I had a great time sorting through all the recipes I made in 2010, but it was so hard to choose my favorites. Most of the Top 10 are recipes that were also enjoyed by my family and friends. They are the “crowd-pleasers”, and the ones I will definitely make again in 2011. This year, I added an Honorable Mention category for recipes that aren’t Top 10 for taste, but trust me, the memories of making them will last a lifetime.

Breakfast
This crunchy buckwheat granola is a fabulous topping for yogurt, but could also be enjoyed as a portable snack. And it made a lovely hostess gift this fall in a pretty glass jar tied with ribbon.

Lunch
I made a lot of different lunch wraps this year, but my favorite used this curried cashew spread. It contains healthy fats and protein, and has so much flavor. The spread was perfect with some crunchy fresh vegetables on a whole grain wrap.

Appetizers
I feel guilty reminding you of these appetizers in the winter, but both the zucchini galette and the Tomato, Red Onion, and Basil Bruschetta were instant hits this summer. Seasonal produce, fresh herbs, enjoyed while watching beautiful summer sunsets….don’t worry, I’ll remind you again in July.

Dinner
This Chana Masala recipe got me started with Indian cooking. The spices are so beautiful, and this recipe really expanded my culinary horizons. I am proud to say that it became a dish I could throw together on a whim any weeknight.

I also had to include two different French dishes which are fancy enough for a dinner party, but easy enough for anyone to make: Mushroom Bourguignon, and Coq au Riesling. Plus, they provide the perfect excuse to sip wine while you cook.

Beverages
Speaking of wine, this Spiced Red Wine was a hit at my cookie swap. It’s easy to throw together, sits in your crockpot, and is suitable for any winter gathering.

Desserts
Two desserts really stood out this year. First, the Chocolate Souffle Cupcakes with Mint Cream which my family enjoyed somewhere around St. Patrick’s Day. But these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls were also great, and were well received at two different parties this fall.

Honorable Mention: Recipes I Won’t Forget

There was the great homemade cracker experiment of 2010, which led me to understand just how much salt is required to make a cracker tasty. Then there was the time my family took 25 lbs. of tomatoes and turned them into containers of homemade sauce. And finally, the night we spent making 2 monkey cakes and dozens of monkey cupcakes for my nephew’s 1st birthday party.

It’s been quite a year, and I thank you for sharing it with me. Next week we’ll talk about goals for 2011, and changes in the works, but right now I am off to make a veggie and dip tray to bring to a New Year’s Eve party.

Did I miss a recipe you really enjoyed? Feel free to tell me in the comments. Happy New Year!

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