Favorite recipes of 2009

1. Cream scones

Easy and delicious, especially with fresh fruit jam. This might be my favorite recipe of the year; I’ve made it at least five times, probably more.

2. Peach pie (lattice)

Lattice-top is impressive but easier than it looks.

3. Fresh fruit tart

Ultimate summer dessert. I miss fresh peaches.

4. Braised short ribs

Tender beef in a rich sauce. Works well as a make-ahead recipe.

5. Shrimp fra diavolo

I love shrimp.

I’m sad to have not included a fish recipe in the top 5, maybe next year.

Of the new kitchen equipment I acquired, the food processor that I got for Christmas last year has been life-changing. I use it to mix all sorts of doughs for pastries, pies, and pasta. Recently I’ve been using it to grate potatoes and carrots. It’s quite an amazing machine.