–, today is Saturday! Oh well, there is a Friday again next week!
Mama JJ on 09 Jan 2010 at 6:38 am #
I have no New Year’s resolutions. My husband and I DO do a spending freeze every year, and that’s coming up soon…as soon as I make it to the store to stock up on fancy ingredients (this could be considered cheating, I realize) and double-check wardrobes.
Dinner In Real Time on 09 Jan 2010 at 6:58 am #
Turn more thoughts into actions.
Dinner last night was chili – perfect for cold, snowy evenings.
supersu on 09 Jan 2010 at 7:13 am #
no news years resolutions here either….
love love love your blog….you have a way of putting into words EXACTLY what i have thought myself! keep up the good work, and dont put me in the draw, thx….
Hannah V. on 09 Jan 2010 at 7:24 am #
My new years resolution is to try and appreciate the small moments I usually take for granted.
Manon from Ontario on 09 Jan 2010 at 7:51 am #
Do not include me in the draw but I still wanted to share my new year’s resolution with ya’s.
I’m moving my super size body 6 days a week, until I’m at a happy body weight.
My house clean-up started in November, I’ve been cleaning house, from the basement to the attic. I’ve re-organized, thrown out, gave away and cleaned every inch of my house, for the first time in a long time
With my daughter’s environmental allergies, and her chronic asthma, it was a must, and I was very happy to do it, it felt great after wards.
Also I’m moving into my new office in the next two weeks, and my website should also be ready by then for the opening of our store. So needless to say, I’m still cleaning part of my house, my home office will be transformed into a den.
But most of all, I’ve been re-planning my health. I will need to be healthy, weight and all, if I want to be successful running my store.
So I’m right back on my weight loss program, no-excuses stick to this time, by choice
I’ve did it before, a long time ago, and I know so much about health to do it better this time around for ever
Have a great 2010 everyone
MFO
Cheryl on 09 Jan 2010 at 8:15 am #
I too fall in to the ‘no resolution’ category, as I’ve learned that I am only setting myself up for failure if I make an actual promise to be better! Having said that, I do try and be mindful enough to live in the moment, which means that I remind myself frequently that you can’t push the rewind button on your life….or the fast-forward one either!
Dinner last night was homemade pizza — artichokes, roma tomatoes, blue cheese, provolone and spinach.
Live well, be happy, and be kind!
Evelyn in Canada on 09 Jan 2010 at 8:41 am #
I don’t really make resolutions, although I know that this year I am continuing my quest for healthier slow food. I’m going to try milling my own flour (once I purge the pre-milled stuff – there is still a lot of bread to be made from that) and I am reading more and more about fermented/soaked grains and it seems to make sense too.
Dinner last night – I was pooped from spending the day with a 4/5 class on a field trip, so we settled for pancakes with pears for desert.
Erica on 09 Jan 2010 at 8:43 am #
My resolutions have changed several times already this year. It started out with a goal to spend more time reading, but now it’s become a strong commitment to keep more fresh veggies in the house. I’m currently looking into our (two!) local organic produce delivery services. Mmmmm.
susie on 09 Jan 2010 at 8:46 am #
Resolution: More veggies less sugar, tough for a baker, so…I made a pot of cabbage soup, it is unusually cold in Memphis and I love cooked cabbage. Well, lets just say I am over it. The smell is not as enticing as it was a few days ago. I thought it would be a good addition to meals, help fill me up and jump start me. No such luck. Bloated, gassy, my kitchen smells. So I cheered myself up with a loaf of oat bran bread, major fiber, cinnamon, walnuts, so good I can hardly wait for breakfast. Dinner tonight is a test run of a supper club menu, and not a leaf of cabbage in sight! The pictures of Guisseppe’s are great, I wish I lived there!
Carol SB on 09 Jan 2010 at 9:32 am #
Yes! Julie, We are IN that plastic booth… grabbing every minute of life we can hold onto. And how sweet, that we have pockets enough to hold it all. (at least until senility sets in… but then I should still have a good space to retreat to in my mind…)
Lentil soup in the slowcooker: one of my favorites for a winter evening (I love coming in after work to the smell of a good hot soup simmering away… “Oh, how nice! Somebody made me supper!” Oh yeah, that was me, this morning…). Lentil soup depends on what’s in the fridge and how much time I have in the a.m. This time, it was lentils (~1 scant cup?) and barley(~1/4 cup, used the last), rinsed and tossed into the cooker with some water. Frozen lump of turkey stock from christmas. Open the cupboard: worcestershire; soya sauce; roasted garlic flakes; oregano… and I was out of time. When I got home, I sauteed a few wrinkly peppers from the fridge and in they went along with a scoop of roasted pepper antipasto (scarpone’s). Then I turned on the oven and made cornbread in the old black cast-iron skillet I used to saute the peppers in. Supper on the table. And the leftovers are even better.
Mamasutra, your chard/polenta/egg creation sounds so good. And Kelly, brisket and coleslaw sounds just the thing! Ha ha Susie, I get what you mean. I love cabbage soup… once… and then don’t want any more. (trade for some lentil soup? Or -I know!- Brenda H’s lazy cabbage rolls! What a good idea!)
Elaine on 09 Jan 2010 at 9:43 am #
I’m officially resolving to say “no” to various favors and commitments and such that I can’t handle–mental health is the goal for 2010–and unofficially, I’m going to drink a whole lot less. Hopefully carrying out #1 will naturally lead to #2.
Joni on 09 Jan 2010 at 9:45 am #
No New Year’s resolutions for me. I tend to forget them as fast as I make them so I focus more on trying to change things every day. Right now I’m working on finding more patience.
They are sooooo good.
Last night was bacon and tomato sandwiches on fresh, toasted homemade bread, sliced avocadoes on the side tossed with lime juice and sea salt, and vegetable soup. Oh, and by the way, a few nights ago dinner was laughing cow meatballs… holy cow!
Joanna on 09 Jan 2010 at 9:59 am #
Oh great, it’s not even 10am and thanks to that yummy picture, I am already craving chocolate. Mmmm.
I’m in school right now, and my new year’s resolution is to spend at least one hour per day outside of my classes studying. I can do it!
Rachel on 09 Jan 2010 at 10:18 am #
Don’t include me in the draw, please, I just thought I’d weigh in on something…
For me, “doing it up right” includes being healthy – which, although I eat well and am active, means losing weight. It’s not so much about how I look – I’ve always had self-confidence (you are absolutely right that it doesn’t matter who’s watching). But I don’t like being restricted, and in terms of living life to the fullest, weight is a crutch – it just is, at least for me. I can’t do everything that I want to do when I feel like I’m carrying a very heavy backpack.
I want everything out of life- and however much I love food, it’s not everything. It’s a huge part for me, but it’s not life. I like being able to fit into my clothes, and to feel good in them. I like knowing that I can go out for an impromptu dinner with friends, and eat anything I want, because I can. And I like going home not feeling terrible because I ate too much, because, again, I can. I live without regrets, but I don’t push my limits – and that is something that I never regret, unlike all the times that I’ve eaten too much.
I don’t mean to lecture you or anything. I really enjoy reading your blog and hearing what you have to say, and I completely agree that “life is too short to worry about aesthetics”. But I have to wonder if that’s all it’s about. If aesthetics were the only thing bothering me, then I don’t think I’d be making any progress. It’s hard to do something good for yourself if you don’t like the way you look, you know? (as a side note, Julie, you are very pretty). But however you decide to embrace life is the right way for you – as long as you’re happy.
JulieVR on 09 Jan 2010 at 11:17 am #
Rachel – I so agree with everything you said. I’m going to have to go back and re-read what I wrote – these late night unedited posts sometimes come back to get me when I don’t quite convey my thoughts properly. (Wine tends to affect my delivery as well.)
One of my points was I can’t do everything I want when I feel bogged down by weight – shackled by my body – but really a lot of what I worry about is how I look. It’s all part of a job that includes TV appearances and speaking to large groups – Mike keeps telling me I should stick to radio because I’m too much of a basket case when I have to do TV, but I am getting better at it. You always perform better when you feel good about how you look. Of course health trumps aesthetics – absolutely it does – and I do worry about that part of it. But spending too much time worrying about my back rolls seems like a waste as well. And I really hate the concept of “cheating”, of guilt associated with food.. I’m even seeing kids pick up on the concept. That’s a whole other post!
Jen on 09 Jan 2010 at 11:25 am #
Dinner last nite was Chicken Teriakyi with stir fried broccoli slaw and baby bok choy! Yummy!
My resolution this year is to chill out more!
Colleen on 09 Jan 2010 at 11:42 am #
I have no official resolutions. Never do. I keep travelling on the road to self-improvement and enlightenment…bahaha. What I truly try to do is take the every day, special moments with my family and hold them close to my heart. I find the times I let go of needing to be in control of everything (Such as in the kitchen) and let everyone help in meal prep, and clean-up, we have such a joyeous, boisterous time that the food tastes 20 times better.
On the weight issue (and for me, too it is an issue) I’ve been really trying not to show dissatisfaction with myself or demonize certain foods as I find my kids (my daughter especially) watching me like a hawk, absorbing what I say and even more what I do and I don’t want her to carry my baggage. So, while I plan to run another half marathon for my fortieth bithday this year (yes…heavy people can run, too), I want to provide an example of balance for my kids. Sometimes, though, it’s just so hard. The key, I think, is to treat yourself with respect, love and forgiveness – not always easy.
pauline on 09 Jan 2010 at 11:44 am #
Rachel, you have said what I wanted to say I am just not very good with words. Food was starting to be a way to bigger part of my life. I could usually get away with how fat i was getting with sloppy sweaters and jeans least in my eyes. But when it came to something I had to put on dress clothes for, there was no hiding it. I just got sick of every day beating myself up over what I had ate. I was taking acid reflux meds and had just started on high blood pressure meds Dr thought it was just age and family history well exercise and eating clean has allowed me now to come of them totally yeah. Health being the number one reason for me a least to leave alone all the sugar and white stuff. I am far from being perfect but I try to eat sensibly at least 80% of the time. If eating makes you happy and your health is ok then thats ok too. Julie I am going to make a pot of your black bean soup again today love that for lunch.
Theresa on 09 Jan 2010 at 11:45 am #
2009 was a bit of a rough year for me, so I was glad to see it end. I normally don’t make resolutions but I did make one for 2010. And that’s to nurture my relationships more deeply and to make more deliberate space for new friends. And so far, it’s working. And 2010 is off to a great start.
For dinner last night: I ordered in Chinese.
Vivian on 09 Jan 2010 at 11:52 am #
Lots of wisdom in the above posts and humour and goodwill too. What a lovely bunch of readers you have. No resolutions for me, just a general want to indulge/imbibe less and as “Dinner in Real Time” said, “turn more thought into action”. I don’t need to be entered into the draw as my pantry is bulging as it is. Please keep up the wonderful work you do with this blog for us to enjoy in 2010!
Rose on 09 Jan 2010 at 12:05 pm #
Julie,
You make me want to live in Calgary! I’m here in Vancouver with all kinds of fabulous places but, your pictures and writing make me yearn for Calgary (have never been there).
Haven’t made New Year’s resolutions in years and just try to improve and ‘adjust’ continually. On that note, I’ve jumped back into the Weight Watchers program on-line. Your recipes and ideas are very helpful in that regard. When I amp up the exercise, I really lose with WW. Re the weight and appearances discussed so far on your blog, losing weight has also helped me to get to do what I want in life like….hiking the Grouse Grind regularly, ice skating, tennis, walking etc.
You have done it right it seems to me, Julie. You’ve lost weight in the past, exercise and eat well. At the moment it sounds like you want to lose a bit which you know you can do! It’s hard to get back into the ‘groove’ but you know how and once you drop a few pounds you’ll feel great again. You look really good on your t.v. show ‘It’s just Food’. I like to watch it and you look pretty and stylish! Ned Bell is pretty great too!!
Having just said I’m on weight watchers, last nights ‘dinner’ was more than a whole day of ‘points’ at a party I want to (sushi, cheese, wine, prawns). Oh well I’m still on plan…..
Rose
Heather on 09 Jan 2010 at 12:59 pm #
I LOVE Victorian Epicure! And I say that as someone who usually loathes going to home sales parties of any description. But the products are so good.
Dinner last night actually contained a VE product. It was “odds and sods” soup – a tetra pak of chicken stock, a can of crushed tomatoes, some bulgur, and some stuff I wanted to clear out of my freezer – frozen leftover roast beef and frozen food-processed veggies that I froze in batches months ago to be tossed in soups. To kick it up a notch I threw in some VE picante salsa spice mix. I thought the soup was merely edible, but the husband loved it.
stacey snacks on 09 Jan 2010 at 2:06 pm #
That pizza w/ the prosciutto and red onions looks as good as any NY or Brooklyn pie!
Jooli on 09 Jan 2010 at 2:37 pm #
I only made a temporary resolution – for the month of January I am only going to have wine on our anniversary and my birthday. I know a glass a day is good for you, but during the holiday season I was consuming more than that! The wine itself was not always the problem, it tended to alter my thinking and having things like nachos for supper suddenly became a good idea. So cutting back on the wine for a little bit.
For supper I had a salad and then cheese and crackers. I got a little carried away prior to Christmas when I went to the Sylvan Star Cheese Farm (located on hwy 11a on the way to Sylvan Lake). Their cheese is amazing and everyone needs to try it. There is nothing better than fresh cheese curds! http://www.sylvanstarcheese.ca/
Kristin on 09 Jan 2010 at 2:44 pm #
I am terrible at food related resolutions…about the best I can do is try and eat more veggies and fruits. I like them and eating more of something seems so much nicer than less.
The pizza looks amazing!
Cathy D on 09 Jan 2010 at 2:57 pm #
My grandfather had this analogy he loved to remind us of. He always said about life that we should “compare the amount of time you spend UNDER the sod, to the short time you have ON it. Live your life to the fullest”. I often think about that.
So, my New Year’s resolutions are to eat drink and be merry. Okay, just kidding (mostly). They are to continue to get involved in more volunteer and charity work, to finish Body for Life again (just stated another round), to embrace my inner iron-er (as things sit so long around here waiting to get ironed they go out of style. I detest ironing) to learn to say no sometimes, and to get back to playing the piano.
For dinner last night we had “On Golden Prawn” from the cookbook “Crazy Plates”.
You rock Julie
Kathryn on 09 Jan 2010 at 3:08 pm #
Oh, Julie, you are inspiring. While I ponder an exercise & diet regime, you actually take action.
Your post makes perfect sense — in my case, it is a glass of Malivoire Red. I am sure that the post is crystal clear regardless of one’s drink of choice.
Tonight’s dinner is ham tetrazinni, a modified version of my Mother’s recipe.
Happy 2010, Julie.
Kathryn
Cheryl on 09 Jan 2010 at 3:29 pm #
That was a cathartic post! And knowing you, it isn’t just the wine talking.
Last night was pizza man pizza (as opposed to homemade and beer. And cookies and bread. And it was just fine.
Carolyn on 09 Jan 2010 at 3:33 pm #
My 2009 goals were focused on me — losing weight and achieving some other stuff as well. I lost 30 lbs and became very fit in the process. I felt great and so in control! Unfortunatly, an accident and unexpected surgery have derailed me and I haven’t stepped on a scale for more than a month. I know I’ve gained at least 10 lb. Given the unpredictability of life, and that taking my eye off the nutrition and exercise ball for a couple of months leads to huge discouragement, my 2010 goals are about making this world a better place. I’m volunteering and I’m going to find other ways to give back. My personal goal is to feel good about myself, and do a 10 km race in under 60 minutes.
Cindy on 09 Jan 2010 at 3:53 pm #
I don’t really do New Year’s resolutions, but think about what I might want to do/achieve throughout the year. This year, I’m thinking better balance in my life and to run a 10K race.
Julie, remember to keep your focus on all your positives. I can tell from reading you over the past year+ that you’re a loyal and caring friend to many people, full of humor and joy, and very down to earth. So many people look up to you! Take the time to put yourself first once in a while – it really makes a difference. Keep up the great blogging – hope you get to Edmonton once in a while.
Lana on 09 Jan 2010 at 4:02 pm #
Hi Julie!
We had a store-bought fresh pizza last night, dressed up with sauteed mushrooms and onions and extra mozza. I started with a “rusty nail” and ended with a glass of red and watched “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” with the girls. THAT made want to cut back on eating..too much food in that movie!
My resolution is to keep on with my healthier approach to eating (“health gain for weight loss”) for which your blog and recipes really help..and to finally learn to play the guitar that I received for my 40th birthday!
I love you and think you are beautiful and so brave for sharing your human-ness and vulnerability with all of us.
Thank you.
Erica B. on 09 Jan 2010 at 4:07 pm #
Oh Guiseppe’s looks fantastic. I’d heard about their opening but haven’t been down yet. My MIL arrives Tues and I’m picking her up at YYC so I think a side trip to a few markets are in order.
To whomever it was who mentioned Sylvan Star if you’re in Calgary you can get their cheese at their Calgary Farmers Market stall, and some other shops around the city – Planet Organic, and I think Sunterra – carry a small selection of their goodies.
Julie your post reminded me of two things – I want Bittman’s HTCE Vegetarian and I haven’t made Morning Glorys for awhile now and the kids love them. If you don’t have one already I have a good lower-fat Morning Glory Muffin Squares recipe I can email you.
Enjoy the fabulous weather!
E
angela on 09 Jan 2010 at 4:43 pm #
i made a really yummy soup with ground italian sausage, a potato, a cup of green lentils, chicken stock and a fz box of spinach. really good for work lunches for the entire week.
that chocolate cake looks too pretty to eat, i bet it was deliscous.
Sherry on 09 Jan 2010 at 4:43 pm #
Tonight we are eating a deep dish pizza that I made a couple of weeks ago. I try to make one/freeze one of whatever I cook. It helps to make life a bit less hectic.
robyn on 09 Jan 2010 at 4:48 pm #
This year, I resolve to feel grateful for everything I have, and not dwell on the things I don’t have. And really FEEL the gratitude, not just say it.
I hear you lost two beautiful people in your city the other day, and I attended a funeral today. Such huge reminders to feel grateful for what I have.
xo
Kris on 09 Jan 2010 at 5:45 pm #
No resolutions this year. Tonight’s supper was Peppery chicken wings and greek salad…and a big glass of red wine.
Lor on 09 Jan 2010 at 6:18 pm #
For the first time in my life I made a new years resolution that I know I will stick to.
2009 was an incredibly difficult year fer me. Full of mistakes, lies, drama, deaths, and craziness. My pledge to myself is to treat this new year as MY year.
I resolve to give myself time to recover. To give myself time to heal and develop healthy habits. From healthy eating habits, to healthy relationships. My vows fer this year are to learn and then do what is right fer me.
=)
I can’t wait!
I started by picking out some beautiful organic tomatoes, agave nectar, and raw chocolate today.
Hooray!
DeeDee on 09 Jan 2010 at 8:21 pm #
With a 2 and half year old boy and 6 month old baby girl, my new years resolution is more PATIENCE and quality time with my kids.. To not care, if the house is messy and floor needs washing and we’re all still in PJ’s at 1. They’ll never remember the house was spotless and I whipped up a four course meals, they’ll hopefully remember all the fun we had as a family.
Tara on 09 Jan 2010 at 8:23 pm #
I’m with you Julie…
What a terrible way to begin a new year – grieving the loss of someone so special, someone so young and with so much potential.
Certainly we turn to comfort food for a little pick me up when we are feeling down. The time of year doesn’t help either. You know the short days have affected you when going outside while the sun is still up is like a shot of caffeine to the system!
This year I resolved to take vitamins – especially Vitamin D -we are so deprived here in Canada, and they are now linking Vit. D deficiency to so many things – S.A.D., Cancer, brittle bones and more. I hate taking pills though – so I am trying liquid vitamins for a change. So far I find them too sweet, and wonder how healthy a vitamin coated in fructose and “all natural” flavours can be? i read a great article on the Heart & Stroke foundation web that we should not make New Years resolutions because we feel bad about our excess over the holidays – because when we start to feel good – our resolutions go out the window. Instead we should make resolutions related to some goal we wish to achieve so that we keep at it until we have succeeded.
melissa on 09 Jan 2010 at 8:53 pm #
I never make resolutions. I like to think that everyone should be their nicest, their best, their most creative …. all year long. Love that you don’t need any excuses to go out there and enjoy.
Melissa
Coralee on 09 Jan 2010 at 9:21 pm #
I never formally make resolutions but I roll various ideas of how I can remake my physical self or my life over and over in my brain continually through out the year and it seems I always embrace fresh starts.
Being a foodie myself who lost a significant chunk of weight over a period of several years who then found some of it again, I constantly struggle with how to truly experience food as it is meant to be experienced while respecting my body and trying to do right by it so I can rely on it for years to come.
That will be my focus for 2010.
Because you are one of the more real and acessible food bloggers out there I really appreciate how much of your reality you share with the blogosphere so please don’t be too hard on yourself and keep sharing your stories as you are truly an awesome story teller.
Cheers to 2010!
glenda on 09 Jan 2010 at 10:18 pm #
Not a resolution but a continuation of a philosophy that I adopted/adapted from a sticker advocating for safe decisions – ‘No Regrets’- to seize moments, make decisions and take actions that will not result in later regret. It really helps in making choices, even in small things.
Supper last night? A shrimp and scallop stirfry with basmati rice.
Aimee on 10 Jan 2010 at 4:57 am #
I’ve resolved to eat as much as ever. Life is short!
Have an unspoken resolution of no TV for the year. It’s rather an easy one because I will be just to darn busy.
We’ll see what happens.
Karen on 10 Jan 2010 at 10:24 am #
Hello all. Happy New Year to everyone.
Ahh, resolutions remind me of the word “should” and that is a dirty word in my books. It sucks the life energy out of a person because all it does is make a person feel bad. We have enough of that in our world without inviting more into our lives.
Have any of you every experienced the paralytic quality that follows the statement “I should….”? I should be doing this or that or the other thing. So much time squandered in fruitless worry and self-flagellation! Instead, of telling myself I should be doing something, I ask “will I or won’t I” do whatever it is that needs attention. It is incredible how powerful those little words are. Because it then becomes a choice. And with choice comes empowerment.
Is there a mound of laundry that needs washing? A pile of ironing that needs pressing? A kitchen that could use tidying? The list goes on and on. And yet, I sit here reading lovely morsels on Julie’s blog, gazing at absolutely scrummy snaps of wood fired pizza, and allow myself some time to add a philosophical blog comment. And when finished, those little jobs that need attending to today will be accomplished with patience and grace because I chose to do something I enjoy first.
Off to make some black bean soup now.
Cheers,
Karen
Linda on 10 Jan 2010 at 10:38 am #
Resolution for this year is to slow down some and enjoy life – easy to say but harder to do.
marce on 10 Jan 2010 at 10:54 am #
My resolution this year is to forgive my father. I don’t know, exactly, how I am going to do this. (Though a therapist has been enlisted.) What I really know is that I’m ready to move beyond unresolved anger and resentment. Your posts are unflinching in their honesty, Julie, and they inspire me to regard myself as more normal than I usually otherwise feel. I like New Year’s Resolutions, they carry hope. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to speak about mine.
Mar Hein on 10 Jan 2010 at 11:23 am #
re: weight problem-once again i am going to lose weight! cause food taste so-o-o good i have a weight problem.
Curves has a free Weight Management class (@ least it’s at Sunridge Curves). they helped lose weight in the 1st-7 days. then after a while i fell off the plan so now i need to go back on this plan! you inspire me-Julie! keep up the blogs!!
Holly on 10 Jan 2010 at 12:14 pm #
Hi Julie, good luck on Tuesday night! we will be there watching and cheering you on! keep up the good work. lovin your blog.
Barb on 10 Jan 2010 at 2:54 pm #
After some careful thought I decided to try to live more in the moment this year. I have spent a lot of my life worrying about the future and trying to be prepared for the what ifs life throws at you. One of my worst fears came true at Thanksgiving (I lost my job) and the world is still turning around and around. I also hold on to the past – my closet is one example – so I think this small attempt to change will be good for me.
Jen T on 10 Jan 2010 at 3:10 pm #
Setting goals – even if we don’t accomplish them is better than not trying at all. We would all be blobs if we didn’t work towards something. So my goal this year is to have a house of order. Sorting organizing, and having a spot for everything. It makes everything else easy when you have order in at least one part of your life. And for dinner, A&W teen burger, and a snich of my hubby’s fries.
marcia on 10 Jan 2010 at 3:56 pm #
My new years resolution is to be more thankfull for all the great things we have in our life!
rea on 10 Jan 2010 at 4:22 pm #
i have two:
1. 12 pages every two weeks;
2. to risk writing characters with respect, honesty and clarity for who they really are, in my own voice and my own words.
i can extrapolate the second to my personal life. to risk living with respect, honesty and clarity for who I am, speaking in my own voice and my own words.
twomittens on 10 Jan 2010 at 4:25 pm #
I want to learn something new in photography this year. Like a cool workshop or an online course. Push my creativity a bit.
Other than that there a million things I could work on. Maybe my resolution should be to learn to focus, be more organized…HA!! (it really should be)
Anywhooo…I made turkey soup last night, but my hubby suggested Ginger Beef take out tonight and I’m so taking him up on it. A rare treat!
Lisette on 10 Jan 2010 at 4:27 pm #
Happy New Year Julie – dinner tonight is going to be either a Bolognese sauce that I made last night for dinner (parents and kids had it while we went out to Murrieta’s) or a roasted onion and mushroom bisque that is currently simmering on the stove. Gosh …I sound gourmet!
As for new years resolution….get back on the bike and work out!….isn’t that everyone’s?
thanks for the opportunity!
Marti on 10 Jan 2010 at 6:16 pm #
Leftovers. MY FAVORITE DISH is always leftovers. Leftovers speak to me of a happy household and big family dinners.
Leftovers today were pizza.
My New Year’s Resolution was to engage in freakish amounts of working out.
malithi on 10 Jan 2010 at 8:01 pm #
this year….i’m going to relax more…well, after exams anyway
clea on 10 Jan 2010 at 8:07 pm #
ok
resolution: i’m going to wash that man right out of my hair, figure out what i really want in my life, and get healthy. tall order, but possible. you inspire me Julie, every day. and i had duck confit salad with bleu cheese for dinner, c/o my amazing mother (with whom you discussed duck, i believe, at a recent christmas party).
Lindsay on 10 Jan 2010 at 8:13 pm #
My husband and I decided that we will cook one meal together every week. We are so excited!
margo on 10 Jan 2010 at 10:02 pm #
One goal this year to commemorate my husband’s and my 25th anniversary was to create a beautiful cookbook of our family’s favorites, complete with photos (of family and food!) and anecdotes. I still want to do it, not sure the best way to do it, and with a second son (within a year) becoming engaged for a this-summer wedding I feel like the energy for our anniversary may have to be “postponed…” but we’ll see. I’d love to accomplish it because I’ve thought of it for a long time. That would be the creative “project” goal, but my other ongoing goal regarding weight / lifestyle / health, is one I’ve borrowed from Yoni Freedhoff: “Live the healthiest lifestyle you can enjoy.” There are so many delicious (read: enjoyable!!) meals and snacks to choose from, it’s a matter I think of being intentional. Julie has many inspiring choices, both on the healthier side (aim for 80% of the time) and on the indulgence or worth-it-treat side (say, 20%??) Anyway, I like to aim to eat on purpose, and I like Yoni’s advice. It makes sense to me, and I feel fortunate because I do enjoy a lot of healthy nutrient-rich foods. And a desperation “RIGHT NOW” type goal is to cut out sugar for a time… I’m suffering the consequences of way too much over the Christmas season.
We went to a potluck for supper tonight and I had a craving for “summer”, so took a bean, corn, avocado, mango, cilantro salad of Janet and Greta Podleski’s.
Nice change at this time of year.
JulieVR on 10 Jan 2010 at 10:52 pm #
Wow, you guys! I can’t even begin to respond to each and every one of these wonderful comments. But I’ve read them each at least twice – thanks so much for leaving them!
Laurie on 11 Jan 2010 at 12:26 am #
Thank you, Julie. It’s been a very difficult year – I lost my job in April, and have now run through every resource I had. The son who was bailing me out has now run out of resources to do it. Unless something comes up this week, the wheels will fall off and I’ll be homeless. You have kept my spirits and morale up. I think perhaps you don’t realise how much good you’re doing by reaching out the way you do. I wanted to thank you now, because if the power is cut off on the 12th I won’t have access to a computer to do it.
Alicen on 11 Jan 2010 at 6:07 am #
My New Years Resolution is to help my husband lose weight as he helps me do the same. We have both decided that our size is limiting us from things we want to do and can’t do comfortably right now. We both want to be comfortable getting down on the floor to play with our daughter and I want to lose weight in hopes that my next pregnancy can go without the high blood pressure and water retention that I had last time. Not fun!
Last night for supper we had a fish chowder that I made from scratch and I snuck in a large jar of sweet potato baby food in the broth! I was so proud of myself for sneaking veggies by my husband! And it didn’t really alter the taste very much except to add just a hint of sweetness. Lots of leftovers for lunches today and probably tomorrow too
erin on 11 Jan 2010 at 8:41 am #
Wow – that post and these comments are amazing!
I always have the same long list of resolutions – eat better, drink less, lose some weight, excercise, try to clean my house, stop yelling, spend more time with my kids….basically the same little voice in my head that is usually there.
But, really, I just want to be more thankful for all that I have!
sara on 11 Jan 2010 at 9:10 am #
I have a few different resolutions this year. I have three big ones that I’m tracking in Excel (somehow checking off a box everyday just makes it feel more “real” to me!):
1. Track finances in Excel (for this, just the tracking is the resolution, so I can get a handle on what I’m spending. For me, having to write it down is a good check on unnecessary spending for the most part.)
2. At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Sometimes I am great about this, but often I’m bad about it. This is pretty easy right now as I’m visiting my parents who are both very conscious about this, but will be harder when I’m back home and doing my own grocery shopping! I just need to be much more conscious of it.
3. 30+ minutes of exercise per day. This might be jogging, exercise videos, swimming, free weights, etc. but my goal is to get up and get moving every single day. In general, I do find it really improves my energy and mood, but sometimes it can still be really hard!
srd on 11 Jan 2010 at 10:08 am #
i’d like to find time every day to move more. even if it’s just a walk around the park at lunchtime, it would be great if this felt as vital as brushing my teeth every day.
Sam on 11 Jan 2010 at 11:32 am #
My resolution is to think twice before putting the “treats” in my grocery cart. I want to generally (although not all the time – I won’t even pretend I’m that good!) decide against it. And if I don’t put it in the cart I want that “oh it was only $3, or $5 or whatever” that I saved to go to charity. The plan is to put it aside and see where it takes me – hopefully to a decent donation (maybe the CBC foodbank drive?) around Christmas.
claudia on 11 Jan 2010 at 11:56 am #
my resolution is to eat more seasonally instead of eating buying the same fruits and vegetables all year round. It gets boring!
amelia on 11 Jan 2010 at 1:32 pm #
Hmmm, no actual resolution, I just need to get outside (or stay inside) and move more. I have plans to walk/run with a friend, take walks and go easy on the sugar!
Mmac on 11 Jan 2010 at 1:32 pm #
Such inspiring reading here. I meant to post Saturday then ran out of time and now I’m glad I’m back to read all the others. My only resolution is about focus. Probably the same concept as others have said about being present. Do what I’m doing while I’m doing it — not try to do 150 other things at the same time. Lots of other goals related to fitness and triathlon but those are ongoing. And the usual: eat food. not much. mostly plants.
Andrea on 11 Jan 2010 at 4:18 pm #
Happy New Year Julie! My resolution this year to try and perfect baking artisan breads. Dinner last night was a pretty quick chicken stir fry on rice.
Diana on 11 Jan 2010 at 4:56 pm #
Supper was roast pork with mashed potatoes and gravy, and roasted red pepper soup. Didn’t make any New Years resolutions.
habanerogal on 12 Jan 2010 at 9:23 am #
Hi Julie Happy New Year last night we had a big feed of leftover holiday turkey along with scalloped potatoes and corn. My only resolution is to try a different type of cheese each month yummy and adventurous. Give my love to Tony !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ruth on 12 Jan 2010 at 11:04 am #
hmmm some news years resolutions well the ususual get in shape and eat better and so forth but also to go to church more.
Deirdre on 12 Jan 2010 at 2:21 pm #
My New Years Resolution is to stop the clutter in my house! I didn’t realize it was a problem until I opened my daughter’s drawers and lo and behold, clutter everywhere. So far, so good. 10 garbage bags donated, 8 bags thrown out, and 12 bags recycled. The sad thing is that my house looks NO different!!