Sunday, December 30, 2007

2007 Retrospective

Nupur from One Hot Stove came up with a great idea in which we look back over the year and pick out our favourite dishes. It's a hard thing to do but I've given it a go and come up with a list of sorts, offered in no particular order I've selected a baker's dozen for good measure.

1. Tomato and Basil Cleanser

tomato and basil cleanser

This is really two recipes in one dish and is a play on that classic combination of tomato and basil. A ball of basil ice cream sits in a bath of cold-pressed tomato soup. This was one that was a given in my list as I think it not all satisfies your palette it also satisfies your other senses.

2. Scrambled Eggs with White Truffle

scrambled eggs with truffle

There isn't much of a recipe but this something that I could never tire of and being able to share the experience with family in Italy made it all the more special.

3. Jewelled Amaranth

jewelled amaranth

This could be classed as my beautiful mistake. It's a dish that started one way and ended up some place totally different. This highlighted the point for me, that we should always be open to the unknown and just go with the flow and see where it takes you.

4. Ajo Blanco

ajo blanco

What can I say about Ajo Blanco that hasn't been said before? It's an insanely simple recipe that produces the most amazing soup you'll ever taste. It really is a dish you have to make yourself to truly understand the reaction it instils.

5. Cocoa Nib and Glacé Orange Cookies

cocoa nib and glace orange cookies

We've all had the chocolate and orange combination before but not quite like this. This is a cookie for the adults in the family, the flavours are a little more mature, a little more intense but are wrapped in a buttery cookie dough.

6. Purple Congo Gnocchi

purple congo gnocchi

For a variety of potato I wasn't very found of I was more than pleasantly surprised to find they were perfectly suited to make the most eye-catching and tasty gnocchi.

7. Ginger and Lemon Barley Water

Ginger and Lemon Barley Water

It may be old-fashioned but with Summer well and truly taking hold at the moment, something refreshing is needed and it's hard to go past this.

8. Stewed Rhubarb and Coconut Sago

stewed rhubarb and coconut sago

This is a recipe that changes according to the seasons - in summer substitute berries and stone fruit and in winter this provides a different way of serving stewed rhubarb

9. Gnocchi alla Romana

Gnocchi alla Romana

A classic dish from Lazio that defies any alterations.

10. Black Genoa Figs with Buffalo Mozzarella "a la Pearl"

black genoa figs

I had this at a restaurant and enjoyed it so much I had to go home and make it myself. Hats off to Pearl.

11. Pineapple Upside Down Cakelets

2DSC_4717.jpg

A sure way to Paalo's heart is this favourite of his - individual pineapple upside down cakes.

12. Salmon and Caviar Timbale

2DSC_0329c2.jpg

A favourite during summer - it's quick to prepare but looks a million dollars.

13. Toffee Coated Marzipan Walnuts

toffee coated marzipan walnuts

These are just evil...pure evil. You don't need chocolate when you have these.


I hope you've enjoyed this walk down memory lane, it certainly has brought back some good memories for me.

Here's hoping that 2008 will bring even more delights to enjoy.


18 comments

  1. These are some mouth-watering pix and dishes! What a collection. A very happy and healthy new year to you!

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  2. I can't take my eyes off your pictures! What a delicious selection this is. Thanks so much for taking the time to participate!

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  3. I just love seeing all the delicious things you've made this year! (I'm a sucker for these end of year lists, especially when they're food related!)

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  4. Mmmm, I am in the mood for rhubarb now!
    Happy New Year to you!

    Love
    Holler
    xxx

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  5. Wow that is an amazing list - the colours and tastes make me want to get cooking right now (except the kitchen is still full of dishes from last night's feast!) Hope to try some of these in the new year - look forward to seeing more exciting dishes on your blog in 2008 - have a good one!

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  6. Thanks for being a source of inspiration throughout 2007. I can't wait to see your creations in 2008!

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  7. Haalo, thanks for reminding me all year through your posts, and especially through your photographs, just exactly why I love food. You remain a true inspiration. Happy New Year and may all go well for you in 2008.

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  8. Thanks Deborah - hope you had a wonderful new year!

    Thanks Kalyn - love the lists, to a great reminder of what's been cooking through the year

    Thanks Holler - ring in the new year with Rhubarb, I hope you've had a fun time!

    Thanks Johanna - cooking is the last thing I want to do with the ridiculously hot weather we've been having.

    Thanks Susan - hopefully some good things will be coming out of the kitchen

    A most happy new year to you Trig and a big thank you for all your support you've given me during the last year. I know this year is going to be even bigger for you.

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  9. The food here looks so delicious and so simple, yet so out of reach. I guess I'm still not a "cook" enough to feel confident in making any of these dishes....

    someday.

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  10. What a beautiful visual journey. I have loved your blog, and it was one of the first ones that I started to read. Looking forward to a fabulous culinary journey with you in 2008. May it also be joyous and fun.

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  11. Hi Haalo,
    Happy New Year to you and hubby too. Your posts are always so informative and I love the photos. I look forward to learning and seeing more :-)

    Nora

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  12. I've always loved your blog and your fabulous photography!
    Happy New Year!

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  13. Hi All - well, it's the New Year so this might just be the prefect time to start cooking. I must say most of these recipes are very simple and you at least give it a try, it's just food and if it doesn't turn out, it's not a biggie

    Thank you so much Vegeyum - have a fantastic 2008!

    Thanks Nora - hope you had a great New Years!

    Thanks Fiber - a happy 2008 to you!

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  14. I'm happy to have found your blog through the "Best of 2007."

    Your photography is wonderful.

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  15. Great retrospective Haalo! Loved going through your year. I look forward to all you offer in 2008! Hope you have a great one!

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  16. nice list you got there : )

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  17. Stunning! I'll be coming back for the tomato and basil combo and that salmon and caviar timbale. Yum . . . and gorgeous too!

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  18. Thanks Lori!

    Thanks Meeta!

    Thanks LadyironChef!

    Thanks Lia - I hope you enjoy them!

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