Favorite Recipes from 2011

Yesterday I shared my favorite projects from this past year, so I thought it fitting that I also share my favorite recipes. This list was actually harder to narrow down. Maybe because I was hungry when I typed it up? Haha.

I actually tried so many yummy recipes this year that I could have featured like 30 of them. But that seemed like a bit much. So I tried to just pick one from each month. Here they are in completely random order:

Buttermilk Caramel Syrup: This has been the most popular recipe I have ever posted. Ever. So I guess I’m not the only one who thinks it’s life changing. If you haven’t tried it yet. . . what are you waiting for?

Oriental Salad: A salad has to be pretty epic to make it to my favorite’s list. And this one did. So quick to make, and so delicious. Salty and sweet with lots of crunch. Yummy!
Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream: This ice cream requires no cooking, and it is ultra creamy. It’s the dead of winter, but seeing this photo makes me want a bowl right this minute. So good!
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake: I adapted our favorite sheet cake recipe to come up with this peanut butter variety. The chocolate drizzle on top adds just a hint of chocolate flavor. Vanilla ice cream is not an option at our house.
Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes: Tender white cupcakes with a cherry cheesecake middle. And cream cheese frosting on top. So cute, and so tasty.
Vanilla Sauce for Pancakes: We love buttermilk syrup, but when I want a less sugary topping on our pancakes/waffles, I make this sauce. It is awesome with fresh berries!
Lemon Pull-Aparts: These rolls start with frozen dough, but no one will ever guess. They cook up beautifully, and are full of yummy lemon flavor.
Snickers Brownies: Snickers are one of my all time favorite candy bars. Toss ’em in some brownies, and I’m pretty much in chocolate heaven.
Bloody Eyeballs for Halloween: My whole family loved these so much that I think they will be our standard Halloween dinner from now on. The meatballs can even be made ahead and frozen.
Caramel Pear Cake: My mom has been telling me about this recipe for years, and I finally got around to trying it. Anything that makes it’s own sauce when it bakes is a winner in my book. A perfect fall treat!
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies: I found this cookie recipe on Pinterest, and they were everything I hoped they would be. Buttery, melt in your mouth, and full of yummy cherries. The white chocolate takes them up a notch to fabulous!
Candy Cane Hershey Kiss Cookies: I love the combination of chocolate and mint. Love. So I had to come up with a recipe using the mint Hershey kisses. I actually came up with two, but I think this one is my favorite just by a tiny bit. Darn good, if I do say so myself.
Lemon Chicken Pasta: This chicken pasta is seriously bursting with flavor. The lemon isn’t overpowering, it just makes it taste fresh and delicious. The only downside is that it marinates overnight, so you have to plan ahead. And actually remember your plan. 😉
Happy cooking! Can’t wait to share a whole new slew of ideas with you in 2012!!