Countdown to 2015: Most Popular Recipes of 2014

Here are some of the most popular recipes from Cook with Sara this past year. Many recipes that have appeared earlier this week in the countdown were also very popular - again, hard to narrow it down!

Blackberry Scones

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Tomato Tortellini Soup

Prosciutto and Roasted Asparagus Flatbread

Salted Caramel Mocha Bundt Cake

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

This year the countdown is being hosted by Sarah at Fantastical Sharing of Recipes. Head over there to find even more food bloggers counting down!

Countdown to 2015: Best Desserts of 2014

It shouldn't be any surprise that this is my favorite countdown day, and that this is also the day that is hardest to choose the recipes and dishes to be selected - so many great desserts. So many. The following were tremendous stand outs in the pack, even though I have never met a dessert I didn't like...

Decadent Chocolate Mint Dessert

Butterscotch Cashew Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

Autumn Pear Torte

S'mores Brownies

This year the countdown is being hosted by Sarah at Fantastical Sharing of Recipes. Head over there to find even more food bloggers counting down!

Countdown to 2015: Best Snacks and Apps of 2014

I really love appetizers. I could, in fact, make a career out of visiting restaurant's happy hours to sample their savory snacks. However, I have learned through this Countdown exercise that perhaps I do not make enough appetizers at home! I better start that resolutions list...

So there are only three here, but they are super delicious.

Peach and Brie Quesadillas

Creamy Brussels Sprouts Dip

Mini Pepper Chicken Nachos


This year the countdown is being hosted by Sarah at Fantastical Sharing of Recipes. Head over there to find even more food bloggers counting down!

Countdown to 2015: Best Main Dishes of 2014

Moving right along in our countdown, today we are featuring the best main dishes of 2014. I also threw in a salad, because every great main dish (especially the two pastas featured here!) need a great accompaniment. I really loved all the main dishes I made this year, and a couple will also make an appearance on Wednesday in the "Most Popular" category, so be sure to check back!

Peach Glazed Salmon

Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

Beef with Asparagus

Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Pasta with Peas

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad


This year the countdown is being hosted by Sarah at Fantastical Sharing of Recipes. Head over there to find even more food bloggers counting down!

Countdown to 2015: Best Crockpot Recipes of 2014

Today we're reviewing the best crockpot recipes in 2014. True confession: I do not use my crockpot enough, or should I clarify, I don't try enough NEW things in the crockpot. I tend to make the same old stuff: ribs, roast, pulled pork, soups (that were posted years ago!). This year, I made three new things in the crockpot and they were all AMAZING. Here they are.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Pot Roast Sliders

Tomorrow we'll remember the best main dishes! See you then.

This year the countdown is being hosted by Sarah at Fantastical Sharing of Recipes. Head over there to find even more food bloggers counting down!

Countdown to 2015: Best Breakfasts of 2014

It's Countdown time - I love doing this each year, looking back and picking out my favorite recipes in different categories. Most times, it is very hard to choose favorites - everything is SO good! This year the countdown is being hosted by Sarah at Fantastical Sharing of Recipes. Head over there to find even more food bloggers counting down!

Today's feature is best breakfast foods. I have a hard time narrowing down this category, especially. I love making quickbreads and muffins and coffeecakes and donuts... notice the emphasis on carb-heavy breakfasts! Here are four of my favorite from this past year:

Apple Cider Donuts

Strawberry Almond Scones

Almond Poppyseed Bread

Raspberry Pancakes

Check back each day over the next week for more of my favorites from 2014 as we countdown to 2015! Tomorrow: favorite crockpot recipes!

Chocolate-Dipped Spumoni Cookies

I always like to try a few new cookie recipes each Christmas season, and as soon as I saw these, I knew they would make the list. Some of my favorite things - pistachios and cherries - are embedded in a CHEWY chocolate cookie! And then to make them even better (possible?), you dip them in chocolate and add more pistachios and cherries...

I should have asked for elastic-waisted pants for Christmas...

Find more great stuff at Inspiration Monday, Mix it up.


Chocolate-Dipped Spumoni Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cups finely chopped pistachios, divided
1 1/3 cups finely chopped dried cherries, divided
1 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. shortening

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in 1 cup each pistachios and cherries.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip each cookie halfway into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off; sprinkle with remaining pistachios and cherries. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.

Makes about 6 dozen.


Recipe Source: Taste of Home