The 2011 Rewind

.  Wow.  Can you believe that 2011 has come and gone already?  I can't.  Where did the year go?  It seems like just yesterday I came up with the name for this very blog, brainstorming ideas on the couch with Robbie.  And that's another thing.  Have I really been blogging for just about a year now?  Ha, crazy thought.  I will say that within this last year, I have learned quite a bit about the blogging world though.  The do's and do not's, what constitutes as a pretty picture [I obviously need some lessons in this department], or how to get my posts out there and gain some popularity [again, I need help with this]!  But all in all, it's been a year of changes and growth for Life's Simple Measures [and myself], a journey that I have thoroughly enjoyed. 

I thought it would be fun to do a little recap, providing a list of eleven [for 2011] of my favorite recipes that have been posted this year.  You can see on the right of the blog the most popular posts for the last month, and which have generally been the most popular period, but there are a few of my personal favorites that didn't quite get the attention I feel they deserve.  So, for 2011, here's my 'must-bake' compilation for each and everyone of my beloved readers.  I highly suggest ringin' in the New Year with one [or many] of these goodies.  Happy clicking!  .

Hummingbird Cupcakes

A moist cupcake filled with banana, pineapple, and pecans, and adorned with a rich cream cheese frosting.

'Redless' Velvet Cake

No picture for this one, because why?  Because this post is entirely videos!  Robbie made a FABULOUS Redless Velvet Cake for my birthday this last year and we had an absolute blast taping it all, so I had to include it in my list.  Check it out!

Challah

One of my most absolute favorite breads, this recipe is always fantastic.  Not difficult whatsoever, all it needs is a little TLC.

Bumbleberry Pie

The most beautiful pie I have made to date [and not to mention, ridiculously easy!].  A buttery, flakey pie crust encases all of the berries of the world: raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, apples and rhubarb.

Chocolate-Salted Caramel Mini Cupcakes

These.  Are.  Divine.  They take a little time but are SO very worth it.  A chocolatey mini cupcake surrounds a homemade soft and chewy salted caramel and is then finished with a dark chocolate frosting.  They remind me of giant Rolos!

Blueberries & Cream Sweet Rolls

A personal favorite because this creation uses a family sweet dough roll recipe!  Seriously, these are phenom.  Soft and fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and burst of tart blueberries.  The treat is then slathered with a smooth cream cheese frosting.

Blackberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Loved this.  A very pleasant suprise as well.  This goodie starts with a soft cake topped with a sweet cream cheese layer, topped with sweet and tart blackberries, and THEN finished with a fabulous streusel.  Four layer of heaven.

Danish Puff

One of my first SRC posts and probably the most memorable.  Don't get me wrong, they've ALL been beyond fabulous but this recipe really takes the cake.  The Danish Puff is a simple pate a choux dough sitting atop a shortbread-like base, with a generous drizzle of simple icing and finised with toasted walnuts.  A real beaut.

Pumpkin Bars

A true favorite of both myself and readers!  These bars are indescrible, but I'll try.  The bars themselves are ridiculously moist, you'll see fingerprints in them they're that moist.  And to take them over the edge, they're paired with an unbelievable maple cream cheese frosting.  Yes, you read right.

Flakey Apple Turnovers

Yum.  A fall favorite.  The dough is flakey and buttery, filled with a mixture of apples and apple butter.  Truly simple yet so delicious.

Cherry Walnut Fudge

I don't make many things twice, but this fudge has graced our presence on more than one occassion and been devoured the moment I set the plate out.  Rich, rich, and rich fudge studded with tart cherries and toasted walnuts.  Indulge.

This year had me tasting [way too many] outrageous treats as you can see and I know this next year will be no exception.  Thank you so much for taking the time to read Life's Simple Measures and following me through this crazy blogging journey.  I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!