Bake or Break

Best of Bake or Break 2011

2011 was quite a year. Quinn and I celebrated not only our first year of being New Yorkers, but also 11 years of marital bliss. In Quinn’s work life, he played a big part in a couple of big projects (including this one).

As for my work life, well, there were some changes there. Some of you know that I left my job about a month ago. Since then, I’ve become a full-time blogger, which helps explain the increased activity on this blog. Thanks to all of you for making this possible!

This year’s most popular foods on BoB are a varied sort, from chocolate to bananas to peanut butter. I do notice an affinity for cream cheese frosting. Can’t say I blame anyone for that.

Okay, on with the show. Without further preamble, here are the most popular recipes on Bake or Break for 2011. Click on the photos to view the original posts.

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German Chocolate Cake Cookies

One of my favorite cakes is the always reliable German chocolate cake with coconut-pecan frosting. Not very creative, I know. But, what can I say? I like what I like. Unfortunately for me, coconut is most definitely not what Quinn likes.

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Peanut Butter Brownies

Okay, all of you peanut butter and chocolate fans, pay attention because these are for you. And for me, as I am a long-time member of the fan club.

If these brownies were simply swirled with peanut butter, they would be delicious. But, let’s make them even better by stirring in some peanut butter chips. Then, a generous scattering of peanut butter cups on top nudges them over the line firmly into decadent standards.

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Mississippi Mud Pie

Take a look at that beauty. That is a prime example of what happens when I let Quinn pick out dessert. Now, take a look at the recipe. That is also what happens when I let Quinn pick dessert.

So, here’s what we have. First, there’s the amazing Oreo crust that is sufficiently thick to hold up all of this deliciousness. Next is a flourless chocolate cake with just the right amount of coffee flavor. To top that off, there’s a chocolate pudding that would be an impressive dessert on its own. Then, just in case all that isn’t enough, there’s a lovely, thick layer of sweetened whipped cream on top.

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Macadamia Butter Cookies with Dried Cranberries

I recently re-discovered this recipe in my insane as-yet-to-be-baked recipe collection. Something about the cranberries made them seem like a must for holiday baking. Plus, it’s not every day you get to make your own macadamia butter.

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Dulce de Leche Bars

Here we go again with bars. I know, I know. I just can’t seem to help it. In defense of bars, they’re easy to make. They make enough for a crowd. And, they’re usually pleasing to that crowd.

The flavor of these bars is a bit different than my usual bar recipes. Dulce de leche is definitely underused in my kitchen. I love its caramel-like, smooth flavor.

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