Tuesday, December 27, 2011

2011 in Review: Most Popular Posts

As 2011 draws to an end, my first thought is "holy crap, this year went by fast!"  It has definitely been a great year - both for the blog, and for me personally.  Over the next two days, I'll be posting year end round-ups.  Today I'm sharing the most popular recipes posted this year, and tomorrow I'll share with you my personal favorites.  So let's jump right in...

While once again the chicken enchiladas I posted over two years ago still reign supreme as the most-viewed recipe on my blog, these baked chicken taquitos are quite popular as well.  They are easy, delicious, and relatively healthy.  And they can be made ahead and frozen, which makes them even more wonderful.  I prepped a double batch of these to freeze when I was pregnant, and I loved having a quick and easy lunch or dinner on busy days.  I have a few variations of these in the works as well, so I can't wait to share those with you in the coming months!


These blackberry pie bars are not only popular because they are just so darn good, but also because they are open to so many variations.  I've made them with raspberries, strawberries, peaches, and a combination of of these as well.  These are equally good chilled as they are fresh from the oven.  And since they use frozen berries, they can be enjoyed year-round.


Cookie dough fudge.  I feel like I shouldn't even have to say anything else about this.


Oven-fried onion rings are a bit labor-intensive, but they are well worth the effort.  They are coated with a combination of potato chips and saltine crackers, and it creates the most perfect onion ring.  I won't lie - they still aren't healthy.  But they don't make a big mess from deep-frying, and I guess you save a few calories.  You can just tell yourself that if it makes you feel better in any case...


This spiced chipotle-honey chicken with roasted sweet potatoes is healthy though.  It is also a one-pot meal, which makes my dishwasher/husband very happy.  The potatoes and chicken are tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce of chipotles, honey, cinnamon, cumin, and garlic.  It's a wonderful combination of flavors, and I can see why so many of you loved this dinner!


It definitely came as no surprise that these Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts made the list.  Pop Tarts are a childhood favorite, so to recreate them as a pumpkin pie flavor - well it was sure to be a hit.  I am already antsy to make another flavor soon.  The possibilities are endless....


Peach pie is a perennial summer favorite, and this version is gussied up with the addition of brown sugar, cinnamon, and bourbon.  I'm already craving peaches, and I know I'll be making this again next summer.


I made these Chocolate-Strawberry Cupcakes as a Valentine's Day treat, but they can be enjoyed throughout the spring and summer as well.  A rich, chocolatey cake topped with one of the most delicious icings I've ever had - totally irresistible. 


This Foil-Baked Fish with Black Beans and Corn was not only one of the easiest meals I made this year, but it is also really tasty.  Halibut is coated in a compound butter made of chipoltes, orange juice, garlic, and herbs.  My mom made foil-packet meals a lot when I was growing up, and this is definitely an updated version of one of my childhood favorites.


And finally, we round out the top 10 with these Steakhouse Mushroom Burgers with Creamed Spinach Sauce.  Mushrooms.  Burger.  Creamy spinach.  Parmesan.  This is a fancy, fork-and-knife burger, and I loved every single indulgent bite.

See you tomorrow - I'll be posting my personal favorites of the year!


9 comments:

Elizabeth said...

That cookie dough fudge looks amazing!

Melissa @ Kids in the Sink said...

I'm loving the year in review type posts! I never made your onion rings because no one except me would eat them but I think maybe I'll try soon!

Laura said...

Haha, I was going to mention to you that I get an awful lot of hits from your enchilada post. It's definitely been a good year of eating for everyone - that's for sure. A few of my favorite dishes I have you to thank for (bean burritos, pimento cheese - to name a few!). You've always got the best stuff, Josie. Hope you guys have a great New Year!

Anna @ hiddenponies said...

Wow, every one of these makes me hungry, they are all beautiful and no doubt delicious! Thanks for all the wonderful recipes this year :)

Kelsey said...

What a delicious year, Josie. I can't wait to see your faves!

Ann P. said...

Those strawberry chocolate cupcakes look EXTRA delicious! I'm so glad I subscribed to your blog this year! I am excited for what '12 holds. :)

Joanne said...

These are all so revelatory! And a great reminder of all the good food you made this year that I HAVE to try!

Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie said...

Wow that burger looks so good!

KidEats said...

I'm so happy to find your blog! I saw your taquitos on Pinterest and another blog, and am going to make them this week. Can't wait to try them... and browse through all of your yummy recipes!
~Lauren

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