The Best of 2010 - from Molly

I cannot believe that it is 2011!  The past year flew by and a lot has happened...starting this blog, getting a Big Ten ring, graduating, a trip to Alaska, meeting a great guy, moving to the South, leaving the best friends ever and meeting great new people, starting grad school, getting a job, and training for a marathon.

Starting this blog has allowed me to try tons of new things in the kitchen and I have found quite a few new favorite recipes!  I had a lot of trouble deciding on my favorites but here they are:

Ricotta Pancakes with Honey Lemon Syrup - I figured I would start with breakfast since that's my favorite meal of the day (besides dessert that is).  These are awesome, enough said.

Maple Almond Granola - Thanks Lori!  I always have this in my pantry now; whenever I see the jar running low I make a new batch asap.

Cinnamon Raisin Pull-Apart Muffins - Delicious!  Just be sure to serve them warm...yummm, my mouth is watering just thinking about these.

Blackberry Breakfast Bars - I'm counting down the months until summer when berries are back in season.  I would eat these bars any time of day, not just breakfast; they're actually more like dessert.  Also, keep in mind that these are definitely best served the day of baking them.   

 Soft Garlic Knots - On to the dinner dishes!  I wish I could start every dinner with one of these.  Unfortunately I don't have the time and I don't think my hips would appreciate that.  However, these are definitely a go-to for any special occasion. 

Edamame and Asparagus Salad - a great side dish, hot or cold.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes - I am so glad I stumbled on this recipe again because I am going to make these in the very near future.  Can't wait for my sweet potato dinner!

Almond Stuffed Chicken - This is my favorite chicken recipe ever!

 Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte - And now for the heart of the blog...dessert!  I figured I would start off my favorite desserts with a bang.  This is the most rich and creamy dessert I have ever made, and it was worth every extra mile I had to run when I ate it!

Banana Ice Cream - Now onto a much healthier dessert, bananas.  This just might be the most overlooked recipe on the blog, but don't let this one-ingredient dessert fool you, it is delicious!  Make sure to serve it when you make it as it does not re-freeze too well.  But don't let that stop you from making it, I promise it is super easy and a no-fuss clean up!

Brownie Cookies - These are for all of you chocolate lovers out there!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes - Print out this recipe and go make these right now, I promise you won't regret it.

Buckeyes - An Ohio favorite that should probably be an everyone-in-the-world favorite!  Peanut butter and chocolate is easily one of my favorite combinations and these buckeyes are just that.

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies - These cookies have been a favorite of mine long before we started this blog.  I still make them all the time and they never get old.

Banana Cupcakes with Honey-Cinnamon Frosting - This is my favorite cake recipe for cupcakes and I have tried a couple of different frostings with it; peanut butter and this honey-cinnamon, both are equally as amazing!

That's a wrap 2010!  Thanks for following our blog and we promise there will be plenty more great recipes to come in 2011.