A Year in Flavor: Unveiling Your Top 12 Most Loved Recipes from 2014
As the curtain closes on another remarkable year, it’s hard to believe that 2014 has already slipped into the past, paving the way for a brand new chapter. This past year was truly transformative, marked by incredible changes and exhilarating challenges. Personally, it was a year of bold leaps: I transitioned from my full-time career to dedicate myself entirely to this blog, poured my heart into planning a dream wedding, and embarked on numerous exciting travels that fueled both my spirit and my culinary inspiration. These experiences have been invaluable, shaping not just my life but also the content I’ve had the joy of sharing with you.
Looking ahead, 2015 promises to be an even more eventful and thrilling year, brimming with nerve-wracking anticipation and joyful milestones. The agenda is packed: I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my first niece or nephew in February, set to become an aunt for the very first time! April will see me walking down the aisle, followed by an unforgettable safari honeymoon in Africa in May. My incredible partner, Connor, will achieve a monumental goal by graduating from medical school and officially becoming a doctor. And to top it all off, we anticipate moving to a new city by the end of June, embarking on yet another grand adventure. Just thinking about the whirlwind ahead is exhausting, yet I couldn’t be more excited to embrace this next, momentous chapter in our lives together.
Amidst all these personal transitions, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to continue nurturing and growing this website. While my passion for creating and sharing delicious recipes with you all is profound, my love for this vibrant community we’ve built together runs even deeper. Your unwavering support, encouraging comments, and enthusiastic engagement are the bedrock of this blog. I truly couldn’t be here, sharing my culinary adventures and connecting with fellow food lovers, without each and every one of you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being an integral part of this journey!
And now, a moment of reflection and celebration as we revisit the culinary landscape of the past year. Here, meticulously compiled and lovingly presented, are your absolute favorite recipes from 2014 – the dishes that resonated most with our incredible community and garnered the most clicks, shares, and rave reviews!
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Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Crispy Goat Cheese
Claiming the coveted spot as the number one reader favorite of 2014, and deservedly so, these Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Crispy Goat Cheese are also one of my personal go-to dishes. This recipe brilliantly combines hearty, earthy portobello mushrooms with the rich tang of goat cheese, offering a sophisticated yet simple meal perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic vegetarian option that even devout meat-eaters will adore, proving that plant-based dishes can be incredibly satisfying and flavorful. As reader Barbara wonderfully put it: “Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I made it today and it is absolutely delicious!!! The flavors, textures – incredible! I could go meatless with recipes like this…” This dish truly elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making it a timeless favorite.
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Crepes with Whipped Meyer Lemon Ricotta
These elegant Crepes with Whipped Meyer Lemon Ricotta offer a delightful twist on classic lemon ricotta pancakes, presenting an equally irresistible and lighter alternative. The delicate crepes, paired with a fluffy, zesty Meyer lemon ricotta filling, create a breakfast or brunch experience that feels both indulgent and fresh. Meyer lemons, with their sweeter, less acidic profile than regular lemons, are perfectly in season right now, making this recipe an absolute must-try. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, offering a bright and cheerful start to any day or a sophisticated dessert option.
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Rise & Shine Smoothie
Inspired by a memorable trip to New York City, the Rise & Shine Smoothie quickly became a blog sensation and quite possibly my all-time favorite smoothie recipe. What makes it so special? It boasts a comforting flavor profile reminiscent of banana bread (yes, I swear!). Beyond its delicious taste, this smoothie is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with wholesome ingredients like protein-rich hemp seeds, naturally sweet dates, creamy almond butter, and hydrating coconut water. It’s the perfect quick breakfast or energizing snack to kickstart your day on a healthy, flavorful note, proving that healthy can be incredibly delicious.
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Roasted Squash and Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries and Dijon Vinaigrette
Despite being shared only a month ago, this exceptional side dish, Roasted Squash and Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries and Dijon Vinaigrette, has already soared to become one of readers’ top five recipes this year! This recipe perfectly captures the essence of autumn and winter, combining the caramelized sweetness of roasted squash with the crisp, slightly bitter notes of Brussels sprouts. The addition of tangy dried cranberries and a zesty Dijon vinaigrette truly elevates this dish, making it a standout accompaniment to any meal. You all know my profound love for Brussels sprouts knows no bounds, and this recipe is another testament to their versatility and deliciousness. #BrusselsSproutsWeek forever and ever!
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Spicy Peanut Ginger Drumsticks
These Spicy Peanut Ginger Drumsticks proved to be a show-stopper and a huge hit with our community, thanks to their irresistible blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. The marinade, bursting with the aromatic notes of peanut and ginger, transforms simple chicken drumsticks into a gourmet meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, guaranteed to impress. Reader Ivy raved: “I made this tonight. I added a little garlic in the marinade. I could not find garlic flavored bean sauce. I used a spicy bean sauce. I also used both drumsticks and chicken breasts. It was FANTASTIC. My family loved it. Thank-you for sharing. I’ve made numerous recipes from pinterest. This is one was the best chicken recipes I’ve tried.” This testimonial speaks volumes about the dish’s incredible appeal and versatility!
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Strawberry-Banana Mango Lava Flow
This vibrant Strawberry-Banana Mango Lava Flow smoothie immediately transports me to a sunny beach with its tropical flavors and stunning appearance. Inspired by my favorite summer beach drink, this healthier version is crafted with creamy Greek yogurt, ripe bananas, sweet mango, and a luscious fresh strawberry puree. It’s an incredibly refreshing and satisfying drink, perfect for breakfast, a post-workout treat, or simply when you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway. Its beautiful layers and burst of fruity flavors make it a delightful escape in a glass.
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Connor’s Ultimate BLT
Connor’s Ultimate BLT is a sandwich so good, it barely needs an introduction! This BLT is more than just bacon, lettuce, and tomato; it’s an experience. The secret to its “ultimate” status lies in the details, and for me, that absolutely includes topping it with a perfectly fried egg. Once you try a BLT with a runny fried egg, there’s no going back – it adds an unparalleled richness and creaminess that takes this classic sandwich to new heights. It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying meal that has earned its place as a reader favorite.
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Fresh Mint Ginger Lemonade
This Fresh Mint Ginger Lemonade offers an incredibly refreshing and invigorating twist on a beloved classic. The key to its unique flavor profile lies in the homemade fresh ginger simple syrup, which adds a warm, spicy kick, perfectly balanced by fragrant torn mint leaves and an abundance of freshly squeezed lemon juice. It’s a drink that awakens the senses, perfect for a hot summer day or anytime you need a vibrant pick-me-up. Reader Mell enthusiastically confirmed its appeal: “Thanks so much for sharing! This lemonade is INCREDIBLE! Our guests agree that it is the best they’ve ever had. Thanks again!” This recipe proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable flavors.
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Classic Mexican Tortilla Soup
Without a doubt, this Classic Mexican Tortilla Soup stands as one of my all-time favorite soup recipes – I firmly believe it’s the absolute best Mexican tortilla soup out there! Its rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and vibrant toppings create a comforting and incredibly flavorful meal. I quite literally make this soup all the time; seriously, I’ve probably prepared this dish at least ten times in the past year alone, even twice in one week at one point! It’s a staple in my kitchen for its ease, deliciousness, and heartwarming qualities. Please, please do yourself a favor and make it!
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Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup
Despite some of its unique ingredients being a little tricky to source, this Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup is another cherished recipe from the past year that captured the hearts of many. The effort to gather the authentic components is well worth it, as this soup delivers an exquisite balance of creamy coconut milk, aromatic Thai spices, tender chicken, and comforting noodles. What’s more, this complex-tasting dish comes together surprisingly quickly, making it a perfect option for a flavorful and relatively fast weeknight dinner. It’s a truly transporting culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen.
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Grapefruit Curd Stuffed Doughnuts
These delightful Grapefruit Curd Stuffed Doughnuts were one of the very first recipes shared in 2014, and I’m absolutely thrilled they made it onto this beloved list! These aren’t your average doughnuts; they offer a sophisticated sweetness with a vibrant, tangy kick from the homemade grapefruit curd filling. The unexpected citrusy burst complements the soft, sweet dough beautifully, creating a pastry that is both comforting and exhilarating. This success has certainly inspired me, and a brand new grapefruit recipe is definitely on my agenda for the coming year, so stay tuned for more citrusy deliciousness!
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Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Muffins
Ah, the legendary Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Muffins – the time I successfully convinced you that it was perfectly acceptable, even encouraged, to enjoy muffins generously stuffed with rich dark chocolate chunks and tart raspberries for breakfast! These muffins strike a perfect balance between decadent and wholesome, making them an ideal treat to start your day or enjoy as a delicious snack. The melted chocolate and juicy raspberries create an irresistible flavor combination and a delightful texture. Perhaps I should make a habit of convincing you to indulge in such deliciousness more often, wouldn’t you agree?
As we step into a new year, I hope everyone enjoys a safe, joyful, and delicious New Year’s celebration! Thank you all so incredibly much for consistently taking the time to visit this site, engage with the content, leave your thoughtful feedback, and make this vibrant community and all these culinary adventures possible. Your enthusiasm is truly what keeps this blog thriving. Here’s to an even more exciting year ahead, filled with new recipes, shared moments, and endless inspiration in the kitchen!