The year has quickly come to an end and it’s time to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and set new goals for the year to come. I haven’t quite been blogging for a year, but I thought it was appropriate to do a list of our favorite recipes of 2012. I couldn’t possibly rank them in any order, and there were so many that I didn’t include. Many were easy to choose as I’ve made them several times, so they were clearly a favorite. The rest were hard, but I really tried to pare it down to simply the BEST recipes I’ve made over the last year. So, in no particular order, here goes:
Caramelized Onion Dip: I’m not sure I could count the number of times I’ve made this in the last 6 months or so (not the year only because the original post was in June). I’ve made it for ladies night, camping trips, casual friends get togethers, birthday celebrations and more. It’s always a big hit and so simple to make!
I just had to add proof of Nate’s love for this dip. This was on our annual canoe trip this summer. Please note the dip all over his hand and on his face…
Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers with a Kick: These skewers are an easy way to dress up grilled chicken. They had so much flavor; I can’t wait to make them next summer on our new deck!
Watermelon-Mint Jello Shots: While the presentation wasn’t perfect, the jello shots were a huge hit! I guess practice makes perfect, and I’ve got a few more of these recipes waiting for the perfect occasion 😉
Pomegranate Mojito: I’m not usually a mojito person, but there are days in the summer when these really hit the spot! I made and brought pitcher after pitcher full of these mojitos from my house to my neighbors’ during a party over the summer! Already looking forward to next summer…
Cinnamon Swirl English Muffin Bread with Maple Walnuts: When I successfully made a plain English muffin bread, I couldn’t wait to make something a bit more fun. Growing up, it was a treat when my dad would buy cinnamon swirl English muffin bread, so I made this loaf especially for him.
Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze: I never would have tried this recipe had it not been assigned to me for a recipe swap, but thank God I did. They were so good – I’ve made three batches of them so far this fall/winter.
Cream Cheese and Jalapeno Stuffed Turkey Burgers: This was one of my very first posts, so please forgive the picture. Still one of my all time favorite turkey burgers!
Pulled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches: Sweet and spicy make a perfect combination for these sandwiches. I’ve tried baking and using the slow cooker, but its definitely not as good as grilling. You must grill the chicken!
Mom’s Chicken Nuggets: These are definitely in the top 5. Mom’s are still the best, but I think mine wouldn’t be shunned by the family. There’d still be fights over the leftovers!
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps: These are so delicious and wonderful for a pot luck – just make sure people can sit down to eat them because they can get messy.
Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups: I used to wrap these up and make actual wontons, but the cups are a much classier presentation (and easier!). Try them both ways to see what you like best!
French Silk Pie: One of my first pies and it was successful! I wish I could have a slice of this pie every.single.night. My workout schedule just won’t allow for it 😦
Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie: Probably my new favorite cookie recipe. The secret ingredient really perks up these cookies!
Mango-Habanero Hot Sauce: This was my third hot sauce, and definitely my favorite. It’s far too spicy for most people, so I save it for just Nate and me 😉
Japanese-Glazed Pan Roasted Duck Breasts: I can’t wait to get more duck breasts from my dad and try more recipes, but this one was out of this world amaz-balls!
Shrimp Fajita Pasta: Definitely in the top 5 of all recipes that I’ve made. Nate and I both absolutely LOVE this pasta. I would change absolutely nothing and eat it every day if I could.
Taco Pizza: I couldn’t believe that I was making pizza dough from scratch! Not only that, but I was grilling it. Wow! This was by far the best pizza I made, and to quote Nate, “I could eat it until I throw up.” If that’s not saying something, I’m not sure what would be?
Grilled Hoisin-Glazed Pork Tenderloin: This was my first pork tenderloin and I was terrified of over cooking it. Thankfully, Nate was the grill master, so it was his job – though I said when it was time to come off the grill. So tender and so flavorful!
Chili Lime Shrimp Salad: This was a fantastic summer salad! I plan to have the ingredients on hand at all times next summer. Chicken would work great, too!
Smoked Salmon and Dill Egg Salad Sandwiches: I made these for the first time a few years back for my best friend’s bridal shower – for over 50 guests!! I was so worried with so many guests, but thought these sounded pretty classy (and EASY), so I went for it. They are great little snacks for any gathering. I served them again after my Ladies Wine Exchange, as we needed to get a little substance in our stomachs after all the wine tasting!
Salt and Vinegar Potatoes: We don’t eat a lot of potatoes, but when I don’t have another side, these are a simple standby. The potatoes really hold on to the vinegar flavor and pack a punch!
Fennel Whipped Potatoes: Even though the first time wasn’t perfect, these still made the list because they were SO good. Perfectly light and fluffy.
Quickles: I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many times I made these over the summer. We were on cucumber overload, so quickles were great. Also great, they last for a few weeks in the fridge because of the vinegar (the longer they sit, the better they get). Awesome!
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries: I loved these, even left over, which some people said they were even better the second time. The panko makes them so crisp, even if you are reheating them. I prefer the ranch dipping sauce, but marinara is great too!
These were my favorite. Stay tuned for what Nate thought was great in 2012! What were some of your favorite recipes this year?
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