Friends! At long last, I am back. My absence wasn’t planned. I came down with the worst flu ever, which kept me out of commission for a couple of weeks. It was especially discouraging since I was a good citizen and got a flu shot at the start of the season. But luckily I felt better just in time to enjoy some holiday cheer. I’ll be back in earnest next week with some updates on what I’ve been cooking, but I wanted to take a moment and say hello.
Hello!
At the end of the year, I like to look back over the blog and remember all of the good food we shared. I gave myself the challenge of picking the 5 best recipes of the year.
I failed, so here are 7:
Smoky Eggplant Puree with Pine Nuts and Urfa Pepper
I liked this recipe so much it ended up making it into the wrap I designed to benefit Open Books.
Baby Spinach Salad with Dates and Almonds
This remains the most satisfying thing I made all year—simple and delicious.
Pure comfort, and probably the most affordable recipe on the site.
Pimenton Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
This chicken is so good I made it three times in the month of November alone. It has become a favorite in our house.
OMG—I forgot about these beauties for a moment! They are the best. Can’t wait to make them again.
This makes me nostalgic for England, and Palm Springs. A seriously good dessert perfect for this time of year.
The best juice for brunch.
***
Thanks for your patience as I took some time to recover and relax.
I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and that 2013 is the best year yet! Can’t wait. xoxo
Valerie says:
December 27th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
Tim! Glad to hear you are better. I was wondering if the holiday season had swallowed you whole. I think the Grapefruit Lime Ginger was the first recipe I made from your blog after finding you earlier this year (or was it late last year? I can’t remember). Delicious and I am so glad for the reminder. And there are several others here I should try…Merry cooking.
Rachel says:
December 27th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
Those orange rolls look divine – glad you’re feeling better!
Hayley says:
December 28th, 2012 at 12:51 am
You forgot your quinine syrup. My mother and I made it for our Christmas eve party and it was an absolute hit! Really, you’ve offered something very special to the alcohol-abstaining folks.
Annie says:
December 28th, 2012 at 1:59 am
That salad looks especially amazing…
abs says:
December 28th, 2012 at 6:54 am
Hi Tim, Unrelated to this post but I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your baking recipes in particular — they have never failed me. I made the poppyseed cake last week and my partner, who is very picky and not much of a sweet tooth, had this to say: “Now THIS is what you should be baking all the time!” Thanks!
Pam @ Sticks Forks Fingers says:
December 28th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Tim, I was worried about you! I nearly checked in, but was hoping that you were out there living large, doing some really fun things that we’d later her about. Sorry that it wasn’t fun at all.
You well-edited list is a great reflection of the Lottie + Doof that we love. Happy New Year.
Louise says:
December 28th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
I’m really happy to see you back and sad to hear you were sick. Since I only know you through your blog, I imagined you were traveling and having a wonderful time. Glad you are recovering and back. Happy New Year!
Julie says:
December 28th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Wait just a minute! You are not mentioning your custard cornbread recipe with the heavy cream poured in the center! OMG! I have made that over and over this year, with rave reviews. Please consider adding it?
Love your blog!
Amy says:
December 29th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
!! Thank you for this post, because it is the best reminder— every single one of those recipes looks so good. Oh, and by the way, I got Jerusalem after reading your review of it and the spinach salad. Such a beautiful cookbook.
Sharlene says:
December 29th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Adding these to my to-cook list in the new year. Cheers!
Lisa says:
December 29th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Glad you are on the mend. Of those 7, I’ve only made the eggplant and loved it. I better hurry up and try the others. Happy 2013!
Daniel says:
December 30th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Welcome back! I hope you get back up on your feet soon. I miss your posts!
I love the grape juice post, something so simple but in yet it is packed with flavour. Going to use that for my summer jams. =)
Cheers!
Simon @ SoyRiceFire.com says:
December 30th, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Thanks for the magnificent seven as well as your other posts throughout the year. I’ve really enjoyed your blog.
Blaire says:
December 30th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Sometimes the most affordable is the best; something about the joys of an absolutely delicious, thrifty meal. I will be planning my own little Potato Rosti meal next year, looks wonderful. Any particular pairing you have in mind? Or just a snack?
ItalianGirlCooks says:
December 31st, 2012 at 11:36 am
Nice recap – all lovely recipes/photos! Hope you’re on the mend – I’m down with the worst cold of my life…day after Christmas. Ugh.
Lisa (dinner party) says:
December 31st, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Feel better, Tim! Thanks for another year of your lovely blog.
Emily says:
January 2nd, 2013 at 12:05 am
Get well soon–love the look of that salad!
The Squishy Monster says:
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Could there be a more beautifully roasted bird? *sigh* =)
Laura says:
January 4th, 2013 at 11:43 am
Tim, glad you are healthy now(hopefully) Thank you all your work this year, so glad I found your site in 2012. Also thank you for the chicken recipe. I made it last week for friends and gave the other chicken to my friends that just had a baby. Everyone thinks I’m a genius. The plum cake takes the cake for me( I do recommend doubling the butter, if possible.)
Gilda says:
January 4th, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Happy New Year, Tim! Glad you’re feeling better. These recipes are making me droooool. Can’t wait to try eggplant puree and potato rosti.
Habiba says:
January 8th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Welcome back! and Happy New Year! That rosti looks amazing!