New Years Resolutions

[AlittleSalt]

Not exactly in this order, but they are realistic:

Start reading this site.

Figure out what all these buttons do here at this site.

Go Fishing!

Plan a garden.

Help Rajun make this place a very good one.

[Nan6b]

I've almost completed my 2018 new year's resolution, which was to get all the routine medical test done that my doctor has ordered. I'm doctor phobic, so that was a hard one that took 2 years to complete. I'll be done in January.

I need something easier for 2020. I've been blessed with a real windfall of new flower seeds; my resolution will be to actually plant everything I have good intentions of planting.

Salt, I agree with you about the resolution to help Rajun make this a great site. That is definitely on the list! Thanks for starting this thread!

[brownrexx]

I do not usually make New Year's resolutions but this year I heard of a good one and I think I am going to do it too. Replace all my spices that are over 1 to 2 years old. I like to cook and I think refreshing my spices would be a good idea and the first of the year is a good reminder to do this.

The person that told me about this said would you put coffee in a glass jar on your counter for 2 years and then think you could make a good cup of coffee out of those grounds? Good point. I think some of my spices are getting quite old. I got an Amazon gift card for Christmas so I am going to check to see if they sell Penzeys Spices or another good spice vendor such as spice Hunter

[Nan6b]

I inherited some of my spices when we inherited our house in 1994. Probably ought to do the spice thing, too.

[ddsack]

I found a lot of old spices, some unopened at the back of the cupboard when I did a major rearranging of cupboards a couple of years ago. I now use a heavy black sharpie to put the date of purchase on everything I put in the cupboard to store. That includes tuna and other canned goods. I know there are "best by" dates on most things, but they are so small and hard to read that I'd rather see quickly how long it's been since I purchased it.

No New Year's resolutions yet, except the same old ones to eat more healthy and exercise more. And clean out my closets of old clothes and shoes.

[worth1]

Many spices dont go bad until you grind them up.
I don't make New years resolutions.
Maybe I'll try to be more grumpy this year.

[Ginger2778]

I inherited some of my spices when we inherited our house in 1994. Probably ought to do the spice thing, too.

Me three!

[brownrexx]

If you are not a believer in updating spices and you have something like Italian seasoning, buy a new one and compare the 2 smells. I was shocked at the difference and now I am a believer.

[maxjohnson]

Start the vegetable early indoor and transplants early. I don't mean tomato, but lettuce, celery and such. The other one is get serious about growing grapes.

[SpookyShoe]

May the Force be with us!

[brownrexx]

I did it. I went to the store yesterday and bought replacements for all of my out of date spices. Some of the oldest ones in my cabinet said 2004 and some were 2014. The ones that I use most often were fresh so they did not to be replaced. I found a few old ones that I never use so they got tossed which made more space.

I like to cook so why would I use a spice that is less that fresh? Would I use 5-10 year old veggies from the freezer?

Spices can be pricey but my total bill which included a some groceries was $60 and my good cooking is certainly worth that!

My spices now look so bright and fresh. I am very happy and inspired to try some new recipes with my fresh spices.

[worth1]

I used some salt today that was millions years old.

[brownrexx]

I used some salt today that was millions years old.

I did not update my million year old salt.

[Nan6b]

My box of salt has an expiration date. DH suggested it was due to proton decay.

[peebee]

I had an unopened vacuum pack block of yeast from 2016 that I decided to test before throwing out. The stuff bubbled up like crazy in minutes! So glad I didn't heed all the warnings about fresh yeast. Oh, and the 2016 was the use by date not purchase date. I had great aspirations back then of baking all my breads ha ha.
That said, my resolution is to bake bread again & to try new recipes. I'm into Thai & Vietnamese food now. And yes, thanks for the reminder I will throw out spices that have lost fragrance.

[PhilaGardener]

Now that you opened that yeast, keep a bulk stock in a tightly closed container in the freezer (next to your seeds! )

Treat them the same when you need them - remove the container from the freezer, let it warm and then dry any condensation from the outside before opening. (I keep a smaller container at room temperature for everyday use).

The same for your fresh herbs and spices and they will stay in great shape a lot longer!

[worth1]

I buy Red Star yeast in a jar and proof it before use.
Always kept in the refrigerator.
The packets of yeast drive me nuts and I wont buy them.
Many seed type spices do very well in the freezer and last a very long time in mason jars.

[brownrexx]

I have a couple of packets of yeast and I keep them in the refrigerator.

[imp]

Made a resolution many years ago, not to make any more resolutions. Kept that one.

[EdieJ]

My resolution this year is to do a better job of staying hydrated. So today I've had ... 1 cup of coffee. Oopsie!!
I have a jar of active dry yeast in the fridge. I have a few packets of instant rise too. I am very hooked on making my own bread and am working on perfecting a recipe of my own to enter into a baking contest if I ever run across one.
I just realized that I'm also needing to check my herbs & spices. Some I know are fresh but I suspect some towards the back are not. Including some very expensive saffron I bought a few years ago for a specific recipe and then never made it. Another oopsie.
Oh well, Happy New Year anyway!