December 29, 2008
2008 Year In Review
Last year I did a round up of the recipes I liked the most from 2007. I picked one (or two!) for each month and I decided to do it again for 2008! I have to admit though I'm not in the least bit sorry to see 2008 go! From e-mails and tweets from some of you I know a lot of you aren't either! This really has just been a year! I'm more than ready for 2009! 2009 will be better! ;oP
I also wanted you to know I'm going to do a few things differently this year. I'm not sure what all yet, but I'll keep you posted as I go. I'm thinking about completely redesigning my site, but I haven't decided on that 100% yet. I know that I want to do a healthy recipe day once a week, though I haven't decided which day of the week will host that idea. I also thought about perhaps revamping some recipes and making them healthier with before and after nutritional information. I'd even be willing to revamp a recipe for you if you were interested. If you are you can e-mail me at diannesdishes at gmail dot com, leave me a message of Facebook or you can leave me a tweet on Twitter. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
So let's get started with my favorites for this year!
January 2008: Homemade Goat Cheese:
For Christmas last year Jamison got me a book on cheese making and also got me some cheese making supplies. I was thrilled! I had wanted to try to make cheese for years. I haven't made any hard cheeses yet (I still need a press!) but I have enjoyed making goat cheese and mozzarella. Cheese making is really easy and the taste can't be beat! I can't wait to make more!
February 2008: Baked Vegetable Chips With Dill:
I'm not a fan of regular potato chips. Once in a blue moon I get a craving for sea salt and vinegar kettle chips, but other than that nada. I do however liked baked chips and I thought it would be fun to try my hand at making some baked vegetable chips. I LOVED the result! These are so much better for you than the dried varieties and are fun to make to boot!
March 2008: Fried Dill Pickles:
In March Leann and I had a "fry day". I don't fry things very often, but we decided it would be fun to get together with our fryers none the less. A few years ago my father had had fried dill pickles somewhere at a diner in the South. When he first told me about them I thought "Ugh! That sounds gross!" and then I tried them! Oh my...So not gross! I had never made them though. My sister's first response to the "fry day" was "You're making fried dill pickles right?" She was still pregnant with Grant at the time and I thought "Why not?" We really liked how these turned out and Leann and I kept nibbling on them as I was making them. Definitely not an everyday food, but oh so wonderful as a sometimes food!
April 2008: Banana Bread with Toasted Pecans:
My sister had mentioned a banana bread recipe that used toasted pecans. I have to admit I'm very happy with my version of my Mom's classic banana bread and wasn't all that enthused with trying a different version. I've never had one that was quite the same...They all seemed to lack something. And in all honesty I usually don't include nuts in my banana bread. I like it without. But one day I was actually wanting to make some with nuts and decided to take my recipe and add toasted pecans. The result was fabulous! It doesn't take a lot of extra time to toast the nuts and the flavor is fabulous! Try it!
May 2008: Key Lime Parfait:
I love Key Lime anything! Seriously. I don't know what it is about Key Lime, but I just love the crisp, tart flavor! This also is not an everyday sort of food, but oh my how lovely it is when you want something a little bad! ;oP
June 2008: Not Quite General Tso's Chicken:
I have yet to perfect a General Tso's Sauce, but this was good even though it wasn't quite what I was going for! It's spicy, yet slightly sweet, all with natural sweeteners. It's definitely better for you than the fried version you get at your local Chinese restaurant. What's not to like about that?
July 2008: Peach Ice Cream:
For July I was torn...Peach Ice Cream or Curly Bacon Cheese Fries? Ultimately I went with the Peach Ice Cream, because Ice Cream just screams summer and the peach variety is one of my all time favorites. This ice cream was included in my "Ice Cream Week" and "Ice Cream Week" was such a hit I think we may just have to do it again next year!
August 2008: Grilled Portabella Caesar Salad with Sea Salt Croûtons:
I love Cesar Salad, but I had never made it at home. I decided to play around with it a little and make it a bit more "hearty" by adding some grilled portabella mushrooms and I have to say I really loved how it turned out! I'll definitely make this one again!
September 2008: Slow Cooker Mexican Stack Up:
If you've been around Dianne's Dishes for a while you'll know I'm a big fan of the slow cooker, especially when it's hot outside! I really loved how this turned out. It was spicy, hearty, yet overall much healthier than your standard Mexican fare.
October 2008: Baby Portabella Mushroom Soup:
If you're a fan of mushrooms and have never cooked with mushroom broth before I highly recommend it! This soup is a mushroom lovers dream! It's another hearty, yet healthy option and let's face it, when you're trying to eat healthily sometimes hearty is hard to find!
November 2008: Election Day Apple Pie:
My favorite recipe for November was hands down the Election Day Apple Pie! This is a slight twist on the classic, but it was oh so fabulous!
December 2008: Rewind White Chocolate and Blueberry Fudge:
For December I just did a gift guide for edible gifts you could make to share with those on your list. I didn't have any new recipes, but the White Chocolate and Blueberry Fudge that I made last year is still a favorite!
So there's my round up. Even though I wasn't blogging about what I was cooking in December you know I was cooking! I made a to die for Macaroni and Cheese on Christmas Eve and some really great chocolate chip cookies with a twist! I'll be back on Monday with new recipes, among other things! So stay tuned!
May you all have a fabulous 2009...I myself can't wait for it to arrive! ;oP
Posted by Dianne at 2:41 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
December 22, 2008
Happy Holidays!
I'm taking the rest of the year off to enjoy family and friends! I hope you all have a fabulous holiday season! I'll catch you back here early in 2009!
Posted by Dianne at 8:38 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
December 19, 2008
What's For Dinner?
I'm not sure what we're having yet. Jamison may just pick something up on the way home if I don't come up with something in the next few hours.
What are you having?
Update: 4:31 PM: Jamison is picking up Chinese/Japanese on the way home. It's been a long day! Beef with angel hair noodles for him, edamame and rice for Lex and Miso soup and Vegetable Hibachi for me.
Posted by Dianne at 2:23 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Chocolate Cheesecake
I LOVE cheesecake! Seriously it deserves be a food group all on its own as far as I'm concerned! I make many varieties and this has to be one of my all time favorites. This is just perfect if you have someone on your list who is a cheesecake lover too! You can top it any way you like, or it's even spectacular just plain.
For the recipe go here.
Posted by Dianne at 7:52 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 18, 2008
What's For Dinner?
We are either having homemade pizza or spaghetti. If I find the stuff to make Jamison's crust then pizza, if not then it's a pasta night.
What are you having?
Update: 4:00 PM: Pizza it is!
Posted by Dianne at 2:46 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
This bread would be just perfect for someone on your list that loves cinnamon. You could eat it plain, use it to make toast, or even use it to make French toast! It's good at room temperature or heated...Who doesn't love a gift that is versatile! ;oP
To see the recipe go here.
Posted by Dianne at 8:43 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 17, 2008
What's For Dinner?
Tonight we're having roasted chicken with rosemary and thyme, along with roasted potatoes for Jamison. Alexis and I are also going to have some spinach and some roasted sweet potatoes.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 1:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Double Layer Peppermint Chip Bark
What are the holidays without a little peppermint? This combo not only gives you peppermint, it also gives you white chocolate and milk chocolate! What's not to like about that? So if you have a mint lover on your list and they like their mint paired with a little chocolate, look no further...This one is for you!
To find out how to make the bark go here.
Posted by Dianne at 9:24 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 16, 2008
What's For Dinner?
Tonight we're having steak tips and baked potatoes. Also Alexis and I will have roasted asparagus and a spinach salad.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 12:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
White Chocolate and Blueberry Fudge
This was one of my creations last Christmas and I have to say I still think it's one of my all time favorites! This fudge wows them with surprise! You've got white chocolate, you've got blueberries...It's just perfect for someone that might not be a full fledged chocolate lover, but likes things a little fruity!
To find out how to make the fudge go here.
Posted by Dianne at 8:03 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
December 15, 2008
Gingerbread Ornaments or Cookies
You can go two ways with these little gems...You can make them edible cookies to share OR you can paint them and turn them into gingerbread ornaments! This gingerbread is one of the best I've ever tasted, but if you just want to make ornaments either way they'll definitely make an impression! These are just perfect if you have someone on your list that requires a bit of whimsy!
To find out how to make them go here.
Posted by Dianne at 8:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 12, 2008
What's For Dinner?
It's another slow cooker day! Jamison's dad and I have been busy bees today and I knew today was going to be hectic so I threw a pot roast and some potatoes into the slow cooker this morning. We're going to have some rolls and a spinach salad to round things out.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 4:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Brown Sugar Cashew Brittle
I love cashews! When I make brittle nine times out of ten I usually use cashews over any other nut. This combo of the cashews and brown sugar is just fabulous! If you have a nut lover on your list then this is the recipe for you!
To see the recipe go here.
Posted by Dianne at 7:26 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 11, 2008
What's For Dinner?
Jamison has his last final for the semester tonight. Jamison's dad is visiting and I put some chicken in the slow cooker with mushrooms, sour cream, a little milk and some salt and pepper. We're going to have the mushroom chicken with baked potatoes, a spinach salad and some batter bread.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 4:13 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Rocky Road Bark
This "bark" is a little different twist on the classic Rocky Road. It's perfect for an ice cream lover and is sure to satisfy a chocolate and/or marshmallow lover as well! The flavors meld so perfectly and it's a wonderful thing to share with others!
To find out how to make the bark go here.
Posted by Dianne at 7:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 10, 2008
What's For Dinner?
We're having lasagna along with a Spinach salad for Alexis and I.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 12:35 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Marshmallows
Who doesn't love a good marshmallow? There are so many kinds you can make...How about chocolate? Or Pumpkin or even just plain? These are perfect to eat just by themselves or as always you can throw them into a big cup of hot chocolate too!
For chocolate marshmallows go here. Pumpkin more your thing? Take this link. If you want just a basic marshmallow then this is the one for you!
Posted by Dianne at 8:16 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 9, 2008
What's For Dinner?
Jamison is working from home, but has to go to school early for finals. Alexis and I need to run some errands so we're going to grab a mushroom and black olive pizza while we are out.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 3:16 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Sausage Balls
So you've done sweet and then you've done a little more sweet, what about baking up something a little savory? You can go two ways with these sausage balls...You can make a vegetarian version or you can make one with actual sausage, but either way they are extremely delicious and sometimes it's nice to have a little break from all the sweets this time of year!
To make the vegetarian version go here and to make the sausage version go here.
Posted by Dianne at 9:22 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 8, 2008
What's For Dinner?
I have a chicken with some Old Bay Seasoning in the slow cooker. I'm going to pair that with some roasted asparagus and brussels sprouts for Alexis and I and a baked potato for Jamison
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 12:24 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Turtle Cake
Last week we took a look at gift jars...This week we're going to take a look at treats you actually make in their entirety!
Turtle cake has always been a favorite in my family around the holidays...I mean what's not to like? Chocolate, nuts, caramel...Yum! This one is bound to become one of your favorites too, especially if you like chocolate turtles! It's extremely easy to make, but it's definitely a wower! It's just perfect with a bit glass of milk, or if you want to go into chocolate overload how about pairing it with a big cup of hot chocolate? Trust me...Santa would love this one! ;oP
To find out how to make the Turtle Cake go here.
Posted by Dianne at 9:13 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 5, 2008
What's For Dinner?
Tonight Jamison is cooking...Or in other words he's picking up Chinese on the way home! ;oP Lo Mein made with rice noodles for him, edamame and rice for Alexis and Hot and Sour Soup and a side salad for me.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 5:29 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Bean and Pea Soup Gift Jar
This gift jar is just perfect for the traditionalist on your list! You end up with a healthy, hearty soup that really warms the heart. Another perfect soup for a cold winter day!
Find out how to put together the Bean and Pea Soup gift jar and what you'll need to make the actual soup here.
Posted by Dianne at 8:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 4, 2008
Hot Chocolate Gift Jar
Hot chocolate is another thing that automatically makes you think of the holidays and cold winter days! This is also a good gift for the chocolate lover on your list. It would be perfect with cookies or brownies, or even just a treat in and of itself. Why not leave out a cup for Santa...I'm sure he'd like it too! ;oP
Find out how to put together the Hot Chocolate gift jar and what you'll need to make the actual cocoa here.
Posted by Dianne at 8:23 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 3, 2008
Three Bean Chili Gift Jar
Chili is the perfect cold weather treat, so what better way to celebrate the holidays than with a Three Bean Chili gift jar! Just imagine a big pot of chili with some cheddar, scallions and sour cream along with some hot corn bread on a cold winter day when it's snowing outside. This is just perfect for someone that likes a little spice!
Find out how to put together the Three Bean Chili gift jar and what you'll need to make the actual chili here.
Posted by Dianne at 8:26 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
December 2, 2008
What's For Dinner?
It's class night for Jamison so he won't be joining us for dinner. Alexis and I are going to have a light night and make a salad.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 12:45 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Chocolate Chip Brownies Gift Jar
Have a chocolate lover on your list? Everyone seems to know one of those (pick me! pick me! ;oP), but sometimes just plain chocolate can be a bit boring. This gift jar is just perfect for those chocolate lovers and far from boring! It's also a quick and easy gift, and always with a bit of wow that shows people you really cared enough to give them something from the heart. After all isn't that what the holidays are for? ;oP
Find out how to put together the Chocolate Chip Brownies gift jar and what you'll need to make the actual brownies here.
Posted by Dianne at 7:35 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
December 1, 2008
What's For Dinner?
Tonight I'm making a turkey casserole with the last of the left over turkey from Thanksgiving similar to this and a salad. Jamison is going to have a steak and roasted potatoes.
What are you having?
Posted by Dianne at 12:11 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Veggie Soup Gift Jar
Edible gift jars are so much fun to put together and give to others. This week we're going to take a look at some easy jars to put together that make the perfect gifts!
I don't know about you, but as I get older there isn't really anything I NEED. I can think of lots of things I WANT...New computer...New DSLR camera...Blackberry, but I don't really NEED anything! A few years ago I realized that most of the people I know are the same way too. Plus I really like the idea of giving someone something they can use and be done with without causing a landfill back up. You can either recycle the jar or even keep it and use it for something else...I love canning jars for food storage over plastic containers any day! This is the perfect way to share a little something with someone that they'll love and will really show that you cared to make something a bit out of the norm. Plus did I mention how easy this is? You can't go wrong!
Find out how to put together the Veggie Soup gift jar and what you'll need to make the actual soup here.
Posted by Dianne at 8:06 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
