Cooking Resolution #1: Repetition

I’ve written often about my need for a lot of novelty and stimulation, which means I am usually more inspired to try a new recipes than attempt to improve my skillz at one I’d previously made.

And as also noted, I’m not a model of restraint. So I haven’t been even really been trying to muster up the discipline to make myself work against my flighty nature in order to become a better cook.

That is, until the changing of calendars inspires me to try to rein myself in. Perfection is an unrealistic goal, but Practice Makes Better is a valid ambition. Talent and natural ability only get you so far in life, then at some point, you have to settle into the hard slog of repetition.

Marvel at my courage!Over the next twelve months, I will heroically face down the potential for Soul-Crushing Boredom in this quest for skill-building:  I have twelve (ish) dishes I plan to make repeatedly until I feel like I am better at them.

I’ve picked ones I really like, or that are basic enough that I want to get to a point that making them is automatic and I no longer have to refer to a recipe.

I won’t necessarily focus on only one per month, but am going to do at least one post per month about the process and any helpful tips I’ve picked up along the way. I hope to go into 2010 with this group of go-to dishes that I can prepare effortlessly and with confidence that I will end up with a result that is tasty and what I expected.

1. Perfectly Seared Scallops
2. Vanilla Ice Cream (2a. French Style & 2b. Philadelphia Style)
   
3. Perfectly Fried Egg
4. Perfectly Roasted Potatoes with Garlic, Onions and Herbs
5. A Not-Burnt Mushroom Frittata
6. Pan-Roasted Salmon
7. My Ideal Black Beans and Rice
8. Adequate Caramel Sauce (At last! Goddammit!)
9. Vegetarian Marshmallows with Xanthan Gum
10. Tofu Stir-Fry
11. Black Pepper and Garlic Shrimp
12. Bianco-Rosa Pasta (more on this another time, it’s a recipe I am developing and am obsessed with, based on the ridiculously delicious Pizzeria Bianco Rosa Pizza from my hometown of Phoenix, AZ)