Auld Lang Syne
As 2010 dwindles to a close, the approach of Kitchen Confidante’s first blog anniversary also draws near. It has been a very memorable first year, and 2010 has been full of scrumptious food and delectable experiences. I want to thank you all so much for…
As 2010 dwindles to a close, the approach of Kitchen Confidante’s first blog anniversary also draws near. It has been a very memorable first year, and 2010 has been full of scrumptious food and delectable experiences. I want to thank you all so much for being a part of such a remarkable year. I also thought it might be fun to look back at the Top Ten Recipes of 2010. Care to join me as I reminisce?
I was intrigued by the variety of recipes that garnered the most reader interest – from meats to salads to sweets, it was a very nicely balanced bunch! There were some surprises (to me), certainly some recipes that are long-time family favorites, as well as new discoveries in this group.
Shall we begin?
Top Ten Recipes of 2010
#1: Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
#1: Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
Opa! The most popular post of 2010 took me by surprise! But I don’t blame you. My Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce was my first attempt at this Greek and Greek-American delicacy, but one that I had wanted to try for a very long while. It satisfied my nostalgic cravings and brought the Greek diners of my youth in New York to California, and hopefully to your own kitchen.
#2: Jalapeno Buttermilk Fried Chicken
#2: Jalapeno Buttermilk Fried Chicken
My adventures with Project Food Blog prompted me to present my recipe for Jalapeño Buttermilk Fried Chicken via video (yikes!). Though it was this very round that ousted me out of the competition, I could hardly have any hard feelings after developing this succulent recipe. I am ever grateful to all of you who supported me throughout the competition! It certainly was a highlight of 2010.
#3: Apricot Phyllo Strudel
#3: Apricot Phyllo Strudel
The Number 3 post of 2010 is an example of how the simplest recipes can also be among the best. Apricot Phyllo Strudel takes advantage of the ripest summer apricots and showcases them in a sweet, flaky envelope of phyllo dough. Now I can’t wait for summer to return.
#4: Rhubarb Hand Pie
#4: Rhubarb Hand Pie
Rhubarb Hand Pies are what results when you allow me to play with my food. I just loved these little pockets of buttery goodness!
#5: Fig & Goat Cheese Galette
#5: Fig & Goat Cheese Galette
Alright. Seeing this photo of my Fig and Goat Cheese Galette in the midst of winter is sheer torture for me, I will not lie. Figs and goat cheese are my ultimate weaknesses, and while goat cheese is always plentiful, figs are not. I am in agony, craving this ultimate midnight snack.
#6: Zucchini-Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
#6: Zucchini-Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
I entitled the post for my Zucchini-Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting “Stubborn” because I frequently refuse to buy ready-made desserts when I know full well I can make my own. I was reminded of this stubbornness just the other day; my family was craving cupcakes and my husband asked, “can’t we just buy some at the store?” I’ll give you one guess what the answer was.
#7: Turkey Roulade with Pilaf, Pancetta and Spinach
#7: Turkey Roulade with Pilaf, Pancetta and Spinach
My Turkey Roulade with Pilaf, Pancetta, and Spinach is a family favorite, so I was pleased to see it on this list! I just love the classic autumn flavors, and perhaps one year, I will be brave enough to replace our Thanksgiving turkey with this tidier (dare I say tastier?) dish.
#8: Avocado Corn Tomato Salad
#8: Avocado Corn Tomato Salad
Avocado Corn Tomato Salad is another staple in my summer menu repertoire, as it goes so well with so many grilled meats! If happiness were a salad, this would be it – the vibrant colors and bright flavors just make me smile.
#9: Pumpkin Muffins
#9: Pumpkin Muffins
Nothing says autumn to me like the smell of these classic Pumpkin Muffins baking in the oven. This is another family favorite!
#10: Homemade Beer Bratwurst
#10: Homemade Beer Bratwurst
Rounding out the list for the Top Ten Recipes was my tutorial on How to Make Homemade Beer Bratwurst. Between you and me, my adventures in sausage making was my personal favorite post for 2010. I can’t tell you how gratifying – how rewarding – it was to craft, from scratch, Beer Bratwurst. Not only did this experience demystify the world of casings, I produced some of the most authentic and delicious bratwurst I have tasted this side of the Atlantic. You can be sure there will be more sausages in 2011.
What Will 2011 Bring?
What else will 2011 bring? I can’t wait to see! I promise you all sorts of deliciousness and am looking forward to another year, that’s for sure. I will say, if you are planning on ringing in your New Year with Prime Rib, do consider my Wasabi-Garlic Crusted Prime Rib Roast. And when you are done, save the bones – I will be posting a recipe for a fabulous Beef, Shiitake Mushroom and Barley Soup that will warm your belly and be the perfect antidote should you party too hard. That said, have a safe and joyous New Year. I wish you good health and many blessings in 2011.
Comments
COOKBOOK
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I’m rather sure I will be told plenty of new stuff proper here!
Good luck for the next!
Me ha gustado mucho bodas y que ofrezcan información útil y original.
He leído diversos post tuyos y son efectivamente interesantes.A partir de
ahora prestaré gran atención a tus comentarios. Muy agradecida y besos!!
Its difficult to acquire knowledgeable men and women on this topic, but the truth is sound like there’s more you are talking about! Thanks
You have done so muich in one year…I am jealous…LOL…no really I am!
Happy New years! I loved the different recipes you did this past year.
An amazing year for you, and for us that have enjoyed your posts!! Excellent recipes and photography!!
The best for you in 2011 !!!
Liren – you have SO much to be proud of this first year of blogging – and between you and me – your sausage post was my fav, too… it was when I found your post and didn’t know it was you (from Pom Wonderful) I just loved the post.
:)
valerie
Thank you, everyone, and Happy New Year! You’ve all been so wonderful and supportive and I’m really looking forward to all the tastiness that 2011 holds. Cheers to all of you :)
A beautiful line up Liren, they were and are amazing dishes :)
Wishing you a wonderful and joy filled 2011!
I love your photography as much as the food! It’s so hard to choose just one dish that like the best., because I like them all. Congratulations on a wonderful blog, and I’m definitely looking forward to your post in 2011.
As I kept on scrolling down, I said “This is my favorite” “No, this is my favorite” “Wait, THIS is my favorite”….this is such a great top ten list. I want to save and make each and everyone (especially that fried chicken!) Thank you for sharing with me all that you do. I wish you many blessings and much joy in the New Year!
Jalapeno chicken looks killer! Wonderful year in food, happy New Year!
Liren,
You have a whole lot to be proud of in what you have accomplished here in less than a year. I know we are all in for even more with your 2011 posts.
Cheers~ to a brand new year filled with success and happiness!
Your recipes are all mouth-watering and your photos are amazing. I’m so glad we met this year and I look forward to sharing more culinary adventures with you. Happy New Year, Liren!
Lovely round-up. Happy Anniversary!
I am wow-ing over all of those fabulous photos and recipes!
Best Wishes and Happy New Year!
Wow, what a great set of recipes (and their gorgeous photos!). Looking forward to checking out many of these!
Oh Liren, I love all your recipes but some of my favs are definitely in your top 10; I am still dying to make your sausages, but I made your corn/avocado/tomato salad and it was divine. :) I am sure 2011 will bring even more deliciousness! :)
Happy new year Liren. I loved this recap! it makes me drool a lot as it’s lunch time and still haven’t thought about what to eat. That turkey roulade…hmmmmm :)
My, my, what a roundup!! The photos are too tantalizing.
Happy New Year! Love your posts and photos. Specially the Fig Goat Cheese Gallette
Happy New Year (almost!). I bookmarked both your homemade bratwurst and your turkey roulade long ago, but still have yet to try them. Sometime, I promise.
Congratulations on a year of fabulous posts! Gyros would be my fave too. ;-) Looking forward to more in 2011…
Happy New Year Liren! I always love seeing the Top 10 posts and yours has me wanting {among them} your jalapeno fried chicken again! It’s truly finger licking good xoxo
Liren – what a great post highlighting all of the goodies you made in 2010! Happy blog-a-versary! It was certainly a pleasure to have met you this year and look forward to 2011! Here’s a toast to you and 2011~~~
Everything you make is enticing, Liren. It’s always a treat to see what you’ve created in your kitchen. Looking forward to what you have in store for your second year. Happy New Year. :-)
Happy 2011 and 1st anniversary! It’s been fun to check out your recipes, and I look forward to what’s to come!
Happy New Year Liren and Happy First year anniversary too! Looking forward to reading more posts and gawking at your pictures in 2011…