Reflecting on an Unforgettable Year: My Top 12 Favorite Recipes of 2012
As the final moments of another year gracefully draw to a close, ushering in the hopeful promise of a brand new one, I find myself filled with immense gratitude and a touch of awe. Happy New Year’s Eve, dear friends and readers! It’s truly incredible to look back and see how swiftly 2012 has passed, yet what an incredibly transformative and eventful journey it has been.
This past year marked a pivotal turning point in my personal life, a leap of faith that redefined my path. After more than seven dedicated years in my full-time career, I made the exhilarating decision to embrace my passion and pursue blogging almost entirely. This monumental shift wasn’t the only change; I also said goodbye to my beloved house, relocating across town to a vibrant loft in downtown Kansas City. And as if that wasn’t enough adventure, I capped off the year with an incredible 3.5-week exploration across Europe, immersing myself in new cultures and breathtaking landscapes. If you had asked me just one year ago to predict where I’d be at the close of 2012, I assure you, none of these wild dreams would have crossed my mind. Yet, here I am, living a life I could scarcely have imagined, and each day I am profoundly grateful for every experience, every challenge, and every blessing.
Beyond personal milestones, 2012 also brought forth some truly remarkable developments right here on the blog. Thanks to your unwavering support and enthusiasm, we were able to significantly expand the scope of Gimme Some Oven, introducing four exciting new sections. What started as a dedicated space solely for food has blossomed into a richer, more diverse platform, allowing us to share a broader spectrum of interests and passions. These new additions have been a source of immense joy and a wonderful new adventure, enabling me to explore topics beyond the kitchen and connect with you on even deeper levels.
- Gimme Some Film: A dedicated space to delve into the captivating world of cinema, exploring movies, directors, actors, and the magic of storytelling on screen.
- Gimme Some Life: Here, I’ve shared more personal reflections, insights into my travels, and the everyday moments that shape my journey, offering a glimpse into life beyond the recipes.
- Gimme Some Reads: For fellow bookworms, this section is a haven for discussing captivating books, inspiring quotes, and the brilliant minds of authors who move us.
- Gimme Some Style: A creative outlet for all things DIY, fashion trends, and home decor inspirations, adding a touch of aesthetic delight to our community.
The introduction of these new categories, coupled with the incredible opportunity to bring three amazing friends on board as new writers, has truly enriched the blog. It’s been a collaborative and inspiring experience, expanding our collective voice and bringing fresh perspectives to our growing community. It’s a testament to the idea that passion can truly lead to unexpected and wonderful growth.
I am deeply aware, however, that the multitude of joys and successes of the past year are, in large part, a direct result of your continuous support and heartfelt encouragement. It still strikes me as the most incredible, coolest blessing that individuals from all corners of the world would take the time out of their busy lives to tune in, read these posts, and try out these recipes day after day. There are moments when I simply have to pause, overwhelmed with a profound sense of thanks for this beautiful community we’ve built together.
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you for being the truly wonderful readers that you are! I genuinely wish I could meet each and every one of you in person, offer a big hug, and express my gratitude face-to-face. For now, please accept this small tradition I uphold each New Year’s Eve – my curated list of the Top 12 favorites from the year that’s ending. This year, I’m excited to share *my* personal top 12 recipes that stood out from 2012. These are the dishes that captured my heart, delighted my palate, and became cherished memories in my kitchen. I hope you enjoy revisiting these culinary highlights as much as I have!
My Personal Top 12 Favorite Recipes from 2012
12. Bailey’s Chocolate Cookies: These delightful cookies stole the show during my special “Bailey’s recipe week” last St. Patrick’s Day. Infused with the rich, creamy flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream, they were an instant hit with all my friends and me. They offer a wonderfully indulgent way to utilize any leftover Bailey’s you might have, or perhaps, a very compelling reason to stock up on more! The perfect blend of chocolate and a subtle boozy kick makes them utterly irresistible.
11. Pasta with Goat Cheese, Chicken, Asparagus & Mushrooms: I cannot emphasize enough how much I adore using goat cheese to create a creamy, tangy sauce for pasta. This recipe, featuring tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and earthy mushrooms, exemplifies just how magical that combination can be. The goat cheese melts down into a luxurious, flavorful coating that elevates every single bite, making it a sophisticated yet comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
10. Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza: This pizza definitely stands out as my favorite from the entire year. The Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza combines succulent shrimp with a fiery, rich tomato sauce, all spread over a perfectly crisp crust. Each mouthful is an explosion of savory, spicy, and perfectly balanced flavors. It’s a gourmet pizza experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home, proving that homemade pizza can rival your favorite takeout.
9. Lobster Bisque: Achieving the rich, decadent flavor of restaurant-quality lobster bisque in my own kitchen was a true triumph this year. This recipe captures all the luxuriousness of a classic bisque – creamy, intensely flavorful with hints of sweet lobster, and wonderfully aromatic. It’s a dish that feels incredibly special and indulgent, yet with this recipe, it becomes an accessible pleasure to whip up for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself.
8. Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade: While the fun addition of Pop Rocks lining the rim of the glasses certainly adds a whimsical touch, the true star of this recipe is the simple yet absolutely refreshing spritzer itself. This sparkling strawberry lemonade is vibrant, sweet, tart, and effervescent – a perfect thirst-quencher on a warm day or a delightful mocktail for any celebration. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest concoctions yield the most refreshing results.
7. Carnitas Caldo: This recipe is my humble interpretation of a truly stunning and memorable soup I discovered this year at XOCO in Chicago. The depth of flavor in this Carnitas Caldo is extraordinary – tender, slow-cooked carnitas simmered in a rich, savory broth, often with hints of spices and a touch of warmth. It’s a hearty and deeply satisfying soup that transports you with every spoonful, making it a personal culinary highlight of the year.
6. Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp Quesadillas: The name might sound a little unconventional, but trust me when I say these quesadillas are an absolute revelation. The magic lies in the Parmesan crust, which becomes wonderfully crispy and flavorful, enveloping a delicious filling of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and savory sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, offering an explosion of textures and tastes that will surprise and impress. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it – it’s a true game-changer!
5. Hummus Mashed Potatoes: The year 2012 was a fantastic time for me to experiment with innovative ways to incorporate hummus into my cooking, and these mashed potatoes were undoubtedly one of my absolute favorites. The addition of hummus lends an incredible creaminess, a subtle tang, and a nutritional boost to traditional mashed potatoes, creating a side dish that is both familiar and excitingly new. It’s a brilliant way to add unique flavor and a healthier twist to a beloved comfort food.
4. Guacamole Cups: If you’re ever in search of a truly crowd-pleasing, bite-sized appetizer that will vanish in an instant, these Guacamole Cups are an absolute must-try. The delicate crunch of the perfectly baked wonton wrappers provides an ideal textural contrast to the fresh, creamy, and zesty homemade guacamole. They’re visually appealing, easy to handle, and pack all the vibrant flavors of your favorite dip into a convenient, irresistible package, making them a consistent hit at any gathering.
3. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies: Yes, I know – two chocolate cookie recipes in my top favorites list? But these aren’t just any cookies. These particular chocolate cookies, generously studded with gooey caramel bits and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, have undeniably earned their spot. Best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, their chewy texture, coupled with the perfect balance of sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and a hint of salty crunch, makes them an utterly irresistible and absolute winner in the dessert category.
2. Homemade White Hot Chocolate: There’s something incredibly comforting and luxurious about a mug of homemade white hot chocolate, and this recipe delivers that experience with remarkable ease. It’s wonderfully creamy, sweet, and velvety smooth, making it the perfect treat for chilly evenings or a cozy weekend indulgence. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up this decadent beverage in your own kitchen, far surpassing any store-bought mix.
1. Roasted Vegetable Macaroni & Cheese: This dish unequivocally takes the top spot as my absolute favorite recipe of 2012. To truly elevate this incredible macaroni and cheese, I highly recommend investing in some really good aged white cheddar – its sharp, complex flavor makes all the difference. Then, generously incorporate a medley of your favorite roasted vegetables, adding layers of texture, sweetness, and nutritional value. The result is a comfort food masterpiece: creamy, cheesy, and bursting with vibrant vegetable goodness. You will be utterly amazed by how delicious and satisfying this dish is.
