Ten Things I'm Looking Forward to in 2010

10. Ice Skating

I used to love to ice skate when I was younger. Today I went to LL Bean, my local department store, and bought myself a new pair of skates. I am planning to use them this afternoon at the neighbor's pond. If all this doesn't scream "New Year's in New England",  I don't know what does.

9. Baking bread

I have always been afraid of making anything with yeast. I plan to conquer that fear this year using the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. Supposedly it's fail-proof.

We'll see.

8. Attending the BlogHer Conference in August
I went to a mini-conference in Boston about a year and a half ago and it gave me the kick in the pants I needed to start Mignardise. This one will be in New York. I'm very excited to meet other food bloggers, and put faces to names. Who's in?

7.Working with Mainelovesfood.com

I've been writing a monthly column for this fun, new website. I like that they give me free rein. And that they link back to Mignardise. Thanks for the opportunity, Gail. Let's do some more.

6. Gaining readership and getting to know you
Hey, I'm talking to you! I love my readers more than words can say, but I really want more of them. Greedy, I know. Can I please get 200 subscribers by mid-year? Please?
Forward Mignardise to a friend or two.
Become a follower - I will not lead you astray!
Leave a comment. Please!  I live for comments. They make my day.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

5. Eating Out More
There are so many truly wonderful and exciting restaurants in Portland. I'd like to be able to say I know them well, but I don't. I don't get out much, due to my family's schedules  other commitments.
I hope to change that this year and try some new dining spots. As well as some that have been around for awhile, some how thriving without me.

4. Vacation at the Ranch
When the February chill gets us down, we like to vacation at Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. It's a great time for the whole family. I particularly enjoy hiking, the lunch time dessert buffet and the prickly pear margaritas. And the sun feels so good.

3.  Celebrating a big birthday

Sure, if I keep telling myself I'm looking forward to turning 50, then maybe I will be.

 Or maybe not.

Either way, it's coming. I plan on getting together with college girlfriends whom I haven't seen in years. I also plan on having my husband do something wonderful for me (bike trip? cooking school? both? love you honey!).

2. Summer
Last summer was a washout here in Maine. I'm anticipating big time payback in 2010. Warm sunny days, cool starry nights and lots of entertaining on my back deck. And of course Clam Fest! Let me know if you'll be in the area. I'll treat you to a lobster roll.

1. More blogging!
I look forward to filling this space with worthwhile reading and recipes for you. I hope to post more often too. I'm looking forward to improving my photography.
Oh and did I mention I'm hoping to get more readers?

A very happy new year to all my friends, old and new. Thanks a million for your support, comments and compliments.
Wishing you much deliciousness in 2010.

Thanksgiving Class of 2009 Superlatives

Most Popular

Brussels sprouts! This may come as a surprise to some, but really not a shocker for my family.

When you do brussels sprouts right, and by right I mean with bacon, there's not much that's better.

Last year I cooked them with proscuitto. This year, they were roasted with bacon and maple syrup.

You can find the recipe here.

Most Likely to Succeed

I tried a new green bean semi-casserole dish, supposed to be an update on the classic. I got the recipe here.

Love the concept - fresh green beans and crimini mushrooms, caramelized onions, goat cheese and more. But it just didn't come together quite as I hoped.

So I think with a few tweaks, it could be a big success next year.

Most Improved

I have no tried and true method for turkey. I pick a recipe from the big stack of Thanksgiving magazines. The criteria for my choice is 1. uncomplicated 2. tasty and 3. uncomplicated.

This year, I chose a recipe/method from Fine Cooking, that starts with cooking the bird breast side down for the first hour.

It was a huge improvement over previous years. Definitely easy, moist and very flavorful (for a turkey). And it cooked more quickly than I thought. Would do this again next year for sure.

Most Versatile

Mashed potatoes. Like a 16 year old boy, mashed potatoes can take on many personalities. That's why we assign them to my son. He whips them up in a classic style, with lots of butter, cream, salt and pepper. Thanks Jack!

Most Old School Spirit

My mother's Ritz cracker stuffing. I could make the most gourmet, fabulous stuffing ever and it would still not taste as good as this at Thanksgiving dinner.

Sounds kind of ridiculous, I know, but buttery Ritz crackers really make an awesome stuffing. Plus it's the stuffing I grew up with, so extra points for that.

Most Thanksgiving Spirit

Mmmmmaple-y, buttery, bright orange-y squash. It would scream "Thanksgiving" but the flavor is too subtle and it's certainly too classic to shout out loud.

Yum - and many thanks to my brother-in-law for bringing it.

Cutest Couple

The pumpkin and apple pies made by my husband and daughter.

Most Glamorous

The pear pie with streusel topping made by me. I added some crystallized ginger to the streusel mix, giving it a sophisticated boost. I also changed the dried cherries to dried cranberries. A big hit, and a keeper.

The recipe is also from Fine Cooking.

And one more side dish...

Look for me on mainelovesfood.com!

I's a cool new website that has LOADS of info about all the amazing food and food-related events in the great state of Maine.

My feature is called Maine Loves Food Loves...

I get to research and write about new products and places. Lucky me!