my favorites from 2009

This past year has been amazing thanks largely in part to my new blogging adventure. Through creating this blog I have saved money, broken free from my 15 (or so) recipe rut, and expanded my culinary skills. Constantly trying new recipes and cooking things that I have never made before has left me pleasantly surprised! I have attempted to compile my top ten favorite recipes from this past year but I just couldn't narrow it to ten! The following recipes are so good that I wish I could make them over and over and over again (but then I wouldn't have anything to blog so boo hoo). If you haven't tried them yet or can't decide what to try first, START HERE!





Balsamic Peach Sundae
This dessert is so simple and elegant. The salty tang of balsamic vinegar perfectly juxtaposes the sweetness of peaches and creamy vanilla ice cream!





Pesto Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is anything but boring! Eaten hot or cold, it is bursting with flavor.





Lemon Parsley Pasta
Fresh lemon and parsley make this pasta so vibrant and fresh. It is the perfect side to either chicken or seafood. It was so good that I found myself snacking on small bowls of it throughout the day!





Grilled Pesto Chicken
The simplicity of this dish and it's bold flavor make it a perfect week night dinner indulgence!





Savory Coconut Rice
I never knew rice until I cooked it in some coconut milk with a little chopped garlic. So fragrant and savory yet not overpowering. I'll never cook plain rice again!





Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
This is my new "go to" potato side. It is twice as easy as mashed potatoes and twice as tasty!





Teriyaki Sweet Potatoes
I was completely blown away by how unexpectedly good sweet potatoes are with teriyaki! Try it now!





BBQ Pork Sandwiches
I have a weakness for slow cooked meat... add some BBQ sauce and I'm a goner. I love this recipe for how easy and awesomely cheap it is!





Apple Walnut Stuffing
This is so easy, quick and I swear I could eat 5 pounds of it in one sitting. It's kinda the all-purpose side dish.





Garlic Noodles
I think this recipe takes the prize for "most addicting". If you have a pasta addiction, definitely stay away from this one. It's sweet, salty, savory and scrumptious!





Sweet Chili Shrimp
I had never cooked shrimp before and now I want to make it all the time! So delicious and SO easy!! Even three day old left overs were mouth watering!





Egg Florentine Quesadilla
Egg and cheese quesadillas are a pretty common breakfast for me but when I added some creamed spinach one morning, magic happened! I ate these for breakfast, lunch and dinner!





Meatball Stroganoff
Even though it's not truly a stroganoff, it's still amazing. I couldn't stop eating it when I was taking the pictures!!




I hope all of you have enjoyed the recipes as much as I have. I love your feedback and suggestions so keep them coming! I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us!



HAPPY NEW YEAR!