Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this lighthearted and inspiring New Year's episode, Brooke Eliason kicks off 2025 by sharing her culinary bucket list: 12 things she wants to learn or perfect in the kitchen this year. From mastering delicate pastries to exploring fermentation techniques, Brooke's journey is all about combining creativity, skill-building, and a love for cooking. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of motivation and actionable ideas to enhance your own culinary adventures.   Key Takeaways

• [02:27] Baking Goals
  • Brooke shares her passion for perfecting laminated dough to make croissants, panettone, and macarons.
  • She discusses the challenges and joys of these ambitious projects, including sourcing high-quality ingredients.
• [09:55] Cooking Techniques
  • Learn about Brooke's desire to make authentic Chinese dumplings, braised short ribs, and tamales.
  • She emphasizes the importance of honing culinary skills like knife sharpening and chopping efficiency.
• [14:38] Famous Chef Recipes
  • Brooke plans to tackle iconic recipes like Ina Garten’s coconut cupcakes, Gordon Ramsay’s beef Wellington, and Julia Child’s tarte Tatin.
  • Hear her thoughts on the artistry and techniques involved.
• [22:00] Fermentation Exploration
  • Brooke is diving into true fermentation methods, such as making kimchi and homemade pickles, without relying on vinegar.

  Notable Quotes

• (01:37) "This is all about having fun. No pressure, just the joy of trying new things."
• (03:59) "When I really enjoy making something, I make it multiple times, tweaking little nuances to perfect it."
• (23:06) "I want to figure out how to ferment and how to do it the right way."

  Resources

• Chocolate Sticks
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