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Our favorites from 2011

I enlisted Mike’s and Adam’s assistance in narrowing down our favorites from 2011.  We each chose 3 favorites from 2011 (only rule was they could not have appeared on the most popular post from yesterday), and then I selected 3 bonus recipes that are family favorites. 

**Adam’s 3 favorites**

Cottage Cheese Pancakes -Without a doubt these are Adam’s favorite thing in the whole world.  I make a double batch every month to freeze, as he is always asking for some cottage cheese pancake strips.  He’s happy, we’re happy, it’s a win-win.

Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes – These are a very close second to the cottage cheese pancakes.  Once Adam ate an impressive 7 pancakes in one sitting! 

Garden Pizza Puffs – Like most kids, Adam loves anything in pancake form or muffin form.  He calls these ‘pizza muffins.’  I often make them with spinach or broccoli, and they are a huge hit at dinnertime.

**Mike’s 3 favorites**

Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Scones – This was my first attempt at ever making scones, and Mike insisted these were the best things I ever made. 

Ravioli with Roasted Zucchini – Within a week of making this for the first time, we made it at least 3 more times.  We don’t repeat meals nearly that often, but we just couldn’t get enough!

Triple Chocolate Malted Cookies – I made these a few years ago and Mike has been asking for them ever since. 

**Alida’s 3 favorites**

Banana Split Cupcakes – These cupcakes are fun to make, end up so cute and are always a crowd pleaser.  I love the surprise inside, which is so easy.

Black Bean Chili with Roasted Butternut SquashThis was a new recipe for me this year, and I love the sweetness of the butternut squash with the spicy chili.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Lemon Ricotta PancakesI loved this new spin on my old favorite ricotta pancake recipe.  Blueberry and lemon are always a wonderful combination.  My mom started making this recipe, and even my dad, who doesn’t typically like blueberry pancakes, loved these!

 **Bonus picks**

Tortellini Soup with Chunky Tomatoes and SpinachWhile in general I’m not a soup person, I do make an exception for very few. This soup ranks at the top of that list! Since posting this recipe, my mom added this to their rotation and has made it nearly every week.

Grandma’s Peanut Blossoms – My family LOVES these peanut blossoms more than any other cookie (maybe even dessert).  Catch them when they’re fresh out of the oven, and they are warm, the chocolate is melty, and they are just to die for.  My grandma knew what she was doing in the kitchen, and this recipe is no exception.

The Best Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce – This is my most requested recipe by far.  It’s easy to whip together, delicious and healthy too!

That’s all folks!   Whether you’re a long time reader or brand new, I thank you all for being here.  2011 was a fun year, and I have many exciting things planned for you in 2012.  So have a very Happy New Year!  Cheers!

Land ‘o Lakes Eggs

As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program with Land ‘o Lakes, I was the lucky recipient of coupons for 2 dozen free Land ‘o Lakes eggs.  We use so many Land ‘o Lakes products, from cottage cheese to light butter to ice cream, I was definitely excited for the opportunity to use their eggs.  The Land ‘o Lakes website has a wealth of information about their eggs, including the Egg Essentials Brochure, which details their different types of eggs, as well as their benefits.  I chose the Omega 3 eggs.  Since I don’t eat any fish, I’m always looking to get my good fats from other sources.

I used the eggs in several recipes, including Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Skinny Pumpkin Pie, Peanut  Butter Surprise Muffins, Easy Spinach and Cheese Lasagna, and here are a couple pictures of others that will be posted in the coming weeks.  I absolutely love these eggs, but something happened that makes me love Land ‘o Lakes even more.
 One night I was making Pumpkin Banana Pancakes.  I opened the refrigerator to grab the eggs, and then SMACK!  The egg carton slipped out of the fridge and onto the ceramic floor.  Oh NO!  This happened once before, with a different brand of eggs (full carton, mind you) and I lost them ALL.  Now Mike was gone, Adam was asleep, I had partial pancake batter, thought I lost the rest of my eggs, and was dreading the mess.  It was 10pm, and I was tired.  I reluctantly picked up the carton, looked through the clear packaging, and….I saw only one little crack.  Could it be?  I opened the carton, picked each one up and indeed…I only lost ONE egg.  Whoever created the packaging for the Land ‘o Lakes eggs is pure genius!  It saved my eggs from a potential disaster.  Premium quality eggs, premium quality packaging, Land ‘o Lakes eggs rock!

Tomorrow I will share with you the recipe for the Pumpkin Banana Pancakes.  Adam absolutely LOVED them and so did we!