Sister Share It All: My Greatest Accomplishment of 2012

     I picked the topic for this Sisters Share It All and, ironically, really struggled in deciding what my greatest accomplishment was this year.  I couldn't exactly use the pathetically low amount of times I have ridden my bike to work, or the non-existent mountain of things that I have refashioned, so I finally decided that my greatest accomplishment this year has been in the kitchen. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of room for improvement in our eating habits and my cooking abilities, but this picture below shows you about half of the menu plans and grocery lists that I have made in the last year.  I am really proud of these!

     Each week I have been diligent in coming up with a menu for the entire week (even if it takes me 3 hours, which is does...quite often) and making enough food for dinner and leftovers.  I have been really consistent and only occasionally do we have to sub in breakfast for dinner; although I don't mind doing that once in a while.  A month or so ago, my brother-in-law, who just got married, asked us to send them some recipes for some meals and I got really excited and sent them a gigantic list of all kinds of recipes; including desserts, pizza dough, and my favorite rolls... It really thrilled me to know that I had that many recipes and ideas to send along, especially since I only did a little cooking in college, and felt like a very inexperienced cook when we got married.  I feel like having an arsenal of meals ideas and recipes that make us happy is a huge asset.  
     Like many people, I keep a fairly large pinterest board of meal ideas, and am frequently looking at Janssen and Merrick's boards to see what they are trying.  I also love using the library as a resource for new cookbooks, recipes and ideas.  I love the challenge and excitement of trying new recipes.  I have been stretched while trying to come up with meals and ways to use things up.  Most of all, I love feeling that we are eating fresh and healthy meals together.  

 I mentioned this cookbook in my applesauce post a few weeks ago and how I love it!  My delightful mother sent me a copy after that post and I am thrilled to have my own copy now.  I am sure I will use it for years to come.  

 I make soup more than almost any other type of food.  I think it is a great way to eat lots of vegetables in an easy and delicious way.  

A gift from my sister-in-law that has a fantastic focaccia bread recipe, among other things. 

A few of my favorite food blogs:
Our Best Bites - tasty and fun.
Mel's Kitchen Cafe - plain old deliciousness
Perry's Plate - delicious and healthy
101 Cookbooks - I especially love her soups
Hint of Honey - Her bread products are AMAZING

                   

Hop on over to Janssen and Merrick's blogs to read about their greatest accomplishment of 2012!