SMILE...it's your birthday!

Why are we smiling here at Delightful Country Cookin'?  We're celebrating our first birthday!

One year ago today I started this blog...if you happened to follow me then, you will remember that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  I still don't.  But I can say with confidence that I've gotten better (especially in the photography department) and now have over 100 husband-tested-and-approved recipes in my stash.  I'd say that's worth smiling about. :-)

In order to celebrate this grand occasion, I'm going to give you our top picks from all of this past year's recipes.  It was a hard, hard decision.

But first...the smiles.

I grew up enjoying apple smiles.  They were always a treat to take to school (who doesn't love a smile?), and they were easy enough for my sister and I to make as kids.  Never, as a kid, did I dream that these were healthy!  I ate them because they were fun.

While recently at Apple Hill, I saw these beautiful Arkansas Black apples.  Once I saw their rich red color, I knew I had to make apple smiles.

Wash, peel, and core the apples, and then cut into even slices.  It's best if you can get 16 slices out of each apple.  Pour some lemon juice into a bowl, and dip the cut sides of the apples into the juice...this keeps them from turning brown.

Once you have your apples sliced, gather up your supplies - creamy peanut butter and some mini marshmallows!

Using a paper towel, dab the apple slices to get rid of excess liquid.

Spread peanut butter on one side of each slice.

Finally, sandwich 3-4 marshmallows in between two apple slices, using the peanut butter as glue!

Are you smiling?

And now....drum roll please...our top picks of this past year's recipes!  My picks are listed first.  My husband's are listed second (and since he's the official taste tester, his are probably more important).

The Appetizer - Pico de Gallo and Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

The Breakfast - Corn Waffles (we actually agreed on this one!)

The Side Dish - Roasted Vegetable Tart and Hot Bacon Pasta Salad

The Entree - Braised Pork Chops and Kickin' Pasta Sauce

The Dessert - Cookies and Cream Ice Cream and Crock Pot Chocolate Covered Peanuts

Linked up with Gooseberry Patch's Recipe Roundup: Kids' Goodies!