I’ve never done a ’round-up’ post before so I’m very excited. I’ve made all sorts of things this year. Some that I have carried on making and some others which I will never make again; mayonnaise being my disaster of the year. And so, below, are my favourite recipes that I have made this year; one for each month.
January
Golden Beetroot Soup
This is my favourite post from January because there’s not much else around in the winter months that can give you a bowl of pure sunshine. It’s an odd one to eat because it doesn’t look like it will taste of beetroot.
February
Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Tart with Rhubarb and Blood Orange Compote
March
Jerusalem Artichoke Gratin with Buttered Spring Greens and Sausages
This is definitely my favourite way to use Jerusalem artichokes; they go very well with potatoes to make a more interesting gratin. Using them this way makes them go a bit further too.
April
Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding
As hot cross buns are everywhere at this time of year it was nice to make them into filling, warming pudding. It’s a really simple recipe and using condensed milk takes all the hassle out of custard making.
May
Carrot and Orange Gazpacho
This was the first time I had ever made a chilled soup and it was a fantastic way to use some Spring carrots. It was really fresh, full of flavour and delicious on a warm May afternoon.
June
Victoria Sponge with Balsamic Strawberry Jam
July was the hardest month to choose just one post from. I managed to make these pancakes, an English Heritage Cherry Tart and Raspberries with Elderflower Cream and Elderflower Shortbread all in one month! I chose the pancakes over the other recipes because at this exact moment in time if I had all three in front of me it would be these that I would shovel into my mouth first.
August
Peas, Broad Beans and Feta with Roasted Tomato and Chilli Sauce
I love broad beans and I love peas; even better if you have grown them yourself. These two legumes paired with feta and tomatoes make a glorious combination. I also used my one and only home grown chilli for this recipe.
September
Blackberry and Perry Jelly
This was the first time I had ever made jelly; it was so simple to do and I had great results. The combination of blackberries with local perry was amazing. A great way to make a few handfuls of blackberries go a bit further.
October
Celeriac Remoulade, Venison and Sourdough Open Sandwich
There was a lot going on in October and this was also quite a tricky month to choose my favourite recipe from. I loved this and it was a great way to use some celeriac; perfect for a lazy Saturday lunch.
November
Chocolate Covered Salted and Sweet Popcorn Bars
These were so good and will be making it onto my regular bake list. A fantastic use of popcorn and chocolate if I do say so myself, they didn’t last very long!
December
Christmas Spiced Tea
As you can see it’s been a busy year! These are all my personal favourites but I would love to know which is your favourite. If you have some time to flick through the posts from the last year it would be really interesting to see what you would choose. Here’s to 2013!
My favourite would be August. Fab flavour combination, and so colourful too – and of course I seldom have a shortage of chillis!
Wonderful recipes! All the best for 2013, Caroline!
Wow! As a relative newcomer to your blog I haven’t seen some of these before and I want to cook ALL of them.
Happy 2013!
I think the blackberry and port jelly has to be my favourite, it’s visually stunning and I can imagine how delicious it would be.
Wow, you made some gorgeous things this year! I’m totally digging the beetroot soup–it’s just such a great color.
Love every bit of this!! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2013!
What a lovely round up, Caroline. Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
I love your round up! I’d be happy eating every.single.one of these wonderful dishes! Happy New Year,my friend!!! xo
The dark chocolate and hazelnut tart sounds so delicious! You have a bunch of great recipes from the year!
Everything looks awesome! I think I should maybe start thinking about my highlights. My fav on your list in the peas, broad beans with feta and roast tomatoes. Yum!
Wow!! You had a great 2012!! Glad I’ve found you for 2013 🙂 waves hello from a new follower, Hazel x
You have had so many fresh, seasonal and lovely recipes over the year. I cannot wait to see what you cook up in 2013! Happy New Year to you!
Oh, so many great posts here Caroline. Your popcorn holds a special place in my heart but I loved your Autumn picnic posts, they were so inspiring. Happy new year to you x
FABULOUS round up and LOVELY photos Caroline! I just popped over to wish you a very happy New Year! Love Karen xxxx
I’m in love with your whole calendar 🙂 Happy New Year!
Just to let you know that your link to Food on Friday: Berries and Currants was featured in my Need Some Inspiration? Series today. Happy New Year!
What a great collection of favorites. Wishing you a year full of more great food in 2013!
this is such a delicious list of favorite recipes! everything sounds amazing! hope you have a wonderful 2013 Caroline!