merstar

The best thing I made in 2012 was David Lebovitz's French Vinaigrette. Deceptive in its simplicity, a great vinaigrette is not so easy to find. After years and years of experimenting, this one beats them all. It's perfectly balanced, beautifully flavored, and I've never found anything that works better with my greens. Thanks, David! http://www.davidlebo...ch-vinaigrette/

OMG - that looks and sounds incredible!

I made this again with some tweaks: Streusel Topped Triple Berry Coffee Cake http://www.food.com/...ffee-cake-47953

Thanks for posting this, Kim! I needed a good laugh!

You're lucky. I've definitely had some bad maple syrup - very bland.

Thanks so much Jaymes! I checked out their website, and ordered their catalog. I'm probably going to go with the Grade B, since I've already tried Grade A Dark Amber, and really like it, so I think I'd like something even darker and bolder. Thanks again for the recommendation and link.

Yes, as in anything else. There's good, bad, and in between.

Which brands do you like, and do you prefer A or B? I was using Spring Tree from Canada for years and years, but it's no longer available in my local stores, and hard to find online. (NOTE: I don't have a TJ's nearby *!$&%*@(*_&!^)

Farallon Pinot Noir - Horrible -The finish was so acidic, it actually burned my throat.

Bustelo is indeed Cuban, and excellent - I use their instant espresso all the time in my chocolate recipes. (For brewed espresso, I use Starbucks). I like Bustelo much better than Medaglia d'Oro - it's richer and stronger with a lot more depth. And to top it off, it's much less expensive. When I lived in FL, I found it easily, but since I moved, I haven't been able to find it, so I order it online.

Ditto.

Various Ice Cream Pies and Chocolate Mousse Pie.

Crunchmasters Multi-Seed Crackers http://www.crunchmas...d-crackers.aspx

I second the dumplings and other Asian street food. Also, crepes.

I made these again - cut down both sugars, and used roasted almonds instead of macadamia nuts. (Chocolate) Chocolate Chunk Coconut Macadamia Cookies http://www.csmonitor...cadamia-cookies

I second the jam thumbprints. Love Ina Garten's - they're rolled in coconut instead of nuts.(recipe is on the Food Network site) Also, Jam-Filled Muffins (Williams-Sonoma recipe) and Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. Will post links if you're interested. (Another idea is Linzer tarts/cookies)

CURRIED CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CORIANDER CHUTNEY http://livingintheki...-coriander.html

Sunset's Edible Garden Cookbook is very nice - it was just published in April: More info and review here: http://www.gardening...ld.com/?p=20496

Coconut macaroons, immersed in bittersweet chocolate.

One of my favorites is Moody Blue Smoked Blue Cheese: http://www.rothkase.com/new.html Also, in general, try mixing blue cheese with young goat cheese and/or Parmigiano Reggiano - Make stuffed tomatoes or toss with pasta.

Ketchup, chili paste with garlic, harissa, chipotle in adobo, and raspberry jam.

I am going to try this one. Thanks. You're welcome! Let me know how it turns out.

This is very good, and not too hot, although I do increase the hot sauce and double the chopped green chiles. I prefer it warm, but it's also good cold, with a little extra milk to thin it out. Also, I use all extra sharp cheddar: GREEN CHILE CHEESE SPREAD http://www.recipezaar.com/19079

Thanks - I was just worried that the top layer would be too heavy as compared to the ladyfingers, but I'm going to go for it.

I think I'm just going to freeze or partially freeze it before adding the top layer.