Best of 2011

I'm not quite sure where 2011 went, but it has sure been a delicious one!!   Looking back at 2011, I realized it has been quite a creative year and it would be fun to do my first ever best-of on Tri To Cook.  Without further ado, here are 11 highlights from 2011 :)

1.  The most viewed post was my sweet and savory Tomato Jam, and I'm certainly with y'all here.  Along with the Savory Cheesecake and Pop Tarts I made with the tomato jam, I was so excited about this I had to share it with as many people as I could!!  I can't wait until next summer to make a few more batches (apparently three wasn't enough ;))

2.  I never thought that I would like fresh wasabi, but thanks to Marx Food's Ridiculously Delicious Challenge, I got the chance to play with it...  and play I did!  I created an Asian Sundae (incorporating Asian condiments into each component) and White Chocolate Wasabi Truffles (with a crystallized ginger center).  Both surprised and delighted everyone that tried them, and I'd call that a success :)

Asian Sundae

White Chocolate Wasabi Truffles

3.  My favorite breakfast was easily Potato Pancakes w/Spinach, Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs, recreated from a brunch at Zaftigs.  A great, healthy start to any day!

4.  Another restaurant-inspired dish was the Kaddo Pizza I made last month.  Slow roasted sugar pumpkin, spiced beef and a refreshing mint yogurt sauce, and you've got a winning dinner.  If you've never given Afghani food a try, do yourself a favor and make this pizza!

5.  One of my favorite meals was the Mushroom Crepe Cake I made this summer.  My first attempt at making crepes turned out easier than expected and the mushroom filling amazing.   This meal was special not only because of the decadent crepe cake but also for the person whom it was made it for ;)

6.  Another favorite was this summers' Goat Cheese Ice Cream with Roasted Cherries.  Everyone loved it, and I'm sure my parents wished I had made a second batch ;)  Next time I might cut the cherries in half, but the goat cheese ice cream base could be enjoyed by itself or with other fruits!

7.  My favorite grain this year has been farro, and this Farro with Roasted Tomatoes and Eggplant.  The picture surely doesn't do it justice, but it was packed with flavor and an incredible dish highlighting some of summer's finest produce.

8.  While I have never eaten chicken and waffles, I think my take on this southern classic turned out fantastic.  Potato Waffles with Poached Salmon and Lemon-Dill Sauce is a recipe that surprised me with how well it came together, and one I'll definitely go back to.  Hopefully next time I won't overcook the salmon :/

9.  I began playing with cocktails this year, and my favorite was the Strawberry Meyer Lemonade Cocktail over the 4th of July, although the Peach Sangria was a close second.  This stuff was so delicious, it's certainly worth the cheers :)

10.  One of my goals for 2011 was to complete in an Olympic distance triathlon.  Finishing the Lobsterman triathlon in just about 3 hours was quite a moment for me, and an achievement I'm definitely proud of.  Any ideas on what my goals should be for 2012?  (I'm having a hard time this year...)

11.  This year wouldn't be complete without acknowledging a big project that I undertook with my good friend Rebecca.  Together, we baked a cake and 100 cupcakes for our friends wedding reception (chronicled here and here)!  This was quite a learning experience, but a lot of fun and the empty table at the end of the night made it all worthwhile :)

There are probably 10 more I could add to the list, but then it wouldn't be the 11 Best of 2011 ;)

Here's to a tasty, healthy 2012!  What are you doing to ring in the new year?