kitchen bible

I just got my copy of Bittman's book -- in paperback, as a way to use up what I need to get cheap through the book club -- getting out of it would simplify my life (what, that's not on my list??).
So what recipes do you recommend?

The list

So, as part of a mentoring program at church, both youth and adults were encouraged to develop a list of 100 things they want to do in their lives. It's taken me several months to create the list, and then refine it, (e.g, combining "float down the Snake River" and "float down the Colorado River" into one item, and then I had room to add one more thing), but now I am ready to commit to it.
Calling them goals seems too weighty, like I would have to work toward them. Some of them I will have to, including learning to cook creme brule and attend more poetry readings. Some will be lifestyle changes, in particular being more organized. And even with this start, I don't think I can cross 70 off the list yet. But I am starting!

MY 100

1. Trek to Nepal.
2. Hike in New Zealand
3. Explore Prague with someone who can highlight its history.
4. Be more organized.
5. Finish projects regularly.
6. Master Spanish.
7. Meet Johnny Depp.
8. Go in the Peace Corps or a similar international effort.
9. Lessen my fear of heights.
10. Be a better sailor.
11. Learn sign language.
12. Be a grandparent – a good one.
13. Take a long bicycle trip.
14. Retire.
15. Be comfortable with my hair turning grey.
16. Salvage and plant the vegetable garden.
17. Grow more flowers.
18. Know and apply interior design principles (and re-do the living room).
19. Develop a skill more useful in developing societies – and use it.
20. Better sewing – appliqué.
21. Go up in a hot air balloon.
22. Explore China.
23. Go to London for history and plays.
24. Go to Iceland – and nature..
25. Learn to play the harmonica.
26. Read (or listen to) the Bible.
27. Be part of a neighborhood group.
28. More kayaking (including an overnight).
29. See a Broadway play on Broadway.
30. Snorkel in Belize.
31. Learn to make crème brulee.
32. Explore Turkey.
33. Explore the Queen Charlottes.
34. Learn more about Buddhism.
35. Read the Qu’ran.
36. Be on the board of a non-profit – other than EUUC.
37. Be more involved in a political campaign.
38. Eat more organically.
39. Make 1000 paper cranes.
40. Learn to make tamales.
41. Participate in community-supported agriculture.
42. Go to Italy – art and history.
43. Go on a safari in East Africa.
44. Learn to play the piano better.
45. Volunteer in some capacity with animals.
46. Go to a spa.
47. Volunteer with stream planting.
48. Volunteer with trail maintenance.
49. Volunteer tutoring.
50. Teach a child to knit.
51. Express appreciation more.
52. Be more reflective.
53. Try improv.
54. Make more interesting clothing (quilted – wearable art).
55. Do better embroidery.
56. Go to a Vegas-type show.
57. Go to Yellowstone in the winter.
58. Learn about digital photography.
59. Learn to make bagels.
60. Learn to make good saag paneer.
61. Go to Fiji.
62. Enter a quilt in a show.
63. Do something new with someone new every year.
64. Learn Tai Chi.
65. Go to a high school reunion – if they have any more.
66. Learn about bicycle maintenance.
67. Go to Cabo San Lucas/Gulf of California.
68. Read more good magazines, e.g., at the library.
69. Learn to make sock monkeys or other animals.
70. Do a blog.
71. Understand our personal finances.
72. Learn to cross-country skate-ski.
73. Visit the Burgess Shale.
74. Learn to accessorize.
75. Float down the Snake River and/or the Colorado River.
76. Visit all 50 states (Delaware and West Virginia to go).
77. Grow an herb garden.
78. Go to a Daily Show taping.
79. Take a jewelry-making class.
80. Take a glass art class.
81. Never pass up an opportunity to ride a carousel.
82. Learn to use free weights.
83. Charter a sailboat somewhere else in the world.
84. Learn more about World History (not from an American perspective.)
85. Attend more poetry readings.
86. Do the Seattle International Film Festival.
87. Write a credo or “This I Believe” statement.
88. Learn continental knitting.
89. Have a make-over.
90. Lessen our global footprint.
91. Buy no new yarn for a year.
92. Write a “novel in November.”
93. Read more prize-winning nonfiction (e.g., National Book Awards).
94. Be more intentional in my/our charitable contributions.
95. Go to more symphony performances.
96. Ride a Segway.
97. Learn more about geology.
98. Bring more beauty into my life.
99. Maintain a sense of wonder.
100. Explore other peoples’ passions (e.g., Sunday suppers).