40 New Recipes in 2020

When Matthew and I first got married, I set a resolution to try new foods. I don't remember the specifics, but I remember trying more foods than I ever had. I am a very picky eater, so this was a big deal.

This year, I've decided to do a 2.0 version of that resolution and have committed to making 40 new recipes in 2020. This is an offshoot of my #readyourbooks challenge because I have a shelf of cookbooks that I never use.

My hope is that this resolution will push me to use those recipe books. I will be sharing what I make throughout the year on my Instagram accounts, so follow me on @JessicaNTurner and @booksnobbery to see what I am cooking and baking.

What Cookbooks I'll Use

Here are some of the cookbooks I will be cooking from. All links are Amazon affiliate links.

Whole30: Though I am not doing Whole30, we have loved many of the recipes in this cookbook.

Magnolia Table: This is one of my most-used cookbooks, though I only have made a few recipes from it. We love them all, so time to make some more.

Upscale Downhome: I've only made one recipe from this cookbook by Rachel Hollis, but I loved it.

Pioneer Woman Cooks: Several of the recipes in here are some of our family's favorites. It's time to make more!

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It

I Heart Naptime Cookbook

Instant Loss Cookbook

Danielle Walker's Eat What You Love

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: According to Amazon, I bought this in 2012 and have never made one recipe from it

Weeknights with Giada: Likewise, I also bought this in 2012 and haven't made anything from it!

Plan to Stay on Track

I plan to meal plan on weekends and decide what I will make in the week ahead. Matthew does the bulk of the cooking during the week, so I expect that I will make many of these on weekends. I am on track, having made three new recipes since the start of the year.

Our family tends to do better when we do grocery shopping once a week and make a menu plan. If we don't menu plan, we tend to default to less healthy options like pasta and pizza.

On weeks that are really busy, we use Shipt, which delivers your groceries right to your door. Shipt is a game-changer for busy families and we absolutely love it. At first I was concerned that the shoppers wouldn't do a great job picking produce and other fresh items, but I have never had a problem. Shipt shoppers are pros! Get it for 50% off (only $49 for the year) with this referral link. 

I also plan to continue to subscribe to Home Chef as a way to broaden my recipe making skills. This affiliate link will get you $35 off your first box, making it less than $15 for four meals.

Do you make a lot of new recipes? What are recipes you love?