Baking 2011

And here we are, another year gone. Can you believe it? The first half of the year is a little bit of a blur, and the last few months have been dominated by anticipation of our new arrival coming in the Spring. One thing I can say about 2011 is that I did a lot of baking. Here are some of my favorite recipes from the last year, though it was hard to narrow the list down to just ten.

Let me also say real quick how much I appreciate you all, my readers. I look forward to each comment and email and I am incredibly flattered and excited that you keep coming back. Here’s to another great year in 2012! I hope it’s filled with realized goals, meaningful relationships, and of course, lots of great food.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. This is my new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and I don’t mind bragging that it’s damn near perfect.

Clementine Buttermilk Scones. This was one of the first recipes of the year and these scones are delightfully simple, and a great way to use up winter citrus.

How to Build a Layer Cake. This isn’t specifically a recipe, but it was one of my most popular posts of the year and one my favorite to write. The recipe for the cake used in the tutorial can be found here, Yellow Cake with Fudge Buttercream.

Basil Ice Cream

Basil Ice Cream. I think if my husband had to choose his favorite dessert of the year, he’d choose this one. It definitely was one of the more unusual dishes to come out of my kitchen, and it sure was yummy.

Peanut butter cookies

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies continue to be a hit with everyone who tries them. They’re so simple, and you’d never know they only have four ingredients. Plus, naturally gluten free!

Slice of pie

Summer Berry Pie. Few things are as sublime as berries baked in a flaky pie crust, and this pie delivers.

Dashboard Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dashboard Choc Chip Cookies. I know, two chocolate chip recipes in my top ten. But these ones were baked inside my car!

Peach Sangria Sorbet

Peach Sangria Sorbet. This last summer I became obsessed with sangria, so much so that I created a sorbet recipe around it. On a hot summer day, nothing is better than this.

Cranberries and Cream Tart

Cranberries and Cream Tart. I’m not sure what I loved most about this tart, the pecan cookie crust, the rich creamy filling, or the homemade cranberry sauce on top. All together it’s absolutely incredible.

Apple Gouda Hand Pies

Apple Gouda Hand Pies. These pastries have been on my to-bake list for ages and this fall I finally made them a reality. Apples and cinnamon, with cheese, and flaky pastry make one tasty combination.

What was the best thing you baked in 2011? What new things are you looking forward to trying in 2012? Do you have any recipes you’d like to see here on Completely Delicious?