The new year always brings big plans. Travel goals, bucket lists, and dreams of places we want to explore. But let’s be honest, we can’t always hop on a plane every month. (Even when I worked at the airport!) This year, I’m bringing the adventure a little closer to home.

Welcome to A Year of Cooking Around the World, a monthly recipe challenge where we’ll explore a new country each month through food. Whether you love to travel, love to cook, or just love trying something new, this series is about discovering global flavors, learning cultural stories, and turning everyday meals into mini adventures.

Each month you can expect a post with a new destination, a main recipe, some fun facts and ingredient swaps to keep things accessible. Think of it as traveling the world, one recipe at a time. I always love a theme! Whether it’s just a meal or a whole date night in. It’s about curiosity, comfort, and celebrating food from different cultures in a way that feels doable.

Why I’m Doing This Series

Travel and food have always gone hand in hand for me. Some of my favorite memories aren’t just about where I went, but what I ate while I was there. Warm fondue on a cold snowy day, street food that changed my idea of a dish, or a meal that instantly brings me back to a place.

This series is my way of keeping that travel spark alive all year! Along with learning more about global cuisine and encouraging myself (and you!) to try something new each month. And honestly? It’s a fun challenge that adds structure without pressure. You can cook along with me or simply use the recipes as inspiration for your own kitchen adventures.

The Monthly Lineup (Tentative!)

Here’s a tentative plan for the year, flexible enough to change as inspiration strikes:

• January: Italy – Cozy comfort food to start the year
• February: France – Something classic and indulgent
• March: Ireland – Hearty dishes for early spring
• April: Thailand – Bright flavors and fresh ingredients
• May: Mexico – Bold, celebratory meals
• June: Greece – Light, summer friendly dishes
• July: USA – Regional favorites with history
• August: Spain – Tapas and shared plates
• September: Germany – Comfort food as fall begins
• October: India – Warming spices and depth of flavor
• November: Morocco – Slow cooked, aromatic dishes
• December: Sweden – Cozy holiday-inspired food

(If you have a country you’d love to see featured, I’m always open to suggestions!)

Let’s Cook Our Way Around the World

This challenge isn’t just for me, it’s for you too! Play along 🙂 Cook the recipe at home, put your own spin on it, share your results on social media….save the recipes for future travel inspiration. Even if you only join in once or twice during the year, you’re still part of the journey.

2026 for me isn’t about rushing or doing more. It’s about savoring moments, flavors, and stories. One meal at a time. I’m so excited to kick off A Year of Cooking Around the World, and I hope you’ll follow along as we turn the calendar into a culinary adventure.

Here’s to a year of good food, new traditions, and traveling the world from home. Cheers!