What's On My Mind

First a quick word to extol the virtues of tofu. Where has tofu been all of my life? It's becoming a staple of my diet now, particularly since I discovered hefty servings of it at such a low price at TJ's. It is the perfect thing for a quick meal when I don't even have the energy to defrost a piece of chicken. I made a killer tofu stir-fry on Monday with red onions, mushrooms and broccoli. I have half it left over, sitting in a plastic container full of water (kind of looking like a science experiment).

Anyway, I'll admit life has gotten busier and I am finding less time to cook. I've luckily been able to get back into a gym routine, but now I get home later and I am ravenous. That isn't a great formula for cooking meals. But I am doing my best. I am finding so many recipes these days that excite me that I simply have to find the time. My culinary skills are building and so I am hoping to try some more ambitious projects.

Here's my list of cooking goals this year:

• Braise a pork shoulder for BBQ pulled pork or carnitas
  
• Make a pizza with actual raw dough
• Make really decadent macaroni and cheese - I saw this one made on TV and was practically drooling - Cheese Lovers 5 Cheese Mac and Cheese
  
• Try this fascinating potato recipe (I can't fathom what it would really taste like but I am so intrigued) - New Potatoes with Ginger and Mint
• Make sushi (probably a veggie roll first, then get real raw fish involved!)
• Cook homemade oatmeal
  
• On the oat theme, also make homemade granola
• Make more kinds of pesto (maybe sun-dried tomato next)
• Slow-cook a rich bolognese sauce
• Roast a rack of lamb
• Make bread pudding - savory and/or sweet - I think this sounds delicious, Butternut Squash and Parmesan Bread Pudding
• Figure out how to come close to recreating the white bean spread on the bruschetta at Mozza - To. Die. For.
• Go to the Coolidge Corner Farmer's Market every weekend while it's open
• Host a formal dinner party

Undoubtedly I will come up with more goals along the way, but I think this list should keep me busy for quite a while!