Recipes: Best & Worst of 2011

Remember this post where I was talking about being in a recipe rut, and how I had added some new links to my blog page of sites that looked like fun? Well, that plus the advent of Pinterest has rocked my recipe world. I have found some really great--and some truly terrible-- recipes this year. So, here I am to be a pal and share the love. Call it a "thanks!" for voting in my hair poll. Before we begin, I must say that I am fully willing to concede that the foods under my "worst" heading may be there because I made a mistake while preparing--or maybe my taste buds are just different from yours; in any case, don't be offended if one of your favorites landed there. I also apologize for lack of pictures. But I'm giving you links to pictures! That's almost as good, right?

Worst First:

1. Simplest Homemade Spaetzle: I LOVE spaetzle. If you've never had it, it's a lovely eggy German noodle dish, often served with a brown gravy or with herbs. When done correctly, this is one of those foods that just hits the spot; it's filling and comforting and all that is joyous. I have attempted to make this several times at home using different boxed foods, and one day found this recipe on Smitten Kitchen. Well. It was terrible. Not a bit better than the awful boxed stuff; wreaked havoc on my kitchen and took forever to make. Good thing Siegfried's is here or I'd never get some decent spaetzle.

2. Sour Cream Enchiladas: People raved about these! I felt they tasted fine but they required a lot of work, and I found the flavor just average. Another recipe that made a mess in my kitchen (Note: when I say this, I am not trying to pass of my negligence in keeping my workspace clean; the spaetzle dripped batter and splashed water everywhere; these enchiladas got grease and other things every where from splattering in the pan).

3. Sliced Baked Potatoes: Again, not a lot of pay off for a lot of work; it was difficult to slice so thin so close to the bottom of the potatoes without cutting all the way through--and in the end, it just tasted like chips. Would have been faster to slice thin sheets with a mandoline, then fry, salt, and pepper.

Now some winners! (in no particular order):

1. Penne a la Betsy: I omit the shrimp because I live inland and therefore in fear of too-fishy fish. But, listen. It's pasta; it's cream; it's tomatoes; it's white wine. It's simple, elegant, and crazy-delicious.

2. Tomato Soup: If you, like me, can't stand Campbell's, this is for you. Savory and simple, it's the perfect mate to your grilled cheese sandwich. Would be lovely if you added some cream and/or cooking sherry.

3. Bran Muffins: With butter and honey, I guarantee these will end up being a favorite. This recipe makes a ton. I make the whole recipe and freeze some in freezer bags and pull them out occasionally so I don't have to do the work for a few months. Also, you know, ahem. They keep you going. Give them to your toddler with something warm to drink.

4. Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies: Maybe they taste so good because they're in the shape of Darth Vader's head and your inner nerd finds endless joy in defeating this most evil of villains. But I'm fairly certain it ALSO has something to do with the fact that they're basically fudge shortbread cookies. Sigh. I think it's time to make these again. It wouldn't be Christmas without doing my part to take down the Empire.

5. Outrageous Brownies: You can use a coffee substitute, or even a coffee-flavored syrup, like the ones Torani makes. You don't actually taste the coffee; it just serves as a chocolate enhancer. To that end, I also recommend hazelnut flavoring in lieu of the coffee. YUM.

6. Easy Chicken Marsala: I'm actually making this--again--for dinner tonight.

7. Chicken Broccoli Supreme: I think her directions are somewhat confusing, but if you've made a casserole before, chances are, you'll be able to navigate this just fine. This one was probably the biggest hit with the hubs.