Two Things I Like

[rissole]

CL added two things this year that I'm really happy about. How does everyone else feel about these features?

1) The "Greatest Hits" section. I was wondering when they would ever get around to doing this. This feature helps me so much. Every issue, I usually write down 5-10 recipes that I'd like to make. Now, if I'm running short on time and have to choose between a recipe that's on the GH list and one that isn't, I choose the former. Actually, most of the recipes I'm making now are from the GH list. Oh, I have a question. Have there been any recipes on the list that you *don't* like? One that I didn't particularly care for is the Quick Shrimp-and-Corn Soup (or whatever the exact name) from the April issue--certainly nothing special in my opinion. And I have to admit that I'm starting to notice the CL staff's obsession with brown sugar desserts. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif I may not remember the exact titles correctly, but first there was the Caramel Layer Cake in the December issue (too sweet, IMO). Then the Brown Sugar Pound Cake in the April issue, followed by the Butter Pecan-Toffee Brownies in the June issue, and now the Heavenly Apricot Bars in the July issue. I don't dislike brown sugar, but I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan.

2) The "Back to the Best" section. I hear it's supposed to be for this year only. Am I the only one who would like this section to become a regular feature? I'd much rather have a classic recipe (which I am very likely to make) at the end of each issue than that silly "At Last" section they've had for a few years. What do others think?

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P.S. Is there a link that says what all the message icons mean? I can't seem to find one.

[Marcie]

I agree, the Greatest Hits is handy, and the Back to the Best section is terrific. I was actually a big fan of the At Last section for the writing, but the recipes in Back to the Best this year are far more useful!

[jenniferharris1]

I love the Back to the Best; it's almost always a sure thing. But, you know what I'd like to see? I'd like to see an entire meal planned around CL recipes with a complete grocery list that you just cut out along the dotted lines. With my kids running around like wild things, it's hard for me to sit down and plan meals.

[ElinorC]

I agree that both features are great additions to this year's magazines. I find that the Back to the Best recipe is one that I've made before but perhaps have forgotten about! I also would like a menu for the Back2Best featured recipe. I frequently have difficulty finding things to go with a recipe that I want to fix especially if it's one that I haven't tried before.

[CAROL ANN]

I also like the Back to the Best section. There might be a recipe you over looked when it was originally in CL. I would like to see it become are regular part of the magazine.
I like the Greatest Hits. The Brown Sugar Pound Cake from the April issue I would not have made. But since it was a Greatest Hit I decided to give it a try. It was very good. My husband loves it. He uses it for strawberry short cake. I have made it several times.

[KimKelly]

I also like that Back to the Best feature. That Jamacian Banana bread has become one of my all time favorites!

As for the brown sugar recipes... I have to admit that brown sugar is one of my weakness' I love it! Most things made with brown sugar are ok in my book! And I'm a huge dessert fan (thank goodness my behind doesn't show that too much! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif) so I usually look to the desserts first. That is also the first section I hit in my Bon Appetit magazine when it arrives. My poor husband... it's spagetti again, but he gets wonderful desserts! Now if only I could make him as big of a dessert fan as me I'd be doing great.

Kim

[Pat]

I also like the Back to the Best and the Greatest Hits. I hope both continue in the magazine.

KimKelly, we must be long lost sisters. I also like brown sugar. It is also supposed to be better than refined "white" sugar. I am also addicted to desserts. In addition to loving to eat them, I really like to make them. There is almost always one in the house. I like to make desserts so much that I will make one and try only one or two servings so that I do not outgrow all my clothes. My husband could eat all day and never gain a pound so he is happy to finish them off for me.

[Teresa]

Has anyone noticed that there are no 'reader recipes' in the July issue? Hope it's back next month. Those are often the best 'tried and true' recipes.

[RunnerKim]

I agree - both sections are wonderful and I've tried recipes I normally wouldn't have because they were highlighted this way.

I'd also love to see more of the "whole meal" menu as I often have a hard time deciding what to serve with some of these main course recipes - had some interesting combinations on more than one occaison.

[CATHIEA]

I have the Cooking Light 5 Star Recipes book, all of the recipes this year have been from that book. Hope this helps. As to CL favorites. Hmmm. I seem to be marching to a different drummer most months. I tend to try the CL recipes when a listed recipe doesn't otherwise appeal to me, but I'm usually puzzled by why some recipes are favorites and not others (I am referring of course, to the infamous non-listing of African Peanut Stew last year!).
What I really like are the bulletin board postings when readers post WHY they liked or didn't like a recipe.
CathieA

[Denise]

I'll agree, I love Back to the Best (that cinnamon apple cake is out of this world!) because I just started getting CL. Greatest Hits is interesting if nothing else. I don't expect to always like them, but its fun to see what CL liked best.

I also like the fact that CL seems to be responding to a lot of whats said here on the bulletin board. After several topics here about freezing things there were freezing directions in the brownie article and a whole article on freezing meals in July! Way to go CL!!!!!

[Danielle]

I hope they keep Back to the Best! I just started subscribing to CL in February, so I like to see hit recipes featured in earlier issues I don't have. Please, please stay!