Looking Back on 2012: My Favorite Recipes

By Jeannette Ordas of Everybody likes Sandwiches

One of my favourite ways to start the new year is to look back at all the recipes I've made over the past year and make note of the ones that I loved the best. I've narrowed down all my weekly posts into 12 favourites for 2012 below. You can see my list here for 2011.

It's hard to hate chocolate (unless you really are one of those who just do), that's why two my favourite recipes that I made for Poppytalk involved chocolate, of course. First up, Nanaimo Bars.  What more can be said about these treats? I waxed poetically about them back in November and I can't wait to make another batch. A true Canadian classic. 

And if you're looking for a way to introduce chocolate to breakfast, say hello to these very coffee-shop worthy baked goods: Chocolate and Cherry Cream Scones. Whole wheat flour gets added for a wholesome and nutty crumb and bittersweet chocolate and cherries just make a good partnership.

Soup season is here and I made quite a few soups this past year. The Smokey Southwestern Apple and Squash Soup from last February totally hits the spot. Chipotle, jalepeno and chili powder add heat while the squash and apple provide a natural sweetness. Serious flavour and seriously good. Why  haven't you made this yet? 

I'm not sure what it is about this Potato and Lentil Soup, but it tastes like home. It's comforting as any good soup should be and it's a quick meal that can easily be gathered from the remains of a pantry. Did I mention that it's also an affordable meal too?

First thoughts about coleslaw and potato salad and you might think mayo. Lots and lots of mayo. Not here. First off is this Sunshine Citrus Slaw. It's colourful and looks like summer but uses ingredients like cabbage, lemons and limes that make it very winter-friendly. 

This Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad doesn't share much with its mayo-laden cousin. Instead, this tangy, salty potato salad reminds me of potato chips. Seriously. Chips. But in a salad. A new favorite for me.

How can you say no to something I like to call Magic Juice? This drink is mind-blowingly good. Blood oranges and limes get freshly juiced and mixed with a whack of grated ginger for this delicious looking bevy. Serve over ice or if you want to make this even better, store the pitcher in the freezer for an hour or so to get a little slushy. Looking for something with a kick that doesn't come from alcohol, make this magic juice now. 

I'll always remember 2012 as the year za'atar entered my life. Za'atar is a simple spice blend that combines sumac, herbs du provence, salt and lightly toasted sesame seeds into the salad topper of the year.

Let's not forget about pasta! Fill up your bowl with colourful vegetables in this Vegetable Pasta Bake. Cheese and a easy bechamel sauce round up the comfort level. Cold outside? This is your ticket to a comforting weeknight meal.  

These Spicy Garlic-Ginger Noodles leave creamy aside and go for a big hit of spicy. It's ready in a jiffy and I love the mix of asian flavours: ginger, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, sesame oil and hosin sauce. It all comes together into a delicious meal that becomes a little addicting.

People go nuts for the combination of rhubarb and strawberry. Fools. I think ginger and rhubarb makes everything way better. For example, this Double Ginger Rhubarb Crumble. Fresh ginger gets candied into the rhubarb and it also makes an extra appearance in the crumble topping. Such a perfect dessert that subs easily for breakfast with a heap of tart yogurt alongside. 

Oatmeal isn't something people usually get excited about. So let me change your mind with this bowl of Creamy Apple and Cinnamon Oats. Sure, it's a healthy good start to your day, but it's also really delicious. Spicy, tasty and good for me? Totally.  

If you've made something from the past year of recipe, please let me know in the comments below! Or if you've got a favourite from my list, I'd love to hear about it. Here's to more cooking and baking to look forward to in 2013!