Ah, the New Year.
So many possibilities for personal betterment in the coming months...
My resolution inventory includes the classics. Be healthier, save more money, read more, of course drink more wine, (you know, for research purposes) and then there is the biggie.
The time has come for me to dust off my apron...and get cooking.
Yes, 2012 - it is my turn to prepare fabulous, delicious, healthy and indulgent meals for friends and fam.
And it's a bit over-due. 
It isn't that I can't cook, you see.
In fact, I can follow a recipe to excellent ends. But living in Napa Valley and working in wine - well I just didn't really have to.
Plus I adore dining out.
Every aspect of it excites me. New inventive dishes, the wait-staff expertly navigating the floor, the bartender shaking cocktails...
I love exploring the wine lists and sampling cuisine I certainly don't have the expertise to create. At least not yet. Okay probably never.
I mean, don't you have to be certified to even touch fugu?
And I love, love, love to eat. To taste. The aromas, the presentation...
I'm sad when my food is all gone. I'm thrilled to get the dessert menu.
Lucky for me, Napa Valley's restaurant scene is amazing - but who of average means can sustain such an addiction? Again, I am in luck! My boyfriend Mike is a wonderful cook and loves to make the most of the kitchen. He's the natural sort who can become inspired by a single ingredient and throw together an impromptu masterpiece.
But it's my turn. I'm ready to get in on the action again. And so far, so good.
Starting out slowly, I broke in our new soup pot with some simple comfort fare.
A rich chili con carne recipe courtesy of the Food Network magazine I picked up in the produce section at Safeway. (The cover pic caught my eye.) Our Gap's Crown Pinot took this recipe over the top as a pairing by the way.
(Though my boyfriend paired his with the Amber Ale I used in the recipe.)

I tried a clam chowder from the same publication as well and it was hit if I do say so myself. My first
time making this family favorite came out picture perfect. Creamy, balanced...delish with Chard.
But the best part (other than sharing the food-love with my boys - was that in both instances I indulged myself in the pleasures of preparation. The aspect of food I miss completely out on during my dining excursions.
The aromatics of bacon sizzling, of chopping fresh thyme...
And when was the last time you took a blade to a crisp rib of celery? I forgot how delicious celery smells.
Celery.
Talk about being easily excited.
But I'm not ashamed. Mike tried to help but I was much too into it.
My kitchen take-over was well in progress. So what's next in my culinary coup d'état?
Just like the restaurant scene in Napa - the possibilites are endless. But of course at home we don't have to tip. And Mikey gets to kiss the cook.
Best New Year's Resolution ever!
Cheers,
Megan
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