I'm off to a good start, 11 new recipes for 2002

[CHRIST1NE]

I was so inspired by Grace with her 100 new recipes in 2001 and SusieO with her unbelievable 280 that I'm making a real effort to break away from my tried and true favorites more. So far, I think I'm off to a pretty good start with 11!

Here's what I've made so far:


Spaghetti Carbonade - this might be good, I really can't tell. Unfortunately, I didn't lower my heat enough and the eggs scrambled. So basically it tasted like scrambled eggs over pasta. Oops

Caribbean Rice and Beans - I enjoyed this. It was a nice wuick eay meal and the leftovers were perfect for lunch.

Citrus Roasted Salmon - not a repeater for us. I can't seem to find a salmon recipe that I like as much as the Apricot Cinnamon Glazed one.

Grilled Chicken with Plum Salsa - loved this. Again, another quick easy meal for a weeknight

Maple Mustard Salmon - still trying to find another salmon recipe, still looking. This one I would probably make again, but I don't think it compares to the Apricot Cinnamon one.

Spicey Soba Noodles w/Chicken in Peanut Sauce - I tried really hard to like this one and hated it. I ended up throwing it out. I guess I just don't like my peanut better over pasta.

Cashew Crusted Chicken on Basil Pineapple Rice - loved this one.

Honey and Spice Glazed Pork Chops another winner. I have tiny little "dipping" bowls and used some of the extra sauce in those.

Jilted Eggs - these tasted pretty good, once I poured off the extra water. I'm not sure if it was from the tomato or my slightly frozen cheddar cheese. Will try these again with plum tomatoes and fresh cheese and see if it's still watery. I don't think I could eat these for breakfast, but enjoyed them as supper.

Tropical Fruit Salad - loved this as well. I tend to get into fruit ruts and this was a wonderful way to break out of it.

Desk Set Oven Fried Chicken - this is tonight's dinner. I have my fingers crossed that it will be as good as everyone says.

How about the rest of you.... what all have you tried so far this year?

[greysangel]

I'm also challenging myself!!

So far I'm off to a good start...16! yippie!

Here's a list of mine:

Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping
Rosemary Pork Tenderloin
Chicken Thighs with Marsala Mushroom Cream Sauce over Noodles
Grilled Steak with Charred Tomato Salsa
Roasted Garlic & Orzo Pilaf
Rosemary-Rubbed Duck Breast (Pork) with Caramelized Apricots
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes with Goat Cheese
Caramelized Onion Chicken
Monterey Jack, Roasted Red Pepper and Corn Risotto
North Woods Bean Soup
Chocolate Bundt Cake
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Honey & Spice Glazed Pork Chops
Hearty Lasagna
Braised Chicken in Coconut Milk
Gratin Dauphinoise

[CHRIST1NE]

Greysangel, how did you like the Hearty Lasagna? It's one of my favorites. Congrats on your 16!

[Laura B]

I've made 11, too! I have really been enjoying keeping track of what I've made and giving ratings, etc.

Christine, try Bourbon-Glazed Salmon in your quest for good salmon recipes. We love it!

Here's my list:
Gingered Flank Steak (Sept 01)
Chicken Francais (Jan/Feb 01)
No Boo-Hoo Potatoes (Oct 99)
Glazed Carrots (Sept 00)
Bourbon-Glazed Salmon (Sept 01)
Slicked Up Store Bought Mint Sauce (Epicurious)
Dutch-Chocolate Angel Food Cake (Oct 01)
Honey Spice Glazed Pork Chops (Jan/Feb 02)
Linguine w. Pancetta and Parmesan (Jan/Feb 02)
North Woods Bean Soup (Jan/Feb 02)
Desk Set Oven Fried Chicken (March 1998)

[Linda in MO]

I was also inspired by the previous threads about keeping track of the recipes you try. I've tried 18 so far! Here's my list:

Bree's Lentil Tomato Soup
Spicy Oatmeal Crisps
Maple-Mustard Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Apples
Smothered Sirloin Steak with Adobo Gravy
CrockPot Cranberry Turkey Breast
ABM Heavenly Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls made with the "Heavenly Rolls" bread dough
Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding with Turtle Topping
Honey and Spice-Glazed Pork Chops
Blasted Chicken
Bow Tie Pasta w/mushrooms, spinach, and feta
CL's Brocolli and Cheese Soup
Caramel Apple Pudding Cake
Chicken Fajita Dip
Caramelized Onion Chicken (using apricot all fruit spread)
Chocolate Malt Ice Cream
Lemon-Rosemary Crumb Cake
ABM Buttermilk Bread

And most all of them were winners. I won't repeat the Lentil Soup, the Bread Pudding, or probably the Lemon-Rosemary crumb cake.

And tonight I think I'm going to make North Woods Bean Soup, Rosemary-Raisin Rye Bread, and Country Apple Coleslaw.

[lengels]

You have all inspired me to keep better track of the recipes I try. I have gone back through the last month and have a total of 14. Now if I can just keep up with it.

My other big problem is inputting my recipes into my cooking software.

[CHRIST1NE]

lengels, I recently joined a yahoo group that enters all of CL's recipes. The web page is:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mc-cookinglight/

Basically, when you join the group, you promise to enter your assignments for the month, usually 4-5 recipes. I found it to be quite handy for keeping my cookbook up to the speed of my trying new recipes.

Laura B, thanks for the encouragement to try the salmon recipe. I've been looking at that one.

I guess I have a ways to go to catch up with some of you....

[JHolcomb]

I'm at work so I don't have access to everything that I've made so far, but I'm doing pretty well on the variety front so far. I think I'm getting Mastercook for my b-day so I can keep even better track of what I've made.

So far (I've noted non-Cl recipes)
Fettucinne and tofu with finger lickin' peanut sauce
Northwoods Bean Soup
Lentil stew with ham and greens
Tomato-basil soup
Pecan crusted chicken (from Cl complete)
Spice rubbed flank steak soft tacos (a new creation of my own-does this count?)
Beef vindaloo (Pensey's-really, really good)
Asian salad with miso-ginger dressing
French Onion soup (from Penzey's catalogue)
Gratin Dauphinois
Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Lamb Curry
brown rice with peas (never made brown rice before)
Cannolini, Kale, Kielbasa and Tortellini Soup (Feb Bon Appetite)
Chocolate Bundt Cake
Those chewy cocoa cookies from this month

I've made a couple more, I think, but this is all I can remember off the top of my head. Everything except for the Bon Appetite soup and the French Onion soup was good. I would pass on those next time.

Christine-Where is the recipe for apricot cinnamon salmon from-sounds like a winner for next week!

[Grace]

Wow! You guys are great. I'm glad that I am inspiration for someone, but would also like to point out that it was MAKEDAH who provided ME with the original inspiration! She was the one who originally started that thread, and she was the one who started out with the goal of 100 new recipes. (And my jaw is still hanging at SusieO's 280!!!!) Definite inspiration there.

I am off to a very slow start for January - I think I may have made three or four so far. But I'll be back in full cooking swing come next week, and as the new issue is a combined one, I have until the end of Feb to rack up those recipes!! Thanks all of you for inspiring me!

[JHolcomb]

Never mind, Christine- I found your review of the recipe using the search function. It looks so yummy-this is on the menu for next week for sure.

Oh, I forgot- I made the orange ginger shrimp skewers. And french toast from "How to Cook Everything."

[KValley]

Cheating a bit and including what's on the menu for tonight...:p 16 is my total.

Probably won't get too many more in for the month- out of town most of next week...

Honey and Spice Glazed Pork Chops
Orange-Ginger Shrimp Skewers
Tomato Salad with Lemon and Honey
Super Simple Peanut Soup with Vegetables
North Woods Bean Soup
Wine Glazed Winter Vegetables
Ginger Lime Swordfish
all from Jan/Feb '02

Smothered Chicken with Barley
Couscous Loaf with Eggplant, Feta, Onion
both from Jan/Feb 98

Mixed Mushroom Lasagna with Parmesan Sauce (browneye's recipe)
Peasant Bread (BB recipe)
Indian Vegetable Soup (BH & G website)
Avgolemono Soup (Moosewood)
Holiday Cranberry Squash (Moosewood)
Broiled Polenta with Mushrooms (Moosewood)
Herbed Lemon Pilaf with Almonds

[slknight]

I'm going to cheat too and include tonight's menu.

I'm up to 15, I think. Not sure if I'm forgetting anything or not.

From CL - various issues:
Apple-Cranberry Crisp
Chipotle Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
4-Corn Pie
Pommes Anna
Pork Chops Mole
Rubbed Flank Steak
Scotch Bars
Chili-Roasted Potatoes
Green Beans with Roasted Onion Vinaigrette
Whole Wheat Orange Juice Muffins

From Don Mauer's Cookbook
Light-As-Air Buttermilk Pancakes
Fancy Sweet Cornbread
Grilled Flank Steak

From the BB:
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

From FoodTv (I think):
Spicy Chicken and Hominy Ragout (by the way this is really good!)

[aggie94]

What a fun thread!

These are the new recipes I've tried so far this year:

Greek Pasta with Tomatoes & White Beans
Honey-Glazed Salmon
Chinese Red-Cooked Chicken Thighs
Spicy Soba Noodles with Chicken in Peanut Sauce
from CL

Garlic Sesame Pork Tenderloin (amcleod)
Chicken Divan (Jewel)
from CL BBers

Baked Halibut with Mushrooms
from New York Times Cookbook

Leek & Roasted Red Pepper Tartlets
Spinach & Wild Mushroom Pockets
Potato-Mushroom Galettes
from The French Culinary Institute's Salute to Healthy Cooking

[swquilts]

*sigh*

This year? I made the Broccoli Cheese soup from J/F 02 last week, was delish!

We are living in a rental mobile home while our new house (with my new kitchen!) is being built. I have no prep area...waaaaa. I envy you all and I'll try to make more! Great thread!

[JHolcomb]

Oh, I made the white bean and ham soup and the Seafood Fettucine too. I think that brings me up to 20 so far this year. I'm about to do repeat number one of the new year-tomato basil soup. Yum.

[CHRIST1NE]

JHolcomb, make sure you save a little bit of the sauce out to "dip" in :)

I wanted to add that the Desk Set Oven Fried Chicken lived up to its reputation. I also made the Country Apple Slaw. Did anyone else think it needed a bit more dressing??

What do you think of this idea? Posting, at the beginning of the month, how many new recipes we are up to (Year to date) as a way of keeping each other motivated. Mabe instead of posting each recipe like we are on this thread, we could just list our top 5 favories or something.

[lweiss]

Checking in with 18 new recipes this year. I hope to keep up the pace. My family is really getting into this.

[Liz K]

SWQuilts, don't feel bad. I've only made one recipe this month too. It was the Black Bean and Goat Cheese Quesadillas. So far 2002 has been crazy for me. Maybe February will be a better cooking month for me.

[JanetJ]

Checking in with 8 new recipes here. I've been doing a lot of repeats lately...need to change that and spice things up. I have tried:

BBQ Burgers - CL Quick and Easy
Easy Chicken Cacciatore - CL 5 minute/15 ingredient
Chicken Yakisoba - CL 1999 (I think)
Broccoli and Cheese Soup - CL Jan/Feb 02
Chiles Rellenos Casserole - CL 2002
Mediterrean Stew - CL 5 min/15 ing
Chicken with Feta Sauce - CL Complete (amazing!!)
Caramelized Onion Chicken - CL Jan/Feb 02 (this is tomorrow night's dinner)

I think the idea of posting every month how many new recipes we've tried is a great one! I'm up for it.

[BethH]

Hmmm...I'm going to have to try and guess. I remember being inspired by Makedah and others to keep track of new recipes tried, but I haven't done it. It is only January though, maybe I can keep track now.

This is what I can remember...

1. Sauteed Scallops with Lemon Mustard Sauce (fabulous--from Epicurious)
2. Seared Tuna with Citrus Glaze (Also from Epicurious and also fabulous)
3. Chipolte Lime Flank Steak Awesome! from the BB
4. Lorilei's Chipolte Chicken Enchiladas Yum! from the BB
5. Orzo with Bacon, Onion and Peas mentioned by Jewel, from Epicurious
6. Garlic Lover's Shrimp Superfast Supplement
7. Roasted Broccoli -- simple, but I had never made it that way before!
8. Chicken with Feta Sauce CL Complete
9. Oregano Vinegarette CL Complete

I know I'm forgetting something, but this is all I can remember!

[JJ40]

WOW!

I am so impressed by all of you who have tried so many new recipes (and it's only January 24!)

What I would like to know, though, is what were your favourites out of the new recipes you tried? I love hearing people's opinions and reviews! Bring 'em on!

:D Julie

[pammy]

Hmm, didn't think to keep track (but, what a great way to impress family and friends, huh?). This is what I can remember:

- Chicken with Peppers and Olives (Don Mauer)

- Beef Burgundy
- Spaghetti & Meatballs
- Beef stew ... All from Pressure Cooking for Everyone
(not groundbreaking recipes, but certainly groundbreaking method for me)

- North Woods Soup
- Carmelized Onion Chicken
- Honey and Spice Glazed Pork Chops ... all from CL Jan/Feb 02

- Seared Chicken & Peppers with Cilantro Sauce (incredible, I will be posting a review), CL 3/99
- Spicy Thai Shrimp (okay, will also post review) CL 5/99
- Sherried Tilapia with mushrooms (or something like that, making it tonight, so I'm cheating a bit) CL 3/99

- Seasame garlic pork tenderloin (amcleod) Just as good as everyone said!!!
- Roasted beet salad with walnuts and vinaigrette (kvalley) - also another cheat, making it tonight.

That puts me at 12, not too bad. If I keep this pace up, 100 for the year should be no problem.
:D :D

[Terrytx]

Here's mine so far-


From J/F/02
Ginger-Lime Swordfish
Apple-Cranberry Walnut Crisp
Gratin Dauphinois
Honey and Spice-Glazed Pork Chops
North Woods Bean Soup
Country Apple Coleslaw
Sea Food Fettuccine
Lentil Stew with Ham and Greens
Steamed Fish with Ginger-Wine Sauce
Garlic Broccoli

other CL recipes:
Salsa Corn with Cheese-CL Superfast
Spicy Garlic-Roasted Potatoes-8/00
Ginger Garlic Green Beans-6/00
Beet and Black-Eyed Pea Salad-12/01
Instant Black Bean Soup-4/ 96
Chicken Breats with Feta Cheese Sauce-CL Complete Toasted
Black Bean and Corn Salad-11/00
Maple-Mustard Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Apples-J/F/98-
Spinach, Rice and Feta Pie-9/96
Tequila Marinated Beef and Pepper Fajitas (using chicken)3/01-


from the BB:
Edamame and Carrot Salad with Rice Vinegar Dressing-emilycat
Coconut Rice with Ginger, Chiles and Lime-KValley
Easy Mexican Barley Bake-cher48603
Noodles with Peking Meat Sauce-Holly in KC
Shredded Brussels Sprouts-claira
Chili Roasted Chicke with Roasted Garlic Gravy-Jewel
Orzo with Peas- Jewel
Asian Fusion Salad-kima

others:
Mustard Carrots-Moosewood
Rice Pudding with Chai Spices-Bon App-2/02
Five-Spice Rice-Moosewood

[JHolcomb]

Terry- How was the rice pudding with chai spices from BA? I had my eye on that, but was unsure about it. Did you lighten it any? Would you make it again?

Jen

[SusieO]

Christine, I was in a funk when I turned on the computer this morning. Then I read your post and felt better. Thanks for that.

It's cool we're all trying new things! Here are my top five for the month so far:
Gratin Dauphinois (CL J/F 02)
Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna (CL Apr 01)
Cocoa Fudge Cookies (CL J/F 02 -- in brownie form, as suggested here)
Double-Coconut Cake (CL Dec 01)
Fennel and Aurgula Salad with Grapefruit (Moosewood Daily Special)

Linda in MO is your Bow Tie Pasta w/mushrooms, spinach, and feta a CL recipe? It sounds wonderful!

[Terrytx]

Jen, I used skim milk and regular long-grain rice; ate it plan (no whipped cream. It is awesome and I will be making it again, for sure.

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by SusieO
Linda in MO is your Bow Tie Pasta w/mushrooms, spinach, and feta a CL recipe? It sounds wonderful!

Uh oh, busted! ;) I just kind of made this up. I just browned some fresh mushrooms and garlic in a little extra virgin olive oil and at the end added some fresh spinach and let it wilt a bit. Then I tossed it with some bow tie pasta, Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, then topped with feta. It was good, but something in it was bitter. I never could figure out what it was. My feta might have been a little past it's prime though. :o

BTW Terrytx, I've been waiting for you to post the new recipes you've tried! I knew you would blow us all away--you are amazing! Now, where's Peggy? She tries a lot of new recipes.

SusieO, I told my husband how many recipes you made in 2001, because I was so impressed. Now my husband keeps telling me, "You're trying to out-do that lady aren't you?!" :D

[emily]

Alrighty, my turn. In no particular order... oh, and forgive my interpretation of recipe names as I'm going from memory ;)

Beet and Goat Cheese Crostini (CL 01-02/02) I love beets and this was a unique way of serving them. I followed the recipe for preparing the beets, but then only used herbed goat cheese spread on fresh bread. I enjoyed it and would make it again, however, the other 3 I served it to nibbled to be polite.

Pork Picata (CL '02 Complete) My capers were no good, so I had to leave them out which I think detracted from it. But quick and easy, the above 3 really enjoyed this one.

Beans and Smothered Greens... or something like that (CL 01-02/02) Since I attempted making this after only reading the recipe in the store before I got my issue, I can't really comment on how the actual recipe was, but my concoction of rice, beans and collards was a trio I never would have put together on my own. It was really filling and quite tasty.

Chili Roasted Chicken (Epicurios via Jewel) So moist, great gravy.

Tomato Basil Soup (CL 01-02/02) Very quick; I assembled it before work on morning and ate it the next two days for lunch. It was ok, a little bland and in general a waste of my basil plants.

Creamy Potato Mushroom Soup (BB) This was just ok the night of. I ended up beefing it up by adding a lot more salt and pepper and then even some balsamic vinegar the night I prepared it. However, subsequently for lunches the flavor blended more and it was very tasty.

Red Wine-Braised Chicken (CL 01-02/02) LOVED this!

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake (BB, maybe also from CL '01 Complete) This was great... would have been even better if I'd adjusted for altitued though :o

Blackberry Lemon Pudding Cake (CL '02 Complete) Made this last night and I think I ate 1/3 of it. Served it to friends and they all loved it too. Definately a repeater come berry season.

Fudgy Brownies (www.landolakes.com) Not at all light, but a really easy, very moist brownie.

Instant Microwave Chocolate Pudding for One (BB) um... I think I messed up somehow, possibly with my microwave times becasue I tried to 1.5 times the recipe, but mine never thickened up, even when I 'nuked it way longer than necessary :confused:

So, looks like 11 for me. Next week, enchilladas and lasagna are on the menu for sure and possibly some lemon squares tonight.

Fun thread! :D
em

[CHRIST1NE]

Ok SusieO, the question I'm dying to know is how many are you up to? I think TerryTX is trying to give you some healthy compitetion....she has 31, if I counted correctly. I had better get cooking if I want to play with the big boys :)

[greysangel]

well my goal was 300 and I'm at 325!! :D YAY!

[Grace]

WOW JeAnne!!!! 325!!! I humbly bow before your greatness!!! :D :D :D I in no way came close to that, nor my own goal, even.

I didn't cook as much this year due to my new job. :( Bummer. And for some reason I wasn't as inspired by the recipes this year as much as last year. I got to taste lots of CL recipes at my monthly supper club, though, so it wasn't a total wash - I just didn't make them all myself!

But seriously, JeAnne, you are amazing. With all the other things you've got going on, and you still managed to try so many new recipes - I mean you really averaged almost one new one every single day for a whole year! It's fantastic. I only wish I lived next door so I could come over and try them all too! :D :D :D

[Laura B]

So, Grace, what was your number?

My goal was 100 new recipes, but I revised that goal at Thanksgiving to 75. :) I think I will end up with 76 or 77. I wish I had made more, but DH says he thinks the number I made is perfect. When I tell him how many recipes some of you make, he says he would hate that. He likes to have his favorites repeated. When I have a menu that has too many new recipes for one week, he complains. :rolleyes:

[Grace]

Geez Laura - you made me have to go count! :p :D OK. I sat down and counted them all up. I made about 67 total. I say about, because I made 59 CL recipes, and I had to approximate the number of recipes from other sources (Nigella Bites book, Don Mauer books, this board, etc.). But that's far fewer than I made last year, and definitely fewer than my goal for the year (which wasn't an exact, named number, but I wanted to do at least as many new ones this year as last year, and possibly more). Oh well. My new job as a mortgage broker has left me much less time (and energy) for cooking. And my business is really beginning to pick up - actually it was noticeable when I was counting - I made 43 of the 67 new recipes from Jan thru July. I've only made 24 from August on.

I've been leaning on that crock pot a lot the last few months - I'm not always home at dinner time anymore - so my DH can start eating a nice hot meal without me, and I can eat whatever time I end up getting home. I sure hope CL does some more crock pot recipes. I'm getting bored of the same old ones, and I LOATHE those can of cream of mushroom soup recipes. Yuck, yuck, yuck.

[Laura B]

Originally posted by Grace
Geez Laura - you made me have to go count! :p :D

Sorry!! :D I should not assume that everyone is as anal as me and keeps a numbered list with ratings. :rolleyes: 67 is a very respectable number! Sorry your work keeps you from cooking and eating with your DH, but at least business is good, right?

[slknight]

I started off doing really well; both with the number of recipes and keeping track. The past few months I didn't really keep track at all. So I've got 76 on my list, but I know it's been more. I would guess that it's close to 85 or 90, but I don't think I've broken 100. I don't know. Maybe. I'll have to see if I can figure it out.

[lhall]

Well, I didn't save my menus for most of the year. I do now, ever since DH said I like this fish better than the one you made last week, but not as much as the one you made two weeks ago....and I couldn't remember either recipe.:o

I'd guess about 160-170 new recipes for the year. That's assuming at least 3 new recipes a week.

Leigh

[SusieO]

325 new recipes is amazing! I think I'm up to 220 for the year. And I'm not anal about it at all. ;) I just maintain a spreadsheet with columns for recipe title, source, category (main dish, salad, etc.), what I served it with, comments, and the occasion, if any. Lately it's been kind of a chore to update the spreadsheet. I might not do it next year. :o

[RebeccaT]

Oh good heavens.

I have no idea how many new recipes I have tried this year. I am certain it's more than 20, and probably fewer than 100, but maybe not. Who knows.

But now I feel very inferior to all of you who keep track. :(

[greysangel]

well darn i dont want anyone feeling bad :( To be honest I keep track, because otherwise I forget if I've tried something or not! I like to have notes so I can compare two like recipes etc.

cheer up everyone!

[Varaile]

Wow. I am truely awed! :eek: :D :cool:

My goal this year was 108 (what I made last year) and as of today (12-17-02), I have made 122!

I just keep a piece of numbered notebook paper with my cookbooks and menu planner and each time I make a new recipe I just add it to the list. I have little "+" "-" and "~" to rank each one and a column to note where the recipe came from.

But really, congrats to anyone who cooked or baked this year, because that's what really matters! :D ;) :D

[Terri-Lynn]

Jeanne I think it is great that you have tried so many new recipes, I dont keep track of how many I try but I do write on every recipe I print or try in the magazine so I could go back and figure it out. I love the days where we try something that I took off the BB and love it and then read my notes that it was a non repeater because noone liked it, how does this happen I am not sure. But that is why it is nice to keep track. I tried once to input them in but I never stuck with it so I must go by memory!!!

Congradulations to everyone for their accomplishments!

Terri

[Meg O'C]

I am at 118 - hoping to get to 125 by year's end but don't know if I'll get there. I am relying on a lot of frozen leftovers and holiday parties to keep DH and I well fed between now and 12/31 because I still have so much to do before Christmas in terms of work, shopping, wrapping, tree decorating and cookie baking. Maybe if I get creative with the cookies I'll get there but my family has some traditional favorites (cookies and holiday dishes) that I have to make.

It's interesting to note that in Jan, Feb and March I tried 50 new recipes but it took me 'til mid-November to get to 100. I guess that's because in the warmer weather I am more apt to just throw things on the grill (chicken, fish, veggies) or eat just plain summer veggies (corn, tomatoes, etc) as opposed to actually following a recipe. I've cranked it up again in the past month making another 18 new recipes.

Go Jeanne - you are an inspiration . . . in many ways!!

[Holly in KC]

Congratulations to everyone! (I happen to think that we are all pretty amazing!)

My goal for the year was to cook more (healthier at home meals vs. pizza, Chilis, etc) - and to try to make more new recipes than last year. Last year: 79 new recipes. This YTD: 128 new recipes. Yay!

And - I like my oh-so-anal spreadsheet (just like the one SusieO keeps :D ). I've been keeping it since 1996. Its handy when I want to repeat a recipe, and I can't quite remember where it was from, or when I made it... Its also fun to look back on what I liked/tried 5 years ago compared to this year!

[kima]

I am impressed by you all as well! I probably made 50-60 new recipes-I assume we are talking main course entrees?
But hey even if you made 1 new dish you are way ahead of most cooks!
I know people who have 5 or 6 things they make over and over again. The rest of the time they use frozen meals, take out or whatever!
We should all be proud that we make homemade meals most of the time! Pat on the back to us all!:)

[SusieO]

Originally posted by Holly in KC
Congratulations to everyone! (I happen to think that we are all pretty amazing!)



I couldn't agree more!
:)

[dcornelius]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
Oh good heavens.

I have no idea how many new recipes I have tried this year. I am certain it's more than 20, and probably fewer than 100, but maybe not. Who knows.

But now I feel very inferior to all of you who keep track. :(

Ditto!
I am just Not that organized! I just got my spices on a spice rack after many many years of fighting the spice cabinet frenzy ever time I needed to find a spacific spice!:rolleyes:

[stefania4]

Originally posted by kima
But hey even if you made 1 new dish you are way ahead of most cooks! I know people who have 5 or 6 things they make over and over again.

We should all be proud that we make homemade meals most of the time! Pat on the back to us all!:) Thanks for reminding me of how far I've come! I've always cooked most of my meals, but it was usually the same 8 - 10 meals (with far too few vegetables). Then in 1996 or so I made a New Year's Resolution to try two new recipes a month, and haven't looked back since!

I'd say I've probably tried 30 - 40 new recipes this year, and my fiance has probably tried 10 new ones. He's adventurous in the kitchen, but during election years he doesn't get much done besides politic-ing. I should be caught up on all the ones I want to try by 2004 at tthe latest!

Anyhoo, it was a great year. I lost 12 pounds and fiance, who usually gains in election years, not only didn't gain weight but probably lost 10 pounds since I started packing his lunch. Some of the new recipes - spice roasted sweet potatoes (Gourmet, January 2002), Beer-Battered Fish (Cooking Light), Miso Glazed Salmon (CL), Corn Cheddar Chowder (Fitness), Salmon Croquettes with Tomato Salsa (Self) and Random Green Vegetable With Balsamic Brown Butter Sauce (CL) have gone into fairly heavy rotation in our household. And I just made my zillionth Blueberry Poundcake (CL) and it got the same rave reviews it always has.

[BethH]

I just had to pop in when I saw this thread and boast that I've made 132 new recipes this year. I was inspired by Makedah and SusieO to keep track ... and so now I'm one of the anal that keeps a list. I must say that I've really enjoyed it and I feel quite proud to look at my 4 page list.

I'm definitely going to keep going next year with a new list. :p

[KValley]

155 that I know of definitively! I had no idea! It was great fun to count :D

95 were CL recipes- I keep track of those. I've only been saving my menus since summer and I counted 60 new recipes from non-CL sources since June. So I'll guesstimate 165-175 new recipes total for 2002 :D How fun to think we've all been so intrepid and creative. You're right, Maureen- a collective pat on the back is well-deserved!

Oh I forgot about Thanksgiving (3 new recipes) and Christmas goodies just made (4 new recipes) and new breads (4 new) that didn't go onto a menu. Upping my guesstimate to 185 ;)

[dcornelius]

Are you gonna keep track next year? And if so , how? I guess that is a good question for all of you who are already keeping track... what method do you use to keep track? I wouldn't mind trying to organize myself to that point so I could keep track of what we have tried, so I can remember more effectivly what we liked and what we didn't.

[Terrytx]

Didn't make it to JeAnne's record but I got pretty close-307, not counting all the Christmasy stuff I've made in the last week or so. I don't think that was as many as last year, but hey-it's still a bunch.

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by dcornelius
Are you gonna keep track next year? And if so , how? I guess that is a good question for all of you who are already keeping track... what method do you use to keep track? I wouldn't mind trying to organize myself to that point so I could keep track of what we have tried, so I can remember more effectivly what we liked and what we didn't.

Diane, I really don't know. We have a method already of keeping track of what we liked - I earmark new recipes in the magazines that I receive. I keep the pile on my kitchen counter, and leaf through them when doing my weekly menu planning to see what I think we'll be in the mood for. When I make something we really like, I then copy the recipe onto an index card, referencing the magazine issue, and I file it in my recipe box. This way, I know that all the recipes in my box are "tried and true," and that I can always look in there for a winner.

It might be interesting to keep track of numbers, though. I'd guesstimate that I try between 2-3 new recipes a week, sometimes more, so that definitely puts me over 100, and that's just for weekly meals. It would me much more if I counted supper club, food gifts, and parties. Maybe next year I will keep track! It might be nice for bragging rights, if nothing else! ;)

[stefania4]

OK, I sat down with my mess of recipes and, best as I can tell, the count is 25 (maybe 27 by the end of the year).

Best of the Best
Chicken, Corn, Cheddar Chowder (Fitness)
Fresh Apple Cake (Basic Gourmet Entertains)
Chocolate Zucchini Cake (CL)
Asparagus with Balsamic Brown Butter (CL)
Salmon Croquettes with Tomato Salsa (Self, I think)
Spice-Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Gourmet)

Really Good
Swordfish with Honey-Lime Sauce (CL)
Zesty Swordfish Kebabs (CL)
Lime Cookies (CL BB)
Beer Battered Fish (CL)
Cranberry Applesauce (Gourmet)
Beef, Beer, & Barley Stew (CL)
Granos with Greens (CL)

Fine, but Probably Won't Repeat Anytime Soon
Tomato Soup (CL Soups & Stews cookbook)
Tuna Steak Au Poivre
Herbed Tuna with Asian Greens (Fitness?)
White Bean Soup with Spinach & Leeks (Fitness or Shape)
Tilapia with Coconut Curry Sauce (CL)
Cuban Black Bean Soup (CL Soups & Stews cookbook)
Banana Apricot Bread (Real Simple)
Pumpkin Cookies w/Orange Glaze

Threw The Recipe and the Dish Away
Lemon-Blackberry Pudding Cake (CL)
Chocolate Toffee Diamonds (Gourmet)
Sweet Potato Soup
Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Dishwater Dipping Sauce (well, that's what we called it...)