Reflecting on an Unforgettable Year: My Top 12 Favorite Recipes of 2012
As the final hours of another year gently fade into memory, I find myself filled with immense gratitude and a touch of disbelief at how swiftly 2012 has come and gone. What an extraordinary journey it has been! This past year has unfolded in ways I could never have imagined, marking a period of profound personal and professional transformation. Looking back, if you had asked me a year ago where I would be, I honestly wouldn’t have guessed any of these incredible developments. Yet, here we are, at the cusp of a new beginning, and I am profoundly grateful for every step of this amazing adventure.
On a personal note, 2012 was a year of bold leaps and new horizons. I made the life-altering decision to leave my full-time job of over seven years, dedicating myself almost entirely to the passion project that is this blog. This momentous shift allowed me to pour my heart and soul into sharing more of what I love with you all. Beyond that, I embraced a change of scenery, selling my house and relocating to a vibrant loft in downtown Kansas City, immersing myself in the energy of city life. To cap off an already whirlwind year, I embarked on an incredible 3.5-week tour across Europe, exploring new cultures and culinary delights that further ignited my creative spirit. It was a whirlwind, indeed, but one filled with countless blessings and invaluable experiences.
The Evolution of Gimme Some Oven: Beyond the Kitchen
Parallel to these personal milestones, the blog itself experienced tremendous growth and exciting new directions, all thanks to your unwavering support. Your engagement and encouragement empowered us to expand our horizons beyond the kitchen, introducing four brand-new sections to the blog this year. What began as a space solely dedicated to food has blossomed into a richer, more diverse platform, reflecting a broader spectrum of my interests and passions:
- Gimme Some Film: Delving into the captivating world of cinema, featuring insights on movies, visionary directors, and talented actors.
- Gimme Some Life: A more personal space where I share my thoughts, travel experiences, and snippets from my daily life.
- Gimme Some Reads: Exploring the magic of literature, including book reviews, inspiring quotes, and discussions on influential authors.
- Gimme Some Style: A creative outlet for DIY projects, fashion trends, and home decor inspirations.
Bringing these new dimensions to the site and collaborating with three incredibly talented friends as new writers has been an absolute joy and a truly rewarding adventure. It’s been wonderful to share more facets of my life and passions with you, creating a more comprehensive and engaging online community.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Readers
I am acutely aware that none of these wonderful developments would have been possible without your continuous support and enthusiastic engagement. It truly amazes me to think that people from all corners of the world choose to tune in, day after day, to check out the recipes and posts shared here. This connection is a crazy, cool blessing, and I often find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the community we’ve built together. Your comments, shares, and presence mean the world to me and fuel the passion behind everything I do.
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you for being the incredible readers that you are! I genuinely wish I could meet each of you in person, offer a big hug, and express my appreciation face-to-face. For now, please accept this little New Year’s Eve tradition: my “Top 12 of ’12!” This compilation features my personal favorite recipes from the past year. Following this, I’ll also share your top favorites, based on traffic and popularity. I hope you enjoy reminiscing about these delicious creations as much as I do!
My Personal Picks: The Top 12 Recipes of 2012
This list is a curated collection of the dishes that left a lasting impression on me throughout 2012 – the ones I craved, savored, and couldn’t stop thinking about. From decadent desserts to savory main courses, these recipes represent the culinary highlights of my year.
12. Bailey’s Chocolate Cookies
Kicking off my countdown are these utterly delightful Bailey’s Chocolate Cookies. I crafted these during a special Bailey’s recipe week on the blog around St. Patrick’s Day last year, and they were an instant hit with all my friends and me. These cookies boast a rich, deep chocolate flavor complemented by the subtle, creamy notes of Bailey’s Irish Cream. They’re perfectly chewy and just sweet enough, making them an excellent way to use up any leftover Bailey’s you might have – or, perhaps, a compelling reason to buy a new bottle! They are a sophisticated twist on a classic chocolate cookie, offering a grown-up treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.
11. Pasta with Goat Cheese, Chicken, Asparagus & Mushrooms
This pasta dish captured my heart with its incredible creaminess and vibrant flavors. What makes it truly special is the ingenious use of goat cheese to create a luscious, tangy sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Paired with fresh, crisp asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and tender chicken, it’s a harmonious blend of ingredients that feels both gourmet and comforting. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted with your favorite seasonal vegetables, but this particular combination remains a perennial favorite, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party.
10. Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza
Without a doubt, this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza was my favorite pizza creation of the entire year. It takes the classic spicy Italian seafood sauce and perfectly translates it onto a crispy pizza crust. The succulent shrimp are cooked to perfection, nestled in a flavorful, slightly fiery tomato sauce, often with a hint of red pepper flakes for that signature “fra diavolo” kick. Every bite is an explosion of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors, making homemade pizza feel incredibly gourmet. It’s a truly satisfying and memorable dish that I found myself craving repeatedly.
9. Lobster Bisque
Achieving success in making one of my favorite decadent restaurant soups at home was a significant culinary triumph for me this year. This Lobster Bisque recipe proved that you don’t need a fancy kitchen to create a truly luxurious and flavorful dish. Rich, creamy, and infused with the sweet essence of lobster, this bisque is pure indulgence in a bowl. While it might seem intimidating, the process is incredibly rewarding, yielding a velvety soup that rivals any high-end restaurant version. It’s the perfect dish for a special occasion or when you simply want to treat yourself to something truly extraordinary.
8. Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
While the fun Pop Rocks lining the glasses certainly added a playful touch, the true star of this recipe is the simple yet absolutely delicious spritzer itself. This Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade is wonderfully refreshing, striking the perfect balance between sweet strawberries and tart lemons, all enhanced with a delightful fizz. It’s an incredibly easy drink to whip up, making it ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or simply a treat on a warm afternoon. The fresh fruit flavors really shine through, making it a homemade beverage that’s far superior to any store-bought alternative.
7. Carnitas Caldo
My interpretation of a stunning new soup I discovered this year at XOCO in Chicago quickly became a favorite. This Carnitas Caldo is a robust and incredibly flavorful Mexican-inspired pork soup that is deeply satisfying. It features tender, slow-cooked carnitas, simmering in a rich, aromatic broth often infused with chiles, tomatoes, and various spices. The result is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a chilly day. It’s a testament to how street food and restaurant inspirations can be beautifully recreated in your own kitchen, bringing vibrant, authentic flavors to your table.
6. Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp Quesadillas
The name might sound a little unusual at first, but trust me when I say these Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp Quesadillas are an absolute revelation. The magic lies in the crispy, golden Parmesan crust that forms on the outside of the tortilla, providing an incredible textural contrast to the creamy filling. Inside, you’ll find succulent shrimp, rich avocado, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all perfectly melded together with melted cheese. It’s a surprisingly sophisticated take on a classic quesadilla, packed with layers of flavor that will leave you wanting more. These are perfect for a fun lunch or a light dinner.
5. Hummus Mashed Potatoes
I had a lot of fun experimenting with new and creative uses for hummus in 2012, and these Hummus Mashed Potatoes were definitely one of my standout favorites. This recipe offers a brilliant twist on traditional mashed potatoes, incorporating hummus for an extra layer of creaminess, flavor, and a touch of Mediterranean flair. It adds a subtle nuttiness and a healthier spin to a beloved comfort food, making them incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy. They are fantastic as a side dish for almost any meal and a unique way to impress your dinner guests.
4. Guacamole Cups
If you’re ever in search of a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized appetizer for friends that will disappear in a snap, you absolutely must try these Guacamole Cups. The genius of this recipe lies in the perfect marriage of creamy, fresh guacamole with the satisfying crunch of crispy baked wonton wrappers. They are incredibly easy to assemble, visually appealing, and offer a delightful textural contrast that makes them irresistible. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a light snack, these cups are always a hit and receive rave reviews.
3. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Yes, I know, who is this girl featuring two chocolate cookie recipes in her top favorites? But trust me, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are so exceptional that they deserve a prime spot. These chewy chocolate cookies are studded with rich caramel bits and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and deeply satisfying flavors. Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the caramel is still gooey, these treats are a total winner for anyone who appreciates a perfect balance of contrasting tastes and textures. They’re dangerously delicious and truly addictive.
2. Homemade White Hot Chocolate
As the weather turns colder, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting mug of hot chocolate, and this Homemade White Hot Chocolate recipe is truly superior. What makes it one of my favorites is how incredibly easy it is to make at home, yielding a rich, creamy, and indulgent beverage that far surpasses any packet mix. It’s perfect for cozy evenings by the fire, a festive treat during the holidays, or simply as a delightful pick-me-up. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the luxurious result makes it a go-to for a sweet, comforting sip.
1. Roasted Vegetable Macaroni & Cheese
And finally, my top favorite recipe of 2012, claiming the number one spot, is this incredible Roasted Vegetable Macaroni & Cheese. This dish elevates classic comfort food to a gourmet level. The secret lies in using a really good, aged white cheddar cheese, which provides a sharp, complex flavor that forms the backbone of the creamy sauce. But what truly makes it special is the generous addition of various roasted vegetables, which impart a wonderful sweetness, texture, and nutritional boost. The roasting process intensifies their natural flavors, blending beautifully with the rich cheese sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and amazingly flavorful meal that will undoubtedly impress anyone who tries it. This recipe truly shows how simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can create something extraordinary.
