What’s to Come at SS&GF in 2010

December 31, 2009 { }

When I started blogging, it was simply a creative outlet that gave me some relief from a job I didn’t enjoy. I had no idea that it would turn into a love affair woven with meaningful friendships, daily education, and a constant challenge to better myself in the kitchen, as a writer, and as a blossoming food stylist and photographer.

With the year coming to a close, I’ve given some thought about where I want SS&GF to go in 2010. I’m sharing my plans because I’d love to hear your feedback, as so much of what I do springboards off of your comments and e-mails.

In 2010:

SS&GF is going seasonal, local, and organic. Learning to cook this way takes time and effort. I’ve been moving in this direction over the last six months and have gotten a real education from my CSA membership. Our CSA is ‘closed’ until late January because there local farmers can’t grow enough produce right now. We’ve had bizarre weather and several freezes so sometimes ‘local’ is not a viable option.
whole grains and whole grain flours will be making regular appearances in my baking and cooking. I’ve fallen in love with buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth flours. I’ve started to move from a place where I need my gluten free, sugar free baking to be just like ‘glutenoid,’ sugary baked goods and have found such freedom in letting the flours be what they are.
a variety alternatives to sugar will make appearances aside from agave – dates, raisins, yacon, fruit juices and frozen concentrates, and stevia.
Joe and I are going to put a garden in the 30 square feet of space we have available. Small but mighty is what we’re planning on.
Slightly Indulgent Tuesday will continue to grow. I have found so much joy in learning how we make food healthier in different ways and look forward with excitement to more participation and new ideas.
I plan to finish the cookbook I’ve been writing. I’m most excited about this! It’s a dream I’ve had since I was in high school, and my goal is to finish this year.
I’ll write more about healthier eating that will contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. So many people e-mail me about weight loss and though I’ve had huge long-term weight loss success, it’s my least favorite topic. For 15 years my focus was wrong. I was so worried about losing the weight, and in my worry I couldn’t make a change. Once I changed my focus and started feeding my body in a healthy way, the weight came off without effort. I’ll write more about that this year.
I’m going to enjoy the journey. This is a lesson I’ve been learning for quite some time. I’ve always been one of those people that wants to get “there,” where ever “there” happens to be. Over the last few months I’ve started to see that it’s really about enjoying NOW. Peace and joy are readily available when I remember this.

I wish you a happy and safe New Year and a 2010 full of everything you want in life.

Is there anything you’d like to see at SS&GF? I am always happy to hear your comments and feedback.

This post is linked to The Nourishing Gourmet’s New Year’s Resolution Carnival.

Much Love,

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Comments

37 Responses to “What’s to Come at SS&GF in 2010”

Lauren
December 31st, 2009 @ 9:18 am

Oh Amy, this all sounds wonderful! A cookbook? I know you can do it! I cannot wait to see how you evolve, as I’m sure it will be beautifully =D.

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Miriam/The Winter Guest
December 31st, 2009 @ 9:56 am

Looking forward to enjoying 2010 at SS&GF! Happy New Year!

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Tracee
December 31st, 2009 @ 10:25 am

We’re hoping to do the garden thing this year too. Have you ever read “Get the Sugar Out”? It has alot of info on natural sweeteners. Best of luck on your cookbook!

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Iris
December 31st, 2009 @ 12:27 pm

Happy New Year Amy! Thanks for all your blogging support this year! What a great community this is! I love the idea of trying all different sweeteners! I’m realizing more and more how badly my body responds to sugar, so I’ll be trying more of your sugar-free baking this year.

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Amy Reply:
December 31st, 2009 at 6:28 pm
@Iris, We have really learned together, haven’t we? I am looking forward to a fabulous 2010 of growth for all of us.

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Morgan
December 31st, 2009 @ 12:41 pm

I am excited about it all! Especially the local, in season produce and the garden. I would like to do that too. I’ll let you be the guinea pig and copy all your ideas!

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Amy Reply:
December 31st, 2009 at 6:30 pm
@Morgan, You have added so much to my blog this year…and we have helped each other learn so much. There is more to come in 2010.

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Susie's Homemade
December 31st, 2009 @ 4:11 pm

Those are great goals! I hope you reach all them and more:-)

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Liz@HoosierHomemade
December 31st, 2009 @ 11:02 pm

Amy,those are great goals! Wishing you and Joe a healthy and happy 2010!
~Liz

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Denise
January 1st, 2010 @ 10:37 am

We’re rooting for you, Amy! I’m especially interested in eating local, since I’m in the same area. It’s a challenge around here, isn’t it? We have had a small garden for years, as well..you are going to have so much fun playing in the dirt! Howard Garrett is a great local resource for organic gardening and for info on how to get your soil in good shape. Can’t wait to meet you!

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barbara
January 1st, 2010 @ 10:57 am

Amy,
Love the whole grains idea.
Please don’t forget the ‘greens’ we need.
Barbara

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Amy Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@barbara, I have dishes with greens on my list. Leafy winter greens like swiss chard and kale are in season so I’ll be posting more of those.

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Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
January 1st, 2010 @ 11:20 am

Amy! I am really excited about your new directions! Sounds like we are on a similar journey! Wishing you success with all your goals in 2010! I am really glad to have gotten to know you through blogging!

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Amy Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
@Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen, I am grateful for our friendship as well. It is so neat to see where our cooking intersects. I haven’t started making yogurt and cheese yet but I have a feeling it will be in my future.

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Chelsey
January 1st, 2010 @ 11:52 am

Happy New Years Amy! I love your blog . If it weren’t for you I would have never taken the step to find out how good my life is without sugar and gluten. This year I am taking it a step further and going grain free as the GF flours seem to affect me as well. Thank-You for being there!

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Amy Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 3:46 pm
@Chelsey, I thought I was having trouble with grains for a while but it was actually more of a diet imbalance. I wasn’t eating enough veggies or foods with natural, soluable fibers and was eating too much dairy. I’ve made some dietary changes and now have no trouble at all.

I’m looking forward to hearing about your journey and am glad you found solutions that work for you.

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Jenni
January 1st, 2010 @ 12:07 pm

Amy, that sounds fantastic. I’m pretty new to your wonderful blog but I have loved reading it everyday. I look forward to your adventures in gardening as we are going to try and do something productive with our 40 sq feet.

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Alta
January 1st, 2010 @ 12:42 pm

Wonderful goals. I’ve been considering writing a book too! We need to chat about that, because I’m really curious on how to get started. I love your reference to “glutenoid” baking, LOL! I totally understand and agree with you on that one. The gluten-free flours can be delicious, if you break away from expecting them to act like wheat flour. I’m slowly learning this. BTW, I made your raw date truffles for NYE and they were DELICIOUS! Even my teen nieces loved them. And I loved that they were easy too! Anyway, I wish you the best of luck in the new year!

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Amy Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@Alta, Yes, we will chat about the book. I’ve just been working on one chapter at a time. I have no idea how to get published but am confident that it will fall into place. So glad you like the truffles. I think they even make a great snack. Wishing you all the best in 2010 as well, my friend.

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Lisa
January 1st, 2010 @ 12:50 pm

Happy New Year to you & yours!

This all sounds great, Amy. I’m particularly interested in bullets 2 & 3… & hearing about your adventures w/ the garden. Good luck w/ that! Since I’m new to GF baking, more recipes & tips on how to appreciate these flours will be very helpful. And I’m always on the lookout for more sugar alternatives. All I seem to use is agave & liquid stevia, & I’d like to branch out. And a cookbook sounds exciting. I’ll really look forward to that.

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Jenna @ Newlyweds
January 1st, 2010 @ 12:52 pm

Wonderful goals. Happy New Year! Good luck on your garden, we always do a summer and winter garden here in Texas, and nothing beats growing it yourself, its so rewarding.

ps: I mentioned you on my blog today, thanks for your inspiration in sugar and gluten free eating.

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Amy Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
@Jenna @ Newlyweds, I will need to get some gardening tips from you. It’s new territory for me. Thanks for mentioning me on your blog. I will stop by and check out your post.

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Karen@Cook4Seasons
January 1st, 2010 @ 2:12 pm

Kudos, Amy, on your success to date and all the delicious, healthful goals for 2010! Love embracing the seasons in my kitchen, too, along with whole grains and gluten free options.
Best wishes in the coming year!

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Army Blogger Wife
January 1st, 2010 @ 10:51 pm

I just stumbled on your site, and am so excited to go back and read your posts. I am going to start a GF/CF diet with my daughter (and probably all of us) to hopefully help her. I’m looking forward to everything that 2010 holds in store, and know that I ended up on your site for a reason! Thanks!

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gfe--gluten free easily
January 2nd, 2010 @ 11:45 am

Thanks so much for your blog this year! I’ll be happy to go along on your 2010 journey, dear Amy. We’re all on an evolving journey I believe. We can’t do it all at once, but over time we can figure it out to be our absolute best. Looking forward to 2010! Happy New Year to you, Joe, and your beloved pooches who keep you happy and healthy, too.

Shirley

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Trish
January 2nd, 2010 @ 9:52 pm

How exciting! I’m definitely interested in your gardening and local food – I’m signed up for a CSA box this summer. Too bad it can’t last all year here…

Here’s to a great year!

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Katie
January 3rd, 2010 @ 5:12 am

Hi Amy,

Good luck with the blog and possible book in the New Year. I love getting your emails and check the blog regularly, it keeps me inspired with my cooking

Katie, England

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Sandy Gillett
January 3rd, 2010 @ 7:50 pm

Wonderful goals Amy! You amaze and inspire me! Everything you have mentioned is of interest and benefit to me. I have always wanted a small garden and mine would have to be a container garden so we’ll see. I’m excited about the book and I’d love to come to a book signing.

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Dee
January 3rd, 2010 @ 8:30 pm

Amy — love all your new plans and especially adding whole grains. Lack of fiber/whole grain is an issue in trying to find healthy gluten-free breads and snacks. Can’t wait!

Thank you!

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Kim, The Food Allergy Coach
January 4th, 2010 @ 2:05 pm

Amy, sorry I haven’t comment forever – just starting to get caught up (if that’s even possible). Your plans sound tremendous! We are also making moves to eat more fresh, local, and organic. It’s a wonderful thing. A cookbook?!?! I’m sure it will be a huge success. I look forward to reading all about your progress. Happy New Year!

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SnoWhite
January 4th, 2010 @ 9:50 pm

love your goals — I’m sure they will be great motivation this year.

I’d love to chat about your cookbook ideas

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Janice
January 5th, 2010 @ 4:52 pm

So many exciting developments! For your small but mighty garden space, you should try square foot gardening! Ive been gardening for years, and have switched over lots of my regular veg production to square foot beds — works great!

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Amy Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@Janice, I’ve never heard of square foot gardening but I love the idea. Where did you get the info on it? I want to do some research. Thanks for the great suggestion.

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Janice Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
@Amy, Its been around for a while http://www.squarefootgardening.com. All of the beds in my veg. garden are now 4×4, 2×4 or 2×8, and I have trellises on a few of them. In our climate, we get fairly dry summers, so I built my boxes 12 inches deep, which seems to be just about right.

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Amy Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 8:05 am
@Janice, Thanks so much! I have been looking for a solution and this just might be it. Hugs!!
Stefanye
January 7th, 2010 @ 3:05 am

Amy – I love your story of health and your great recipes and overall ideas for living sugar and gluten free.

Since New Year’s, I’ve been doing my best to abstain from sugar and gluten and focus on health rather than weight loss. It’s been difficult to plan out my meals and I would love to see what you eat in a typical week.

Keep up the good work! I think you’re doing a great, great job and I look forward to that cookbook of yours.

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Amy Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 8:36 am
@Stefanye, I eat what I blog about…there’s nothing on here that I don’t eat. I do understand where you’re coming from, though, because at first it really takes some planning and thought especially to figure out how much to eat and when. I get this question quite often so I need to put together a post about it. It’s going on my to-do list.

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