Our Favorite Recipes from 2012!

The other day, I posted the most popular recipes from 2012 based on what you've viewed. Those include many of our favorites as well, however today, I am sharing our picks from 2012.  I did this last year, and the rule was that we just couldn't choose any from the top 10 most popular recipes.     My intent was to select only twleve, but it was a challenge.  So we made it a baker's dozen to ring in 2013.   Happy New Year!

Top 10 Recipes from 2012: Reader Favorites!

As we are nearing the end of 2012, it is time to look back at the most popular new recipes of the year ~ YOUR favorite recipes!

Over a year and a half since starting Alida's Kitchen, it has been such a fun opportunity to share what goes on in our kitchen with you. My hope is to have inspired you to get in the kitchen, to try something new and/or different, to make something special for loved ones or simply to treat yourself.  I have so many recipes and ideas for 2013, including many delicious, healthy recipes to start the new year.  I am eager to start sharing them all with you.  In the meantime, let's look back at the 10 most popular recipes from 2012 on Alida's Kitchen!     

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats ~ Round Up

 

Each week for the past 11 weeks, I have joined a group of bloggers in sharing a variety of holiday treats as part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats (I missed week #1).  I can't believe we started all the way back in September, and here we are less than a week away from Christmas!  In the event you still have some holiday treats to make (or if you're like me and stockpiling recipes for next year!), below is a round up of the treats I shared.  Just click on the recipe name after the Week # and you'll be directed to the corresponding post.

I have also selected an "Alida's Pick" from each week, featuring a link to a recipe by another blogger.  There are so many delicious recipes that were shared over the past weeks, it was hard to choose. 

I want to thank Brenda from Meal Planning Magic for hosting the blog event 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats, as well as all the other fellow bloggers for participating.  My list of recipes to make has increased exponentially as a result!

Soup's on at Panera!

A couple weeks ago, we got blasted with snow, and it's been a chilly December ever since. Definite soup weather! Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to check out Panera Bread's soup line...and am so glad that I did. While I'm not generally a soup person, I found a soup that I not only love, but have been dreaming of ever since! 

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Cream Cheese Meltaways

Cream Cheese Meltaways with Lemon Glaze are little bite-sized cookies that are a light and delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter.  These cookies were a new addition this year, and they were an instant favorite!  The lemon glaze gives just a hint of lemony sweetness to the cream cheesy butter cookies.  The recipe for glaze makes plenty.  You could probably get by with using half the glaze recipe, or better yet - double the cookie recipe...these will go fast!   

RedLaser - the secret weapon for smart shoppers!

For several weeks now, I have been sharing favorite recipes for cookies, bars, and cakes to help make your holiday celebrations a little sweeter. In lieu of a recipe today, I am excited to share with you a secret weapon designed to help you save money and make your life a little easier ~ all with ease using a free app on your smart phone, called RedLaser. I tested out several of RedLaser's features, including price comparison, loyalty cards storage, and scanning food items to get allergen and ingredient information and more. Here are some of the highlights:\

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Chewy Ginger Cookies

When it comes to holiday baking, I enjoy trying new recipes, but I also like to have some go-to recipes.   Standby recipes that are guaranteed to be crowd pleasers and are easy to make.  For years, I have been trying to find that special recipe for a ginger cookies.  These Chewy Ginger Cookies are the top contender for becoming that special recipe.  They are super soft and chewy with the warm flavors of ginger and molasses in each bite.   The dough takes less than 10 minutes to make, which is always a bonus! 

This marks the final week of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats hosted by Meal Planning Mom.  Be sure to check out the thumbnails at the bottom of this post for more delicious holiday treats!   

Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies

So I had a different treat to share with you today, but after making these Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies the other treat got bumped to another day.  Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies are tasty, fun and festive...perfect for this time of year!  The red and white cookie is a light-tasting peppermint butter cookie, and then topped with a chocolate kiss. 

After a test batch, I determined it necessary to make the cookie base a little larger.  Based on the amount from the original recipe, the cookie was too small, and the kiss dominated the cookie.  By making the cookie slightly larger, the cookie to kiss ratio was perfected.  These are by far my new favorite holiday cookie.  They would make an adorable and delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Cookies for Kids' Cancer ~ Cookie Exchange

Every year I have a list of must-make holiday cookie recipes, including Peanut Blossoms, Pretzel Kiss Candies, something with ginger, as well as several others. It's always fun to add new recipes to the mix, and that is where the genius idea of a Cookie Exchange Party is great. You get the benefit of trying several new recipes without a) having to do all that work and b) the risk of making several dozen of something that you wished turned out differently (or sadly wished you never made!).

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