Last night, Shrek and I rang in the new year with a few new recipes: Giada’s asparagus lasagna and white bean soup.

Unfortunately in our rush to pick up ingredients, Shrek “we” accidentally grabbed “ready to bake” lasagna noodles which I didn’t even know existed. They were a little too crunchy for my liking. At least, the ones on top were. The noodles within were fine so the dish is wonderful as long as you remove the top. Ah well, now we know not to use those!

Also picked up an Uppercrust Bakery berry pie at Zanotto’s, our local grocer, while picking up ingredients. It was SO GOOD, especially with whipped cream and red wine!

Judging by how well we eat at home, I don’t think I will have too much trouble not eating out for the next 30 days. I know it’s early and I may be overly optimistic, but I did get my fair share of sushi, pho, McDonalds (20 piece Chicken McNuggets and fries!), and In N Out Double-Doubles in over the holidays. They are, oddly enough, the only foods I really crave that just can’t be replicated at home by either me or Shrek. Trust me, I’ve tried.

Instead of kicking off the new year with a morning run or workout, I baked a beautiful banana bread cake. It was in cake form only because I couldn’t find my loaf pan, but I discovered that cooking it this way creates more crust which is mine and Shrek’s favorite part. Win!

While it baked I cleaned out my fridge and medicine cabinet. What I found wasn’t pretty. I threw away 6-7 various over-the-hill salad dressings and condiments, some — not to deter anyone from eating over — expired January 2010. I guess I need to eat more greens! From my medicine cabinet I tossed stuff that expired as far back as 2008, which makes sense since I don’t get sick too often. At least, not to a point where self-medication is required. Here’s to looking forward to another healthy year! Although, I think my breakfast today would be classified as more “hearty” than “healthy”….

New Year Brunch: eggs, tots, sausage, baby pancakes, champagne, and a slice of banana bread cake.

I may have had some chocolates, too, while cleaning up. Yeah, obviously no New Years Resolutions to eat better. Maybe next month when I start my next 30 day challenge!