It was the worst of times, it was the best of times… Yes, we know we have that Charles Dickens quote backward, but sheesh, 2023 has been one tough year. Despite the challenges, we’ve relished plenty of good things to eat and drink, heartwarming moments and lots of laughter. The perseverance and creativity of Vermonters involved in growing, crafting and serving up all manner of deliciousness continue to impress us. From the sweetest to the most anticipated, here are a Seven Days-style dozen (i.e., 14) superlatives to recap the year. — M.P. Sweetest Annual Tradition We kicked off 2021 with a story about doughnuts. In 2022, we talked to Chris Johnson, Nomad Coffee head baker (now owner!) about croissants and kouign amanns. This year, we cranked our January diet-busting approach up a notch with the new “Bakery Month.” A bunch of bakeries had opened at the end of 2022, so we did the hard job of heading out postholidays to taste their pastries, cakes and flourless chocolate mousse-cake-pie-tortes all month long. In Shelburne, Leunig’s Le Marché Café offered creations inspired by local mountains and sandwiches perfect for picnicking on them. Burlington’s Belleville Bakery delighted with European-style treats and “ex-boyfriend” cookies from its open kitchen. Essex Junction’s Boxcar Bakery had me pounding plump ham-and-cheese croissants and the aforementioned chocolate mousse-cake-pie-tortes (not their real name). I think 2024 needs a sweet start, too. — J.B. Most Anticipated Restaurant Opening (and Reopening — and Re-reopening) People who dined at Hen of the Wood’s original Waterbury location over its 18 years found the restaurant idyllically, quintessentially Vermont, with its rustic stone walls and riverside tables. From an operations standpoint, however, the space was a challenge, founder-owner Eric Warnstedt said when he finally confirmed a long-planned move in March. Hen of the Wood reopened to the public in a brand-new, custom-designed space at 14 South Main Street on April 7, only to close temporarily after service that same night when a sprinkler system malfunctioned. It re-reopened on May 31. The new restaurant was largely unscathed by the July flooding, which swamped Warnstedt’s Prohibition Pig across the street. But Hen did close for a few days, and its basement “speakeasy” remained shuttered for about a month before re-reopening. Now all that is water under the bridge (sorry), and the new Waterbury Hen has settled into its sleek, contemporary home. Diners can sit…