I know I said that I’m not a big recap blogger.  I’m not.  But I do like the idea of going back over the year and picking out favorites.  I did it last year and here we go again.  I thought of several ways to do this.  I could talk about my favorite dish of each month in 2010, or I could pick my favorite dish in several categories.  I decided not to be that regimented and just share 12 of the things I really loved best.  My trusty assistants have picked chocolate winners and I will let you know who won in 2011!

Apple Torte

I make a lot of cakes around here and this one was really a stunner.  Everyone needs a good apple cake in their repertoire and I loved this one because it is not just a simple bundt cake.  There are three different textures going on here and yet, it is still a relatively easy cake to make.  Appropriate in all seasons I think.

Red Lentil Dhal

I have made so many incarnations of this dish and I love them all.  Red lentils are one of those fabulous ingredients that you can dress up or down and they are always good.  This particular recipe uses tons of spices and makes a super healthy and delicious dinner.

Fideos with Pasilla Chiles, Avocado, and Crema

Every time I think about this dish, I want to put the ingredients on my shopping list.  It is one of those shockingly flavorful dinners.  I love spice and all the contrasting flavors and textures here make this a most interesting dish.

Holly B’s Cinnamon Rolls

After wanting to make them for years, I finally attempted these perfect-in-my-opinion cinnamon rolls and they were worth the wait.  And them some.

Gianduja Gelato

I made a lot of ice cream in 2010 and this was by far my favorite.  Like Nutella ice cream but better.

Pull-Apart Cheesy Onion Bread

In looking back over the year, I was shocked to realize that I had not made this again.  Time to remedy that right away!

Pasta with Chickpeas

This Jamie Oliver pasta is a true favorite in our house – one I turn to over and over.  It is healthy, tasty and fast.

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you never read another word I write, promise me you will make these cookies.  You will never need another recipe.

Rice Noodles with Marinated Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms

I was inspired to make this dish after having an amazing lunch at a local spot.  I didn’t get it quite right, but that didn’t stop me from making it over and over again.

Roasted Pear Salad with Chèvre and Fig Vinaigrette

It is really difficult to explain how good this salad is.  A friend made it for me and I almost didn’t eat the pear part.  Once I took a bite, I could not stop inhaling the salad.  I could eat this for dinner happily with a large hunk of bread.  I am wary of figs, but this dressing is fabulous.

Buckeyes

I got a lot of personal and blog attention for these bad boys.  If you want people to offer to clean your gutters or walk you dog or wash your car, make them some of these chocolate and peanut butter wonders.

Spiced Squash, Lentil, and Goat Cheese Salad

This is another dish I have made many times this year.  I was just at a restaurant which featured a dish with roasted squash, chickpeas, and walnuts and it made me think of this one – which was better.

Happy New Year Everyone!