For us the culinary theme and resolution for 2009 was preservation in its different forms. Between us we haven’t done too bad, though it has very much proved to be Hubs’ domain. Hubs has a knack of being good at the stuff I’m frankly rubbish at (or don’t have a patience for); I suppose we’re a good balance. successful preservation this year included Pickled Red Cabbage, sweet chilli jam, quince jelly, gooseberry jam along with many other projects that got eaten before being posted about.
For me the highlights of 2009 include then experiencing the famous Valentine Feast at River Cottage, learning to bake bread at River Cottage, snowday eccentricity leading to making Nutella, Hubs going all Hugh with smoking in a breadbin, realising that beer makes a very fine cooking ingredient be it in ice cream, brownies or bread and eating my way around Berlin.
2009 was also the year I started to teach cookery to primary aged kids. It was a steep learning curve for me. Some things worked some things didn’t. All I will say is never ever make peppermint creams on a boiling hot day with a class of kids it’ll only end in a sticky disaster.
This year and decade has culminated with my appearance of Aleena Naylor’s show on BBC Radio Derby and finally Christmas.
For 2010 both Hubs & I have our own foodie resolutions. For me it is to get more confident with fish and for Hubs it is to finish building his cold smoker. Thanks to some Christmas gifts we already have a few foodie trips planned including a day at the School of Artisan Food and a couple of nights feasting at Northcote. I hope the next year and decade will be just as good for you.
22 comments
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Helen T
December 29, 2009 at 9:05 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
How exciting, which course are you going on? I would love to go, got one still to take at the Nottinghamshire School, but if honest would rather go on one of theirs. Any of theirs to be honest!
Jules
December 29, 2009 at 9:49 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I haven’t decided which course yet, I’m spoilt for choice. I have got my eye on chocolate, patisserie or the brewing/cordial one.
Wendy
December 29, 2009 at 9:11 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I can’t wait to read about your day at the School of Artisan Food – it is just up the road from us and I would love to spend a day there. You might persuade me to do it!
Jules
December 29, 2009 at 9:50 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I’ll let you know how it goes as it hasn’t been open long. It’ll be great to have a great cookery school in the midlands.
thingswemake
December 29, 2009 at 9:11 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Ah…a lovely little post and nice pics. That has made me want to do a 2009 roundup too. Happy New Year and all that.
Jules
December 29, 2009 at 9:51 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thank you. Happy New Year to you too.
Chele
December 29, 2009 at 9:53 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Sounds like you guys will be very busy in 2010 – mind you 2009 has also kept you on your toes no doubt! Really enjoy your blog – thanks for getting me addicted to the blogging world ;0)
Jules
December 29, 2009 at 11:06 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
It’s a pleasure Chele ;)
goodshoeday
December 29, 2009 at 10:46 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Sounds like you’ve had a good year and have another one planned. Artisan School looks great, am hoping to be able to go at some point myself.
Have you been to Northcote before (or the pubs)? They are fantastic. We had a great Sunday lunch there in early 2009 and I love the pubs too. We also went back on 2005 and did the tasting menu – fantastic. I know you’ll enjoy it.
Looking forward to your blog post in 2010.
Jules
December 29, 2009 at 11:08 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
We haven’t been to Northcote before or any of it’s sister pubs, but I’ve heard so many great things about it. I can’t wait!
Jennifer
December 30, 2009 at 12:06 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Wow, sounds like you guys have had a very successful year, can’t wait to see what you guys get up to this coming year.
Becky
December 30, 2009 at 7:46 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Bought my boyfreind Pig In a Day at the Artisan School for his Christmas present. Thanks for all the lovely recipes in 2009 and here’s to 2010 and all your foodie resolutions
PinkCat
January 1, 2010 at 11:06 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Happy New Year! Looking forward to hearing all about your food adventures in 2010! x
Alice
January 2, 2010 at 8:54 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I am in awe of how much you’ve achieved in 2009 – bring on 2010! I loved your interview on BBC Radio Derby and listened to the whole thing on a particularly slow day at work :)
Claire
January 3, 2010 at 9:34 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Happy New Year! Your foody plans for this year sound good :) x
The Curious Cat
January 4, 2010 at 2:39 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
ooo sounds like an interesting year ahead and I enjoyed your reflections too…I intend to do that at some point myself. I think it is always good to look back and reflect before moving forward! I have enjoyed reading your blog in 2009 and I suspect I will continue to do so now it is 2010! xxx
Kerri
January 4, 2010 at 9:13 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Happy new year, hope you had a lovely Christmas.
Looking forward to hearing how you get on with fish this year, good luck!
Petit Filoux
January 5, 2010 at 12:35 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Those sound like good resolutions to me!! Happy new year! x
Chele
January 5, 2010 at 8:31 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hi Jules. I’ve just been given an award for my blog and am now passing it on to you as one of my favourite blogs. To collect the award go to my blog ;0)
Nic
January 6, 2010 at 11:06 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Sounds like you have a great year ahead.
Happy New Year to you both and all the best for 2010!
Alex
January 7, 2010 at 3:02 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Happy new year to you both and good luck with the resolutions (I’m skipping them this year, ahem!)
x
Charlene
January 9, 2010 at 7:49 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Mmm, I want to start getting into preserving too – I made my very first chutney for Christmas and that turned out really well!
Oh, and I’ve blogged an award for you over at my blog – just to let you know I enjoy reading your blog. :)