Best of 2012

I know that lots of blogs do these end-of-year roundup posts, but I actually LOVE them. It’s a chance to get to know what is really the BEST of what that blogger has to offer, and I think that’s really saying something. I always bookmark “best of” posts because I feel like they’re treasure troves of good recipes! I have had so much fun sharing love of food with you all this year, and I can’t express how much it means to me to have such loyal and kind readers. I can’t believe it but I’ve shared 85 original recipes and 233 posts with you guys this year. I hope that some of this food has made it’s way into your kitchen and that we can continue to share food and good memories together next year and for years to come!

Without further ado, here’s the best of Lawfully Wedded Wife in 2012!

Click on the images to see the recipes.

Reader’s Choice (most clicked-on recipes, in order of popularity):

#1: Taco Bell Style Mexican Pizza

Refried beans and seasoned beef between two crispy tortillas topped with sauce, cheese, tomatoes, and green onions. Just like Taco Bell makes…except WAY better.

#2: Sweet Monkey Bread

A soft, sweet crowd pleaser.

#3: Greek Yogurt Pound Cake:

A lighter French version of pound cake that really cures a sweet tooth without being too rich or heavy.

#4: Southern Candied Yams:

An old-fashioned recipe for sweet potatoes roasted in a sweet sauce.

#5: Brownie Pancakes with Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce:

The most indulgent breakfast I’ve made all year! Soft, moist, chocolatey pancakes topped with a drippy Nutella sauce.

Blogger’s Choice (my personal favorites, in no particular order):

#1: Healthy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies:

I’m so proud of these cookies! I don’t know how they taste so good with such wholesome ingredients. But they taste SO GOOD.

#2: The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs:

This is a classic in my house, and there’s a good reason for that. Most times I only make the meatball portion of this recipe and use a Trader Joe’s jarred marinara to go with it, for the sake of time. It’s our favorite dinner!

#3: Tangy Asian Slaw:

This slaw is so full of flavor that I could just sit and eat bowls full of it! Great for the summer in place of mayo-laden coleslaw.

#4: Mixed Berry Crisp:

This is my go-to fruit crisp recipe, and it’s incredible no matter what you put inside it.

#5: Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas (Dominican stewed red beans):

This is a humble but incredibly flavorful dish. For me it’s the epitome of comfort food! Never gets old.

Happy New Year!

-Lauren