As we enter this New Year I’ve decided I am not taking one single glance back at my 2011 goals. While 2010 was a great year for accomplishing my goals and resolutions, I barely got things off the ground last year. I did learn the basics of knitting, but it stopped there.
Yes, I said New Years goals. Yes, I uttered the word resolution. I know it’s cool to be anti-resolution, but truth be told, I love this time of year. I love new beginnings.
It’s good to set goals for yourself whenever you choose: at the beginning of every day, week, month or year. I just happen to enjoy the fresh start of a new calendar.
So out with the 2011 (no looking back), and in with 2012.
This year, I decided to take the advice of Chris Brogan andchoose My 3 Words. Words that will guide me through this year; words I will revisit often to keep me on track.
My 3 Words for 2012 are:
Progress. Learn. Honor.
I will work to Progress my blog to the next level, a level that really only matters to me. I hope this will be reflected in the quality of my posts and my photographs.
I will be open to all Learning experiences whether it is a cooking method, camera technique, culture or language.
I will Honor my health and my body be revisiting my commitment to real food, and by making the most of the incredible food resources available to me.
Do you have 3 Words for 2012?
Now before I jump too far into the New Year, I need to back track into 2011 for just one day; to New Year’s Eve. We spent this NYE at home which I could not have been happier about. I only wanted to relax, and honestly didn’t even feel much like cooking.
Surprisingly this recipe is perfect for just this type of occasion. This version comes from a recipe adapted by one of my favorite international food bloggers, Tangled Noodle.
I modified the ingredients to meet our preferences, including using beef as opposed to pork. Not exactly because I prefer beef, but we’ve had a roast in the freezer we’ve wanted to use for weeks.
Mix, rub, pour, wait.
Seriously, that is all you need to do. As a result you are left with some incredibly tender meat with a hint of citrus and a bit of a spicy kick.
From there, turn it into a taco, roll it up in an enchilada, toss it on top of a salad or add it to a soup. The flavor is outstanding and the options endless.
Tequila-Lime Shredded Beef
3 lb tri tip beef roast
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp chili powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of one lime
1/3 cup unsalted beef stock
1/3 cup gold tequila
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
1 bay leaf
In a small bowl combine the cumin, oregano, salt and chili powder. Rub mixture over the beef roast. Place the roast in your slow cooker.
Add the garlic, lime juice and zest, beef stock, tequila, chipotle powder and bay leaf. Turn the meat over a few times in the mixture to coat. Set the slow cooker to high, put on the lid and cook 3-4 hours.
Once beef has reached your desired doneness, remove from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board to rest. Discard the bay leaf. Shred the beef with a fork and knife. Return the meat to the slow cooker and coat with the remaining sauce. Keep on warm until ready to serve. Serves 10-12.
I love to cook with tequila, not that I’m an alcoholic but it gives food a nice flavor
Wow, this sound so yummy!
Tequila and lime – two of my favorite pairings! I love this dish (and I see salsa and guacamole in the vicinity too, so I’m positive this would make a lovely meal!!)
Happy New Year!
Ahhh! I just posted my word for the year today! 😀
I love the picture of the tacos, great lighting and nice color with the lettuce and the sauce. Shredded meat tacos are one of our faves and now I need to make some with tequila!
Looks great! I’ve never cooked with tequila, but why not start!
That looks WONDERFUL!
I love the idea of 3 words for 2012…I’ll be thinking of mine.
beti – I definitely need to use it more often. Loved the flavor.
Sonia – It is a really great flavor combo and makes the meat so tender.
Simply Tia – Yes, I had to go all out for NYE! 🙂 Happy New Year to you!
Andrea – I have to come over and check it out. Thanks so much. This was a natural light day so it wasn’t nearly as difficult to snap a good one.
Skinny Fat Kid – I felt the same way.
emily – Isn’t it great! I’m so glad I stumbled upon it. It’s been good for focus thus far as well.
Just got a slow cooker, and I’ve been looking for recipes to try. Thanks for sharing this one. Love your “3 word” idea.
Yay! Your version looks fabulous! Now I wish I’d brought my slow cooker with me on the move. No worries – half the fun of cooking is figuring out how to make it work when there are limitations (and, of course, eating what you make!)
My three words for 2012 are: Confidence. Focus. Optimism. They have been lacking in my life recently and I want to bring them back! 😎
Thanks so much for the blog shout-out!
Your shredded beef looks flavor-filled and delicious! I love all the possibilities for eating it! And I missed you! Hope we can reconnect this year. I only picked one word and it was create. But I’m going to follow your link and chose two more! Happy New Year!
Although I do not eat meat, I love the idea of tequila lime. Looks like they turned out nicely. I love the 3 words you picked. I think I should think about mine. Hope you have an awesome 2012.
Oh, I’m bookmarking this. We love tequila lime chicken, so I’m sure beef would be a hot too.
great idea to pick three words for the year! now i need to think of mine 🙂
Happy New Year! I know I’m a few days late.
Wishing you delighting always, four words : ).
What a great idea to choose three words for the year. I’ll have to give that some thought!
I love this. No fretting over what did or didn’t happen in the past, just moving forward.
Except when it comes to good food. The flavors in this beef sound amazing!
I’ve been seeing more theme New Year’s resolutions and I like it! Those are good goals to set.
This is great and tasty slow cooker recipe.
Cheers to you! I think your 2012 goals…are perfect. Mine is to simplify. I prefer the theme because any improvement is then a success.
Great dish! Thanks for sharing.
Velva
My three words for 2012 are Tequila, Lime, Beef! Thanks GREG
Suzanne – Definitely start with this one. It turned out so well.
Tangled Noodle – I remember those days for sure. Now that I’m back, I still have them because I want ingredients from Brazil! 🙂 I love your words!
Reeni – Yes! I’ve had such a difficult time keeping up with my blog reading, but it is slowly getting better. Love create, that is a great one.
Melinda – I be it would be great for tofu, or even a pot of beans with the same ingredients. Happy New Year!
kat – It think you all will like this one for sure.
Alexis – I loved the 3 words approach. Gives me focus.
TasteHongKong – Happy New Year! I’ll take those 4 words. 😉
Beth – I love the concept to. So simple, yet inspiring.
Joanne – Yep, moving forward. I agree, good food is worth reaching into the past for. 🙂
Fresh Local Best – I really like this approach too. It seems to be the trend this year, and a good one.
Velva – Simplify is a great one!
Greg – Ha, ha! Good choice.