How do you resurrect a blog you haven't posted to for a year? Well, I assume you just start posting again. So here we go!

I didn't do as much Christmas baking this year as usual, but I did make 2 new cookie recipes which were both a hit and will be made again. These Monster Cookies were super easy to make and the dough froze beautifully for a great make-ahead option. Since JR is obsessed with peanut butter, I decided to throw in some peanut butter chips. I think these would also be great with some salty pretzel bits thrown in to balance out the sweetness.

• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter ships
• 1 cup plain M&M's 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookies sheets with parchment paper, or spray cookie sheets with non-stick cooking spray.

In standing mixer with paddle attachment, cream the peanut butter, butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix until well combined. Add oats and baking soda, and mix until well combined. Add chips and M&M's, and stir until well combined.

Drop the cookies by tablespoonfuls (I use a tablespoon size cookie scoop) onto prepared cookie sheets. (Note: I dropped cookies onto wax paper lined cookie sheets and froze them for a couple weeks before baking).

Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheets then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Source: Slightly adapted from Recipe Girl

It's that time of year that many bloggers are posting their Favorites from 2012. Thank you for sticking with me through my spurts of consistent posting and long periods of silence. My hope for 2013 is that I figure out a consistent posting pattern and stick with it throughout the year.

As I looked back over this year, inconsistencies and all, I was overall pleased with the dishes I made. Without further adieu, here are my favorites from 2012:

Chicken Noodle Soup - After many years of trial and error, I'm quite pleased with this final recipe.

Grapefruit Honey Cereal Muffins - Stemming from a new discover, Wheetena, these quickly became a favorite of mine.


One Pot Rosemary Chicken and White Beans - Pantry staples prepared simply. What's not to love?


Buttermilk Banana Bread - This recipe which I first discovered on a few of my friend's blogs quickly became "the best banana bread ever" according to JR!


Fried Green Tomatoes - Why did I wait to so long to make this, nevermind try these? They knocked my socks off and quickly became a favorite!


Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert Bars - a surprising crowd favorite, and these are egg free which I'm always looking for to accommodate a certain family member.


Melissa's Bolognese Sauce - Once again I'm wondering why I waited so long to make this?

Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Another recipe that took me years to perfect. I'm quite pleased with this version and my family agrees.

In 2013 I'll also be exploring ways to improve my blog. If you have ideas for me, please leave me a comment or send me an email. Same goes for recipes you'd like me to make and post.

Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year!