most viewed recipes of 2013 & our favorite picks

I love looking at the most viewed posts from the past year.  I rarely pay close attention to what posts are being visited and am usually surprised to see what comes in at #1 at the end of the year.  This year is no exception-a breakfast recipe drawn from a vegan cookbook, I was actually amazed that this had the most hits.  You will have to scroll down to view it, I won't be giving it away right here in the first paragraph.  While you're at it, take a gander at the top ten most viewed recipes here on this little blog.

I also included our favorite picks from this past year.  My pick was hearty, meaty, flavorful and a labor of love.  Hubs pick, well he couldn't decide on one, so he chose two for a tie.  They are very "meat-n-potatoes" type of foods which fit him perfectly.  The youngster chose something sweet, which is not surprising there.

I hope you like this little compilation.  Maybe you can find a favorite amongst the group.

Queen Bee's Pick of the Year
Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Hub's Pick(s) of the Year
Braised Pork Chops

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

The Youngster's Pick of the Year
Apple Pancakes with Cider Syrup

Top Ten Most Viewed Recipes of 2013
10.  Meyer Lemon Bars

9.  Skillet Fajitas with Hatch Chile con Rajas/Sopa de Papas y Rajas con Crema

8.  Banana Bread with Pecans and Golden Flax

7.  Kale Pesto

6.  Cashew Chicken Pizza

5.  Blueberry Lime Jam

4.  Salmon Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

3.  Cozy Bee BBQ Sauce/Baked Cream Corn

2.  Lime Blueberry Yogurt Cake

1.  Honey Roasted Peanut Butter Pancakes

a glimpse of our christmas

Lights on Texas Cedar

There was a very proud Joseph

He took his role quite seriously.

There were Christmas bakers...

He takes baking seriously too.

There was new fallen snow...well, of sorts.

The house was filled with the sweet aroma of gingerbread and sugar cookies

There were Christmas wrappings

and gifts for our very good friends delivered on Christmas morning

Our Christmas breakfast included a mile high stack of gingerbread pancakes with lemon syrup, apple cinnamon cured bacon lacquered in brown sugar and holiday fruit salad.  This year I kept it simple, using our everyday plates.  Not breaking out my Spode (Christmas china) enabled us to throw our dishes in the dishwasher and hit the road earlier than usual to celebrate Christmas with my parents.

Star of wonder...caught this image on Christmas Eve.

Marshmallows roasting on an open fire...

swept by the holidays

I have been swept by the holidays and have been away from here for a while.  Ironically this is my favorite time to share posts, pictures, and recipes and yet I have been absent.  I wish I had the time this season but because of the late start Thanksgiving gave me I am struggling to catch up.   For now I'm just saying hello to anyone out there and wishing you a wonderful holiday season.  Now time to prepare the house for a holiday party...