The Five Best Recipes of 2008

There was a time when I was all about trying out new recipes on a regular basis. Nowadays, when I get into the kitchen I just want to get it done as quickily as possible. Which is sad, really, if you think about it. I do enjoy cooking, but if one has to choose between surfing the net or puttering around the kitchen, these days I'd probably choose to surf the net.

However, here are five recipes I fully embraced during 2008, and you should too.

1. The Pioneer Woman's Asian Noodle Salad

OH.MY.GOODNESS.
This salad is PERFECTION ON A PLATE. I've probably made it twenty times since she put it up on her website back in March. It's that good. I took it to our family reunion (which is always heavy on delicious southern cuisine and not new-fangled furren food) and every single bite of it was eaten. It's that good. PW adapted it from a Jamie Oliver recipe, and I've made both versions, and I think I prefer PW's.

2. Black Bean Soup
I found this recipe in a USA Today Sunday paper insert. It's quick, it's easy and it's good for you.

2 cans Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 C Chicken or Veggie Broth
1 C Salsa Verde
1 garlic clove
1 bunch of Cilantro (washed)
1 tsp Cumin


Directions:
Throw all the ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. (For a thicker soup, add more beans. For a thinner soup, add more broth.) Pour into a saucepan and heat it up. That's it! You can top with sour cream, but we usually don't.

3. Nigella's Porkchops

When I asked the girls what they wanted to eat for Christmas dinner, this is what they said they wanted to eat. Porkchop perfection.

4. Nigella's Instant Pancake Mix

This is now my go-to pancake mix. SUper simple, and they make the best pancakes I've ever tasted.

5. Ina's Green Beans

This is about the only way we'll eat green beans these days. It's not exactly low calorie, but who cares? You're eating your veggies! ;D

Honorable Mention
Nigella's Sesame Peanut Noodles.

I liked this recipe, but no one else really did. However, it's get honorable mention because it's the recipe that introduced us to Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, the world's most perfect condiment. It's a little sweet and a little spicy. I find I am adding it to so many different things! Sloppy Joes, Meatballs, meatloaf, fried rice, salad vinegarettes- you name it! James and I have started using it straight up as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, shrimp, french fries, etc. The best thing is that it's super cheap and readily available. You can find it in the Asian section of the grocery store for abour $2 for a 64 oz bottle.