Tag Archives: New Year’s Eve

20 Most Popular Recipes of 2012

Monster Cake Balls

I asked you guys on the Smart Cookie Cook Facebook page if you wanted to see a Most Popular Recipes of 2012 post, and the result was a resounding “Yes!” Never being one to disappoint, I put together a compilation of the 20 most-viewed posts this year. I’ve got to say, you guys have great taste!

In assembling this list, I realized that the vast majority of your most-viewed recipes were my original ones. So, thank you for loving the food I make. It really makes me one happy cookie.

We’ve had an exceptionally delicious year here at Smart Cookie, but I know next year will be even better. Without further ado, here are your top 20 favorite recipes of 2012:

  1. Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip CookiesDSC_2414
  2. Little Owl CookiesDSC_1631-3
  3. Party BreadIMG_3389-2
  4. Skillet Pizza Monkey BreadDSC_5447.2
  5. Funfetti Cake with Vanilla ButtercreamDSC_2936-2
  6. Grandma’s Hello Dollies_DSC7955-2
  7. Pierogi CasseroleIMG_2395-2
  8. Eggplant ParmigianaDSC_3903-2
  9. Dulce de Leche Filled Cupcakes w/ Two Kinds of FrostingDSC_7202-2
  10. French Toast CupcakesIMG_1833-2
  11. Homemade Confetti Cake BlizzardsDSC_2402-2
  12. Chocolate Chip Lava CookiesDSC_1756-2
  13. Hearty Sweet Potato Black Bean Veggie BurgersDSC_8711-2-2
  14. Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine AlfredoDSC_9649-2-2
  15. Waffle BrowniesIMG_1931-2
  16. Bunny Butt Triple Chocolate TrifleIMG_2740-2
  17. Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Sugar FrostingDSC_2007-2
  18. Best Spinach Artichoke Dip00000256-2
  19. Oreo-Stuffed Funfetti CupcakesDSC_9742-2
  20. Halloween Monster Cake BallsDSC_1845-2

This list shows the majority’s favorites…but what about you? What was YOUR favorite Smart Cookie recipe of 2012?Smart Cookie17 (2)

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Ring

Very rarely is it acceptable to rip, tear, and/or obliterate your food. People expect you to use utensils (and your manners). You must be neat and civilized.

I scoff at such social norms. Why, you ask? Because there’s always a loophole. Take this Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Ring, for example. It laughs in the face of proper eating habits. You can use your hands to rip off little pieces or hearty hunks and chow down. No one will judge you for it. It is finger food at its finest. No utensils required.

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Spinach-Artichoke Dip

I’ve had a lot of spinach artichoke dips in my day. In fact, I’d say I’m a Spinach Artichoke Connoisseur of sorts (it’s a legit title). This classic creamy dip is my go-to appetizer of choice at just about any restaurant. It’s always a bit of a gamble to order though; you never know what you’re going to get.

I’ve had spinach artichoke dip that’s killer and spinach artichoke dip that nearly killed me. Mostly, I’ve had dip that’s average. Generally speaking, it’s hard to make a bad spinach artichoke dip (notice I say “hard;” not “impossible”). I mean, it’s spinach and cheese in a creamy dip. It’s difficult for such a combo to become an epic fail.

But that’s not enough for me. Mediocre doesn’t cut it in my book; I want a spinach artichoke dip that’s supremely delicious, the kind of creamy perfection that would be served at a party in heaven. (Do they party in heaven?)

Enter this incredible Spinach-Aritchoke Dip.

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Eggnog Custard Pie w/ White Chocolate-Eggnog Sauce

Chances are, there’s a lonely carton of leftover eggnog sitting dormant in your fridge right this very moment. It’s post-Christmas, and you’re asking yourself, “What the heck am I gonna do with that?”

Fear not, my little cookies, for I’ve got an incredibly delicious way to make use of your residual ‘nog: Eggnog Custard Pie with White Chocolate-Eggnog Sauce. Not only is it scrumptious, but it’s also a sweet way to ring in the New Year. This pie boasts a smooth and creamy custard filling, lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and subtle eggnog flavor. Cradled in a Nilla Wafer crust, the whole pie is drenched in a luscious eggnog-white chocolate sauce for additional sweet indulgence.

This pie is light and delicious, an ideal treat for finishing off this Christmas’ carton of creamy eggnog. It requires very few ingredients and even less effort. For an easy dessert with impressive results, you simply must make this Eggnog Custard Pie.

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Party Bread

New Year’s Eve will be upon us in six short days. Now, ask yourself this questions: are you properly prepared to celebrate?

If you don’t have all the ingredients to make this Party Bread, then the answer is: no.

You see, I’ve been ringin’ in the New Year with this cheesy, buttery, heavenly bread for as long as I can remember, and I don’t think I could celebrate without it. It is so insanely good; we’re talking blow-your-mind-all-the-way-to-the-moon-and-back good. You won’t even be able to wrap your head around the utter deliciousness of this hot, cheesy bread.

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