Here it is: the annual round-up of your favourite recipes, as indicated by page views. As always, I’ve weighted the results to present you with the top five tipples and top five tastes, respectively.
I published a total of 70 posts in 2021, fewer than in years past but I did have the pleasure of launching an online shop to sell Taste & Tipple swag like sweaters and t-shirts and created a YouTube channel. I was delighted to build on my repertoire of fashion content and build on my home decor entries for this year. I’m looking forward to sharing more outfit inspiration and my long-awaited bathroom transformation in 2022!
For now, I hope this list will shed some light on some of the recipes you may have missed over the past 12 months and give you a bit of culinary and cocktail encouragement heading into 2021.
1. Coconots: Tiki Mocktail
To say I’m shocked that this Coconots: Tiki Mocktail was the most popular post of 2021 would be an understatement. This seems like a good indicator that the sober curious are continuing to grow in numbers and I’m delighted to see more zero-proof spirits coming onto the Canadian market. I suppose it’s a good thing that Dry January begins tomorrow and I’ll be shaking up some more placebo cocktails for those of you joining me in that adventure.
2. Almond Biscotti Martini
The silver medalist is a little less surprising – espresso martinis have made a MAJOR comeback over the past 18 months and this Almond Biscotti Martini celebrates the classic pairing of espresso and almond biscotti in a fresh spirited spin. It’s all about adding complexity to the standard espresso martini format. The espresso martini is a good drink but I felt pretty confident I could improve upon it with the addition of Disaronno Velvet and a splash of nutmeg syrup, and I did just that, and you guys seem to agree.
3. Maneater: Tiki Cocktail
Now I’m just wondering if you guys a) love Tiki cocktails a lot, or b) are as enamoured with this classic Tiki mug as I am. This Maneater: Tiki Cocktail is named in my honour, obviously. Like me, the drink is a little bit fiery but has a surprising underlying complexity – gin, apricot, orange liqueur, tropical fruit juices, and a splash of orgeat make for an immensely satisfying drinking experience (insert inappropriate joke here).
4. Boss Lady Cocktail
Wow, I’m so self-centred, *another* cocktail inspired by my damn self. Just kidding, kind of. The Boss Lady was designed for baddies who brunch – step aside bottomless mimosas. A delectable combination of cognac, ginger liqueur, grapefruit, lemon juices, honey syrup, topped off with a dry sparkling wine.
5. Tears of the Sun: Tequila Cocktail
I will say that I’m delighted each of the top five tipples features a different base spirit, we had non-alcoholic rum, vodka, gin, brandy, and finally, tequila. The Tears of the Sun is a kind of oddball combination of flavours: reposado tequila, crème de cassis, crème de cacao, hibiscus syrup, and lime juice, all topped off with a frothy finish of an egg white. It’s surprisingly delicious but I suspect the popularity of this post might have been driven by the cliffhanger imagery. Either way, I’ll take it.
6. Key Lime Pie Dutch Baby
Whereas some of the top tipples came as a shock to me, your favourite taste of 2021 is a no-brainer. Is it dessert? Is it breakfast? No sweetheart, it’s both. And every bite is worth the price of admission. If you haven’t tried this recipe, the Key Lime Pie Dutch Baby is a must-make. Thank me in 2022.
7. Game Day Nachos
Another predictable winner, who doesn’t love nachos? This amount cheese will leave me locked in the bathroom questioning my life choices for 24 hours but, for these, I’ll throw caution to the wind. These Game Day Nachos have everything but the kitchen sink and they are served with an avocado lime cream that will haunt your dreams, in a good way.
8. Thai Shrimp Curry on Cauliflower Rice
Look at you go, you little health nut. Substituting refined carbs for *cauliflower* – get it queen. Seriously though, this Thai Shrimp Curry on Cauliflower Rice has everything – spice, zip, freshness, crunch, and a healthy base. I’ll definitely be whipping this one up as I resume my healthy eating habits as of tomorrow.
9. Instant Pot Piri-Piri Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Fries & Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I can’t say for sure (I could if I used that handy search box at the top of the site) but I think this is the only Instant Pot recipe I have on the blog. These Piri-Piri Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Fries & Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a full meal guaranteed to satisfy all the carnivores on your list. The Dijon aioli on the Brussels sprouts will have you craving toothsome green veggies all the time. Your kids might even become Brussels lovers, no guarantees though.
10. Greek Eggs with Crispy Potatoes
This is one of my personal favourite recipes from the past year. These Greek Eggs with Crispy Potatoes feature sunny side up eggs, perfectly roasted baby potatoes, avocado, herbs, Greek yogurt, chile garlic oil, bacon, and crumbled feta. Oh, and did I forget to mention toasted, buttered sourdough? It’s a whole lotta yum. I hope you try this one, if you haven’t already.
Thanks for sticking with me through 2021 and I hope you’ll join me in 2022 to see where the next 12 months take us in tastes and tipples!
Happy New Year!
