Happy New Year, everybody!!! I hope your holidays were as fabulous as mine! Can I just tell you really quick how awesome Christmas was?! I have to be honest that I was kind of nervous about what Dick had in store for me as far as gifts go, but not really nervous enough to care because the past 3 Christmases, or any holiday or event that traditionally calls for gifts, have pretty much been a bust in the gift-giving area for him. But to my shock and amazement - and I think he even shocked himself - he really blew me away! My favorite of all the killer gifts he got me is a Celine Dion dvd of her "A New Day" Las Vegas concert. You may not think that's a killer gift, but then you probably don't love Celine like I do. It's been on as background music pretty much non-stop since I opened it.
Anyway, looking back over 2009, this blog has been one of my very favorite things! It's given me an excuse to get some new cookbooks, make food non-stop, and try things in the kitchen I never thought I would. I even received a comment from a Super Star Chef from the Holy Food Network! I'm psyched about this next year and all the delicious dishes I'll get to whip up and then gobble up! Thanks for popping in every now and then. I hope you've been able to enjoy some of these recipes along with me! Here's to 2010, and many more mouthwatering bites!
~Top 10 of 2009~
Anyway, looking back over 2009, this blog has been one of my very favorite things! It's given me an excuse to get some new cookbooks, make food non-stop, and try things in the kitchen I never thought I would. I even received a comment from a Super Star Chef from the Holy Food Network! I'm psyched about this next year and all the delicious dishes I'll get to whip up and then gobble up! Thanks for popping in every now and then. I hope you've been able to enjoy some of these recipes along with me! Here's to 2010, and many more mouthwatering bites!
~Top 10 of 2009~
BBQ Turkey Meatloaf - From the Food Network's Neely's. Seriously the best meatloaf I've ever tasted - so moist, and PACKED with flavor!
Veggie Skillet Lasagna - From http://www.foodnetwork.com/ (my go-to recipe guide). It was just one I wanted to try, and now we make it all the time!!! It's quick, easy, and a healthier alternative. Even meat-lovers will be licking their plates!
Pizookies - From our good friends Sam and Melissa Bates. They picked it up from a restaurant in Arizona, but I'm giving them credit. If you love cookies, and you love ice cream, you'll love this decadent dessert!
Strawberry Sour Cream Bread - From the Closet Cook. When I first saw this, I thought "Really, sour cream?!" But now I understand! I looooove this bread, and my friend MJ loved it so much she made it almost everyday the week after I posted it!
Zucchini Crisps - From Ellie Krieger on the Food Network. These were a fave of all I know who tried them. This was the first recipe a friend tried and called me to rave about - I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty exciting for me!
Zucchini Crisps - From Ellie Krieger on the Food Network. These were a fave of all I know who tried them. This was the first recipe a friend tried and called me to rave about - I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty exciting for me!
Summer Spinach-Berry Salad - From me...kind of. I've had similar salads at many restaurants, barbeques, and any other kind of foodie gathering you can think of, but I really just threw it together, so I'm gonna claim it. And don't worry, we eat it all year-round, not just in the summer!
Corny Mango Salmon - From Sunny Anderson on the Food Network. Her show Cooking For Real is one of my absolute faves. And I'd like to think we're friends now that we've talked through commenting on each others' blogs haha! Fave salmon recipe of all-time...FOR REAL!
Easy Spicy Black Bean Soup - From Cathy Lowe on http://www.foodnetwork.com/. You can find absolutely anything on this website! We've done this many times since, and it's always one of the first suggestions Dick has when I ask, "What should we have for dinner?" It is super easy, and a fave of our pals the Pursers.
Spinach-Artichoke Dip - From the Food Network Magazine (a.k.a. my Bible). Love love love this magazine...it's like getting a new cook book in the mail every month! My family devoured this one, and my sister, Bug, has requested it to be made whenever we visit. haha Why not?!
Chocolate Zucchini Bread - From the Closet Cook. This is, hands down, my favorite bread I've made all year...possibly the best I've ever made and/or tasted in my whole life. Chocolate and vegetables at the same time tasting this good? Impossible, you say? Try it. Then we can talk. 
I made this Black-And-White-Chocolate Cake for my sister Boo Boo's bff in the world's fancy black and white birthday party. The recipe didn't make enough frosting, in my opinion, but it still looked pretty dang good, if I do say so myself. It gave me an excuse to buy a real cake stand, and it was a big hit at the party! It wasn't perfect, but I'm getting braver with my cooking/baking, and this is one of my proudest little triumphs of the year!
3 comments:
First of all, LOVE THE CELINE MUSIC!!! This is why we are friends! I am glad that in '09 you started the yummiest blog ever! You are quite the talented cook my friend. I have never tasted anything gross or disgusting made by you! And you know how much of a picky eater I am! Keep up the good work Rach! :)
I love that you started this food blog. It has really inspired me to not only cook more (which I too love to do) but to be braver in my cooking. I typically like Mexican and Mexican food. :) My husband loves that I am cooking more too and with greater variety. So thanks to you for that! :)
I just want to say that I absolutely LOVE your blog. I check it nearly every other day! I have tried quite a few of your recipes and love them all! Thank you for helping to keep this mommy/wife in Germany sane with some new things to try in the kitchen.
Miss ya! Take care!
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