My 2019 Goals
This year is about goal setting for me. I want this year to bring new achievements, self-growth, and make Vita Italiana the absolute best it can be. Sharing these goals with you allows me to stay motivated, and helps you to learn a bit more about me. Here are my goals for 2019:
Grow Vita Italiana. I want my following to continue to grow this year. I'm so excited to share my passion with others, and have a platform for people to voice their interest, and celebrate Italian culture.
Get my Italian Citizenship. This is something I've discussed many times with people in the past, and I think it's time to make it happen. My dad was born in Italy, and I always dream about having my own home there in the future. This is the first step in making that dream a reality!
Continue Studying Italian. I don't speak Italian fluently, and although I can understand bits and pieces, I never think it's enough. I always admire people who can speak a second language, and it's something I always complain to my parents about. I wish I had spent more time in Italian school growing up, and practiced it more with my grandparents. After having such an amazing experience studying in Italy last year, I know it's a goal I want to pursue in the near future.
Host Aperitivo Parties. Aperitivo is a social activity which involves cocktails that stimulate your appetite, and is accompanied by snacks and appetizers. This was the theme of my birthday last year, and it was probably the best celebration yet. Friends, family, food, and cocktails- what more can you ask for? I actually received an Aperitivo book last year with recipes and cocktails from different parts of Italy, and I'll definitely be putting it to more use very soon!
Perfect my Arancini Recipe. I think many of you already know my love for arancini. I always remember how amazing and perfect my Nonna's arancini were, and I've always dreamt about making her proud. I've made arancini twice on my own, and I'm happy to report that my family of critics think I'm just about spot-on. To all my friends and family, you'll be doing some taste testing the next time we get together.
Learn and Master Four New Regional Dishes. All of my Italian friends are from different regions of Italy, and I'm always so fascinated to hear about their different techniques, and family recipes. I've also received some inspiration from my travels around Italy, and I think it would be so awesome to share those dishes with my loved ones at home.
Learn to Make The Perfect Amaretti Cookies. Amaretti (Italian almond cookies) have always been my favourite. You can enjoy them on their own, or my favourite, with an espresso. They're sold fresh at Italian bakeries and grocery stores all over the GTA, and even pre-packaged (I personally prefer the soft, fresh ones). My friend Amanda makes amaretti to absolute perfection, and I'm hoping she'll share her secret with me this year!
I can't wait to see what 2019 has in store, and to make all of these goals happen! Stay tuned for more posts, and don't forget to subscribe!
Fa la brava,
Juliana