It’s hard to believe 2012 has come to an end. It was a year filled with lots of special memories, as our family of three grew to a family of four. We’ve enjoyed every moment of watching William grow and change over the past eight months. He’s going to be crawling any day now, and then we are in trouble. I just know he’s going to try to get into everything!
Julia has done plenty of growing up too, and I still cannot believe that my baby will be four in a few short months. She’s an independent little girl, who knows what she wants. Each night she tells me how many hugs and kisses she wants (60 is a favorite request), and instructs me whether they should be “mixed” or “first the hugs and then the kisses.”
While it’s been a bit of a challenge finding time to devote to blogging lately, it’s something that I really enjoy so I’m going to keep it up in the new year. Looking back on the recipes I shared in 2012, here are some of my favorites, in chronological order. Here’s to enjoying good food and quality time with those we love in 2013!
Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos: If there is one recipe that I discovered this year that we’ve made more than any other, this is it. We always have a supply of these in our freezer for easy weeknight meals. Be sure to make a double batch; it’s hardly any more work, and on those nights when you’re wondering what’s for dinner, you’ll be so glad you did.
New York Cheesecake: This is the best recipe for the classic cheesecake. Drizzle it with some fresh strawberry sauce or just enjoy it as is.
Pizza with Portabellos, Spinach, and Goat Cheese: This year I’ve come to love both goat cheese and portabello mushrooms. Together they make this pizza a standout.
Roasted Zucchini Pasta with Grilled Chicken: That love of goat cheese I just mentioned? This pasta is another favorite way to enjoy it. Plus, you can’t go wrong with roasted vegetables.
Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad with Black Bean Salsa: This main dish salad is full of flavor and makes a healthy, satisfying meal.
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies: Nutty flecks of browned butter throughout a chocolate chip cookie? Yes, please. I’ve made these again and again, and again.
Spinoccoli Pizza: I love the combination of broccoli, spinach, and cheese on this pizza. You can’t understand how well this pizza works until you try it.
Rich, Fudgy Brownies: My go-to brownie recipe, and it’s not much harder to mix up than a box mix!
Shredded Chipotle Beef: This slow-cooker recipe is one of my favorite finds of 2012. The beef makes a great filling for tacos or enchiladas, and can even be made into a sandwich or taco salad.
Peanut Butter Split Smoothie: This smoothie is one of my favorite ways to refuel after a workout. Peanut butter, banana, Greek yogurt, and milk- all ingredients that you likely keep on hand. You can even add a splash of chocolate syrup if you want. (I won’t tell. 
)
Mexican Lasagna: A new take on the Italian classic, this Mexican Lasagna is super easy to put together. It’s another recipe that we’ve made again and again for easy weeknight dinners, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Fresh Strawberry Pie: I can’t wait to make this again once strawberry season arrives!
Strawberry Muffins: These are so good. The Greek yogurt in the batter makes these sweet little muffins irresistible.
Coffee Cocoa Snack Cake: When I need an easy but delicious dessert, I turn to this cake. It’s great on it’s own or served with a little vanilla ice cream.
Best Buttermilk Pancakes: I have tried so many different pancake recipes, and this is my favorite when I’m craving a classic buttermilk pancake.
