Photos: Kale and bean soup

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Kale and bean soup with a touch of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

A new year, a new slew of resolutions. Everyone around me seems to be making a list and checking it twice, vowing to travel more, drink less, lose weight, exercise regularly, etc. I had similar aspirations for Jan. 1, but then, let's just say, I ended up hosting a 9-course wine dinner for a friend ...

So, instead of chastising myself, I just decided to take things one step at a time. I find it's easier to take on one or two things rather than make a long list that just seems to grow as the newness of the new year fades.

In the kitchen is where I always start because healthier eating begets more exercise, which translates into more energy to accomplish the other things on the list.

Read more: White bean and kale soup, a light, clean start for 2014