2012 in Review: A Reflection of My Resolution and Recipes

Posted on Dec 31st, 2012

by Johanna

Categories:

Various Other Ramblings

As we wrap up the year, I want to look back on some of my favorite recipes from 2012 and reflect on my new year’s resolution. I didn’t quite keep it. There were two weeks over the past year that were so hectic that I was just not able to cook a new recipe. But I’m proud of my effort. I tried many, many new things. I would say that overall, I averaged 2-3 new recipes a week. In doing so, we discovered some new favorites that will surely be added to my regular repertoire (some of which already have been made numerous times). I’ve learned a great deal about vegetarian cooking, Thai and Indian cooking, and how to create recipes of my own.

So what’s next, now that the year, as well as the resolution that came along with it, are complete? Honestly, I’m not really sure. There have been times when planning, cooking, and posting new recipes have begun to feel like a burden, and that is the last thing I want. This is meant to be a fun pastime, a creative outlet, and I will do what it takes to make sure it stays just that. I do have goals for the next year. I want to improve my food photography, and I’m hopeful that the new external flash that Santa brought me for Christmas will help. And perhaps a camera tune-up. I think all the time spent in the Messy Kitchen are beginning to take their toll on my poor little Canon. I also want to continue creating and sharing more original recipes. I want to move away from posts that are simply rehashing recipes. I have found that my favorite posts are those that tell a story. Dinner theater, if you will. These are more personal, and much more fun to write.

So there’s a hint at things to come. But first, my all time favorites from 2012.

Top 10 Recipes:

Apricot Almond Truffles
With only seven all natural ingredients, these truffles are as good as it gets. The recipe also works great with dried fig. These little goodies made excellent Christmas gifts this year.

Hot Banana Quinoa Breakfast Cake
This dish has become a staple in my hard to penetrate line-up of breakfast regulars. It’s great with peanut butter and jelly or vanilla yogurt and maple syrup.

BBQ Tofu with Smoked Cheddar Grits, Roasted Tomatoes and Fried Leeks
Simple yet gourmet, this dish is good enough to make a Yankee like grits.

Noodleless Vegetarian Pad Thai for Two
Pad Thai without noodles?! I understand why you’re skeptical. But you won’t be once you try it. I promise.

Buffalo Chicken Chili
My husband has declared this to be the best thing I’ve ever made. I’ve yet to see him eat it without mentioning, between bites, how lucky he is.

Spiced Rosemary Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are my favorite cookies of all time. End of story.

Spicy BBQ Chickpea Burgers
These are good enough to be on a meat-eater’s list of favorites. In fact last time I went out of town, Courtney made these and ate them all week.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Turkey Burgers Wrapped in Prosciutto with Apples & Fig Preserves
This flavor combination makes for one killer burger. Don’t skip the homemade buns, trust me.

Curried Quinoa Wrap with Avo-Citrus Slaw
Sometimes I make a double batch of these wraps and eat them for two weeks straight. Other times I wish I had. They are impossible to tire of.

Balsamic Almond Butter-Glazed Chickpea Burgers with Brie
We never forget about this early favorite. In fact I’ve probably made this more than any other new recipe!