Blog of Ten

It's that time of year again...end of the year, heck, end of a decade! Everywhere you look there is a top ten list, best ofs....well, I am no exception apparently! It's the end of a decade, so I, in Rachel Ray style, have compiled a list of my favorites that I have not shared with you yet. Hope you enjoy!

1. Favorite Cake: Raspberry Ripple Cake. With fruit on top, it's almost like not eating a dessert! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/raspberry-ripple-cake-recipe/index.html

2. Favorite Homemade Snack: Granola. All the snack foods I love smooshed together. Thinking about it makes me want to go for a hike right now! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/homemade-cranberry-nut-granola-recipe/index.html

3. Favorite Dip: Rocco's Healthy Artichoke Dip. So simple and always wins raves at a party. And at 17 calories per tablespoon...no guilt! No link, but it's really too simple: drain 14oz can of artichokes, chop and put in microwave dish, stir in 3/4c low fat plain yogurt and 1c fresh parmigiana-reggiano, 2 gloves garlic and 2T fresh basil. Microwave 3 minutes on high. stir. microwave 2 min more. serve with pita chips.

4. Favorite Salad: Village Salad. Here's the thing, I love Greek Salad, but not olives, so this is perfect for me! It's another snap to put together and always wins raves reviews. Chop 8 oz feta, 2 medium tomatoes, 1 lg cucumber, and 1 medium onion. Toss with 1/2c Italian dressing.

5. Favorite Side Dish: Mesa Grill's Southwest Potato Salad. You know I love anything from Bobby Flay, but this is the dish I always bring for a summer BBQ. A lot of ingredients, but soooo worth it! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/mesa-grills-southwestern-potato-salad-recipe2/index.html

6. Favorite Comfort Food: Hamburger Stroganoff. I don't know what it is about it, but every once in a while, I have to have it! http://www.cheapcooking.com/Recipes/hamburgerstroganoff.htm

7. Favorite Quick Winter Dinner: Italian Garden Soup. sshhh. Don't tell anyone it was this simple! Pretend you slaved all day! :) http://recipes.delmonte.com/dlm/Recipe.aspx?id=1102

8. Favorite Alternative to ordering a pizza: Pizza Crudo. I have a new love for chiabatta bread, and I have always been a pizza fan, so this is the best of both worlds! http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipes/rachael-ray-30-minute-meals/Pizza-Crudo

9. Best Burger: Latin Burgers with Caramelized Onion and Jalapeno Relish and Red Pepper Mayonnaise. Doesn't the title sell itself? Meaty, creamy, spicy, trust me, the men in your life will thank you for this one! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ingrid-hoffmann/latin-burgers-with-caramelized-onion-and-jalapeno-relish-and-red-pepper-mayonnaise-recipe/index.html

10. Best reason to run the oven all day: Chianti Braised Short Ribs. You know how much you enjoy that glass of Chianti with dinner?? Well, just think about how good dinner would be if you cooked it IN your Chianti...exactly! http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/dinner-recipes/Chianti-Braised-Short-Ribs

Well, that's it folks. Another year, another list, another reason to flip on the Food Network! Happy New Year Everyone! Here's to a fantastic 2010 filled with joy.