A New Year brings the promise of diverse culinary adventures. I thought before we move forward it would be fun to look back. Borrowing from a late night host, here are the Top Ten. I hope one of these is your new favorite recipe.
#1| M’hanncha – Moroccan Snake Pastry
It comes as no surprise to me what this was the most view post of 2012. The Moroccan Snake Pastry is bursting with WOW factor. I mean, who doesn’t want to look like a pastry princess? This recipe is time consuming and worth every second it takes to create it.
#2| Pumpkin Mousse with Toffee Crunch & Cran-Raspberry Sauce
This recipe was a winner in my book from the ingredients alone. Add the visual magic and viola… you are a culinary wizard.
#3| Pork Butt with Port and Prunes
This was the shocker! I think this made it to the top because of an irresistible title of “Pork Butts and Pig Tales“ featuring a humorous, yet informative post. Something about cooking with “prunes and butt” must have kept everyone’s inner adolescent boy laughing all the way through this blog. I would love to know if anyone actually made this! Funny thing is, this is a really good recipe.
#4 | Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
This is simple to make and bursting with flavor.
#5 | Santa Maria Tri-Tip Tacos with Guacamole and Salsa
This has Super Bowl party food written all over it!
#6 | Gâteau au Chocolat (French Chocolate Cake)
The best part of this recipe besides eating it is you can freeze it ahead of time.
#7 | Lemon Rosemary Shrimp Skewers with Mint Pesto
Shrimp “anything” is always a sure bet considering it is the most popular seafood in America.
#8| Roquefort, Walnut & Belgian Endive Salad
Simplicity meets visual artistry.
#9 | Cucumber and Cheese Verrine
This is very easy and refreshing on a hot summer day.
#10 | Melon and Blueberry Parfait with Ginger Yogurt
I have made so many variations of this recipe I lost count. It is one of those recipes you can’t afford not to have in your recipe box.
Quote of the Day
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney
My goal this year is to stay curious, be experimental, and never stop learning.I intend to seek out new culinary delights such as bugs… particularly from Moreton Bay or Balmain. I tried them on my recent trip to Australia and they are much better than the “bugs” I had in Cambodia, but that is another post.
…and then, she paused for thought.
…and then, she paused for thought.
Amazing recipes and photos! My number one is your Pumpkin Mousse!
Thanks Christina, that recipe is my new Thanksgiving signature dish.
OF COURSE… My vote goes to the chocolate!!! But Cath… you should know me by now! All of the beautiful photos… stories… and recipes… has to eventually culminate into a book! You’re amazing!
Thanks Cheri, I thought for sure your vote would be for the pork butt with prunes recipe!
I am thrilled you are enjoying all of it.
MMM so many great recipes! Happy New Year, I am looking forward to all of the delicious recipes you will post this year =)
Thanks Kristi! Ditto.
Cathy, you are amazing!!!!! All of them deserve to be #1!!! Your photo’s are so inviting. My vote is for the Tri Tip Tacos. You really should do a She Paused For Thought Cookbook. I would love to give it to dear friends for a special occassion as I know they would enjoy your recipes, photo’s and your delightful sense of humor!
Thanks Pamela for your very kind words. Glad you are enjoying the blog.
Love the “top ten” idea. You should do that every year!
Great job!
Thanks Nan, it was an original idea, but a fun one.
Wow, no wonder these are your Top 10! I want to eat each one! And your photos are just amazing.
Thanks Lynne, coming from an amazing photographer such as yourself, that is a compliment I highly value.
Hi! Cathy,
I look forward to each email I receive and your ideas keep me excited to keep trying new things.
Please give my best to Steve and thank you for having this awesome blog!
Our 3 feet of South Dakota snow is melting and I can’t wait to see some green.
Take care,
Teri
Thank Teri, I so appreciate your kinds words. I wish I could send you some California sun to melt that snow!