Collage 2010

2010 was a big year for me. It was the year I finally got serious about baking and blogging regularly and the year that you started paying attention. A big thank you and welcome to all of you who joined me in 2010. Who knew that complete strangers could be so kind and become instant friends online. I feel very encouraged and can’t wait to see what 2011 will bring.

I baked a lot of great stuff this past year, tried new things, and even expanded my comfort zone. Here’s a look back at my 10 most favorite recipes to come out of my kitchen in 2010.

For my birthday in February I made myself this Crepe Cake. It was the best birthday cake I’ve ever had. Seriously, so good.

2010 was the year I discovered Sugar Cookie Bars. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, please make some for yourself.  They are delicious, and best of all, ridiculously easy.

While it isn’t a baked item, this Lemon Curd is amazing, and the perfect thing to slather on just about anything. It’s been a favorite of mine for a while and I finally gave you a tutorial on how to make it yourself.

I’m still battling it out with yeast breads. Sometimes I’m successful, other times I fail. I have managed to perfect these Challah Rolls, however. They’ve got great flavor and sure are pretty.

This last year I was given an ice cream machine and it has become the gift that keeps on giving. I’ve tried a lot of great homemade ice cream recipes, but so far Mint Chocolate Chip is still my favorite. It’s creamy and packed full of mint flavor and crunchy dark chocolate.

Ready for the coals

This Peach and Huckleberry Peach Cobbler was definitely one of the more unique recipes I posted in 2010. It was baked in a dutch oven over a campfire at our family cabin in Idaho with fresh mountain huckleberries we picked ourselves.

Baked Alaska Slice
One of the Daring Bakers Challenges this year was Baked Alaska. I fully embraced the challenge and fell head over heels in love with the beautiful brown butter pound cake topped with strawberry ice cream and scorched meringue. Swoon.
Frosting cupcakes
The fall was largely dominated by Project Food Blog. It was among the highlights of the year. For one thing, it finally forced me to post a tutorial on Italian Meringue Buttercream.

If I had to pick just one favorite from the year, it probably would be this Triple Browned Cake. It’s hard to beat a cake make from brown butter and brown sugar, topped with a brown sugar meringue.

On camera

One of the most fun things I did this year was make a cooking video. It was for another Project Food Blog Challenge and I showcased my favorite Chocolate Cake recipe. The cake is amazing and if you watch the video, you’ll see how easy it is to make.

There you have it, my favorite recipes of 2010! I wish you all a Happy New Year!