TOP 5 FROM 2009?

Happy New Year everyone! Is anyone awake and sober to read this post? No? That's okay. As you can tell from the picture, it was a rough night for someone in New York, and it wasn't me. Even though I live only four blocks away from Times Square, I was happy to be absent from the party. Although I probably should have been out because I ended staying up until 5am this morning anyway. If you've ever wondered why I started this blog, it's because I just can't fall asleep at night. I have no idea why, but I certainly get a lot done, not necessarily well, but I do get a lot done during those hours.

I've been seeing quite a few posts on top 10 recipes from 2009 from blogger friends that have inspired and excited me as I have discovered many terrific recipes to try in the new year. I'm going to highlight only five posts since I haven't been blogging for very long, and I'll follow it with a question mark. Why the question mark behind Top 5 from 2009? Well because I had to reinstall the analytic software a month ago, wiping out the precious data that would have told me what was popular. So I'm going to take a stab at this Top 5 post, and instead call it my Top 5 favorite posts.

QUINCE ROSE JAM

Did you know that this antique looking fuzzy fruit is part of the rose family? I would have guessed apple or pear, but no, it's related to the elegant, sweet smelling, thorny rose.

DUCK A L'ORANGE

Crispy skin, flavorful tender juicy meat and a wonderful orange sauce. The secret? A seven spice brine.

SEVEN SPICE CARNITAS RECIPE

I think this may be my favorite recipe of all time. It's so simple to make and surprises people with the addition of orange juice and the array of spices. If you're like Dave, the grill guy, cringing at the thought boiling meat, the spices also make a great rub to roast in the oven.

CHINESE BRAISED OXTAIL STEW

This was my first time working with oxtails, and the result was incredible mostly because the recipe I found from Sunday Nite Dinner was outstanding. Succulent, sticky and exotic, this is one recipe I save for a special occasion.

INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER ISAAC MIZRAHI

Okay, this isn't a recipe post, but it's worth peeking in if you're looking for a good laugh. The interview was simply ridiculous.

2009 has been a great ride, I'm looking forward to what 2010 holds.