Reader Favorites from 2013

Another year is winding to a close, and that means it’s time to take a look back at the posts you guys loved the most. I’ve heard that some people hate end of the year recaps like this one, but I personally love them. I’m always very reflective at the end of a year, and this gives me a chance to look back and get a feel for what you guys like and possibly what you want to see more of in the upcoming year. Plus, I love seeing them on other blogs because it gives me a chance to take a look at a recipe I may have missed.

Here are your top 10 favorites, starting with number 10 and working our way to the most popular recipe from 2013.

Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Burgers with Guacamole – We made these burgers so many times over the summer, so I’m not at all surprised to see them on the list. Also, you guys seem to like the jalapeño and cheese combination (hint hint).

Broccoli Pesto Pasta – This recipe is one I was surprised to see on the top 10. We loved it, as did Clara, but I’m used to seeing lots of sweets in these recaps. It makes sense when I think about it, though, because this recipe is simple and flavorful, and that makes it a great one to have in your back pocket when you’re in a dinner rut.

Blueberry Cornmeal Butter Cake – Fresh blueberries, a crumbly topping, and something called cake that’s completely acceptable to eat for breakfast. Yeah, I’m right there with you and can see why this one made the list.

Baked Tex-Mex Pimiento Cheese Dip – I love this recipe for so many reasons, most of all because it makes me think of my wonderful blogging friends and the time they came to see me before Clara was born (sniff, almost two years ago!). This one is insanely delicious and would make a great New Year’s Eve (or Super Bowl) snack. Be warned: people gather near this dip and will not leave until it is demolished.

Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes – These cupcakes were a huge hit at Clara’s birthday party, and I definitely expected them to make the list. It’s hard to beat a tender cupcake with pastry cream and a pie crust garnish…

Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes – Unless, of course, it’s a cupcake with booze. I like how you guys think. I made a lot of cupcakes this year, and this one was tied with another as my favorite cupcake recipe.

Nutella Espresso Mousse Brownies – Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate. That pretty much sums up these brownies. They’re decadent and totally swoon-worthy, so I can see why they were so popular. I’ll be making them for Valentine’s Day, if not sooner.

Pan-Crisped Salmon with Light Garlic Dijon Cream Sauce – I know this is one of maybe three fish recipes on here, but I promise I’m working on that. This salmon recipe was a big hit with all three of us. I love anything that involves a Dijon cream sauce, and I will readily admit to drizzling this sauce over everything on my plate when we made this recipe.

Chicken Tortilla Casserole – Comfort food has always been popular with you guys, and this is a fresh spin on the usual casserole. You’re all well aware of my love of Tex-Mex food, and this recipe is one of my favorites from this year. I’m so glad you guys liked it, too.

Jalapeño Cornbread Whoopie Pies with Goat Cheese and Bacon Filling – I still get so many comments from friends about these whoopie pies and am not at all surprised they took the number one spot. These things disappeared from Clara’s birthday party, and Eric and I liked them so much that we could barely control ourselves around them before our guests arrived. They really are that good.