I have a pretty good memory when it comes to food. You could ask me what I did on vacation 10 years ago, and I may not be able to tell you the name of the hotel, but I would remember where and what I ate. Some think that strange, but other foodies understand: food leaves a lasting impression.

These recipes stand out as some of the best of 2011.

1. Pumpkin Roulade with Ginger Buttercream. This was by far the best new dessert I tried this year. The resulting cake had a delicious pumpkin spice flavor that was enhanced by the ginger-spiked creamy filling. And the presentation of the rolled dessert was impressive and festive, serving about 12 people.
2. Senegalese Peanut Stew with Spinach and Sweet Potatoes.This recipe is why I love my foodie friends. The best recipes often come by word of mouth, and this was no exception. I could tell while making this dish that the flavors would meld well together, but I didn't count on the rave reviews from my family. This hot bowl of colorful goodness is just the cure for winter blues.
3. Cherry Almond Scones. After being loyal to another scone recipe for years, possibly a decade, this combination ousted that long-time favorite. Not only is the combination of cherries and almonds the very flavor of springtime, but the moist consistency of the scone won me over.
4. Chocolate and Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. These are the type of treats that you either absolutely love or hate. What can be described as a glorified whoopie pie, these cookie sandwiches combined two of my favorite flavors into one delectable dessert bomb. The dense, not-too-sweet cookies are the perfect foil for the ridiculously rich peanut butter filling.
5. Slow Cooker Chili Tacos. For a casual night in or to feed a crowd, this was a great slow cooker recipe. When the meat is cooked and shredded, the kids and guests enjoy piling on their own toppings. The dish worked for our household of mixed tastes, with some opting for crunchy cheese-laden tacos and others warmly topped salad with spicy salsa.

What were your favorites this year? Let us know in the comments.