January is the time of resolutions. To be perfectly honest with you, I’m over resolutions, or even resolutions masqueraded as “goals.”
I’m especially tired of all the weight loss/fitness goals I keep seeing (and considering in my head). I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m over it. I’m healthy. I exercise. For the most part, I eat well. I’ll never be skinny and that’s cool. It’s just not my body type. I need to stop striving for perfection and just be happy.
I’ve decided that 2015 should be the year of happy. And you know what makes me happy? Aside from baby animals… this:
and this
In the spirit of happy when it comes to my blog, I created a list of things I’m dying to make… a bucket list, if you will.
You know, things I want to make just for the sake of making them, just because it’s fun (in no particular order)…
1. Bitters. Yeah I want to make my own, then make fancy ass cocktails. Maybe I’ll make a Grapefruit Manhattan. Wouldn’t that be all sorts of amazing?
2. Croissants. Butter. All the butter. I’ve made them before, but this time I want them to be even more awesome.
3. Brioche. More butter. And some milk. Amazing silky bread. I can’t find amazing brioche anywhere around Orange County, so I’m taking matters into my own hands and making my own!
4. Cheese. I want to make cheese. I don’t have a reason. I just want to be a master cheese maker. Let’s make it happen!
5. Pho. A big, big pot of it.
6. Pavlova. My friend’s mom makes the best pavlova on Earth. I want to try making it. Probably with blueberries and lemon curd.
7. Eggs Benedict. I want to see how all the fattiness happens, and let’s be honest, I’ll probably do some hipster version that involves arugula, but I’m cool with that.
8. Monkey Bread (random, right?). I told Jesse about Monkey Bread and he thought it sounded awesome. I’ve actually never eaten it, so let’s give it a try! DONE (Check it out here!)
9. BBQ Ribs. I mean, meat…
10. Jam (preferably fig jam). I’m not sure I want to get into canning, but jam making, all about it.
11. Gnocchi. I’m not a big fan of pasta, but I love gnocchi. I’m adding it to the list.
12. ??? What else should I make? Suggestions are welcome!
What are you dying to make? (aside from the above Breakfast Sliders, because I know you’re dying to make those)
And more importantly… when are you coming over so we can make it together?
Foodologie 
THIS IS AWESOME! You have officially inspired me to make my own culinary bucketlist!
Also, you MUST (sorry for all the shouting, I’m excited) consider Jessica’s recipe for croissants: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/09/how-to-make-croissants-and-lose-your-mind-while-doing-it/ I know I will be trying it.
Finally, Chef made pho at home one time and I’m obsessed. The only decent (literally) pho place near Napa is in Vallejo–20 minutes away. We only go once a month. So having it made in the comfort of our home was amazing. I think you will love it too and be awesome at it!
Okay, I think I got all of my excitement out. I can’t wait to see your recipes!
I think we should attempt this croissant recipe very soon! And I want in on the jam-making!
We should probably make croissants and jam in the same day… just saying… two birds, one stone…
On Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 6:56 PM, Foodologie wrote:
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YES! I’m so excited to hear homemade pho is amazing! Also, her croissant recipe DOES look amazing (as does all her other stuff!)
On Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 5:00 PM, Foodologie wrote:
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Oh man this is an epic list!! I really want to try to make jams this year. Ohh and pretzels!!
Yes to pretzels!! They’re surprisingly easy! https://foodologie.com/2014/01/09/soft-pretzels/
On Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 6:25 PM, Foodologie wrote:
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Year of Happy, love it! I have one culinary goal that I want to complete before I have a baby …. Beef Bourguignon, straight from Julia Child herself! Your list sounds especially delicious!
OH MAN! I want to make that for a dinner party!
On Fri, Jan 16, 2015 at 2:31 PM, Foodologie wrote:
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