Friday Favorites – Episode 118

Happy first Friday of 2012!

I’m still adjusting to the fact that the holidays are over, and the new year has arrived already.  Where did the time go? While I’m still trying to figure out where the holidays went, I can say that I’ve had my fill of cookies and sweets.  I didn’t make any crazy resolutions about never eating another cookie or cutting sugar out of my diet entirely. In fact, I didn’t really make many resolutions at all.

Instead, I’m just focusing on making 2012 a great year. I’m trying to eat a little better, but focusing on making food that I love and enjoying what I eat. I’m looking forward to trying new recipes and incorporating new ingredients into our diet. Instead of worrying about all of the things I can’t do, I’m looking forward to the things I can do.

So, if you’re looking for a list of lowfat, grain free, or fad-diet food, I’m afraid you’ll have to look elsewhere… Instead, here’s a list of the recipes that caught my eye this week… Recipes that will be a great start to cooking and baking in 2012!

• After all of the rich foods over the holidays, I’ve been craving fruits and veggies… So much so that I’m considering trying this Basic Green Smoothie from Brown Eyed Baker. I’ve always been skeptical of the whole green smoothie concept, but I’m thinking it’s about time that I give it a fair shot!
• I’m not really into beer (of course, it can be good for chili or chocolate cake on occasion), but I do love hard cider. So, imagine my delight to find this recipe for Woodchuck Hard Cider Bread from Bluebonnets & Brownies. I’ll be making it as soon as I go out and buy some hard cider!
• This time of year, I just love soup. It’s perfect for cold winter nights, and it can be packed with nutrients, too! I can’t wait to try this Maple Butternut Squash and Parsnip Soup from Healthy Green Kitchen. I’m thinking it might be the perfect pairing for some hard cider bread!
• One-dish dinners are perfect for the winter, if you ask me.  When it comes to cooking in January, I’m a firm believer that simple dishes with big flavors are best. These Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Chickpeas and Feta from Spork or Foon? are exactly the kind of food I want to make… And eat!
• My idea of healthy eating has to do more with enjoying the things I love in moderation, and eating plenty of fruits and veggies. I’m a firm believer in real food. And, it doesn’t get much more real than this D.I.Y. Butter from A Thought for Food!