So long, 2012!

How do I pick my favourite recipes out of a pile of my already favourite recipes? It isn't easy. But as we turn a new leaf into 2013, I've been - dare I say it? - a little nostalgic over the food and memories shared over the past year. From cookies, to chicken, to little men made from fruit, these are some of the best of Leanne Bakes from 2012.

Oh, and Happy New Year!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bars

Sriracha and Garlic Chicken Wings

Spiced Apple Chips

15 Minute Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

The Best Crockpot Chicken Ever

Santa Strawberries

Chocolate and Vanilla Pinwheel Cookies

If I spent nearly as much time wrapping presents and organizing as I do baking, I'd be ready for Christmas by now.

But I don't - so here we are with more cookies, regardless of the giant mess in my apartment. These pinwheel cookies are gifts though (well, half of them are...), so that counts at least a little bit.

And nothing makes a home more in the holiday spirit than the smell of freshly baked anything, especially chocolate and vanilla pinwheel cookies.

This recipe is definitely a keeper, too. I added a bit more chocolate to the dough, and made the pinwheel pattern thinner than most, which reminds me of those thin-layered zebra cakes and makes me unreasonably happy.

Are you a little more ahead than I am for the holidays? If yes (and even if no!) try a batch of these cookies to help get in the spirit!

Spiced Rum Caramel Croissant Pudding

This croissant pudding is is completely knee-buckling. (And the perfect Christmas brunch recipe).

A mix of spiced rum, warm caramel, and buttery croissants, I couldn't resist eating it straight out of the pan with a fork when it came out of the oven.


The recipe and inspiration comes from Nigella Lawson, but I lightened it up a bit with a lower fat cream and milk, and one less egg. Okay, not a huge difference in fat, but every little bit counts, no?

What's going to be on your table Christmas morning?

Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread

There's only two ingredients and five minutes between you and a better breakfast.

This easy chocolate peanut butter spread goes on pretty much everything breakfast, from toast to croissants to pancakes. And without the hydrogenated oils and excess sugar found in processed versions, it's almostmaybesorta healthy. Well, healthier at least.

Plus how long have those of us with tree nut allergies been waiting for an alternative to Nutella? Too damn long. Let the breakfast revolution begin!

Winter Wonderland Meringue Christmas Trees (and the giveaway winner!)

There's no snow in sight for Vancouver, so I made my own little winter wonderland with meringue trees.

I don't really know if meringues count as a cookie or a confection, but whatever they are, I need a constant supply of them in my life. Consider that a New Years Resolution: I want to be at least 50% meringue by next Christmas.

Easy to make, bake, and even easier to eat, these little crunchy pillows of sweetness are perfect for the holidays. A hint of peppermint adds a little extra holiday charm.

They turned out so cute, this LEGO family stopped by to snatch one up for Christmas! ...Okay, my son left his toys out and I got bored.

But enough about meringues - let's find out who won the Suzie's Sourdough Circus giveaway!

The first winner is Kesha Gooding!  The second winner is, well, you didn't leave a name but your email leads me to believe it might be Anne :). I've emailed both the winners, but if they don't reply within 5 days, I'll pick a new one (or two).

Thanks for entering everyone! I can't wait to start the next giveaway.

Read on for the meringue tree recipe...

Christmas Wreath Doughnuts

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.

Our tree will be going up this weekend, letters to Santa are being scribed, and even the doughnuts are a little more festive.

I made these Christmas Wreath Doughnuts by baking a batch of chocolate cake in a doughnut pan, then decorating them with Wilton's leaf tip #352, and piping the berries and ribbons on with a #4 tip. Keep your icing soft, because you'll need your hands to still work when it comes to eating one when you're done decorating.

How's your holiday planning coming along?