The Ardent Epicure

I have recently been tagged in the "7 Links Challenge" by two lovely friends...
I was first tagged by the ever lovely Elisabeth of Food and Thrift Finds. Then
I was tagged by the wonderful and passionate Victoria of Mission Food.
The challenge is to list posts by each of the seven given categories, then pass
the challenge on to 5 other bloggers...

One: Most Beautiful ~
 What's for lunch? An Organic Gardener's Salad

For this category I went primarily by the popularity of the photo. It was a beautiful
salad and so very colorful, light and healthy. A perfect start to spring :)

Two: Most Popular ~
 What's for lunch? Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese

I would have picked this for number "Five", but as it is the most popular
post/recipe it belonged here. And I have to admit it was absolutely delectable.

Three: Most Controversial ~
 What's for Dessert? Stuffed Baked Apples with Apple Velouté

OK, I don't think I really have any controversial posts, but as this sauce is
one of the "5 Mother Sauces" and typically prepared with fish or chicken...
then I go and use apples? Now don't get me wrong, the basic rule of
pairing your Velouté with a dish of the same was followed...
I made apple stock and served with baked apples!

Four: Most Helpful ~
 What's on the Side? Zucchini Bowls with Cherry-Chocolate Gastrique

This is actually one in a three part series featuring classic sauces, most specifically
learning reduction sauces. I of course did" Classic Sauces with a Twist"...

Five: Surprisingly Successful ~
 Whats on the side? Sunflower Salad with Pineapple Emulsion

Not that I did not completely enjoy this wonderful salad, but it had an amazing
amount of traffic. I am not sure what I did here but it ended up in the top 5 recipes.


Six: Did not get the attention it deserved ~
What's on the Side? Stuffed Squash Blossoms with Tomato and Pluot Marinara

This dish was a fun way to use fresh seasonal produce from a local farmers' market,
and was very well loved by all that happened to be around to enjoy. In fact I will
be making it again as soon as I get my hands on some squash blossoms ;)

Seven: Most proud of ~
What's on the side? Crimini Mushroom and Plum Wine Consommé

I am most proud of this post for a couple of reasons...One, it came out beautifully with
gorgeous rich flavors. The earthy mushrooms held up perfectly against the softly sweet
 and fragrant plum wine,  and I managed to pull off a vegetarian raft :) Second, it was
my first contribution to and featured on Honest Cooking Food Magazine.

I would like to tag the following friends:
Lazaro of Lazaro Cooks
Bonnie of Sweet Life
Cathy of Wives with Knives
Drick of Drick's Rambling Cafe
Priscilla of She's Cookin'

Enjoy ~ Alisha Magic of Spice