2011 favorites

There isn’t much objectivism about the way I choose my favorite entries of the year. I try to focus on how good the food tasted, but sometimes how good the day was when we ate the food sneaks in and influences my choices. Although who knows if it was the good food that made me happy or the happiness that made the food taste good?

Fettuccine alfredo, nothing but cream, butter, cheese, and pasta, is a reminder that the occasional splurge is an absolute requirement.

Tomato soup has always been my favorite comfort food, and this recipe is so good that I can’t convince myself to try a different one.

Brown rice was the last whole grain I incorporated into my diet, and it’s all because of this method of cooking the rice like pasta, in lots of boiling water.

Baking bread with nothing but wild yeast was a decade-long goal of mine, and Tartine’s country bread came out even better than I could have imagined.

Greek yogurt dill dip makes the list not so much for the individual recipe, although I do love it, but because it was a turning point in my realization that substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayonnaise was the answer to healthifying all sorts of creamy white dips and dressings.

I had to include summer berry pie because it’s one of Dave’s favorite desserts.

Chicken gyros have become a staple. Not only are they one of my favorite dinners to eat, it’s one of my favorite recipes to make.

Banh mi compete with chicken gyros for my favorite Sunday night meal. I love sandwiches!

Dulce de leche cupcakes are great, but it’s the dulce de leche buttercream that steals the show here.

Salted herbed roast turkey beats brined turkey any day – not only does it taste better, it’s easier.

Happy New Year!