Foodie Finds 2009

As 2009 comes to a close I’ve been thinking about my favorite food discoveries and re-discoveries during the past year. Here they are in random order. . .

These Are A Few of My Favorite (Foodie) Things:

Pimenton (Smoky Spanish Paprika). At the suggestion of vegetable evangelist Alanna Kellogg, who pens the blog, A Veggie Venture, I made more homemade salad dressings during 2009 – great for the taste buds, waistline and the wallet. In the process, I became a huge fan of her Garlic-Buttermilk Salad Dressing. The secret ingredient in the dressing is pimenton, a lovely smoky Spanish paprika that adds a subtle and sublime flavor to Spanish cooking – and in this salad dressing – try it and see if you don’t eat more salads and vegetables just for another taste.

The Splendid Table.  Thankfully, our local PBS affiliate changed the time they broadcast this wonderful radio program so more people in the Atlanta-area can listen to this foodie gem. You can also enjoy episodes by signing up for email notices at gather.com or by subscribing thru iTunes to access and download podcasts from The Splendid Table. It’s like inviting dear friends into your home (or kitchen) for a food chat anytime you want. You’ll meet famous chefs, food experts of all varieties, along with tips for homemade dishes using simple and fancy ingredients and you’ll hear host, Lynne Rossetto Kasper give advice to listeners who call-in with questions. Foodie fun.

Metrokane  V-1 Vacuum Decanter. For a year I’ve been coveting this wine decanter and storage system…so for Hanukkah I purchased, wrapped and gave this myself (and my dear husband) as our family gift. This crystal wine decanter allows you to vacuum-preserve your wine right in the decanter, so there is no need to funnel wine left in the decanter back into bottle. Simply decant your wine, enjoy as much or as little as you want and then save so you can enjoy the wine again another day. Perfect for empty-nesters (like us) who want to enjoy a bottle of wine over a several days.

Parchment Paper. This was the year I lined baking trays with parchment paper when oven-roasting vegetables, making stuffed mushrooms, oven-roasting fish and other meats and for baking. It makes cleaning up from my cooking adventures soo much quicker! It you haven’t tried cooking with parchment paper check out the Reynolds website for recipes and cooking tips (and take advantage of their coupon offer).

Oatmeal. I have new fondness for oatmeal. Aging is good thing! It probably helped that I’ve moved beyond the sugary packets we ate while backpacking as Girl Scouts. Whether it’s my splurge favorite from The Silver Palate or the private label oatmeal from the grocery store this is my healthy and go-to way to start the day.

Ice water. As I wean myself off of carbonated beverages, I’m *treating* myself to several tall glasses of ice water in nice water glasses. Perhaps it’s the upgrade from a plastic cup – but plain old water tastes great in a nice glass! Here’s to staying hydrated in style – and using those nice glasses in the cupboard.

Avocados. Avocados are among my favorite fruits. They brighten an egg-white omelet, star in a salad or sandwich, make a delicious side on a dinner plate or can be used to create a delicious and healthy dip. Versatile and delicious. Here’s a link to my  favorite Black Bean dip that includes black beans, avocados and tomatoes – the leftovers are great in an omelet or combined into a enchilada.

Good Earth Tea. Growing up in Phoenix, lunch at the Good Earth restaurant was a special treat and my first exposure to the joys of vegetables. The highlight of the meal was glass of their Original Sweet & Spicy blend iced tea. This tea is a vacation for your senses – it naturally sweet with a hint of orange and exotic herbs. Today, I enjoy their tea at home and love sharing it with friends.

Toyota Prius. Okay, this isn’t a food item. It’s part of my personal go-green and lessen my carbon footprint initiative. Bottom-line, the Toyota Prius handles beautifully and is fun to drive. It comfortably holds my 94 year-old mother-in-law, two grandsons and their car seats plus my collection of reusable grocery bags.  Did I mention that the gas mileage is incredible?

Navarro Wines. This past May we discovered our long lost cousins, Ted Bennett  and Deborah Cahn, who are ensconced in Anderson Valley, CA and making outstanding wines at Navarro Winery. Do yourself a favor and go for visit. From the pygmy sheep working the grounds by tending to weeds between the rows to the award-winning wines you’ll appreciate their attention to detail. I came away from our reunion raving about their Reisling and Gewurztraminer dry white wines and their smooth Pinot Noir. 2009 was a great year to connect with friends and family and to discover new food finds.

There are so many discoveries, people and flavors that made 2009 so special.

What about you? What are your foods finds for 2009?

It’s been a pleasure to share recipes and tips with you during the past year. Wishing you a joyous New Year and new decade. Thank you for joining us in the kitchen.