Year in Review

I truly enjoyed perusing the recipes I shared with you last year and seeing which ones were most popular among you, the readers!  I’d have to say, just like in 2014, our tastes were along the same lines last year; beverages and sweets seemed to top my list too!  However, there were some of my favorites that didn’t quite make the cut so I wanted to take a few minutes to share some of my favorites with you all!

Without further adieu, here are some of my faves from 2015.

One of my favorite desserts is the cannoli.  It’s a simple, crunchy pastry shell that is filled with a delicious pastry cream and sometimes the ends are dipped in chocolate chips or melted chocolate.  There aren’t just a ton of places that carry this dessert, so I don’t get to enjoy it all that much…until now.  This cannoli cheeseball takes that amazing pastry cream filling, simplifies it (no heat or pans required), it gets rolled in a ball then then coated in chocolate chips.  I could face dive in this stuff, but I didn’t, I used the next best thing, graham crackers to dunk into that amazing dip!

I have a weakness for all sweets, but brownies take that weakness to a whole new level.  I’ve always been a sucker for anything chocolate, but when it’s a brownie…well, all bets are off.  Give me a pan of brownies straight from the oven and a fork and I’ll be content in my own little corner for about an hour.  I go weak in the knees for those chocolaty, fudgy, stick-to-your-teeth brownies.  In 2015 I found my new “go to” recipe; these Thick and Chewy {Better than} Bakery Style Brownies.

I love those meals that assemble in a matter of minutes and even better when the crockpot does all the work.  This slow cooker honey mustard chicken checks those boxes and then some.  It requires a few simple ingredients, comes together in minutes and yields a perfectly moist and flavorful meal that the whole family loves.

A morning cup of coffee is an absolute must for me.  I very rarely go to coffee shops for my morning cup of joe, but there are days where I’d like something a little more indulgent than my basic coffee.  On those mornings I typically turn to this salted caramel brulee coffee.  This, my friends,is the way to start your day!

I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t love a big ol’ slice of carrot cake slathered in cream cheese frosting.  What’s not to love; moist cake packed full of warm spices and all wrapped with tangy, cream cheese frosting?  But, I was beyond giddy with this creation.  A flaky, carrot cake crust with all those warm spices, baked then filled with a tangy, smooth cream cheese filling.  A delicious twist on that infamous favorite. Carrot cake cream cheese tart

I’ve never been a huge fan of pimento cheese, until now.  I’m not sure what it is that makes this pimento cheese so different and soooo good, but it’s converted me.  Take all those pimento cheese skeptics out there and feed them a spoonful of Capitol Bar and Grill’s pimento cheese.  Terrific on a spoon, cracker or sandwiched between to fluffy pieces of bread.

Along with brownies, cookies are one of my major weaknesses.  So what happens if those worlds collide?  Well, only one of the richest, fudgiest, most decadent cookies ever.  This rocky road flourless cookie is packed full of gooey marshmallows, crunchy almonds, and intense chocolate flavor.  This cookie is a life changer.  Seriously.

Everyone needs a “go to” biscuit recipe.  One that rises perfectly, yields a slightly crunchy outside and a soft, fluffy inside.  I found that recipe this year; these easy biscuits are all of those things and so simple to make.  Welcome those weekends breakfasts with these delicious biscuits.

Who doesn’t love sneaking a scoop of cookie dough straight from the bowl?  I know I am very guilty of that and I honestly have no shame.  But for all of you out there who need a peace of mind when eating cookie dough I have just the thing for you.  These salted chocolate chip cookie dough bars provide you with an egg free cookie dough that is spread over a delicious sugar cookie crust and topped off with a rich, chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of salt.  I’m thinking I need to make these again so very soon.

It’s hard to beat a good cobb salad.  But this cobb salad has the addition of juicy, bbq chicken along side fiesta corn and buttery avocado.  This is one of our favorite salads.  BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad

The worlds of sweet and salty collide in these caramel popcorn treats.  Buttery, slightly salty popcorn coated in buttery, marshmallowy caramel.  Just like mixing your popcorn and sweets at the movies…only so much better.Caramel popcorn crispy treats

This dip, my friends, is like summer in a skillet.  Fresh corn grilled enough to give a slight char then mixed with poblanos, sour cream, lime and topped with chives.  It’s colorful, flavorful and so addicting.  Grilled corn and chile dip

I can always judge just how good a meal is by the way the hubs responds.  And well, this roast was a homerun!  It was love at first bite for him and he raved about it for days.  Again, it’s another one of those recipes that requires a few ingredients and the slow cooker does all the work.  Say hello to this Mississippi Roast.

The cold weather has been a little slow on showing up this winter, but on those few cold days we’ve had there’s been no better way to warm up than with a mug of this salted caramel hot cocoa.  This mix makes a lot, making it idea for gifts as well as to keep some on hand when you need a little mug of cozy goodness.

Biscotti is one of my guilty pleasures for breakfast.  I resist making it on a regular basis because I could honestly eat my weight in the stuff.  But when the holidays rolled around I decided I could give into temptation and whip up a batch.  The flavor profile was all the doings of my little man; a mint and chocolate fanatic.  I’m not sure who love the stuff more!  So when you need a special treat or need to indulge whip up a batch of this chocolate peppermint biscotti.

Well friends, that’s a wrap!  I tried to keep my list to 10, but I just kept coming across recipes that took me back to that first bite and I just had to relive the magic one more time!  The list could go on forever, but I decided it was in everyone’s interest to give myself a 15 recipe limit.

2015 was a fun year and I enjoyed taking another look at everything that had taken place over the past year on LL’s.  I can’t wait to see what delectable treats come along in 2016!

I cannot believe we have entered into another year.  It seems like yesterday I was sitting down to review your favorites recipes from 2014.  2015 has come and gone and it’s been a year to remember, to say the least.

It was a year filled with many memories, some bad but most of them truly amazing that I will hold close to my heart forever.  I had tons of fun in the kitchen trying out several different new recipes, catering 2 large (for me) events, and watching my little guy’s love for cooking grow even more.  Those were just a few cooking related accomplishments that took place last year.

A lot took place out of the kitchen too.  We started our first year of homeschool, which is going really well!  Since we’re in the homeschool world we’ve been able to tag along with the hubs and spend time with him while he’s been away on business.  We also spent an amazing week at the beach complete with crystal blue waters and the most amazing weather you could possibly ask for.  To wrap up the year we headed south to Orlando.  That’s right, my little guy spent his last week as a 5 year old in the land of magic.  We hit up Sea World, Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.  It was 8 days packed full of fun, magic and even snow!  It was pure joy seeing his eyes get so big and fill with so much awe and joy.  It truly was a magical experience for all of us!

2015 was an amazing year, to say the least.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2016.

I want to thank you all for your support, encouragement and love throughout the year.  I am I so excited this year.  But, before we get started let’s take a look back at some of your favorite recipes of 2015.

In January there were several recipes that got rave reviews, but the one that topped the list was Crack Sandwiches (A.K.A. Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders).  These little sandwiches are so easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for snacks and parties as well as weeknight meals.  These are a crowd favorite for all ages.

I admit, there are some days when I look for an acceptable excuse to have a cookie for breakfast!  And this Orange and Dark Chocolate Biscotti gives you the perfect reason to dunk a cookie in your morning cup of coffee.  This biscotti is flavored with orange zest and juice with chunks of chocolate throughout.  It’s made even more indulgent by taking a little dip in a pool of melted dark chocolate.  Yes, you’re welcome!

Another one of your favorites were these cherry cream cheese puff pastry bites.  These little jewels are another one of those simple, yet impressive recipes.  A few ingredients, about 30 minutes and you’ve got a plate full of these beautiful, flaky puff pastries filled with bright red cherries and a drizzle of white chocolate.  These little bites are perfect for an indulgent breakfast, brunch, and even dessert!

I can’t tell you how many gatherings I took this white bean and basil hummus to, but I can tell you that every time this dip popped up I was giving out the recipe from the time people took the first bite until after the bowl was scraped clean.  This is a terrific spin on the classic hummus and it’s filled with bright and earthy flavors that scream spring and summer.

You guys are truly people after my own heart.  I’m a sucker for foods that bring a since of nostalgia, and I can’t think of a better one than this blended root beer float.  This float is simple, it’s a slight twist on the original floats we all know and love, but it changes it up just  a touch.  Blending the ice cream and root beer combines that creamy fizzy element we all know and love, giving us the perfect amount of each in every sip.

You know, we can’t choose when a craving hits but sometimes we have a hard time quenching that craving when it’s say….a cup of hot chocolate in the middle of a 90 degree summer day.  But, when it’s a mug of frozen hot chocolate on a hot, summer day with a dollop of Nutella in the mix I’m all for that.  You all LOVED this frozen Nutella hot chocolate, making it one of the most popular recipe on the blog not only in June but the whole year!

This past summer was a doozy.  Each day felt like it was hotter than the one before and we were all looking ways to stay cool.  A cold drink is always in order and this homemade version of a soda fountain favorite was a delicious and fun way to beat the heat.  I can’t tell you how many times I made these Homemade orange Italian cream sodas, they were a heavily requested treat over the warmer months.

It seems like sweets and beverages were the theme for the year.  Here’s yet another beverage recipe that topped the ranks in 2015.  The simple, yet beautiful Gin, Lemon and Mint Martini.

Italian sub, Italian salad, I’m a sucker for anything and everything with salami, olives, pepperoni, and salty pickles.  These Italian skewers were no exception.  They are a cinch to make, even easier to eat and a true crowd pleaser.

Brownies are a favorite of practically everyone.  What’s not to love; chocolate, fudgy, stick-to-your-teeth goodness.  But when you add chocolate stout to the mix it takes that beloved dessert to a whole new level.

We all know and love the goodness that is pepper jelly atop tangy cream cheese.  It’s one of those simplistic recipes that is a crowd favorite.  But when you add tart cranberry sauce to the mix it takes this beloved favorite to a whole new level.  Pair with spicy pepper jelly and you’ve got a sweet, spicy, and tangy dip that is so addicting, but it also makes a great spread on ham and turkey sandwiches!

I think it’s safe to say that anyone who visited a Starbucks during the winter months spotted those beautiful white frosted bars speckled with bright cranberries and drizzled with chocolate.  Those Cranberry Bliss Bars were one of their most popular items until they switched bakery items a while back.  But have no fear, all you bliss bar lovers, you can make those addicting, chewy bars in the comfort of your own home whenever that craving hits.  This recipe is a dead-ringer for those bars that previously graced those pastry cases in the coffee house.

It’s been a fun walk down memory lane, remembering and drooling over all of these amazing recipes I had the opportunity to make last year.  I look forward to sharing my favorites of 2015 with you soon and then moving on to some tasty treats I have in store for you for 2016.  Can’t wait to see what tops the reader’s choice next this year!

2012 was a whirlwind of events, to say the least.  It was packed full of so many different things; some good and some bad but I survived them all and made it to another year.  I hope 2013 proves to be a little less crazy and stressful, but regardless of what’s to come I can’t wait to see what all 2013 holds in store. 

I had so much fun looking through all the recipes I had made throughout the year when I was putting together the 2012 reader’s choice.  I must say, all of you had a sweet toothe in 2012!  I love my sweets just as much as you and can’t wait to share some more goodies with you.  While I loved each and every recipe that ya’ll loved, there on some that didn’t make the “Reader’s Choice” list that I wanted to re-share with you.  I hope you all had a safe and wonderful new years, I know we did!  I can’t wait to share more craziness and delicious recipes with you this year!

Goat cheese and roasted poblano guacomole is a mouthful but it’s so worth it.  I think goat cheese was my favorite ingredient of the year; I love the creamy texture and the tangy taste, and it brings so much to any dish.  This guacomole was a hit from the first bite; it has a smokey flavor fromthe roasted poblanos, creamy butter flavor from the avocado and a slight tang from the goat cheese.  

I love anything with bacon and BLT’s are one of my all-time favorite sandwiches.  When I found a recipe for BLT Biscuits I was ecstatic, to say the least.  This is one of those things that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish.  It’s basic ingredients and is a perfect twist on a classic sandwich.  It’s a biscuit base with a creamy, mayonnaise baised topping with bacon and herbs then topped off with grape tomatoes.  It’s delicious and a recipe that Spencer continues to drool over and talk about to this day.

The first time I had Avocado enchiladas was when I was visiting one of my cousins.  We went to this little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant and he said their avocado enchiladas were amazing.  I was intrigued so I tried them.  My life changed, they were incredibly amazing; creamy, cheesey, gooey and delicious.  I honestly couldn’t get enough.  When I got home I knew I had to recreate that meal, and so I did and that’s how these babies came about.  

Mongolian beef is one of my “go to’s” when we eat Chinese.  I love the sticky, salty and sweetness of this dish.  Put it over rice and it’s a complete meal that is sure to please.  I was tickled when I came across this recipe and even more pleased when I made it and it resulted in the same flavors that I enjoy in the restaurant.  It’s definitely dangerous knowing how to make one of my all-time favorites!

Homemade bread is one of my, many, weaknesses.  What can I say, I love it!  This white bread was definitely a favorite thing of mine this year.  It reminds me of the bread a family friend made for us when I was growing up; light, buttery and fluffy.  So good and delicious fresh from the oven.

Browned butter cookies with caramel frosting were a surprising hit.  I’m normally not one to be wowed by a cookie that doesn’t include chocolate in some form, so when I tried these and instantly loved them I was kind of surprised.  This cookie has opened my eyes and helped me to learn to give those non-chocolate desserts a fighting chance.  They are chewy, almost melt in your mouth cookies that are topped with a soft caramel frosting.  In a few words, these cookies are to die for!

Bacon pecan brittle, to say this was a winner would be an understatement.  This stuff is amazing and I can’t tell you how proud I was of this creation when I made it.  It has the whole sweet, salty, savory thing going and it’s so good.  The salty bacon really helps to cut the sweetness of the brittle, the buttery pecans also add a whole other level of flavor and texture.  Every single person that tried this sweet and salty delicious could not get enough. 

It’s no surprise that this Brownie Pie was a hit with everyone that tried it.  It was a “go to” dessert for me in 2012.  It’s all the goodness of a brownie in the form of a pie; crispy edges with a fudgy, gooey center.

I could honestly continue listing more and more of my favorite recipes from 2012, but I’ll stop.  I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane, I know I have!  These pretty much hit all the high notes.  I can’t wait to share more goodies with you throughout 2013.

What would you like to see more of on Lynsey Lou’s this year?

Every year since I started the blog, I’ve had every intention of compiling a list of favorite posts.  But for some reason, each year, I just haven’t been able to get things together in time.  Well, 2012 is the year that changes!  I’m finally able to comprise a list that features the most popular posts of 2012.  I must say, it was a year of sweets for sure!  I guess I know what to make more of in 2013!