nm_custom_display_recent(); is super cool, super easy way to do it .. you have placeholders for title, image etc. and you just use regular html markup for posts. it's great for recent posts in sidebar, on landing page etc..
more info here: http://www.cyberiada.org/cnb/news-manage...ns-plugin/
more info here: http://www.cyberiada.org/cnb/news-manage...ns-plugin/