From unicorn cakes to the ultimate chocolate brownie - here's what you couldn't get enough of this year

<p>As 2017 draws to a close, we thought we'd take a look back at the stories that really struck a chord with you this year.</p>
<p>From our most popular recipe of the year, to new magical modern-day masterpieces like our fabulous unicorn cake and old chocolatey baking favourites - here are the things you've been clicking and searching for over the last 12 months.</p>
<h2>1. Slow cooker beef stew</h2>
<p>Slow cooker recipes have been highly searched in Google over the last year, and it's easy to see why. First and foremost, it's a blessing in disguise for the time-deprived. Simply pop your ingredients, spices and stock into the kitchen appliance, leave it on while you're at work or running errands, and when you return you're rewarded with a flavour-packed, perfectly cooked dish.</p>
<p>Slow cookers have the power to transform cheaper, tougher cuts of meat into melt-in-the-mouth meals, and did you know you can even use them to make sweet dishes like cakes and poached fruit? It's no wonder then that our <a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/slow-cooker-beef-stew">hearty slow cooker beef stew</a>, which is packed with carrots, mushrooms and punchy Worcestershire sauce, is the most popular recipe this year.</p>
<p><img alt="slow-cooker-beef-stew__square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/slow-cooker-beef-stew__square_GL?scl=1" width="620" height="600"/></p>
<h2>2. Declutter and clean</h2>
<p>In 2016 we were all trying to fill our homes with candles, cushions and vintage country-chic furniture. But fast forward a year and it would seem that when it comes to interiors, what we really want is a good declutter.</p>
<p>'Declutter and clean' was a top searched phrase this year, with <a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/how-to-declutter-and-organise-whole-house">how to declutter and organise your whole house</a>, <a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/how-to-organise-your-wardrobe">how to organise your wardrobe</a> and <a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/declutter-your-life-with-our-helpful-tips">5 ways to clear all the clutter you've been hoarding</a> all proving extremely popular reads.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/decluttered_home_office__square_GL?scl=1"/></p>
<h2>3. Let's go veggie</h2>
<p>Pass on the steak, say 'no' to that double cheeseburger and put down the chicken sandwich - this year saw a rise in vegetarian eating with more people than ever opting for meat-free Mondays and tasty veggie alternatives.</p>
<p>Even bestselling author and vlogger Giovana Fletcher had a <a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/when-giovanna-fletcher-went-vegetarian">stint as a vegetarian</a>. She told us: "I hadn’t known vegetables could taste so good. Every meal, from veggie-filled cottage pie to creamy coconut lentil curry, was a culinary delight and we relished being in the kitchen. More than that, though, we felt amazing – sparkier, brighter with endless amounts of energy.</p>
<p><img alt="sweetcorn-fritters__square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/sweetcorn-fritters__square_GL?scl=1" width="620" height="600"/></p>
<h2>4. Unicorn cakes</h2>
<p>In years gone by, sightings of the magical unicorn were rare. But since the end of 2016 our love for the mythical multi-coloured beast has been taken to new heights. From <a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/rainbow-unicorn-toast">unicorn toast</a> to unicorn bagels and unicorn cakes too - no stone, when it came to unicorns, was left unturned.</p>
<p>So it's no surprise that our loveable, cute and pretty-as-a-picture unicorn cake video went down a storm. Just look at those cute wiggling ears...</p>
<blockquote><a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYqUCW7lIN8/">We can’t stop looking at this unicorn cake! This magical madeira cake with fruit jam and enchantingly sweet frosting is available in-store and online for just £10. Head to asda.com and search ‘Unicorn Cake’ #Asda #Cake #Unicorn #UnicornCake #UnicornFood #Baking #CakeDecorating</a></blockquote>
<blockquote>A post shared by Asda (@asda) on Sep 5, 2017 at 6:32am PDT</blockquote>
<h2>5. Ultimate chocolate brownie</h2>
<p>Trends come and go, but it seems our love for the humble chocolate brownie is unbreakable.</p>
<p>Despite hundreds of new and innovative brownie flavour combinations like red wine, chilli or even beetroot - it was our <a target='_blank'target="_blank" href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/the-ultimate-chocolate-brownie">ultimate chocolate brownie</a> recipe that came up trumps in the recipe rankings. And we can certainly understand why. Is there anything better than the soft and squidgy, chocolatey, indulgent brilliance that is the chocolate brownie?</p>
<p><img alt="the-ultimate-chocolate-brownie__hero__square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/the-ultimate-chocolate-brownie__hero__square_GL?scl=1" width="620" height="500"/></p>

Here's what you've been loving

By ASDA Admin,10th December 2017

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