We had a busy holiday season with family and friends. We traveled to North Carolina to spend time with family in Cary and Jacksonville and then back to Lake Lure to attend to some Winter tasks. We spent the New Year in Myrtle Beach with old friends, ate well, celebrated joyously and returned to Lake Lure a little heavier and totally worn out. It is cold and dreary here with constant rain and fog and my cooking has been minimal. So before we return to Florida this week, I thought that I would reflect back on some of the dishes that were favorites in 2014. I will begin with January 2014.
I had just discovered Mimi Thorisson’s lovely blog Manger. One of the first dishes I made from her blog was this Pork Tenderloin with Grapes. We loved it and my eyes were opened to the possibility of actually cooking grapes. It was also a pretty dish that tasted heavenly.
February found us in Cary celebrating our Grandson’s third birthday. My DIL Kristen made this warming Tortilla Soup on a snowy day. I could use a bowl of it right now.
We enjoyed these Polynesian Meatballs as the weather was improving.
With Spring in the air and fresh asparagus in the market we indulged in this easy Asparagus Tart.
King Arthur Flour has a wonderful blog called Flourish. This recipe for Triple Cinnamon Scones sounded so good that I purchased their cinnamon chips and cinnamon filling mix to make them. I have been making them ever since. They are the best scones I have ever had.
In June I made this wonderful Blueberry Galette. The rosemary in the crust was an unusual addition and went so well with the blueberries. I will be making this often. The crust also has whole wheat flour in it which I love.
Summer is berry season and I couldn’t resist this lovely Raspberry and Blueberry Tiramisu. Perfect for the 4th of July.
In August our grill was kept busy. This Spicy Glazed Salmon was an easy fix with only three ingredients.
September at the lake is usually still warm. Cool salads are always welcomed. This Israeli Couscous and Arugula Salad from Ina Garten is delicious.
October is apple season in Western North Carolina. This Maple Glazed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Apple and Sage is a perfect Fall dish.
In November, this Leek and Artichoke Bread Pudding was on my Thanksgiving table. The recipe came from Ina Garten’s new book Make it Ahead.
Finally, in honor of family tradition, in December I made my Mother’s delicious Ham Loaf. It brought back memories of Christmases past. 2014 was a very good year. I am looking forward to the year ahead and wish all of you a Happy New Year.
Happy New Year Penny! Loved the look back!
All of these featured dishes look and sound wonderful! When are you heading back? Hope we can meet for lunch…
Good look back Penny. Since you’ve been in NC so long, you might as well stay and enjoy some beautiful snow falls in front of the fire place.
You created some great food last year and I’m looking forward to what you will be sharing with us this year. We are heading to Florida soon as well…everyone needs a little warmth this time of the year. Enjoy!
Each and every dish looks delicious. Happy new year to both of you.
Sam
I agree with Sam..pretty,delicious food.
The scones are calling me..:)
If you like scallops..champagne grapes with them are very good..
All the best for this New Year .
Everything looks delicious, Penny! I missed a few so I am Pinning away!
Happy New Year!
Jane x
Hi Penny, fantastic line-up of recipes. Happy 2015 to you!
What a great look back, Penny! All of them look equally delicious. We ended the holidays a little heavier than we started also but that’s the point of enjoying holiday treats 🙂 The scones do look very tempting!
Great look back, Penny. I marked a couple recipes to try. Used to have a fab recipe for a ham loaf, but haven’t been able to find the recipe for ages. I know I got it for a recipe shower when I married, so had it on a card. Thought I’d transferred all cards to computer (when they were invented!!) but it got lost in the shuffle. The mustard/vinegar combo sounds like the topping, so am going to try it.
Happy New Year, dear friend!
Happy New Year, Penny. What a wonderful selection of recipes to try. I’m going to start with a batch of Triple Cinnamon Scones and work my way down the list. I had never visited Manger and know I’ll be spending many happy hours reading that beautiful blog. thanks for the introduction.