New Year Resolution : Foraging in the Larder / Conscious Consumption

My lardless larder is full. Every one of my dozens of canning jars is in use. I can’t squeeze another bursting-to-overflow Ziploc bag, even quart size, into my chest freezer. Without inordinate amounts of time spent gardening and processing food, I need a seasonal focus, so...
I plan a moratorium on buying any food ingredients from January first until May 31, (or until Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard is bare) and instead, to use up all of my home-grown, frozen, preserved, foraged,fermented, 

dehydrated and purchased bulk ingredients.  

Inspiration seized me by the tongs when my new blogger friend, Kathy, who artistically crafts theme- based food which she serves with a flair, showed me her blog site overflowing with delicious photos and savory write ups. Having just read the Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau which describes assorted and diverse personal quests, I decided to crack the egg and pursue a culinary quest of my own.

Used to cooking from scratch, I prefer locally grown, plant-based organic foods which I try to keep on hand, though I do occasionally run out for ingredients, should I decide to make a special dish. This challenge will be an exercise in self- discipline, and ultimately, non-attachment to menus. Especially as spring approaches, I will be forced to cook and eat creatively. I will save about $500, which is what I spent in 2018 during this same time period for ingredients, not to mention time saved by not having to shop. By the end of May, presumably, my freezer will be empty and ready to receive next year’s gleanings.  

It is my intention to blog about this experiment, which will help me stay focused, and will provide motivation to write and take photos regularly. As I slow down and record my process and experience, I imagine I will have a greater appreciation for all the effort it took to collect, grow, and put by all that will fuel this project. In addition, as I know nothing about blogging, I will assuredly learn as I go.

I may do more entertaining. Come in January when the menu is fuller!

By committing to this pursuit, I may learn more about myself and my relationship with food, life, nourishment and who knows what else.

Yes, already I realize that I am some sort of frugal, self-sufficient, health-crazed nut of a survivalist with an evolving unplanned plan to get me through the dregs of winter in Rochester, NY with satisfaction and sense of achievement. Maybe even some home-made treats thrown in!