Though it was the most difficult year of my life, 2013 also had some very sweet moments. Cooking, baking, and blogging became a rock for me. As I reflect back on the top ten sweet recipes of 2013, as chosen by all of you, I am reminded of just how much your support helped me through. I am so happy to know I can return to these delectable treats with only the fondest of memories!
Coming in tenth is my mom's famous sangria. With four types of alcohol and all that yummy, boozy fruit, it's no wonder it made this year's best of list.
Staying on the booze cruise, I've got this bourbon peach jam. I absolutely loved it and y'all must have too because it came in ninth here and will make a reappearance as part of one of 2013's most popular savory recipes.
I really got into the salty and sweet flavor combination last year and these pretzel-chocolate chip muffins were definitely the pinnacle. Just looking back at the photo makes me want to whip up a batch for breakfast this weekend.
These pecan pie mini cupcakes made a believer out of me. I'm not a pecan pie fan, but holy cow were these incredible!
The next two posts were actually on the bittersweet side for me. After the horrific tornado that ripped through Oklahoma in May of last year, I was heartbroken. Growing up in Oklahoma and still having family there is a great blessing. I wrote two nostalgic posts--one featuring the Oklahoma orangeade my mom spent summers making as a soda jerk in her small hometown's drug store, and one sharing my family's recipe for farm style vanilla ice cream. In the second post, I vowed to donate Apple a Day's entire monthly revenue to the Salvation Army's relief efforts. Y'all really came through when I asked you to share the post and tell your friends to visit my page in hopes of increasing my donation. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
In fourth place is this decadent praline apple bread. It was the perfect way to welcome fall and I have a feeling it'll be a new yearly tradition for me.
When I saw these classic peanut butter cookies come up in the third spot, I was reminded, once again, that some things are classics for a reason. Sometimes, simple really is best.
One of the sweetest moments of 2013 came when I got to throw a baby shower for my youngest sister. I wanted the focus to remain on her, and when I found invitations boldly showing her childhood nickname of baby love, the rest of the details just fell into place. It was a great day.
These Mississippi mud cupcakes were not only the top sweet recipe for the year, but the most popular of all my recipes in 2013! I made them for my precious friend Nikki, who was preparing to welcome her second baby boy into her family. I piled my favorite chocolate cake base with marshmallow frosting, a rich, chocolate drizzle, and chopped pecans for a treat any mom to be would be sure to love. Nikki and her family had recently moved to Mississippi, so these were just meant to be!
Once again, than you for all your love in 2013. I've already got some pretty sweet ideas swirling around in my head for 2014. I can't wait to share them!
Coming in tenth is my mom's famous sangria. With four types of alcohol and all that yummy, boozy fruit, it's no wonder it made this year's best of list.
Staying on the booze cruise, I've got this bourbon peach jam. I absolutely loved it and y'all must have too because it came in ninth here and will make a reappearance as part of one of 2013's most popular savory recipes.
I really got into the salty and sweet flavor combination last year and these pretzel-chocolate chip muffins were definitely the pinnacle. Just looking back at the photo makes me want to whip up a batch for breakfast this weekend.
These pecan pie mini cupcakes made a believer out of me. I'm not a pecan pie fan, but holy cow were these incredible!
The next two posts were actually on the bittersweet side for me. After the horrific tornado that ripped through Oklahoma in May of last year, I was heartbroken. Growing up in Oklahoma and still having family there is a great blessing. I wrote two nostalgic posts--one featuring the Oklahoma orangeade my mom spent summers making as a soda jerk in her small hometown's drug store, and one sharing my family's recipe for farm style vanilla ice cream. In the second post, I vowed to donate Apple a Day's entire monthly revenue to the Salvation Army's relief efforts. Y'all really came through when I asked you to share the post and tell your friends to visit my page in hopes of increasing my donation. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
In fourth place is this decadent praline apple bread. It was the perfect way to welcome fall and I have a feeling it'll be a new yearly tradition for me.
When I saw these classic peanut butter cookies come up in the third spot, I was reminded, once again, that some things are classics for a reason. Sometimes, simple really is best.
One of the sweetest moments of 2013 came when I got to throw a baby shower for my youngest sister. I wanted the focus to remain on her, and when I found invitations boldly showing her childhood nickname of baby love, the rest of the details just fell into place. It was a great day.
These Mississippi mud cupcakes were not only the top sweet recipe for the year, but the most popular of all my recipes in 2013! I made them for my precious friend Nikki, who was preparing to welcome her second baby boy into her family. I piled my favorite chocolate cake base with marshmallow frosting, a rich, chocolate drizzle, and chopped pecans for a treat any mom to be would be sure to love. Nikki and her family had recently moved to Mississippi, so these were just meant to be!
Once again, than you for all your love in 2013. I've already got some pretty sweet ideas swirling around in my head for 2014. I can't wait to share them!