Although it seemed to fly past so quickly, 2008 was a great year for me, with some accomplishments that I’m very proud of – I graduated from college, I got a job, I completed Daring Bakers December. I learned so much, and I feel like I’ve finally started to become the person I want to be. It’s a pretty good feeling. I’m hopeful that 2009 will be even better, for me and for all of you. Happy New Year!
I thought I would share some of my favourite recipes from 2008, the ones that really made me say yum. I hope that if you try them, that you enjoy them as much as we did. They’re in the order of when they were posted.
Chocolate, Whisky and Raisin Cake, the one that got Dorie Greenspan fired. I made it for my Nanna’s birthday last January and it was so great that most of us had a second slice, even though we were already full.
Lamb, Fig and Walnut burgers, this is actually a recipe I came up with myself after being given some figs from Nanna’s garden. We all loved it and I’m looking forward to making it again this year.
Carrot Cake, it’s my dad’s favourite and I think this time I perfected it. It’s absolutely delicious, especially with cream cheese icing.
Pear Crumble, with brown butter and vanilla bean, you just can’t go wrong. Perfect for autumn and winter, I think this is the recipe that started my Pear Obsession 2008.
Lemon Flan with Strawberry and Thyme Compote, this recipe was so much better than I expected it to be! It is a sophisticated dessert that requires little effort, perfect for dinner parties.
Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie, my first attempt at a lattice crust, and I think its safe to say that more practice is needed. I love rhubarb and I love strawberries, and I think I might have eaten half of this pie by myself.
Chocolate and Sticky Date Pudding, this recipe was a bit of an adventure but one of my winter favourites. The chocolate butterscotch sauce was the perfect accompaniment, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream of course.
Peter Reinhart’s Pizza, in 2008 I became obsessed with making home made pizza. This recipe was for the Daring Bakers Challenge in October, and it was absolutely delicious. I also got to pretend I was in Italy, and toss the dough in the air!
Blueberry and Sour Cream Icecream, another Dorie Greenspan recipe, this ice cream is absolutely perfect for summer. I love the vibrant purple colour and its slightly tangy taste.
8 Comments on “2008 Favourites”
You’re so lucky to have a Nanna who grows figs!
Well done on getting a job. All your food looks really YUMMY, and I LOVE you plates. All the best for 2009. It will be a good one for you, I am sure.
Truly a wonderful year for you, Lisa. Here’s hoping ’09 will be even better!!! 🙂
Happy New Year to you too! Lovely collection of your past food photos.
Happy new Year. Great recap on your faves– all good looking recipes!
What a great range of photos and recipes Lisa! What a fantastic year 2008 was for you 🙂 And I’m thinking what a pretty calender all of those photos would make!
Arwen, I am indeed very lucky! Nanna has a great little garden 🙂
Sally, thanks for stopping by! I hope 2009 is excellent for you as well.
Mark, it was a good year food-wise. I cooked many things that I never thought I would. All the best to you too!
Dawn, thanks, and happy new year!
Lorraine, aww you’re too sweet. A calender might be something to think about next year! thanks x
Bren, these recipes were all great. thanks, and happy new year to you too!
Congrats on achieving great things in 2008. May 2009 bring bigger and better things!