Sunset Magazine recipes - best of 2011

Photo by Alex Farnum; written by Stephanie Dean

Brie, Rhubarb, and Green Peppercorn Crostini

This surprising and unusual combination of flavors really works together. Creamy cheese, tart rhubarb, spicy peppercorns, on top of crusty bread--yum!

Recipe: Brie, Rhubarb, and Green Peppercorn Crostini

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Stephanie Dean

Spinach Dinner Salad with Sesame Tofu

A coating of furikake (a Japanese mixture of sesame and seaweed) elevates cubes of tofu to another level. Tart apple adds liveliness.

Recipe: Spinach Dinner Salad with Sesame Tofu

Photo by Leo Gong; written by Stephanie Dean

Thai Beef Salad

Some sort of magic happens when you combine a few simple ingredients to turn out this simple, refreshing salad.

Recipe: Thai Beef Salad

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Dean

Cashew, Coconut, and Pumpkin Curry

This combo of salty cashews, creamy coconut milk, and savory-sweet pumpkin was our favorite cold-weather comfort food this year.

Recipe: Cashew, Coconut, and Pumpkin Curry

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Dean

New Mexico Green Chile and Frito Burgers

Chile-laden and packed with crunchy-salty Fritos, this ode to New Mexico is one of our all-time favorite burger combos.

Recipe: New Mexico Green Chile and Frito Burgers

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Dean

Hawaiian Pig-Out Burgers

Yes, this burger is over-the-top decadence, but boy is it delicious. Sweet pineapple combined with salty spam and creamy coleslaw makes this burger one of the year's best combinations of flavors and textures.

Recipe: Hawaiian Pig-Out Burgers

Photo by Lisa Romerein; written by Stephanie Dean

Grilled Corn Poblano Salad with Chipotle Vinaigrette

This combo of sweet corn and spicy poblano and chipotle makes for the ultimate summer BBQ side dish.

Recipe: Grilled Corn Poblano Salad with Chipotle Vinaigrette

Photo by Alex Farnum; written by Stephanie Dean

Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips with Crisp Root Vegetable Strips

We loved the clever use of parsnip and potato peels as a crispy topping for this creamy mash. There's also a delicious hit of coconut that makes these extra special.

Recipe: Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips with Crisp Root Vegetable Strips

Photo by Yunhee Kim; written by Stephanie Dean

Malted Milk Ball Ice Cream Pie

TO DIE FOR. This grand, chocolate-laden dessert is a stunner and we can guarantee that everyone will ask you for the recipe after one bite.

Recipe: Malted Milk Ball Ice Cream Pie

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Stephanie Dean

Strawberry Rose Cupcakes

Buttery and beautiful, we couldn't get enough of these strawberry and rose-kissed cupcakes.

Recipe: Strawberry Rose Cupcakes

Photo by Lisa Romerein; written by Stephanie Dean

Anjou Bakery's Marionberry Pie

A rich, buttery, shortbread-like crust really makes this berry pie stand out from the crowd.

Recipe: Anjou Bakery's Marionberry Pie

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Dean

Ultimate S'more

WOW! This one bowled us over in the test kitchen with its decadent deliciousness. The extra effort to make all the components pays off.

Recipe: Ultimate S'more

Best recipes of 2011

Brie, Rhubarb, and Green Peppercorn Crostini

Spinach Dinner Salad with Sesame Tofu

Thai Beef Salad

Cashew, Coconut, and Pumpkin Curry

New Mexico Green Chile and Frito Burgers

Hawaiian Pig-Out Burgers

Grilled Corn Poblano Salad with Chipotle Vinaigrette

Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips with Crisp Root Vegetable Strips

Malted Milk Ball Ice Cream Pie

Strawberry Rose Cupcakes

Anjou Bakery's Marionberry Pie

Ultimate S'more