My turn, my turn!! As it turns out we have some very similar tastes, you and I, but there was a serious lack of dessert in your favorites. Don’t worry, I’ve more than made up for that here. So in no particular order, here are my very favorites (and yes, it was SO hard to choose!) of 2013. Also, unintentionally more than half of them happen to be from Drink & Dish. Must be because working with this girl is always exciting, inspiring, and FUN!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake Cups {easily gluten-free-able}
I always get my best ideas for Steve’s birthday dessert. You know what they say about love coming through your food and all that hippy dippy stuff? I totally believe it. These tasted like pure love, and are without a doubt one of my favorite desserts of all time.
Caramel Stuffed Ginger Molasses Cookies {gluten-free + vegan}
I still can’t get over these, and I made them twice this holiday season. Everyone at work kept asking me to make more. I love soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies, and with that gooey piece of caramel on they inside, they are just irresistible (<—an other word I ALWAYS spell wrong).
Inside Out Buckeye Cookies {gluten-free + vegan}
So I have a thing about stuffing cookies. Obviously. This was one of those recipes where I truly loved everything about it–from concept to taste, and I even though they looked beautiful which is a rare occurrence for me.
Cookie Butter Cookie Dough Bars {vegan}
Nicole and I talked for hours about what dessert we would make for after we completed our marathon. She made brownies (duh), and in my cookie butter obsession, I came up with these. They were SO good. I literally couldn’t stay away. Graham cracker crust, cookie butter cookie dough, and salted dark chocolate. It’s the stuff dreams are made of.
Brussels Sprouts with Apple, Bacon & Dates {gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo}
My mom always talks about how these are the best veggies she’s ever eaten. They turned my brussels sprouts hating husband into a believer, and they disappear faster than you can say the title (granted the title is super long). I crave them all the time, and there is nothing like a veggie dish that tastes like comfort food.
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing {gluten-free, dairy-free, easily vegan-able}
This is an other family favorite. I’ve also had friends and readers make this to rave reviews. My brother was so skeptical, but he tried it on Thanksgiving and came up to me specifically to tell me that this made him like stuffing. It’s great as a meal any time of year, or the perfect impressive Thanksgiving side dish.
Jalapeno Popper Hot Dogs {gluten-free}
This is what happens when this girl comes to visit. Our brains work like magic, and the best recipe ideas come out of it. I knew I wanted to create a fancy hot dog, but the rest of the magic I can’t even take credit for. The result was definitely the best hot dog I have ever eaten, and something I made multiple times this summer.
Red, White & Blue Grilled Cheese {gluten-free, vegetarian}
In case you didn’t know, melty cheese actually goes perfectly with blueberries and raspberry jam. I don’t just make this for the 4th of July. It’s one of my favorite easy dinners year round. It might sound kinda strange at first, but just trust me, okay? 😉
Loaded Baked Potato Salad {gluten-free}
I don’t know if this one even needs words. Literally a loaded baked potato meets potato salad, and the result is a side dish that will disappear first at your barbecue or get together. My husband is always requesting this as well as the sweet potato salad that came after it. Totally addicting, and a lot healthier than you would expect!
Cookie Butter Streusel Banana Bread {vegan + easily gluten-free-able}
I resisted the banana bread thing for a long time. I really have no idea why because ever since I made this one, I’ve been literally obsessed. I don’t usually like baked goods with cookie butter or nutella baked inside because I feel like the flavor gets muted, but swirled and in a crunchy streusel topping you get the best of both worlds in this ridiculously soft and tender treat.
Gingerbread Granola {gluten-free + vegan}
I have a granola problem. In fact, this is my second favorite granola from 2013, but I haven’t shared my first favorite with you, so that will have to wait until next year. But this granola is right up there. Gingerbread cookie in granola form…let’s just say it didn’t last long. 😉
So, that’s that. I guess I already asked you what your favorite was, so this time tell me your favorite dish that YOU made this year. Or just tell me more things that I made that you like because that’s fun. We all know how I like to be the center of attention. No shame.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
As usual, excuse my drool. You included some of my favs- Brussels sprouts, I love you! Happy New Year friend! Can’t wait to see what deliciousness you have for us in 2014.
Ari says
Happy New Year to you too, and I’m glad you love brussels as much as I do! 🙂
Amanda @runtothefinish says
ohh can you come over and cook for me?! I’d take anything on that list!
Ari says
Depends, do you live somewhere cool? If so, then I’ll be right over! 😉
MIZ says
our FAVE was the granola!!
Ari says
YAY!! I’m totally granola ob.sess.ed.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
Seriously, I could make your recipes for days. You inspire me to cook more. Just need to inspire those little people in the house to eat what I cook! ha! xoxo Happy New Year friend!
Ari says
Haha I know the little ones can be tricky! Happy New Year to you too!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Ooh, what a great recap of the year! I missed one or two of these. I love coming over here and drooling over everything! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2014!
Ari says
Thanks Laura! Probably lots of chocolate and spaghetti squash if I know myself… 😉
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says
You picked some great ones!! I love all of your cookies!
I actually don’t do any of the cooking in our house, so I didn’t make much this year!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted…2014 Goals: The Year of the Ironman
Ari says
Really?? See, I’d MUCH rather do the cooking than the dishes. Or laundry. Or pretty much anything related to cleaning. I just cook a lot and hope that it makes up for my lack of cleaning. 😉
Ericka @ The Sweet Life says
Clearly, I’ve been missing out on some amazing stuff! These all sound good, especially those desserts. The caramel ginger cookies? What an awesome creation! Congrats on all these winners!
Ari says
Awww thanks Ericka! The ginger cookies were a definite favorite for my friends and family too!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
Hehe, you’re too cute! I love your list of favorites. Now I’m kinda feeling left out that I didn’t do one. 😉
Ari says
It’s not too late! 🙂
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says
Ohhh I love these posts – Its nice to see how much was accomplished in a year in terms of favorite recipes, so much goodness! Happy new year 2014! xo
Ari says
I know!! It’s crazy to think about how many recipes I made throughout the year, and trying to choose favorites is SO hard! Happy New Year to you too my friend! xoxo
Katy says
I could have guessed these were some of your tops judging by the excitement in your writing when you posted them. 😛 I was definitely not surprised to see those PBJ cups as your number one, they look super delicious!! 🙂
Ari says
Okay that is an AWESOME comment! I love hearing that my enthusiasm comes out in my writing…sometimes I just feel like I’m saying the same old thing over and over. OMG the PB & J cups and every single other cheesecake cup that came after them…so dangerous!
Heather says
I need to make the cookie butter bars immediately. Somehow I missed them the first time around. DANGIT.
Ari says
Oh girl, you will love them! xoxo
Stephanie says
zomg, I love the desserts but what I REALLY want is that hot dog. droooool
Ari says
Haha I feel ya! I want like 7 more of them! Thanks Stephanie!