I have written about New Year's food resolutions before, but I am not a fan of the term "resolution" because it sets a person up for failure if they don't meet the resolution exactly. Instead, I prefer the term "intention" because it more accurately reflects how I approach the situation: this is what I would like to try in the coming year. There's no pressure to reach some lofty milestone that sounds good on December 31 but makes you want to cry by January 31.

My cooking and baking intentions for 2024 are slightly different than they have been in years past. Due to personal and health-related challenges I am being more gentle with myself. Instead of vowing to make an intricate, jaw-dropping masterpiece from a Cédric Grolet book (and cursing/crying because it all goes awry), I want to find more bakes that are simple yet unforgettable like one of my favorite cookies, the Rosemary chocolate chip shortbread pictured above. These cookies do not require mastery of any tricky technique nor do they involve any specialized pans or equipment, yet they are sublime. Every time I serve these delights to my friends and family I receive rave reviews. What's better than a low effort, high reward recipe? If I happen to find sufficient time and energy to tackle a Grolet recipe that's wonderful, but if not, I won't feel like I let myself down.

I also want to use more of the lovely tools I am fortunate to own. The adorable oval scalloped-edge cookie cutters I spied at an antique store for a mere $6.50 USD last week are begging to be used. These heavy-duty tinned steel beauties are my favorite purchase from 2023. Oval became a theme for me last year, because my other great find was a set of oval baking molds from France that should make gorgeous financiers or teacakes. Using these handsome tools will be a great pleasure. What are your food-related intentions for 2024?