FoodWire offers a monthly update on what’s cooking on
The Food Channel®, as well as a quick preview of what’s coming soon to our menu. The latest recipes, the hottest trends—it’s a quick and tasty buffet you can scan at a glance.

Our Favorite Recipes of 2011

As we prepare to forge ahead in the New Year, we take time for one last look back at 2011, and present our top ten favorite recipes of 2011 created in the Kitchens of The Food Channel, as chosen by our chefs and staff.

Here are some highlights, but you’re going to want to see the full list, so be sure to check that out.

• A trio of incredible cheesecake recipes topped the list
• Are you ready to try some flaming Greek Cheese?
• How about a salad of watermelon, berry and avocado?
• You’ve tried Moo Goo Gai Pan in Chinese restaurants, our recipe shows how you can make it at home (it’s easy!)
• A breakfast favorite made the list: Baked Eggs

Stay Tuned for Pitch Place Voting

Thanks to everyone who entered our Food Channel Pitch Place contest. The Food Channel team is now going through the entries to choose the finalists. Then from January 18 through February 8, you will be able to vote for your favorite video, and from that a winner will be chosen to become our next video food star. So hold tight and make sure to check out the latest on our Facebook page.

It’s National Oatmeal Month

With January in full swing many of us have probably already broken those unrealistic New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a simple one that perhaps we can actually keep: a vow to eat a little better in 2012.

One of the healthiest foods you can eat is oatmeal, and since January is National Oatmeal Month, now is the perfect time to dig into that wholesome morning meal.

While you’re enjoying and feeling your oats, check out the oatmeal tidbits we’ve uncovered courtesy of Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods. Be sure to scroll down to the Related Recipes section for some oat-centric serving suggestions that’ll give your oatmeal extra oomph.

Start the Year with Proper Manners

Lately we’ve been hearing calls for greater civility in matters of public discourse. Along with that we ask, how about a return to proper etiquette and table manners?

We recently turned to old friend and etiquette expert Emily Post for a refresher course and put together a list of some of the most common questions we get asked on this subject, including…

• Is it okay to blow your nose into your napkin?
• Should the fork be placed to the left or the right of the plate?
• Should food be passed around the table clockwise or counter-clockwise?

For the answers, click here.

Recipes: Hot Ideas for Cold Winter Days
		Conquer the long cold winter ahead with warming recipes built to ward off its chill. How about a tender and juicy roasted chicken seasoned with fiery red harissa, a rich garlic-chili paste that adds bold flavor? Our Harissa Roast Chicken recipe heats things up in a hurry.
White Bean Bacon and Spinach Soup Serve this wholesome and hearty soup with a loaf of crusty bread and salad for a complete and satisfying meal.	Game Day Meatloaf Sandwiches Perfect for those upcoming playoff and Super Bowl parties, these thick and hearty sandwiches will be a hit with the fans.	Cheddar Corn Chowder This comforting corn chowder recipe is prepared in one pot for quick and easy prep.
Get the very latest on what’s happening and what’s going to happen. • Worst Restaurant Trends of 2011 • White Wine at White Castle? • Eating Less Keeps the Brain Younger
Surfing The Channel
	VIDEO: Buffalo Chicken Milkshake, Anyone? Forwarded to us by a Food Channel fan named Monica, this recipe “sounds totally gross,” as she says, but you might want to try it—what the heck. It apparently was inspired by an episode of NBC’s 30 Rock, which is finally back on the air with all-new episodes. Welcome back, Liz Lemon!
	How Do People Choose a Restaurant for Valentine’s Day? Research conducted by the National Restaurant Association identifies the factors that go into this romantic decision.
	Baskin-Robbins Headed for Vietnam The ice cream chain has plans to develop approximately 50 Baskin-Robbins restaurants in Vietnam during the next few years.
	Back Issues To view previous editions of the FoodWire, click here.
	Feeding Your Facebook Appetite Network with fellow foodies from around the world. Check out the Food Channel’s Facebook fan page.