I’ll wait for a week into the New Year before I act on my resolutions. This allows me time to carry on enjoying seasonal festivities ahead of my planned and positive decisions for 2018.

I’m not going to go on a diet as such but I’m going to enjoy more fruit and veggies for lunch rather than hot crusty bread and smooth, creamy camembert. And in place of that tasty savoury muffin with my morning coffee I’ll relish a seed cracker sans butter.

February sees a walking challenge to raise money for my local Hospice. I need 10,000 steps a day for the month to earn my sponsorship. This requires a start in January to ensure I’m fit enough for February. It’s happy hour that could spoil the results. 

I’m also going to hone my cooking skills by trying new ingredients each month. But to do this, visits to new cafés and food stalls are necessary. This is my favourite New Year’s resolution. 

And then there’s the kitchen spruce up. Before the year goes crazy the kitchen will be scrubbed from ceiling to toe plate. The pantry will be cleared of all those little bits that should have been used up in 2017. Then I’ll start again. New Year, new start. Have a good one.

Spicy onion tarts 

Serve small wedges for happy hour. Get the recipe

Blueberry mojitos

A refreshing party starter with a difference. Enjoy while blueberries are in season. Get the recipe

Cambodian beef skewers

Great for nibbles with drinks or as a main meat. Get the recipe