As the calendar turns another page, it’s truly remarkable how quickly the years seem to unfold, each bringing its own unique blend of cherished memories and exciting new adventures. 2011 was an exceptionally memorable year for me and my family, a tapestry woven with significant personal milestones and remarkable achievements for Simply Scratch. It was a year that began with the joyous celebration of a decade of marriage to my wonderful husband, a testament to enduring love and partnership that has always been a cornerstone of my life.
The year also brought profound personal happiness when my dearest friend welcomed her beautiful baby boy, Alex, transforming her loving family from three to four. Witnessing such moments of pure bliss truly enriches the soul. Yet, amidst these personal joys, Simply Scratch experienced its own incredible moments. Being recognized as the ‘Blog of the Month’ on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution was an absolute dream come true – a moment of exhilarating validation for the passion poured into every recipe and post. This incredible recognition amplified our reach and connected us with a global community of food enthusiasts who shared our love for delicious, accessible home cooking.
The culinary journey continued its upward trajectory with the immense honor of becoming a contributor to Tasty Kitchen. To be counted among some of the most talented and respected food bloggers and cooks on that esteemed platform was a truly humbling experience. It was a privilege to share my culinary creations with an even wider audience and to learn alongside such inspiring individuals. Each of these moments, both personal and professional, served as the sweet frosting on a truly spectacular year, filling me with immense gratitude and an eager anticipation for whatever comes next. Indeed, I stand ready to embrace the future with open arms!
Looking ahead to 2012, my excitement is palpable, brimming with the promise of new possibilities and continued growth. This coming year marks a special two-year bloggerversary for Simply Scratch, a significant milestone that celebrates our journey, the incredible community we’ve built, and the countless delicious recipes shared. To mark this occasion and enhance your experience, a comprehensive blog redesign is in the works – a fresh, intuitive, and visually appealing update that will make navigating and discovering your favorite recipes even more enjoyable. Expect improved functionality, stunning new visuals, and an overall enhanced user experience designed with you, our amazing readers, in mind.
But beyond the celebrations and aesthetic enhancements, what truly invigorates me is the prospect of another full year dedicated to creating and sharing even more delicious recipes. We’ll explore new flavors, seasonal ingredients, and innovative techniques, always with the goal of bringing joy and inspiration to your kitchen. My commitment remains steadfast: to provide simple, approachable, and undeniably tasty recipes that empower home cooks of all skill levels. As I prepare to ring in the New Year with loved ones, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the culinary highlights of 2011. This retrospective features a carefully curated collection of the most-viewed recipes that captured your hearts and palates, alongside a few of my personal favorites that truly define the spirit of Simply Scratch. It’s a tribute to the dishes that made our year deliciously unforgettable.
So, without further ado, prepare for a delightful culinary recap. Drum roll please…
Parmesan Garlic Bread: The Unrivaled Fan Favorite
This homemade Parmesan Garlic Bread truly stole the show in 2011, becoming our most-viewed recipe with an astonishing 727,018 views and counting! It’s clear that the allure of warm, crusty bread slathered with fragrant garlic butter and grated Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. This recipe proves that you don’t need the frozen, store-bought variety when creating a batch of this golden perfection is so easy and infinitely more delicious. Its unparalleled popularity lies in its simplicity, comforting appeal, and incredible versatility, serving as the ultimate accompaniment to almost any meal. Whether paired with a hearty pasta dish, a vibrant salad, or enjoyed on its own as a delightful snack, this garlic bread elevates any dining experience. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are truly the best, and this recipe consistently delivers on flavor and satisfaction, leaving no doubt why it remains a cherished staple in kitchens everywhere.
Bacon Potato Hash: The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with the savory symphony of our Bacon Potato Hash. This recipe quickly became a breakfast sensation, embodying everything we love about a hearty, comforting morning meal. Crispy, golden potatoes mingle with salty, smoky bacon, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that awakens the senses. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weekend morning into a special occasion, perfect for lazy brunches or a satisfying start to a busy day. Beyond its incredible taste, this hash is wonderfully versatile – feel free to add onions, peppers, or even a fried egg on top for an extra layer of richness. It’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary, making it a beloved choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful “brinner” (breakfast for dinner) experience.
Peanut Butter M&M Pretzel Kisses: A Symphony of Sweet and Salty
This delightful creation, the Peanut Butter M&M Pretzel Kisses, perfectly encapsulates the magic of combining contrasting flavors and textures. It’s a wonderfully addictive treat that brings together the salty crunch of pretzels, the creamy richness of peanut butter, and the sweet, colorful joy of M&M candies, all brought together with a Hershey’s Kiss. The ingenious combination creates an irresistible snack that hits all the right notes: salty, sweet, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This recipe became an instant hit, especially popular during holiday seasons and gatherings, where its vibrant appearance and incredible taste made it a standout. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet yields a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults. Prepare to be delighted by how quickly these charming little bites disappear, leaving everyone craving just one more. Life truly is complete with these in hand!
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese: An Innovative Twist on a Classic
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience with our Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese. This recipe ingeniously transforms the beloved flavors of a spicy jalapeño popper into the comforting embrace of a grilled cheese sandwich. Imagine the creamy, cheesy interior of a classic popper, infused with a hint of heat from fresh jalapeños, all melted between perfectly grilled slices of bread. It’s a bold and exciting fusion that redefines comfort food, adding a thrilling kick to an old favorite. The ingenious combination of creamy, spicy, and perfectly toasted elements made this “sammie” (sandwich) incredibly popular, generating significant buzz and becoming “hot like fire” on Foodgawker, a prominent food photography website. This recognition highlighted its innovative appeal and mouth-watering presentation, drawing in countless new fans eager to try this seriously sensational creation. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce: The Secret to Exceptional Flavor
Why settle for store-bought when you can craft your own sensational Homemade Barbecue Sauce? This recipe quickly became a game-changer for many, proving that creating a barbecue sauce from scratch offers a depth of flavor and a level of customization that simply can’t be matched by commercial brands. Our recipe boasts a rich, smoky, sweet, and tangy profile that perfectly coats ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or even grilled vegetables. It offers a superior taste experience that many of our readers proclaimed to be even better than some popular national brands. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness or heat to your preference, and truly elevate your grilling and cooking endeavors. It’s an essential staple for any home cook looking to impress with truly authentic and flavorful BBQ dishes, making every bite a memorable one.
Creamy Lemon and Chive Farfalle: An Elegant Yet Simple Pasta
Indulge in the bright and sophisticated flavors of our Creamy Lemon and Chive Farfalle. This pasta dish offers a delightful balance of fresh, zesty lemon, aromatic chives, and a luxurious creamy sauce that beautifully coats every bow-tie noodle. What makes this recipe truly special is its subtle “boozy” element, adding an unexpected depth and complexity that elevates it beyond a typical pasta dish. It’s incredibly elegant yet surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both a weeknight meal and a special dinner party. The fresh, vibrant flavors are particularly appealing as the weather warms, offering a lighter alternative to heavier pasta dishes. Its appeal was further cemented when it received a wonderful feature and mention on The Pioneer Woman’s esteemed cooking blog, highlighting its deliciousness and innovative approach to pasta, drawing even more culinary enthusiasts to Simply Scratch.
Italian Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food
When it comes to satisfying, hearty meals, our Italian Pasta Bake hits all the right notes. This recipe quickly became a beloved classic for its incredible flavor and undeniable convenience. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce, layered with gooey melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the quintessential comfort food – warm, inviting, and incredibly satisfying. The best part? It’s remarkably quick and easy to assemble, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table without fuss. This pasta bake is also fantastic for feeding a crowd and holds up beautifully as leftovers, making it a practical and popular choice for families. Its effortless preparation combined with its deeply comforting flavors makes it a perennial favorite that truly delivers on taste and ease, perfectly embodying what we strive for at Simply Scratch.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Salty Pretzel Crust: A Dessert Masterpiece
Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert: the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Salty Pretzel Crust. The title alone speaks volumes about the decadent experience awaiting you. This recipe is an absolute masterpiece of flavor and texture, combining the best of two beloved treats. A buttery, salty pretzel crust provides an unexpected and delightful crunch, perfectly complementing the soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey cookie bar layer above. The interplay between the sweet chocolate chips and the savory pretzel base creates an irresistible balance that keeps you coming back for more. These bars are incredibly easy to make, eliminating the need to scoop individual cookies, and they’re perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying as a well-deserved personal indulgence. It’s a dessert that truly has it all, earning its place as a top favorite for its creative flair and undeniable deliciousness.
Banana Bread: A New Twist on an Old Recipe – Elevated Comfort
Our Banana Bread with a New Twist on an Old Recipe took a beloved classic and elevated it to new heights of deliciousness. This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s a truly indulgent experience that transforms the humble loaf into a gourmet treat. The secret lies in the addition of roasted bananas, which intensify their natural sweetness and create a deeper, richer flavor profile. Topped with a perfectly crumbly streusel, this banana bread offers a delightful textural contrast that complements its moist, tender crumb. The aroma alone as it bakes is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, promising a comforting and irresistible treat. It’s perfect for breakfast, a delightful snack with your afternoon coffee, or even a simple dessert. This recipe truly redefines what banana bread can be, showcasing how a few thoughtful additions can turn a familiar favorite into something truly extraordinary and utterly divine.
Lemongrass Bars with Coconut Shortbread Crust: An Exotic Delight
For those seeking a more adventurous and sophisticated dessert, our Lemongrass Bars with Coconut Shortbread Crust proved to be an exquisite revelation. This recipe introduces an elegant fusion of exotic flavors, with the bright, citrusy notes of lemongrass beautifully balanced by a rich, buttery coconut shortbread crust. The result is a vibrant and refreshing bar that is both wonderfully aromatic and incredibly delicious. It’s a unique departure from traditional desserts, offering a light yet satisfying treat perfect for any occasion where you want to impress. The refined appeal of these bars caught the attention of culinary experts, earning a prestigious feature and link on Bon Appétit’s esteemed online magazine. This recognition was a tremendous source of pride and made me feel a touch of celebrity! It truly underscores the innovative spirit of Simply Scratch and our commitment to exploring diverse and delectable flavors.
Reflecting on this incredible collection of top recipes, it’s safe to say that a clear pattern emerges: the enduring appeal of pasta, the comforting embrace of cheese, and the sheer joy found in delectable baked goods. These categories resonate deeply with our audience, speaking to a universal love for food that is both comforting and profoundly satisfying. Whether it’s the rich, warm flavors of a pasta dish, the cheesy goodness that transforms any meal, or the sweet delights of a freshly baked treat, these recipes embody the heart and soul of home cooking. They represent approachable ingredients transformed into extraordinary dishes, designed to bring smiles to faces and warmth to homes. This trend inspires us to continue creating recipes that celebrate these beloved elements, ensuring that Simply Scratch remains your go-to source for delicious, heartwarming, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
As we bid farewell to an amazing year and eagerly anticipate the adventures that 2012 will bring, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you, our incredible Simply Scratch community. Your support, enthusiasm, and willingness to try our recipes mean the world to me. Please prioritize your safety, celebrate responsibly, and have an absolute blast as you ring in the New Year!
I send my love to you all, and I wish you a truly spectacular and Happy New Year!