An Oregon Cottage’s Most Cherished Culinary Creations: Revisiting the Top 11 Recipes of 2012

As the year draws to a close, it’s a wonderful tradition here at An Oregon Cottage to take a reflective pause, looking back at the moments and creations that have shaped our journey. This annual retrospective isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s an invaluable learning experience, revealing which recipes and projects truly resonated with our incredible community. It’s always fascinating to see what you, our readers, loved most, and it fills me with joy to recall the culinary triumphs and creative endeavors we shared throughout the year.

One of the most surprising and gratifying discoveries during this review process is just how much my photography and styling skills have evolved since January of last year. Looking back at some of the initial posts, it’s truly astounding to see the progress! While I certainly don’t claim to be a master by any means, there’s a distinct improvement, particularly in mastering lighting – a challenge that often felt like the bane of my photography life here in beautiful, yet often gray, Oregon. This growth not only makes the content more appealing but also enhances the overall reader experience, making these beloved recipes even more inviting.

Today, we’re diving into the heart of our kitchen with a curated list of the top recipes published during 2012. You’ll notice it’s an exceptional list of 11, rather than the traditional top 10. The reason for this delightful deviation? Our family’s absolute favorite sourdough artisan bread claimed the eleventh spot, and it simply had to be included. Its popularity, both within our home and among you, demanded its presence. But the year-end celebration doesn’t stop here! On Friday, I’ll be sharing the most popular DIY projects that brought creativity and practicality to our homes, and on New Year’s Eve, we’ll unveil the most popular posts of all time – a comprehensive look back since the very inception of An Oregon Cottage almost four years ago!

Discover the Year’s Most Beloved Recipes from An Oregon Cottage:

1. How to Freeze Green Beans Without Blanching. This might not seem like a traditional “recipe,” but its overwhelming popularity certainly earned it a top spot. I was genuinely surprised by how many of you embraced this simple, yet revolutionary method! For home cooks and garden enthusiasts, bypassing the blanching step is a game-changer, saving precious time and effort while preserving the crispness and nutritional value of your fresh green beans. This post tapped into a common desire for easier, more efficient food preservation, making it a perennial favorite for anyone looking to enjoy homegrown goodness all year long without unnecessary fuss.
2. Homemade Pigs In A Blanket- in Less Than an Hour. The popularity of this recipe wasn’t a shock at all! My personal quest to find an authentic, scratch-made version led me to discover that most recipes online focused on crescent-dough or biscuit-dough wrapped appetizers. I knew there had to be others craving that old-fashioned, comforting taste of quality hot dogs enveloped in a meltingly soft, homemade yeast dough. The fact that it’s easy and fast to prepare was just an added bonus. This recipe quickly became a classic in our household, and with the availability of high-quality, healthier hot dogs today, it’s a satisfying and relatively wholesome treat that’s perfect for parties, lunches, or a quick dinner.
3. Homemade Caramel Apple Dip + less sugar version. The year 2012 marked a significant shift in my cooking philosophy, as I began experimenting with reducing sugar in many of our most-loved family recipes. I discovered that by almost halving the sugar content in many dishes, the flavors of the main ingredients truly shined through without sacrificing taste. This beloved caramel apple dip was one of the first to receive a lighter, yet equally delicious, makeover. Its perennially popular appeal, combined with the option for a less-sugar version, makes it a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for fall gatherings, after-school snacks, or simply enjoying with crisp, fresh apple slices.
4. Whole Wheat Sriracha Cheese Crackers. It seems many of you share my sentiment: there’s immense satisfaction in taking a few minutes to bake your own crackers, especially when they turn out this good! These Whole Wheat Sriracha Cheese Crackers offer a delightful blend of wholesome whole wheat, sharp cheddar, and a kick of Sriracha, creating a savory snack that’s far superior to anything store-bought. They’re perfect for elevating a cheese board, accompanying your favorite dips, or simply enjoying on their own. The freshness, customizable spice level, and wholesome ingredients make them a fantastic homemade alternative that you’ll be proud to serve.
5. Sourdough Bagels. Embarking on the sourdough journey has been one of my proudest culinary achievements at An Oregon Cottage, especially mastering the nuances of the sourdough starter I nurtured over two years ago. This past year, much of our bread, including these incredible bagels, was made using that very starter. The distinctive tang and chewy texture of homemade sourdough bagels are simply unmatched. Through sharing my success and easy-to-follow tips, I hope to inspire many of you to try your hand at the rewarding art of sourdough baking. These bagels are not just a breakfast item; they’re a testament to the joy of baking from scratch.
6. Amazing Whole Wheat Flaky Biscuits. Dispelling the myth that whole wheat biscuits must be dense and heavy, this recipe proves that you can achieve light, airy, and incredibly flaky biscuits using whole wheat flour – specifically, pastry flour. The secret, as many biscuit lovers know, involves a generous amount of butter and a gentle hand, resulting in biscuits that practically melt in your mouth. These “Amazing Whole Wheat Flaky Biscuits” offer a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for serving with jam, gravy, or alongside any hearty meal. They are a true testament to the fact that wholesome ingredients don’t mean compromising on texture or flavor.
7. Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Broth/Stock. Since discovering this incredibly simple and efficient method, I always have a supply of homemade chicken broth or stock readily available in my freezer. Beyond its undeniable convenience and cost-effectiveness compared to store-bought versions, the fact that this bone-based broth is packed with nutrients, including collagen, makes this recipe an absolute staple. Using a slow cooker minimizes effort, allowing you to create a deeply flavorful and nourishing foundation for countless soups, stews, risottos, and gravies. It’s a fundamental recipe for any kitchen aiming for healthy, wholesome, and frugal cooking.
8. Quick and Easy Lava Cakes. Oh my goodness, these truly are unbelievably delicious! And it seems many of you, like me, have realized that this seemingly decadent, restaurant-quality dessert is surprisingly simple and inexpensive to whip up right in your own kitchen. With their molten chocolate centers and rich flavor, Quick and Easy Lava Cakes are perfect for a special occasion or when you simply crave an indulgent treat without a lot of fuss. They offer instant gratification and impress guests every time, proving that gourmet desserts don’t have to be complicated or costly.
9. Lemon-Berry Cake – with the BEST lemon frosting ever! I am perpetually grateful for discovering this truly exceptional lemon frosting, which perfectly complements the bright, vibrant flavors of a Lemon-Berry Cake. The zesty tang of the lemon frosting, paired with the fresh sweetness of berries, creates an absolutely divine dessert that sings of springtime and warm weather. This cake is light, moist, and utterly refreshing, making it an ideal choice for celebrations, potlucks, or simply a delightful afternoon treat. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that leaves a lasting impression.
10. Addictive Tomato Chutney – updated with less sugar. Here’s another classic recipe that saw significant improvement in 2012 with a thoughtful reduction in sugar content. What makes this tomato chutney “addictive” is its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, now even more pronounced without excessive sweetness. I genuinely don’t miss the extra sugar; in fact, I believe the nuanced flavors of the tomatoes and spices shine through more brightly. While it might be #1 on my personal list of favorites, its widespread appeal among readers firmly places it in our top 11. It’s a versatile condiment, perfect with cheese, curries, grilled meats, or as a flavorful spread on sandwiches.
11. Easy Sourdough Artisan Bread. My goal with this recipe was clear: to create a sourdough artisan bread that was just as easy and remarkably delicious as the classic Easy Artisan Bread that we all adore. And I’m thrilled to say, this recipe achieves exactly that! It simplifies the sourdough process, making this incredible, flavorful bread accessible to even beginner bakers. Its rustic crust, chewy interior, and signature sourdough tang make it an unparalleled choice for everyday meals or special occasions. Indeed, it has become pretty much the only artisan bread I make now, a testament to its ease, consistency, and outstanding flavor.

Reflecting on these culinary highlights of 2012 fills me with immense gratitude for this amazing community and the shared love for homemade, wholesome food. These recipes aren’t just mere instructions; they are stories, traditions, and simple joys brought to life in kitchens around the world. We hope this list inspires you to revisit old favorites or discover new ones that might become staples in your home. Each recipe has been tried, tested, and loved, offering a blend of simplicity, flavor, and the warmth of homemade goodness that defines An Oregon Cottage.

What were some of your standout recipes from 2012 that have permanently joined your cooking repertoire? Did any of them make this cherished list? We’d love to hear your thoughts and discover new culinary treasures from your own kitchens. Keep an eye out for our upcoming “Best of 2012” posts, where we’ll explore popular DIY projects and the all-time favorite content from An Oregon Cottage!

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for making An Oregon Cottage a vibrant community. Here’s to many more delicious adventures together!

Sharing at these great parties: Chic & Crafty, Weekend Wrap-Up, Saturday Nite Special, Countdown to 2013: Best of 2012