Looking Back: The Favourites of 2011

Dear Faithful Readers,

It is that time of year again. As January 1st sneaks up on us, we are given these few relaxing moments to reflect on the year that is about to close behind us.

Many things have happened in these past 12 months that neither of us dreamed would come to be. Jess moved to a different city, received a real teaching position, and got engaged! Sally did her first 30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge, started learning Spanish, and successfully paid off half her student loan (and is still going strong!) Throughout everything we bonded and celebrated together. We also were blessed with an amazing community willing to give as much support, encouragement and love as we needed in whatever form they could. We are truly blessed, and inspired by you all.

In this post you will find your top 10 favourite recipes of 2011 (plus a couple of our favourites that didn't make the list). We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 10. The Oo-la-la Burger

From Food and Drink Summer 2011

9. Cookie Ice Cream Pie 

From the brilliance of Jess Koning's Creativity 

8. Quinoa Risotto

From Food and Drink Autumn 2011

7. Grilled Hanger Steak with Horseradish Whipped Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, and Sauce Bordelaise  

From The New Brooklyn Cookbook, Page 116-118

6. Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

From this link 

  

5. Espresso-Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

From this link

4. Paprika Lamb Burgers and Home Made Oreos

From BBC Good Food and this link

 

3. Mountain Meatballs

From Jamie's America, Page 308

2. Sausage Carbonara

From Jamie's Italy, or JamieOliver.com

1. Broccoli Orecchiette, Zucchini & Bobboncini Salad, 

Prosciutto & Melon Salad 

From Jamie's Meals in Minutes

Jessica's Favourite of 2011: Sweet Potato Skins, Mushroom Polenta Diamonds,  and Flourless Chocolate Cake
From MarthaStewart.com 

 
Sally's Favourite of 2011: The Olé Burger

From Food and Drink Summer 2011

   

 

 

God Bless,

Cookie Ice Cream Pie

Dear Sally,

Your last blog looked AMAZING! I can't wait till BBQ season when I can cook up some delicious salmon. Unfortunately I know it will not be as good as your dad's famous salmon.

As usual this post is delicious but REALLY bad for you. I feel like I corrupting our followers with these enticing recipes. It is ironic really that I keep making things I can't eat nor would eat if I had the chance. Oh well :)

I'm excited for the party on Friday. I had to change my costume because I haven't had time to shop for anything but I think it will still work out :)

How is your yoga challenge coming? I wish I could be there with you! I'm glad that Rachel is doing it too, not that you would need the extra motivation or anything.


 Lots of love,
Jess

This recipe is a creation of my own and is a mish mash of things I had in the house and ideas that came to me. Don't worry, it has been tested on two very healthy men and they both enjoyed the dessert and survived its consumption. Enjoy!

Cookies Ice Cream Pie
Double chocolate ice cream (approx 2 cups)
Peanut butter (1/2 cup)
Cool whip (2 cups)
White chocolate (shavings)
1 cup (approx) white chocolate macadamia nut cookie dough (or any kind you like)

1. Cover the bottom of a round cake pan with the cookie dough. Cook in a 350 oven for about 8 minutes or until golden. Cool.

2. While the cookie is baking whip the ice cream, peanut butter and 1 cup cool whip. Spoon this mixture over the cooled cookie base. Top with remaining cool whip and white chocolate shavings. Return to the freezer for min 4 hours.


3. Bring out of the freezer just before serving to warm up. Cut and serve!