Top 12 of 2012

2012 was a good year for cooking for me with the introduction of some new favourites (Melissa Clark's Cook This Now and Ottolenghi's Ottolenghi) and opportunities to delve deeper into existing favourites (660 Curries).

It was hard narrowing down the list to favourites with so many good ones out there. I know I'm leaving off some good ones, but without further ado, these would be my top 12 (in chronological order more or less).

1. Beef with cumin - Dunlop's Land of Plenty is a fantastic Chinese cookbook and I was excited to get my hands on Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook to try Hunan cuisine. The book has been fantastic and this quick and easy recipe was a great introduction to it. Cumin deliciousness with a bit of heat.
   
2. Chocolate nemesis - August finally shared the recipe with me of this amazing dessert. Mine doesn't taste exactly like his, but I think that's a good thing.
   
3. Warm sesame noodles with ginger and snow peas - This recipes has been one of my go-to meals for a quick and easy lunch. Throw in whatever vegetables work for you and save a grocery trip.
   
4. Garlic and thyme roasted chicken parts with mustard croutons - I wasn't expecting much given how easy this recipe is, but the bread in this recipes makes the dish. There's not even much handling of raw chicken required for this recipe (I know how raw chicken-averse some of you are!).
   
5. Quick braised chicken with Morrocan spices, lemon, and olives - A surprisingly quick and rich braised dish. I think this might be the perfect dish for a large rehearsal dinner.
   
6. Chorizo empanadas - A simply perfect snack.
   
7. Beef and lamb meatballs baked in tahini - In a year filled with meatballs, I think this one is my favourite. I'm a sucker for tahini sauces though.
   
8. Watermelon salsa - Nothing says summer like watermelon. With a bit of a kick, this salsa is a great change of pace from the standard tomato.
   
9. Ricotta-filled zucchini blossoms - Light, cheesy, and delicious.
   
10. Rabbit with tomato and green olives - The simplicity of this dish makes it a clear winner. It also has happy memories attached to it as it was our first meal back at home post-vacation and proposal.
    
11. Yogurt-marinated lamb with ginger and garlic - During a month filled with delicious Indian food, this was the standout as the winner of the month. Bold spices paired with tender lamb.
    
12. Pumpkin stuffed with everything good - This is Thanksgiving rolled into a single dish with an elegant, rustic presentation.