Countdown to 2011: Desserts

You knew it was coming.

The dessert-crazy lady has gone.....indeed......crazy.

I was not capable of choosing one or five or even 10 favorite desserts from this past year....and there were many more that I managed to leave off the list but still enjoyed immensely.

You may notice there's a lot of chocolate on this list.  And a lot of cream cheese.  Hmmm.  What does that say about me?

I'll tell you just a smidge about why I loved each one of these.

 Celebration Chocolate Cake 
Our Christmas dessert last year....but I didn't technically post the recipe until January. This cake was so moist, so chocolaty, the frosting was the perfect consistency and the ganache on top just took it over the edge.  I snuck little slices of it when all the guests had gone to bed.  It was that good. 

 Double Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
I invented this cheesecake for Grant's birthday in January.  He has in fact requested it again for his birthday next week!  I  will be making extra raspberry sauce to serve on top.....and can't wait to taste it again.  

 Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Squares

These were just so wonderful.  Delicate caramel flavored cheesecake.....perfectly smooth ganache that sliced into little squares like a dream....these were an ideal finger dessert for a large party.  And this was my first accepted photo on foodgawker.  :)

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

I seriously need to make these again.  They were wonderful.  The cookie was so nicely paired with the soft marshmallow and the frosting (which was addictive on its own).  Yum. 

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

I made this for my birthday.  We hadn't had it in a couple of years, and it was just as good as I remembered...chocolate crust, gooey caramel with pecans, chocolate cheesecake, ganache, and topped with more caramel and pecans.  It will always be one of my favorite desserts ever. 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Squares

What's not to like?  Graham cracker crust with mini chocolate chips - Check!  Vanilla cheesecake - Check!  Chocolate chip cookie dough - Check!  Drizzle of chocolate - Check!  Major winner of a recipe.  

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes

If you're an Oreo lover, these are great!  I especially loved how easy the crust was - hahaha!  The portion sizes are small and portable, which is really nice.  So much fun!

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars

Ahhh, one of the all-time favorite flavor combinations.  Chocolate and peanut butter.  Add in cheesecake and it's a match made in heaven.  

S'Mores Brownies

I included this because the base brownie recipe (minus the added graham crackers and marshmallows that make it "S'Mores") is hands-down the best brownie I've ever eaten.  I couldn't get enough.  The add-ins didn't hurt anything, but boy howdy.  Those brownies. 

Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake

Made lower fat with applesauce replacing the oil, this cake is super moist, light, flavorful, and perfect for summer.  It's especially popular with ladies.  I was glad Grant wasn't crazy about it, because that left more for me.  I loved it. 

Mississippi Mud Brownies

Yes, another recipe with brownies and marshmallows.  What is my deal?  

Oh but these are just so good, I could barely stand it.  The kids thought they were top-notch as well.  As did the recipients of a tray of them...even the non-chocolate eater.

  

Gina's Pumpkin Cheesecake

I love pumpkin.  And obviously, I love cheesecake.  They're perfect together....and with some whipped cream, sugared pecans, and a caramel drizzle, it's the best ending to a Thanksgiving meal I could want. 

Chocolate Overdose Cake

This is really over the top. It was time-intensive and not one of the easiest things I've ever made, but it was amazing.  A layer of brownie, chocolate mousse, then chocolate cake, all covered and decorated with chocolate ganache.  

Raspberry Chocolate Cake

Our truly fabulous Christmas dessert......stay tuned for the recipe coming soon!

Be sure to check out SnoWhite's Countdown to 2011: Desserts for more tantalizing meal-enders!