Hi there! I hope you had the merriest of holidays! :)
This past week has been the epitome of relaxation. Normally our trips to visit Ben’s parents in DC are go-go-go (which, as an eternal sight-seer, I adore) but 3 out of our 5 days there were spent hanging around the house with the family, sipping hot chocolate by the fire, and reading my brains out (I’ll fill you in on my favorite books on Friday!)
You know what? It was NICE. Nice not having an agenda, nice not worrying about which museums we had to hit before leaving, and nice knowing there was nothing to do, but do nothing at all. I can’t tell you the last time I took a trip and felt that way! Ok, well, Jamaica where there were no worries, but even there I spent several days worrying about how we were going to get to Rick’s Cafe…which we never did. Damned unlimited rum punch!
Anyways, that said, no trip to our nation’s capitol would be complete without a little sightseeing, so we humored my insatiable, inner-tourist and had a couple of days filled with fun, only-found-in-DC activities, too. I’ll fill you in later this week!
Before we get back to regularly scheduled programming, I wanted to feature the Top 12 Recipes of 2012, as chosen by me!
In case you missed it, a few days ago I featured the Top 12 Recipes of 2012 based on YOUR clicks, pins, and shares, and while many of those recipes are for sure my faves, there are even more yummy, mouthwatering, thirst-quenching recipes that didn’t make the list. Here they are, in no particular order. I hope you enjoy!
Fresh Apple Cake
Baked Chicken Caesar Nachos
Dad’s Killer Beergaritas
Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce
Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing
Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves
Homemade Cheeseburger Helper
Caprese Lasagna with Spicy Turkey Sausage
Sesame Chicken Fried Rice
Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Bonus: Bacon-Wrapped Almond-Stuffed Dates
Bacon-Wrapped Almond-Stuffed Dates
Thank you again for making 2012 such a great year!! :D
Oh, also! Mind if I ask where you got your boots?! Super cute!
Thanks! I ordered them from DSW last year!
I can’t wait to try your potstickers! I’m a huge lover of appetizers and am always trying new ones! Love your recap…hope you had a wonderful new years!
xoxoxo
I remember lots of these recipes. They look delicious! And wonderful food photography as always :)
Oh, everything looks really tasty! Keep ’em coming!
OMGosh – bacon-wrapped almond-stuffed dates??? WOW!!! I HAVE to try those for sure! Thanks for all the great recipes – Have a happy and healthy New Year!! ;-)
Thanks for the tip on the scarf – and for the quick response!! I love IGE for the food, of course, but the fashion is a fun part of your site too!
ps – My hubby is from Iowa – we love it there!
This is off the topic of food, but I LOVE your scarf! I got an awesome navy blue coat for Christmas (this one – but obvs in the navy blue color: and I have no idea what scarf/gloves to pair with it. Any suggestions?!?!
LOVE that coat! I got the scarf at Gap right before Christmas, and I wear brown leather gloves from Younkers. Warm and cozy!
These are all on my favorite list too- some I still have to make, but that might be just because I can’t stop making the Thai turkey burgers! Thank you for all the recipes! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Thank you for all your amazing recipes, I have made more than I can count and have loved them all! So many I have made over and over and you have helped me add some Chinese to my list of what I can cook! I absolutely love your blog and always look forward to trying your new recipes. I think some of your favorites have missed my list but I will definitely be trying them as well! Safe travels home and a wonderful healthy & happy 2013!!!!!
The BBQ cheddar meatloaf is one of my favorite recipes of yours! I was sorting through my stack of printed recipes this weekend and came across the Cheeseburger Helper recipe, decided to try it out that night since I had all the ingredients on hand. It was SO good! Can’t wait to see what you come up with for 2013!
Thank you for reminding me about some of my own favorites…um, seriously, I could LIVE off those dates!! Better yet, it’s good to see some sure-to-be favorites I have yet to make. Time to add to my to-do list :)
The mini cheddar bbq meatloafs are one of my favorites of your recipes. The sauteed onions and cubes of cheese really make the difference.
Are you guys at the Willard hotel in that first picture?? I live right outside of DC and used to go to the Willard for dinner with my family all the time before they closed the restaurant there. Their prime rib was THE BEST EVER and I don’t even like steak. So good! BTW if you weren’t at the Willard you can ignore this comment ;) Haha! Glad you had a wonderful Christmas!
We are!! We’re obsessed with the Round Robin Bar inside – it was too packed this time to grab a drink though, so we headed over to Old Ebbitt instead. Another fave. :)