I love countdowns and Best of’s…

I remember when I was growing up always secretly watching MTV’s countdown of the best music videos of the year. MTV wasn’t allowed in our house back then…and now with shows like Jersey Shore…ha ha…there’s no way it would be allowed now either.

So here’s my own G-rated countdown that even my mom would approve of. Yesterday I listed Your Favorite Recipes of 2011 and today are some of my favorites that may have gotten overlooked. I was pregnant most of 2011, so you were subject to my cravings and food aversions.

We did, however, share some of the same favorite recipes of 2011. For the first couple of months of my pregnancy it was hard for me to even look at food let alone actually cook anything, but I came back with a vengeance with I nearly ate this entire Peanut Butter “Cheese” Ball by myself. Then, all I wanted was something savory and this Bloomin’ Onion Bread was just what I craved. Finally, the S’more Cookies, come on…who wouldn’t love those.

It was so hard to choose but here are a couple more of my favorite recipes from 2011…

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes:
I tried to replicate a treat my husband had at work. We stuffed as much cookie dough into a cupcake as we could.
Creamy Sausage and Tomato Pasta:
Dinner doesn’t always have to be extravagant. This is one of those meals with simple and fresh ingredients that I fell in love with.
Saltine Cracker Toffee:
Every time I make this recipe from my grandma, I almost eat the whole pan.

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu:
WAY easier than the traditional Cordon Bleu and just as tasty. This is a comforting meal that my family loves.

This molten lava cake is from one of our favorite restaurants, Roy’s. I was amazed when they actually gave me their recipe. Don’t ask how many of these I’ve eaten…
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins:
These are one of my all-time favorite muffins. No wonder they are all over the Internet. They are perfectly moist and full of spices with a cream cheese center.

 Taco Pasta:
Here’s another dinner that has made it into our regular dinner rotation. It’s hard to please picky eaters and this one made my whole family happy.

                                                      Cranberry Bliss Bars:

These chewy blondies are festive and unique. This Starbucks knockoff will be on my holiday baking list every year from now on.
Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches:
Pregnancy proved to make me lazy or maybe just really tired. All I know is that I got some major mileage out of my crock pot this year. This was one of my favorites…

Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes:
With just a few ingredients, I was surprised how easy and good these were. If you are scared of making cheesecake, these are the fool proof way to go.

Can’t wait to make some more food memories with you all next year. There are a lot of good things to look forward to in 2012!