Tasty Bits of 2008

As 2008 draws to a close, it's a good time to reflect on the year. I've trawled through the archives and come up with a baker's dozen of my favourite dishes of the year.


Flat bread crackers - I don't know what was better, the dead simple recipe or the look of those finger-shaped shards.



Zucchini Falafel - part of my falafel odyssey, I even managed to make an oven baked version of Sweet Potato Falafel.



Gözleme - consider it a type of middle-eastern pizza but the secret is the dough - made with just yoghurt, self-raising flour and salt, it was a revelation.



Stuffed Sardines - if you think you don't like sardines, then try this recipe, I think it might just convert you.



Garlic Butter Tiger Prawns - a little bit decadent but a whole lot of delicious.



Torta della Nonna or Grandmother's Pie - these next two couldn't be split so I've included them both. I loved this as each bite brought back memories of Italy.



Torta Meringata con Mele or Apple Pie with Meringue - an edible memory. For very special occasions my mother would make this torta and I can't believe it took me this long to make it myself.



Queen of Puddings - for such a regal sounding dessert, it really couldn't be anymore "peasant" in nature.



Chocolate Pecan Cookies - these were dubbed "the best cookies ever"



Fig Twist - I didn't do that much yeast baking this year but this one I'm glad to have found the time to make.



Strawberries and Basil Compote - macerated strawberries find their ideal and usual match in basil. At the base of each dish is a sweet basil pesto made with fresh basil, pinenuts and icing sugar.



Milk Ice Cream - If I was only allowed to eat one ice-cream, it would be this one.



After those twelve, lucky 13 must be a refreshing beverage and Mint Tea made with gunpowder green tea and fresh mint leaves is the perfect tonic.


Here's hoping 2009 will be the tastiest yet!