Great ways to make the most of the new year
Published: Thu 31 Dec 2015, 11:00 PM
Last updated: Fri 8 Jan 2016, 11:53 AM
The truth about life is that 'right now' is all we've got. So let's make the most of it, starting with this brand new year. No limitations, no holding back, this should be the time we set out to achieve all our foodie dreams and goals - and celebrate life by living the heck out of it.
In a bid to kick-off 2016 as the year well-lived and well-fed, here's a list of foodie things to do throughout the year! Happy New Year!
Explore French Cheeses
The French create some of the finest cheeses in the world, known for their pungent aroma and wide range of flavours and textures. In fact, many of the cheeses are from protected regions. Simply learning about them will surely enhance your epicurean life this year. Try one, try them all!
Learn to make pasta
I love pasta. Who doesn't? Why not learn to make some at home this year - a big batch you can use every time you feel like a little taste of Italy? There are a lot of other things you can experiment with, too, from seafood to homemade pesto, to take your pasta that extra mile.
Travel to all Emirates
If you've lived in the UAE for some years now, and still haven't been to every emirate - there are seven, in case you're wondering - you might want to get out more. And no, driving past them or through them doesn't count! Maybe this is the year to explore, and while you're at it, find something of interest in each emirate, particularly the local food joints, to have a good lunch or dinner before you head back to your home emirate.
Order something new
This is something I don't do, sadly. I like what I like in particular restaurants and I am very guilty of ordering the same thing repeatedly. Do like my adventurous husband does, and order new things on the menu. You may not like everything, but you never know until you try. You may just end up with some more favourites.
Experiment with spices
The adage is 'variety is the spice of life', but I think that spices add variety to life. Just think of how spices completely transform basic everyday ingredients. If you are hesitant to make your own spice mixes, buy some pre-prepared ones, but don't be afraid to delve deeper into the world of spices this year. Your palate will thank you for it.
Buy cookbooks
There is no such think as too many cookbooks. Head to Kinokunya or Jashanmal or any of your favourite bookstores - or even get them online for e-readers and tablets. If you're looking for inspiration in the kitchen, that's one place to start!
Travel for food
When you are planning your vacation this year, make the local food a priority. Planning a trip around a location that serves good food will ensure that you and your family will have a great time. Another great thing to do is register for cooking classes, while abroad. There's nothing like learning a cuisine in the place where it's from. So the next time you're in Thailand, learn to make Pad Thai the way it's supposed to be. Or (see 2) when you're in Italy, learn to make pasta like the Italians!
Eat offal
Why stop at the fillet? This year, buy cuts of meat you wouldn't normally buy and learn to cook with them - those cookbooks will surely come in handy. There are a lot of great dishes you can make for the family using cheaper, ignored cuts of meat, but, if you would rather have someone else cook it for you, look out for these odd cuts on the menus of restaurants in Dubai.
Let the kids cook
One fun way to teach kids about healthy eating and how to feed themselves is to get them involved in the kitchen. That means giving them small tasks and teaching them about fresh ingredients. At the very least, you will help them build an appreciation for cooking and in a few years, you can actually assign them more complex cooking duties.
Dine Around Dubai
One of Dubai's resident food bloggers - Samantha Wood of www.foodiva.net - does this great 'dine around Dubai' thing, where you eat in three secret restaurants showcasing different cuisines. It's loads of fun and a great date night for foodies. A must-do this year!
Bake for neighbours
When new neighbours move into your neighbourhood, go really old school and bake them something. Anything from cookies, a coffee cake or fresh bread works. If you move into a new neighbourhood, you can do the baking yourself once you are settled in as a way to introduce yourself to your new neighbours.
Eat healthier
This is the one that makes it to all our New Year's resolution lists but often gets overlooked. But let this be the year when your commitment to eat healthier takes shape.
Pay it forward
With stagnant wages and increasing cost of living, there are few of us who aren't feeling the pinch. So this year, go out of your way to help those in need, either by cooking a family a meal, or by just buying them a trolley full of groceries. A small act of random kindness goes a long way.
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