It’s that time again. Time for food bloggers to do their year-end wrap up posts. Do you hate these? Like these? I’m on the fence. With some blogs I read, I like being reminded of old posts and triumphs and with some, I just want to see new stuff. (And if you haven’t read Cheryl’s version yet, you must.) I’m feeling like it’s the right thing to do, so onward we go. My favorite things of last year by month. (Drum roll please…)
January – I make a lot of cookies, I make a lot of chocolate things, but these Deluxe Double Chocolate Cookies were one of my favorites from 2011. I also like this post because I talk about Randy’s job change which has been a wonderful thing for our family. Oh. And I mention that I would be sending him in to the office with a weekly treat. Um. I promise I’ll be better about that in 2012!
February – Every year I make several incarnations of this type of noodle soup and this Somen Noodle Soup with Spring Vegetables and Baked Tofu was a nice version.
March – I really got into making pizza in 2011 and experimenting with all different toppings. I loved this Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomato Onion Jam and Broccoli Rabe both because it tasted amazing and it also helped me use something in a new way.
April – Have you been to my house in the past year? Or have you been to a party that I have catered? Because if you have, there is about a 50% chance that you have had this Brown Sugar Pound Cake. I’m made it more than anything else this year. I have two sitting in my freezer, just in case of cake emergency. Easy, amazing, make it.
May – I might not have chosen this bread as my May option, except that I just made it again a week ago and damn! that No-Knead Olive Bread is good. If you need to justify buying Kalamata olives at Costco, a couple of loaves will use up that whole jar.
In June, I took a gnocchi making class from a celebrated Seattle chef and learned more in two hours than I thought possible. And ate more than I thought possible. I finally feel comfortable making these little guys and shared a recipe for Gnocchi with Morel Mushrooms and Spring Peas.
July had me making some of the best food of my year, so top post was a little difficult to choose. I had to go with this Lemony Chickpea and Oven-Dried Tomato Stew. Now I know why I do these recaps – I had completely forgotten about this dish and now I need to make it asap.
August – This Tomato and Corn Pie was something I saw in the dead of last winter and couldn’t wait to try once corn season hit. It was more than worth the wait. I made it many times because I taught it in a class and I loved eating it each time. It also is very easy to make, even if you are pie challenged. Wait, when does summer come around again?
September – Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Sandwiches. There is nothing left to say.
October – I’m a sucker for chocolate cake and this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Layer Cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and, you know, Wednesdays. If you are looking for a classic, this one is perfect.
November – I made many savory tarts in 2011. This version, Stilton Tart with Cranberry Chutney got extra points for being versatile (appetizer or meal size portions), tasty, pretty, and holiday-like. It is something I know I will make every holiday season for years to come.
December – I feel like I need to end on a healthy note with Red Lentil Soup with Lime. It is rare that I repeat a recipe at all, let alone twice in a week. And really the only time I do that is so that I can get a photo the second time if I miss it the first. But in this case, I just really wanted to eat more of this soup. If your plan is to eat healthier in 2012, this is a good place to start.
Happy New Year to all of you!
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Happy New Year Dana and family! What a lovely recap and I really need to make that Stilton tart – yum.
Comment by Charlotte — January 1, 2012 @ 4:30 am
I have made a few of these! Looking forward to 2012 to see what you serve us next! Happy New Year!
Comment by Cathy — January 1, 2012 @ 4:43 pm
I happen to adore these roundups because I have the memory of a goldfish and they’re great reminders of all the fabulous food some of my favorite bloggers (cough you cough) made in 2011…that I NEED to make in 2012! After reading through this list, I’m once again reminded that you are my foodie soulmate. I hope you have a fabulous year, Dana! (And that we get to hang out…blogher food 2012, perhaps…?)
Comment by Joanne — January 1, 2012 @ 7:47 pm
lovely!!!
they all look so delicious
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Comment by page — January 1, 2012 @ 9:03 pm
The brown sugar bread….oh My!!!
Delicious round up.
Happy New Year to you
Comment by leslie — January 1, 2012 @ 9:24 pm
What a year you’ve had! It’s always nice to revisit those recipes that were especially successful, and to remind loyal readers (like me!) which recipes we shouldn’t let go unmade.
I have a good friend who has decided to go meatless for the month of January. She’s got a family of 5, and I pointed her towards your site. I’m quite sure she’ll find as much inspiration here as I do.
Happy new year, Dana!
Comment by cheryl — January 2, 2012 @ 5:58 am
I am sure that 2012 will be just as delicious and full of surprises. I hope all of your areas some true!
Comment by bellini — January 2, 2012 @ 5:12 pm
Generally I like these round ups because they remind me of what I wanted to cook and forgot about, or what I missed. In this case it’s that amazing-looking pizza with tomato jam. I cannot wait to try that!
Comment by Hilary — January 2, 2012 @ 7:38 pm
Love these lists! I either see posts I missed or it reminds of recipes I’ve been meaning to try. Plus, they’re usually the top posts or the bloggers favorite for a very good reason!
Comment by Emily — January 2, 2012 @ 8:00 pm
I like the recaps, but gphaven t dine one in my blog in the almost 3 years of iys life. Not sure why, maybe I feel there s enough bloggers doing it, I can sit back and enjoy their recaps…. :-)
yours was great, many of the dishes you picked are ones I had already paid close attention to, and marked to try. Amazing how time passes quickly, and so many great recipes can sit in the waiting line for a long, long, time….
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Comment by SallyBR — January 3, 2012 @ 5:35 pm
Dana, I have so enjoyed reading your blog this year. You’ve become my go to source for vegetarian recipes, and reading about what’s going on in your life is always a bright spot in my day. I hope you and your family have a wonderful year!
Comment by Clara — January 4, 2012 @ 2:24 pm