As the end of the year approaches, it’s a good time to look back at 2021. In doing so, we’re taking a look at the stories you responded to the most and one that we felt you should have noticed more.

Homestyle favorites like chicken and dumplings and meatloaf, and desserts like peach dumplings and apple crisp, were the recipes you wanted to try the most this year. Add to that the quest for the perfect tomato sandwich and Kate Wood’s Peppermint White Chocolate Cheesecake and these are the best recipes of this year.

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken and Dumplings

For a rich flavor and velvety texture, start with a whole young chicken, wet chicken base and cream of chicken soup. (Stacey Little/Southern Bite)

Recipe: Peach Dumplings

For this easy dessert, peel and slice one large peach into eight wedges, discarding the pit. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Recipe: Ultimate Classic Meatloaf

This showstopper recipe starts with ground beef that contains 80% lean meat and 20% fat among other simple tips for flavor and juiciness. (Stacey Little/Southern Bite)

There’s a trick to making the summer’s perfect tomato sandwich

The sandwiches in the front with the extra thick slices are superior to the one in the back with thinner slices. (Kate Krader / Bloomberg)

Recipe: Easy Apple Crisp

Use two pounds of firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored and diced or four to five medium apples of your choice. If desired, leave the peel on the apple. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Editor’s choice: Recipe: Peppermint White Chocolate Cheesecake

The richness of this cheesecake is offset with bright minty candy pieces, and a combination of the textured crust with the fluffy cake. (Kate Wood / Wood and Spoon)

Source: https://alabamanewscenter.com/2021/12/29/best-of-alabama-newscenter-2021-recipes/