Begin as you mean to go on, a crispy parmigiano reggiano chicken cutlet, and a new playlist to start the year off right.

Plus, a bit of This & That.

Happy New Year!

Thanks to all of you, 2024 was a big one for Barrett and The Boys! We published 54 newsletters, created over 50 new recipes, more than doubled our subscribers and became a Substack Best Seller. We connected with this community in so many ways, watching you cook and enjoy the recipes, using our travel guides to explore our favorite places and visit restaurants we love, inquiring how to make your own move to Europe, and rocking out to our monthly playlists. And, this is just the beginning….As we continue to grow, learn, explore, and discover, we're so grateful to do it with all of you. Here's to so much more in 2025!

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Begin As You Mean To Go On

I've never been big on new year's resolutions, as they're usually an extreme or unrealistic commitment that quickly falls to the wayside a month or two into the year, leaving me feeling bummed at myself for failing to follow it all the way through. But I do love the idea of starting to chip away at one of my many dreams at the beginning of a new year: a focus and an intention to dedicate time to realize that dream. So, when I came across this post by writer Leigh Bardugo the other day, it really resonated with me and got me excited about all that is possible in the future that lies ahead. She shared the following story:

"Back in 2009, my friend Josh told me he liked to start every New Year devoting a little time to something he wanted to pursue in the new year. On January 1, 2010, I made sure to carve out a few minutes to work on the novel I was determined to finish. That manuscript became Shadow and Bone and it sold in December of the same year. I don't do cleanses or resolutions, but I do continue the tradition of #BAYMTGO (Begin As You Mean To Go On) and I hope you'll join me."

So, let's join Leigh this year, taking a little time to realize our dreams, too. It's simple:

1) Pick something you want to devote more time to in the new year.

2) On January 1st (or starting today!), dedicate at least 15 minutes to doing that thing each day.

Excited to begin and see all that we can accomplish this year! x

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Parmigiano Reggiano Crusted Chicken Cutlets

All I need to say is that I made this for lunch today, and the boys each ate an entire chicken cutlet themselves, no complaining. The crispy, crunch of Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Panko breadcrumbs creates a delicious savory crust while the chicken remains moist and flavorful inside. The final squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing, tangy finish, and I can't wait to make this again and serve it with this arugula salad.