Top 15 Recipes of 2010

I have been a worthless human being today.

I still haven't changed out of my pajamas, and my back hurts from lying on the couch for so long.  I'd love to be able to say that I'm sick (even though I don't actually want to be sick) or that I have some other good reason for being such a disgusting fatbody today, but I don't.  Just laziness.

What makes it even worse is that today is Matt's super long day at work, and my laziness draws a stark contrast to his grueling day.  If I were Matt, I'd be hating me right now. 

Maybe I'll bake him cookies. 

Or pour him a glass of bourbon when he walks in the door.

(Sorry, we're the last two people on the planet to get into Mad Men, and we've been watching several episodes a night.  Boy, that Don sure is dapper!)

Anyway, one of the only things I have done today (other than watch 16 and Pregnant on On Demand--which is much more base than just watching it when it comes on tv.  I had to seek out 16 and Pregnant to watch it, and I did, and that makes me a horrible person.) is read other people's blogs, and many of them have been doing these "best of 2010" things.  I actually kind of hate those posts, but I kind of love them, too. 

So, I've gone back and forth about whether I should do one, but now since I can basically either do this post or get off my ass and get on the elliptical machine, I'm going to do the post.  Ellipting is hard.

Okay, so these are my fifteen favorite new recipes from 2010. 

First up, appetizers.  My favorite appetizers from 2010 are: (click on the link to get the recipe)

Redipulous!  This stuff is stupid good, and I'm almost afraid to make it because it's so good and I would eat all of it by myself.  I think I'm going to try to make a healthier version so that I can eat the whole thing by myself and not feel as guilty.

Bacon Jam.  I know I've gone on and on about this lately, but it really is just so good.  Just remember to follow the directions.  And eat it on some fancy bread.

Okay, now for some entrees.

P Cubed.  It's just wonderful.  Matt hates peas and this is still one of his favorite meals. And don't skip the lemon; you'll regret it.

Kung Pao Chicken.  It was always our favorite thing to order when we ate Chinese, and now we can make it at home!  So good, and actually not all that bad for you.

Smitten Kitchen's Chicken Meatballs.  I will make these until the day I die.  Also not terrible for you.  (Oh, and did you know that you can grind chicken in a food processor?  I didn't.  Cassie told me, and it's super fast and easy.)

Ginger Pork Stir Fry.  Mmmmmmmmm.  It seems like pork tenderloin is always on sale, and this stuff is crazy tasty.  Add vegetables to your liking.

Guinness Steak.  This one's a grilling recipe, so you may be waiting until spring or summer to make it, but it's delicious, and it's simple, and you get to drink the other three Guinness beers.  Win, win, win.  (I actually hate beer, so Matt gets to drink the beer.)

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas.  So good.  So good.  I--I just love them so much!

Bitten Word's Lemon Rosemary Chicken.  Mmmmmmmm.

And now for the desserts.  Last year was all about cupcakes for me.  This year I changed gears a little and went bananas for ice cream making.  There's still some baking, but it's mostly frozen treats.  Just go buy yourself an ice cream maker and be an ice cream making pen-pal with me already.

Mandy's Famous Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream.  You'll just die, but in a good way.

Mandy's Famous Raspberry Sorbet.  It's the best, and it's beautiful, and it's good for you.

Vanilla Bean Cupcakes from Annie's Eats.  My favorite vanilla cupcake.  Also Mitch's favorite vanilla cupcake.

Blackberry Pie Bars.  (Or cherry, or raspberry, or whatever fruit you'd like.)  It's Cheryl from Back in the Day Bakery's recipe, so you know they're delicious.  Make them to share, and people will love you.

Banana Puddin' Ice Cream.  Goes over very well with Southerners.  Use twice as many Nilla Wafers.  Mmmmmmmm.

And, finally, Thomas Jefferson's Vanilla Ice Cream.  TJ's just good at everything, wasn't he?  This ice cream has the best texture, and rich flavor.  It's a little bit of a labor of love, but it's worth it.

So, there you have it.  That took way more time than I thought it would, and now I must peel my body off of this couch before I order myself a pair of pajama jeans.  (They're the hot new fashion sensation, you know.)