9 New Things I Tried in My Kitchen in 2009

2009 has been a great year for so many reasons. Some great things have happened in the lives of my friends and family–weddings, babies, houses, grad school, degrees, jobs, and just all-around happy things. I think I’m the happiest I’ve ever been this year. My kitchen has definitely seen a lot of happy and interesting adventures over the past year. Heck, my cooking adventures are what keep me partially sane.

I decided to write a year in review after being inspired by Daily Blog Tips. They’ll be posting a list of all the other blogs that participate in this group writing project on Monday, December 14. Go check it out–there’s sure to be some good stuff there.

The Year in Review: 9 New Things I Tried in My Kitchen in 2009

1. Bolthouse Farms Protein Drinks–Although all the flavors are delicious, the Vanilla Chai Tea with Soy Protein is my favorite. It’s so perfect for a pick-me-up, a quick snack, a protein boost before or after the gym, or anytime. It’s not chalky like other brands, and it is loaded with protein and good stuff.

2. Spaghetti Squash–I just blogged about this the other night, but it bears repeating. Its deliciously nutty yet not too over-powering flavor, noodle-like texture, and super versatility are pretty rad. And it is holy-moly easy to prepare.
3. Mandolin–No, not the musical instrument (although that could be plenty interesting in my kitchen). I’m referring to the slicer. Okay, I didn’t actually try this in 2009, but I did use it and discuss it in 2009. And I even recommended it to someone at work yesterday. A fellow co-worker of mine was talking about the easiest apple pie she makes and how it involves super thin slices of apples. I think it’ll be much easier and quicker when she tries this handy-dandy kitchen tool. Mine looks a lot like the one below AND you can find them super cheap at Wal-mart. I’ve sliced carrots, bell peppers, onions, apples, cucumbers, radishes, and zucchini to name a few.

4. Yakima Twilight–This oh-so-tasty Victory beer just became available in Nashville. It is an American Strong Ale type, and it reminds me a lot of an IPA style that I love so much. This winter seasonal is made from hops in the Yakima valley of Washington state. Even if we hadn’t visited Washington in October, I would still be all about this beer. The other beers at Victory Brewing Company are pretty great, too.

5. Organicville Tarragon Dijon Vinaigrette–This is so yummy. I’m quite thankful that I fell in love with a guy who only minds my penchant for trying new things when it comes to buying new tea. Heck, he picked this new salad dressing out. It has purely organic ingredients, and it tastes divine on carrot slices. It’s not too runny, it’s really good on salads, and I cannot wait to marinate something in it for the grill this summer.

6. Grilled Mushroom Burgers–This summer, we started grilling portobella mushrooms. They were incredibly easy and did not take long at all. Throw them on some garlic or rosemary bread with goat cheese and roasted red bell peppers. I’ve never felt so good after eating a burger. Ever.

7. Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino Ice Cream–I love Starbucks. I love their oatmeal. And I love their new instant Colombian roast coffee because I don’t have to leave my job to get a jolt of yummy caffeine. The ice cream, though. Oh the Java Chip ice cream. *Sigh* So yummy. I believe in eating healthy, but I just cannot cut out sweets altogether. I won’t ever be okay with that. Everything in moderation. And this little pint of ice cream is so good. Not convinced yet? When I went to this site, I saw that they were offering $1 off. SWEET!

8. Bear Naked Granola, Archer Farms Dried Mango pieces, and Vanilla Yogurt– While on trip to Target, I found their Archer Farms dried mango pieces. My husband’s exact words were: “These taste like candy!” And he doesn’t really speak with exclamation points on a normal basis. His normally laid-back nature was pretty animated when he tried these. My favorite breakfast or afternoon snack is a parfait of sorts: Bear Naked’s Mango Agave Almond granola, Archer Farms mango pieces, and some vanilla yogurt. It’s sure to curb the sweet cravings and a low blood-sugar moment. I also like Udi’s Hawaiian granola. It’s filled with ginger-toasted macadamia nuts, pineapple, and coconut, so it’s perfect with the mango pieces. If you’re a little thrown off by the price of these fancy granolas at your grocery store, think about the fact that a bag of this lasts me 2 weeks or more. Both granolas have a “stick to your ribs” quality.

9. Portland Brew Glaciers--My fellow coffee-lover friend just introduced these to me, and I just could not leave them out of this list. I know you’re probably thinking what I think when someone ahead of me orders frozen blended coffees: Oh, one of THOSE people-Greeeeaaaaat.

It is SOOO worth holding up the line, y’all. I love Starbucks, but they have nothing on Portland Brew’s frozen glacier coffee beverage. I had their Rainforest Glacier sans the whipped cream. Most frozen coffees I’ve had include a refrigerated coffee-like mixture that does not give me the jolt of caffeine that I need. Not so with Portland Brew. They start out with freshly brewed espresso. They add the flavors which, for my Rainforest Glacier, included Ghirardelli chocolate, banana, and coconut. They blend it with milk, ice, and some mysterious powder. I’ve searched the web for this secret ingredient, but to no avail. If you have any ideas at all, please share! They come with whip, but I’m glad I didn’t get it because the finished product was decadent enough. And they used skim milk!