Been There, Baked That: The Top Ten of 2010

When I began my sweet experiment -- baking from (mostly) hand-written vintage recipe cards -- one year ago today, I hoped to discover some hidden treasures from the past. And, I wasn't disappointed.  So without further adieu, here are the top ten baker's dozen bake-worthy recipes of 1900 to 1963 baked in 2010. (And a few honorable mentions.)

1) Date Crackers, aka Yer Darn Tootin', I Like Fig Newtons
The delicious, addicting sleeper of the century.
 http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/03/yer-darn-tootin-i-like-fig-newtons.html

2) Mrs. Duenwald's Poppy Seed Cake
An impressive triple flavor explosion direct from South Dakota  http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/06/poppy-seed-cake.html

3) Pre-Poppin Fresh, aka Ida Zepps Refrigerator Rolls 
Absolutely ingenious rolls  http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/01/ida-zepps-refrigerator-rolls.html

4) Can She Bake a Cherry Pie?
A rare and  truly seasonal treat (the sour cherries are available just two weeks per year) here http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/06/can-she-bake-cherry-pie.html

5) The Accidental Black & White 
A cake masquerading as a NYC's quintessential cookie   http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/05/accidental-black-white.html

6) Pull-Apart Kuchen
A fun-for-all ages sweet bread, no fork or knife required. http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/07/pull-apart-kuchen-no-knife-or-fork.html

7) Mrs. Johnson's Strawberry Shortcake
The cake that's so good, you'll never go back to a biscuit.
http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010_05_01_archive.html

8) Very Creamy Cheesecake
DH's top pick for the year.
 http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/11/very-best-creamy-cheesecake.html

9) Moonlight Chocolate Cake
Because this list wouldn't be complete without a yummy chocolate cake.  http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/02/moonlight-chocolate-cake-with-seven.html

10) Isn't it Good Norwegian Cake
Read about this decadent cake that's so worth the calories here http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/11/isnt-it-good-norwegian-cake.html

11) Lemon Cream Cake (and Dirty Martini)
A delicate, decadent,  delicious -- and foolproof -- cake.
http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/08/lemon-cream-cake-and-dirty-martini.html

12) Mocha & Spice Chest 3 Layer Cake
A beautiful and  unusual cake, which would be really good if you don't overbake it as I did. http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/01/birthday-cake.html

Honorable Mentions


1) Huckle Buckle
Because this is both a delicious dessert AND a sex position!
http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/07/huckle-buckle-dessert-and-sex-position.html

2) Boston Cream Pie
This is good, but not quite "there."  Still, this "pie" dressed as a cake deserves another attempt in 2011.
http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/03/boston-cream-pie-pie-in-cake-attire.html

3) Red Velvet Cake
This is on the list because it's the best red velvet recipe in the world, even though  it's not vintage.  Make it and impress your friends and family.  And no need to tint the frosting pink -- white is classic and lovely (I just couldn't find a picture with white icing).
http://www.acakebakesinbrooklyn.com/2010/08/best-red-velvet-cake-in-world.html