First of all- Happy New Year! Where oh where did 2013 go? I really feel like it was just yesterday I was celebrating NYE looking forward to a new year and a newly booked Europe trip. Well- 2013 has been great both personally and for this little old blog. I feel so lucky to have the chance to do something I love so much and I still STILL am in awe that anyone but my mom reads it or actually makes the recipes I share. It means so much to me and I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store. (I mean I get a baby soon so it’s guaranteed to be awesome right?)
I’ve compiled a mix of the most popular recipes this year as well as some of my favorites. I’ve finally gotten over my fear of posting savory recipes and dinners and it turns out they have gone over pretty well! You can bet that in 2014 as I become a mama I’ll be cooking lots and sharing much more savory food. I do hope that’s still ok with you! :)
Before we get to the “best” I have to ask- anything specific you’d like to see on The Baker Chick in 2014?
This Salty Honey Pie is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever baked or eaten. The texture is perfect and the combo of honey and salt is pretty spectacular.
These Lemon Cream Pavlovas were a light and tart summery favorite that are perfect for upcoming citrus season. They are both tart and sweet, fluffy, creamy and light. – and aren’t they cheerful?
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies combine two of my favorite flavors in a creamy and rich brownie- to die for!
Red Velvet Cupcakes for Two– I was so proud of this recipe because I spent so much time perfecting it and it really turned out
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies– Soft peanut buttery cookies with gooey PBJ filling- an obvious favorite!
Perfect Blackberry Pie– really so so perfect. Amazing with fresh summer berries and also with frozen if you want to make it off-season!
Chocolate Chip Cookies for Two – Another attempt at developing a small batch recipe proved hugely successful with these crackly, crisp and chewy cookies.
Salty Caramel Ice Cream – This was my first time trying a new method and it was hugely successful. This ice cream was to die for.
No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread was one of the coolest things I discovered this year. I’ve made it countless times and it always it easy and perfect.
Creme Brulee Cupcakes– fluffy white cupcakes filled with creamy custardy filling and a crunchy sugar top. This was one of my better cupcake ideas I think!
Buttermilk Berry Layer Cake– this cake was everything I wanted in a summer dessert. It was light- fluffy- fruity and a bit tart from the lemon whipped cream cheese frosting. Love it!
No-Bake Cheesecake with Quick Blueberry Sauce– Perfect creamy cheesecake for those hot days when you just can’t bear to turn on your oven!
Easy One-bowl Pumpkin Bread – this one is just too easy for how good it tastes. I made countless loaves this fall and plan to have it as a standard recipe for years to come!
Quick and Easy Tortellini Soup– You guys loved a savory recipe and that makes me so happy! What’s not to love about this oh-so easy and delicious soup?
Salted Caramel Vanilla Bean Layer Cake- I made this as a mock-up of my wedding cake and my version may have been even better. These flavors are hard to mess up!
Making Macarons- What I Learned in Paris– After taking a course in making macs in Paris- I shared what I learned in this post. I’m glad so many of you found it helpful! :)
Emily @ Life on Food says
I really want to make the salted honey pie! There are definitely lots of favorites here. Happy New Year!!
Krista says
I have made several of these “best of the best” recipes, but my favorite has to be the tortellini soup! I have made it many times and it is just perfect on a cold night or after a long day at work. So fast, easy, and delicious! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and have a great 2014! It’s sure to be special for you.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Wow, what an exciting year you are going to have! Let’s make plans soon… and I can’t wait to meet your little baby!
Audra says
Yes I must see you before he arrives! I have 3 weeks until I’m due! :)
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I seriously love everything so much! I’m still dying to make some macarons! And yay for a pending new arrival ;) That’ll be the best thing you bake up in 2014 for sure lol
Audra says
Thanks so much Rachel! I’m so glad I got to meet you in 2013 and I hope this year brings more of the same! xoxo
Melissa Layman says
I made your make ahead dinner rolls on Christmas Day and they turned out perfectly! Thank you for your blog and for the wonderful recipes that you share with us!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I need to make that honey pie!
TidyMom says
I see so many treat I want to make!! What a delicious year Audra!! Here’s to a fabulous 2014!
Coco in the Kitchen says
That salty honey pie looks irresistible. Happy 2014! xo
Courtney says
Happy New Year, friend! I am SO glad we got to meet in July, and I really hope to see you (and your sweet little man) next year! 2014 is going to be so awesome for you.
Audra says
I am so happy to have met you this year too lady. I really hope I can make it to BSP this year with my babe in tow- you’re my inspiration that it can happen! xoxo
Carla says
It was great to meet you at BSP! Looking forward to more savory (and of course sweet) recipes. Happy New Year, Audra!
Audra says
So great to meet you this year too Carla! I hope to see you again at BSP this year! xo
Katrina @ WVS says
I NEED that salty honey pie in my body so, so bad!! Annnnnd everything on this list!
Sarah @ Sarah's Bake Studio says
I am definitely going to have to check out your “for two” recipes…oh and the Salty Caramel Ice Cream, Artisan Bread and Making Macaroons. :)
I also just found out that where you are from is essentially where I live. Small World.
Happy New Year!!
Audra says
Oh what a small world! I sure do miss Wisconsin :)
Jennifer | Bake or Break says
What a delicious year! I am so glad to have met you in 2013. I know that 2014 will be even more delicious and will provide lots of new adventures with your little one. Happy new year! xoxo
Audra says
I am SO glad I got to meet you this year too. Hope to see more of you soon!
James says
Hey!
I would love to see more of the same, of course! Everything you come up with is AMAZING. I would also love to see a few gluten-free recipes every now and again. Maybe even some paleo-friendly recipes too! I go through phases where I stick to these diets for a month at a time. Would be so great to try some of your recipes if you have any!
Happy New Year! It’s going to be an incredible one for you, I’m sure!
J xoxo
Audra says
You got it! I’m actually planning a gluten free cookie for during my “maternity leave” that is to die for!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
You made some seriously gorgeous recipes last year! I can’t wait to see what you do next!
Francesca says
Super happy new year!! Those red velvets for 2 were my favorite, and that honey pie will be seeing my house very soon :D
Baker Momma says
How did I ever miss those creme brulee cupcakes the first time around? They look inspired!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Wow these all look so amazing!!! I am so excited to see what you have in the upcoming year