The beginning of a new year is inevitably a time of reflection, whether you make resolutions or not. I’m one of those people who New Year’s resolutions every year to varying degrees of success. Last year, I made two promises to myself that ended up being yearlong pursuits: to bring more packed lunches to work and to refresh my pantry. Little did I know just how long it would take to use up all the dried beans and grains, jams and fruit in my cupboard. Six months later I was still making bean dips, lentil soups and pearl barley stews.
