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!

9. Nutella Crunch Brownies

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.

8. Butterbeer Cake

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.

5. Sourdough Beer Pretzels

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.

4. Tiramisu Cheesecake Bars

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!

3. Vanilla Latte Cookies

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.

2. Nutella Cinnamon Rolls

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!!

1. Pumpkin Monkey Bread

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!