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Hi Martin,
Cathus is right, you cannot recover detail from blown highlights because there's nothing there, however you can tease detail out of underexposed areas. So, if in doubt underexpose, but not massively.
You need to look at the subject. If you're doing a landscape with loads of sky then highlight detail is going to be important, even if it means losing shadow detail. A grad ND filter will help here, but not necessarily solve the problem entirely. This is why most pro's opt for HDR to get the best from the highlights and the shadows.
If camera shake is a problem, and you're not alone, try practising a few techniques to improve the situation rather than just going for high ISO's and shutter speeds. 1. Make sure the camera has a stable platform - if that is you, stand with your feet about 18" apart. 2. Stand upright and let your pelvis relax, this will lock it into place. Unless there is a tree or building, or something you can lean on for added support. 3. Support the camera with your left hand, with the camera body on the heel of your hand and your fingers under the lens. Try to take all the weight on the left, leaving the right to locate the shot and press the shutter. 4. Tuck your elbows into your side. 5. Finally, don't jab the shutter - try rolling your finger over it rather than pressing down on it. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly then when it's about halfway out, hold it and fire.
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