Top 13 of 2013

Okay, it's true.  I usually don't do a "best of" post to close out the year.  I stick with my "would-be" posts instead.  But for some reason, after giving in and searching my end of the year reports, I decided that I wanted to grab the most viewed posts that were written during this year and share them.

I think I'm most surprised that of the top 13, only 1 is a dessert.  Well, 3 if you count popsicles.  But for me, popsicles are in a class of their own.  Aaaaaand, speaking of popsicles, the 2 in my top 13 were actually guest posts from two of my awesome blogging friends for The Summer of the Popsicle.

Really, there didn't seem to be any sort of pattern to what YOU liked.  Which makes sense.  It means you're like me - all over the board!  We like food and drinks and isn't that enough?  Indeed it is, indeed it is.  So, without further ado, here are the posts first shared in 2013 that got the most love, counting down to number one!

13. Ham & Swiss Sliders w/ Mustard-Poppyseed Dressing:  Sometimes it's the simple things.  These babies, in one form or another, went viral all over the web.  That's where I first saw them, and knew that I had to have them. I guess this just goes to show their staying power.

12. Flavored Sea Salts {DIY}: I love that you loved these homemade flavored sea salts. Gifts from the kitchen (be it to yourself or someone else) are always appreciated.  I'm still using the ones that I have left on a regular basis.  And I've turned my mom and brother into Porcini Sea Salt addicts.  There are worse things to be addicted to.

11. Caprese Pasta Salad: The classic flavors of summer turned pasta salad.  This was a recipe that I made using Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat pasta.  I entered it into their contest.  And lost.  The fact that you liked it makes me feel much better.  Thank you.

10. Hong am Rèisleck: Otherwise known as Chicken in Riesling Sauce. I was hosting the European Culinary ABC's this month, and my dish was representative of Luxembourg.  So, maybe people dropped by to learn a little bit more about Luxembourg. Maybe they just wanted to make savory chicken in a creamy wine and mushroom sauce. What do you think?

9. Orange-Vanilla Margaritas: I hated the pictures in this post, I thought they were horrible. As a matter of fact, over the years, I've come to the conclusion that I'm horrible at photographing cocktails. Fortunately, cocktails basically speak for themselves. Plus, these were posted on National Margarita Day; I bet that had a little something to do with their popularity.

8. Grilled Corn Salad w/ Honey-Lime Dressing: I don't think this one really needs much explanation. Summertime = corn on the cob = grilling = perfect side dish.  The end.

7. Buttery Herb Pull-Apart Rolls: It's gotta be the butter, right?  Warm, herb-scented rolls straight from the oven to your holiday table. That's magic.

6. Homemade Seafoam Candy: Here's that one dessert that I told you about. I'm super excited that this Seafoam made it to top-looks this year. It has a special place in my food memory bank. Plus, I got to cross it off my culinary bucket list.

5. Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue: Everybody loves fondue! This one features Irish Cheddar and Irish Whiskey. It makes people happy.

4. Cowboy Casserole: Aaaaah, the casserole - another of my photographic nemeses.  But they are delicious comfort food that people love despite their plain-Jane appearances. Besides, this one has the word cowboy in the title. That adds a little bit of sexy to it.

3. Striped Juice Popsicles: The first of the 2 guest posts that appear in my top 13. It's easy to see why these are so popular. Who said horizontal stripes are unbecoming? Thanks to my friend Sue from The View from Great Island for these beauties.

2. Mocha Almond Fudgsicles: The second of the 2 guest posts in my top 13 comes from another talented friend, Faith of An Edible Mosaic. Hmmm...2 of my top 3 posts were written and photographed by other people. Should that give me a complex? It sort of does.

1. Salmon-Honey Teriyaki: Yay, a fish dish took top honors this year! This was a #SundaySupper post featuring the latest cookbook by Jaden Hair of Steamy Kitchen. It continues to be one of my favorite ways to prepare salmon.

Thanks so much for the support, comments, and ideas that you share with me. 2013 was an amazing year, and I know that 2014 will be even better. Is there something that  you'd like to see me make that you think could be at the top of next year's list? I'm always up for a new challenge!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!