what's cookin'.

One of my New Year's intentions was to grow and practice in my cooking skillz. I must say I really have stuck to it and have tried a lot of new recipes.

Here are a few recipes I've recently tried, actually succeeded in and liked:

• Cheesy Sweet Potato Chili
• I actually omitted the "cheese" part of this and it was still divine.
•  Pork Loin with Balsamic/Dijon Spread
• This was the easiest and quickest one of all!
• Tex Mex Meatballs with Cauliflower Mash
• You might think the Cauli Mash is weird with a mexican style meatball, but my favorite thing to do is to dip my meat in my "potatoes" so it worked!
• Homemade Paleo Mayo
• This is the one I'm most proud of! For a few reasons...
• It took 4 tries to get it right (it was a real science experiment!)
• It's amazingly delicious
• Now I can eat my chicken salad heart out
• Advice if you're considering making your own: 1. Watch at least 3 youtube videos before attempting. 2. Use all room tempature ingredients. 3. Pour the Light Olive Oil slowly - it should take you at least 10-15 minutes. 4. Do not use an immersion blender.
• The recipe above doesn't explain the process enough so make sure you read other articles. I did follow the ingredients here though.
• Why take the time to make your own mayo? Because every single jar sold on the shelf is loaded with unhealthy oils and chemicals. It's worth the time to make your own!
• Paleo Tortillas (pancake style)
• This recipe was faster and easier than actually having to roll out your dough etc.
• Next time I attempt these I will use less coconut flour. 1/4 C of it makes them a little too sweet, but they still worked for a chicken salad wrap!
• Sweet Potato Mash
• These. Are. Awesome.

Now I realize I have no pictures... click on those lovely links above - all of the foodie bloggers have great pics for ya! :)

intentions.

I suppose it's better late than never to share what my intentions are for 2014.

I'm not one to make a "New Year's Resolution." If I want to make a change in my life, I should make the change right then... even if it's July! But there are a few things I want to focus more on this year...

2013 was a big year for me. The key word there was me. I got a new job and bought a house and moved to a new city. It was a lot of change and it caused me to be more self-centered. Not only was there change, but Jesus had a great deal of healing to do on my heart. Now that I'm settled and more adjusted to all the newness, I want 2014 to look a little different.

This year I want to write more letters to people in my life. With technology at my fingertips, I've lost touch with pen and paper. I want to get that touch back! Here's to more snail mail.

This year I want to serve others in new ways. Whether that be helping a friend move or washing their car. I don't know exactly what this will look like, but I want to be attentive and available to help and to serve.

This year I want to cook more. I feel like anytime, in the past 5 years, I've ever thought about what I wish I did more it is cooking. I never end up taking the time to cook and still I continue to complain that I can't (or I'm not good at it). Now it is time for me to learn (or get better).

This year I want to spend more time in the present than in the future. AKA I don't want to plan. Am I contradicting myself by planning not to plan? Maybe a little. Seriously though. I'm so bad about planning too far in the future. I want to live right now not tomorrow or six months from today. Now.

P.S. My lucky number is 7. 2+0+1+4 = 7. Just saying.