Hits & Misses, Early 2012

Hits
Pinterest has become, outside my google reader, my favorite spot to find new recipes. There are more than a few pinned to my Edible Inspiration board. A couple recent hits? A quick after-gym dinner of Veggie Laksa, a spin on these Orange-Ginger Margaritas, and these prep-heavy but so worth it, man-pleasing, new parents surprising Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos.

Still to try: Key Lime Pie Ice Cream, Homemade Potato Chips with Avocado Ranch and Hot Fudge Bourbon Milkshakes.

Also tried & loved, this time from the ever expanding "Starred" folder in my google reader, Jennie's Toasted Vanilla Bean Muesli. I can attest that you can totally make this while tipsy on a Saturday night, with your boyfriend "helping" with some moral support. Whole vanilla beans are not in my grocery budget, so I put a little regular vanilla in the melted butter. I made this with oats & sliced almonds toasted and dried cherries & apricots. 

Things that are not food but are awesome anyway
I'm (happily!) not getting married anytime soon (probably), but I've been reading A Practical Wedding since nearly it's inception. This post neatly lays out what it's like to be in a happy not engaged relationship and watch 18 billion people get engaged on f*cebook over the holidays. Also, how it makes you a little annoyed when your relationship is so awesome people expect you to run off on your lunch hour and get hitched and then they feel the need to comment on it.

Ok, so a second thing about getting engaged, but whatever, it's got food and Legos. This is the sweetest video so far this year.

Misses
This Cream of Tomato Soup with Rice is incredibly delicious. I started making it when I was living in Chicago in my cute little single girl apartment. I urge you to not be stupid like me and make it with rock hard winter tomatoes, and sub whole torn pieces of basil for the thyme. The tomatoes will not roast and become all yummy, and the basil will blacken and become bitter. Pay up for tomatoes that feel ripe and smell good. Even if they're the overpriced "on the vine" tomatoes. Also? It's only one soup. Don't use half and half.

The Knicker Twist. I thought since B always has apricot jam in his fridge, this would be fun to make. It's not. It's just kinda weird.