Top 10 of 2011
December 31, 2011 | Print | E-mail | Filed under blog
Following in the footsteps of the first “Top 10″ post I did last year, I decided that since it was so much fun, I had to make listing your top ten favorite recipes from throughout the past year a tradition. I also just wanted to take just a minute to thank you, my readers and my friends, for all of your love, interaction, and encouragement this year. I’m totally serious when I say that every single comment, e-mail, and tweet makes this blog so worthwhile. I can’t thank you enough!
Now that we’re past the sappy stuff and without further ado, here are your top 10 favorite recipes from 2011, starting with #10 and ending with the most popular recipe at #1:
10. Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Curd Filling and Lemon Buttercream Frosting
These triple-lemon cupcakes are an explosion of zest and freshness, perfect for those long winters when you’re looking for a burst of spring. They’re also a great Easter dessert, as you can see from the cupcake liners!
I happily discovered this year that I can eat nutella in spite of my peanut/nut allergy, and this is now my favorite way to enjoy brownies. If you’re having a bad day and need some chocolate, these brownies have you covered.
I created this cake for my sister who loves Harry Potter, and we both agree that this is what butterbeer should taste like in cake form!
7. Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake
This meal is a new one in our rotation this year, and I just love how versatile it is. You can add or remove ingredients according to your own tastes, and it’s quick enough to serve on a busy weeknight, especially if you use instant rice.
6. Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl
You can never go wrong with classic broccoli-cheddar soup, and this version served in a hearty bread bowl is perfect comfort food for a chilly fall or winter evening.
If you haven’t made sourdough starter yet this year, these pretzels are all the motivation you need. They’re also a great game-day snack, and are best when warm and fresh from the oven.
This elegant-looking dessert is perfect for any occasion whether casual or fancy, and it doesn’t take nearly the time required to prepare tiramisu made from scratch!
These vanilla-flavored butter cookies with a hint of espresso are perfect by themselves, but they also go nicely with a hot cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or tea.
Though I discovered this year that adding nutella to most anything is always a good idea, putting nutella in cinnamon rolls is pure goodness…and I have to say, the fact that ya’ll named a second nutella recipe in the top 10 makes me love you even more!!
Finally, my most popular recipe of the year, pumpkin monkey bread! Changing up my normal monkey bread recipe to give it a fall twist created one of my new favorite new things to make for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed the countdown, and I hope that you saw a few of your own favorite recipes in the list as well as a few you might like to try. Also, if you have any recipes you’d like to see in 2012, please let me know…I love hearing your suggestions!
Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2011 at 1:20 am
All of these recipes look great, no wonder they were at the top. Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2011 at 1:23 am
I love all of them! Oh my, I think the sourdough beer pretzels are my favorite. Maybe. Divine.
December 31st, 2011 at 3:29 am
Yay for another year! That’s awesome that you can eat Nutella! Woot woot! I really need to attempt sour dough this year.
December 31st, 2011 at 8:24 am
What a great collection of recipes! I can’t wait to make the monkey bread
Happy New Year Tracy!
December 31st, 2011 at 10:48 am
The bread bowls… ! And, the pretzels. Love ‘em. I’m excited that you can eat nutella despite your allergies. I too am allergic to peanuts/nuts, but haven’t tried nutella. Maybe I’ll do a controlled trial this summer with my allergist. Would be fun to add in what seems to be a delicious food.
These all look wonderful & I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog for the past few years. I hope you’ll stop by and share these recipes as part of our best recipes of 2011 party going on this week.
Happy 2012!
December 31st, 2011 at 11:33 am
The breadbowls and lemon cupcakes were my favs! I can’t wait to see what new treats you make in the New Year. :O)
Have a Happy & Safe New Years1 Cheers
January 1st, 2012 at 11:30 pm
You have some great recipes here. I can’t wait to try the nutella cinnamon rolls, they look great!
January 2nd, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Ooooh. Can’t wait to try those Nutella Crunch Brownies!
January 2nd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
So many great recipes! I’m looking forward to many more amazing creations from you in 2012!
January 3rd, 2012 at 4:09 am
I forgot all about that fabulous Butterbeer cake! I still want to make it (or convince someone to make it for me for my birthday in the spring
)
Happy New Year Tracy!
January 4th, 2012 at 9:56 am
Oh my goodness, how did I miss the butterbeer cake and pumpkin monkey bread? Those look phenomenal! I wish I could eat hazelnut without breaking into hives, because I would love to try the nutella recipes as well.
Looks like you’ve had a great year, and thanks for posting so many awesome recipes for me to try!