A look back at the dishes of 2023
We asked some local food experts to talk about their year in food.
While she has been baking all her life, 2023 marked two years in the bakery business for Lindsey Bangs of I Whisked It, specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes and cake jars as well as hot chocolate bombs with homemade marshmallows for the winter season. Here’s how the year went for her.
What was the most delicious thing you made in 2023?
That has to be my apple cider doughnut cake! [This was] the biggest experiment/surprise of the year for me. It is an apple cider doughnut flavored cake, coated in cinnamon sugar with layers of apple filling and cinnamon buttercream. I knew it would be good but I had no idea how good! It’s everything I love about cider doughnuts in the fall but in flavor-packed cake form.
What was the most delicious dish or meal you had from another New Hampshire food business in 2023?
The Kang Luang from Daw Kun Thai in Manchester, which is a chicken curry dish with pineapple. It is always so fresh, filling without being heavy and is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy for me!
What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
My husband and I are planning a vacation for 2024 and I’m looking forward to trying new meals and desserts. Whenever we travel I always find inspiration to bring home and incorporate into my cakes.
Ann Marie Baril of Pastry Dream cooks up individual-size pastries with flavors like ginger spice cake, lemon raspberry, chocolate peanut butter, cheesecake and more. Here’s what Baril has been up to this year and what plans she has for the new year.
What was the most delicious thing you made in 2023?
We transformed our original Chocolate Dream by topping with chopped pecans and coconut. Really yummy.
What was the most delicious dish or meal you had from another New Hampshire food business in 2023?
My delicious meal was at the Sea Ketch in Hampton. The view is spectacular and the clam chowder, scallops and clams were perfect for a birthday dinner.
What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
We are looking forward to working with local caterers to provide our delicious desserts for functions, parties and special events.
With an ever-changing menu, Kerry Fay isalways cooking up something new in Kerry’s Culinary Creations & Curb Appeal Meals Food Truck — with tacos, paninis and sliders being staples — and 2023 was no exception.
What was the most delicious thing you made in 2023?
The one most delicious thing I made is a hard choice. I guess my favorites were probably the items that weren’t as common on my regular menu. Most people in the kitchen will tell you that eating the same things, no matter how delicious they are, will get boring after a while. So my tops for this past year, in no particular order, [are] falafel taco made young green chickpeas, tahini sauce [and] Asian coleslaw; chili lime butter shrimp taco with avocado sauce, cotija cheese and slaw; and gnocchi stuffed with Asiago cheese in a cream sauce with roasted shallots, roasted butternut squash topped with bacon and shaved Parmesan.
What was the most delicious dish or meal you had from another New Hampshire food business in 2023?
The most delicious thing I had from another food place is also difficult, as I have several places [and] things I love. [One is] brisket from Up in Your Grill food truck. [It’s] tender and dry-rubbed [and] yummy! [I] hate it when it’s still chewy or when it completely disintegrates, [and] this stuff is spot on. [I] also love the bibimbap from Street in Portsmouth. This is such a satisfying meal with your choice of protein and all the perfectly cooked veggies, and their house-made gochujang sauce is outstanding. Kume sushi in Seabrook, Kashmir Indian in Salem, pretzel bread and delicious burger at Sawbelly in Exeter, wings and beer at Smuttynose in Hampton [are] also my go-to places.
What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
What I’m looking forward to most in 2024 is slowing down a little bit and having more time outdoors and with friends and family.
In 2022 Abbey Morrison transitioned her meal prep business into Fresh Chef Press, a cafe on Canal Street in Manchester, along with her friend Shauri Gilo-Oquendo, with the intention of making food that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Here’s what Morrison had to say about Fresh Chef Press’s second year in business.
What was the most delicious thing you made in 2023?
Our Cherry Garcia smoothie we had launched in February as our monthly special was hands down the best thing we created this year. The special was planned to end March 1; however, customers loved the smoothie so much they ordered it all the way into May until we finally put a stop to it, allowing our other monthly specials to shine. The Cherry Garcia smoothie was eye-appealing, nutritious, flavorful and nostalgic all in one sip.
What was the most delicious dish or meal you had from another New Hampshire food business in 2023?
The best meal we had from another New Hampshire food business in 2023 came from Campo Enoteca. Their Pistachio Pesto entree with local cream and homemade tagliatelle is to die for. We love that the dish is made farm to table (similar to what we represent). The dish provides a mouth-watering effect, leaving you wanting more with each bite. We haven’t come across anything else like it!
What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
In 2024 we are looking forward to expanding our menu and opening our consumers’ palates, providing both a nutritious and delicious experience.
Food in 2024
Here are some events to look out for in early 2024.
Winemaker’s dinner
When: Friday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown
Cost: $85
Willy Wonka Wine Pairing Dinner
When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry
Cost: $85
Cookie decorating
When: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Station 101, 193 Union Square, Milford
Cost: $70
17th annual Chocolate Madness Wine Pairing Dinner
When: Thursday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown
Cost: $85
Ice bar
When: launches on Friday, Feb. 26
Where: The Wentworth, 1 Carter Notch Road, Jackson Village