The best of Mamacook 2012

Hi All of you,

2013 is here, for months I will be changing the 2 on the end to a 3 by adding a bit onto the bottom!

It's been a busy and exciting year including making it to the final of Britmums Brilliance in Blogging awards as a finalist in the Tasty category.  It made me immensely proud to get there.  I've also started my own business and frankly I'm pretty happy if mad busy.

I only hope 2013 brings as much good stuff but preferably a little less of the bad stuff.  Resolutions?  Well my first is to learn to ride a bike, my second is to get more clients for my business closer to home, my third is to work a bit less and my fourth is to follow my heart more in life.

So, in my mood for reflection, here are the top ten posts of 2012 as decided by you kind readers...

Broccoli Nuggets

Despite posting this on April Fools Day, I was completely serious and from the stories I've had, this is the recipe which has got more kids and adults eating their greens than any other (9000+ at last count).  You can't say fairer than that!


Sugar Free Flapjack

Truly a post for the new year, this was my attempt to make a flapjack recipe without using sugar or syrup.

Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect but it's a bloody good go and my son was a big fan.

Little Gold Men

Little did I know when posting this recipe how much my world was about to change.  Although I didn't win the award, I was less than a month away from leaving my job and starting my own business.  Neither were in my plans but both were the best things I could have done.  I'm also convinced this is the best biscuit recipe I've ever made.  I keep meaning to make them for adults, they're very tasty.

Sausage Plait

For some reason this recipe has suddenly become really popular.  It's a great year round recipe though and a fantastic sneaky vegetable dish.  (Regular readers will know how much I like to sneak in some insurance vegetables!)

Courgette and Feta Bites

A variation on the broccoli ones but (shhhh) I think a bit better.

Mini Quiches

I made these for my son's birthday party and they were a huge hit.  No way did I make enough!  Very more-ish and delicious and a great way to include vegetables for those who are a little reluctant.

Chicken Pasta Bake

Ah, the pasta bake.  Another fantastic way to hide those veggies but also a great and thrifty way to use up ingredients and help prevent waste.  We all need recipes like these in straightened times.

Sugar Free Double Apple Muffins

These are deliciously light, dairy and sugar free.  Fantastic.

Oaty mini muffins

There was a time it felt like I was always making muffins.  These were one of the first where I'd really had a go at lightening the mix though and it worked a treat.

Meatballs

This was one of the first recipes I ever made up.  I've been making this for years, so long in fact it almost makes me feel like I'm some kind of Italian Mamma for making them.  I don't make them often enough, they're a bit of a labour of love but so adored by kids and loads of the hidden vegetables.  You must try them.

It's made me realise what fantastic recipes 2012 brought.  I hope to be as inspired this year and I wish you all of the best for yourselves and your families.