Best of 2014- Your and My Favorites
Happy New Years Eve! I cannot believe this year is over! Wasn’t it just yesterday that I was waddling around, as pregnant as can be, spending New Years Eve 2013 in my PJs on the couch? I have to say, without a doubt, that 2014 was the most wonderful year of my life. I was meant to be a mother and giving birth to Hugo was not only the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it gave me my little love, who brings me more joy than I could ever know. He also made doing the simplest of tasks a huge challenge, so the fact that I was able to keep the blog afloat for the whole year is something I’m pretty proud of.
The most popular posts this year include many of my personal favorites as well. This year I focused a lot on simple, quick recipes, with some more elaborate ones thrown in here and there. Here are the top 10!
Banana Pudding Cupcakes– These cupcakes are awesome, and really taste like the classic banana pudding I can’t get enough of. And they sure are cute!
Mini Pumpkin Layer Cakes – I have had such a thing for mini layer cakes this year. They are pretty easy to assemble and just so darn cute to slice into. I made these for Lauren’s virtual baby shower this past October. It doesn’t hurt that this pumpkin cake is the absolute best!
Salted Caramel Apple Crisp – Let’s call this one lazy girl’s Apple Pie. This is to die for with vanilla ice cream and couldn’t be easier.
Flourless Chocolate Cookies – These cookies are kinda like magic. When you spoon them onto the cookie sheet it’s hard to imagine them turning into a such a chewy, fudgy cookie but they totally do!
Ultimate Salted Caramel Cupcakes – These are a Salted Caramel Lover’s dream come true! Vanilla Cake, Caramel Filling, Salted Caramel Swiss Meringue Buttercream and of course a caramel drizzle. (My dream come true!)
Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake – Who knew making cinnamon rolls in cake form would be so fun, beautiful and tasty! I love me a classic Cinnamon Roll, but this is a great presentation for a brunch spread don’t you think?
Fudgy Zucchini Brownies – I still am in awe that these brownies have green veggies in them. I love the discovery of how amazing zucchini is for the texture of these. They are so moist and fudgy!
Best Banana Bread (Ever.) The search is over. I am so happy I discovered this recipe so I no longer have to think twice when I have ripe bananas lying around. It is so easy and so darn good. Trust me- if you haven’t tried this one yet, it’s a game changer!
Salted Caramel Sauce How-To – I have made so many recipes that call for Caramel Sauce that I thought it was high time that I broke the process down for you. Here I did a step-by-step tutorial with pictures so even the caramel-making novice should have no problems making caramel magic. I have a jar of this stuff in my fridge at all times!
Raspberry Swirled Lemon Cheesecake Bars – Aw…I baked these the day I went into labor, in my final burst of nesting energy. We ate these after Hugo was born and they’ll always be a special recipe for that reason. It also doesn’t hurt that they are gorgeous and so creamy and refreshing. A winning combo don’t you think?
I have to say that most of my favorite recipes from this year were included in the above list! There were a few that I just couldn’t resist bringing to your attention- a few things I was pretty proud of for one reason or another. It really is so fun to look back at the – I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings!!
Tata’s Pita– This is such a special recipe that has been in my family for decades. My Mom & I have both made notes of even more methods of improving the techniques though, so check the recipe soon for some added notes!
Milk & Cookie Pops– These were SO good. Cookies soaked in Milk in a popsicle form- what could be better?
Cold Peanut Sesame Noodles– I’ve been making an effort to post more savory recipes this year and these noodles were a definite winner. They are perfect to make on a weekend and enjoy leftover all week. (The flavors just keep getting better!)
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Coffee Cake– Moist Banana Cake- check! Rich Cinnamon Swirl- check! Crumb Topping- check! This combo is way too good.
Glazed Grapefruit Bundt Cake– This was one of the first recipes I posted this year and was an instant favorite. In fact- Andy still says it’s his favorite thing I’ve ever baked…
Have a fun and safe New Year Eve! We’ll be very low key here at the Fullerton household- just the way I like it. :)
you have certainly spiced up our lives! at least the eating part, best recipes ever!!! keep em coming!! thank you!
ahh yes, I remember your pitas and lovely family story very well. Nice list, lady!
First of all, I totally forgot that you baked the day you went into labor. Crazy. :P You are the master of all things sweet! Miss you!! We need a date soon.