I give you the last installment of The Best of 2009. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Chewy, Fudgy Triple Chocolate Brownies – I thought I had already found my favorite brownie recipe, and then this one went and blew me away! With a name like that I suppose it’s not a surprise, but they certainly do live up to their name. These really are my ideal brownie.
S’mores Cake – This ooey gooey cake is just such fun! With graham cracker cake, marshmallow filling and a chocolate glaze, it’s a wonderful play on the classic campfire concoction.
Tropical Granola – Homemade granola is a wonderful snack food to have around at home or work. I’ve made a few different kinds of granola now, and I actually think this kind the best so far! You can play around with whatever ingredients meet your fancy, but I found dried and pureed pineapple, dried and mashed banana, coconut and macadamia nuts to give this just the tropical flavor I was going for.
Banana Caramel Cupcakes – I made a LOT of cupcakes this year, but these were definitely one of my personal favorites. The banana and caramel are a match made in heaven, and the Swiss meringue buttercream is amazingly smooth and rich. The flavors are really nicely balanced and the result is fantastic.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie – This is one of those treats that is sheer genius. It combines several already wonderful desserts into one mega-dessert! Part caramel apple, part apple pie and part cheesecake, this dessert is most definitely a crowd pleaser and just irresistible.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes – Many people think that there is no combination more perfect together than chocolate and peanut butter. I have to agree the pairing is perfect, and these cupcakes are heavenly. The dense chocolate cake is great, and the light and creamy peanut butter frosting is truly amazing.
Chicken Pot Pie – This is comfort food at it’s finest. With a rich filling chock full of veggies and a creamy sauce, and topped with an amazingly tender and flaky crust, these babies are wonderful. And, they taste just as good when baked from the freezer so make a full batch and then have a quick but tasty dinner at a moment’s notice.
Caramel Corn – This stuff is unbelievably addictive. I can only make it when I can accept that I will likely eat all of it until it is gone. Whether you decide to package it up and share with others, or simply inhale it all yourself, you need to make this.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole – This dinner has become a favorite in record time in our house. We first tried it last month and have made it several times since. It is easy, flavorful, quick enough for a weeknight and just delicious! All three of us love it and I know it will be a menu staple for a long time to come.
Gingerbread Cookies – I never thought I liked gingerbread cookies, but this recipe has completely converted me. These were easily my favorite holiday treat that I baked this year, and I was happy to have several left over for our own enjoyment. I’m sure they will become a tradition from now on.
Thanks to all my wonderful readers for making 2009 such a wonderful year. I look forward to a new year full of more fun in the kitchen and good recipes to share with you!
