Best Recipes of 2014: A Year of Culinary Delights, Personal Growth, and Family Favorites
There’s a unique joy in compiling these year-end reflection posts. While it can sometimes feel like a daunting task, particularly amidst the bustling holiday season when my blogging hat isn’t quite so firmly on, the process of looking back is incredibly rewarding. Reviewing every dish cooked and shared over the past twelve months fills me with inspiration, a deep sense of fulfillment, and undeniable happiness. The year 2014 was marked by significant personal challenges, primarily centered around rediscovering myself as a “new” mom again and striving to balance the ever-changing schedules and increasing demands of my growing family. Bringing a new baby into our lives after several years out of the “baby phase” truly shifted our family dynamics, presenting a delightful, albeit overwhelming, shock to our system. Yet, we wouldn’t trade the beautiful chaos, the inevitable exhaustion, or the boundless love for anything. It is all profoundly worth it.
I’ve always been someone who places immense pressure on myself to excel in every role – to do it all, do it perfectly, and be present for everyone. There were moments this year when that expectation felt utterly overwhelming, necessitating a complete shutdown and a careful reevaluation of my priorities. This year became a period of intense introspection, prompting me to deeply consider my multifaceted roles as a mom, wife, friend, family member, and simply, as a person. I’ve come to accept that perfection is an elusive goal; instead, I’m genuinely striving to do the very best I can in every aspect of my life.
There was a point this past summer when I seriously contemplated stepping away from blogging altogether. The thought brought a pang of sadness, but I was genuinely struggling to integrate my passion for this blog into the realities of my everyday life. Time, or rather the lack thereof, became my biggest adversary. It felt as if there was no time for anything extra, so I made the difficult decision to step back from blogging for a few months, hoping to see if it would naturally find its way back into my routine. And wonderfully, it did. As my baby began sleeping through the night and my older children returned to school in the fall, a renewed sense of energy and purpose washed over me. I felt refreshed, invigorated, and ready to dive back into cooking and sharing regularly once more, a stark contrast to my pre-baby culinary pace. One of the most profound lessons I learned this year was the importance of patience – patience with the season of life I was in, and the wisdom to simply roll with whatever challenges and changes came my way. While I don’t always navigate these shifts with grace or composure, the unwavering support and gentle encouragement from my husband, who consistently reminds me of what I need to hear, has been invaluable in helping me figure things out.
Thank you for indulging me in this personal reflection today. I cherish the opportunity to write here, for whoever may be reading (a true blogger confession: sometimes you’re just not sure who’s really on the other side of the screen!). As we approach a new year, which has always been my favorite season of renewal, I am filled with immense excitement and gratitude for your presence in my 2014 journey. Your readership means the world.
I sincerely hope you enjoy reliving what I consider the “Best of 2014” – a curated collection encompassing both my personal favorites and the recipes that resonated most with you, my wonderful readers! It’s been an undeniably delicious year, brimming with memorable meals and culinary discoveries.
My Favorite Recipes of 2014: A Culinary Journey Through the Year
Here’s a month-by-month look at the dishes that truly captured my heart and palate throughout 2014, reflecting the flavors, challenges, and joys of each passing season:
January: Refrigerator Oats with Berries and Banana
As the new year began, I found myself in a rhythm of making and enjoying these refrigerator oats for months on end. They became my go-to healthy breakfast, perfect for busy mornings when time was a luxury I didn’t have. The simplicity, nutritional value, and endless customization options with fresh berries and banana made this a true winner. It’s definitely time to jump back on the oats wagon!
February: Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This healthy chicken tortilla soup was another recipe I simply couldn’t get enough of. It’s packed with flavor, yet light and wholesome, making it an ideal choice for a comforting meal without the guilt. The fact that almost my entire family eagerly eats this soup is a testament to its widespread appeal – a rarity in our household! I’m already thinking about making a big pot soon; it’s perfect for a clean, post-holiday reset.
March: Salmon Quinoa Cakes
These salmon quinoa cakes emerged as one of my absolute favorite recipes of the year. They felt like a complete no-brainer – quick, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful. I especially loved the innovative idea of using quinoa as a binder and filler instead of traditional breadcrumbs, which added a wonderful texture and a boost of protein. This recipe has certainly sparked numerous ideas for future creations in my kitchen.
April: Lightened Up Broccoli Salad
As the weather began to warm and thoughts turned to outdoor grilling, this lightened-up broccoli salad became an instant hit. It offers all the delicious crunch and creamy dressing of a classic broccoli salad but with a healthier twist. It truly is the perfect accompaniment for any spring or summer BBQ, bright and refreshing on the plate.
May: Carrot Raisin Quinoa Salad
Continuing the trend of light and wholesome sides, this carrot raisin quinoa salad was another fantastic veggie and grain combination that I loved. It quickly became a staple side dish as the days grew longer and warmer, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, along with a satisfying texture. Its versatility made it a welcome addition to countless meals.
June: Summer Chicken Chili Verde
My love for soup knows no season, and this summer chicken chili verde proved that hearty bowls aren’t just for cold weather. I enjoy the creativity of adapting classic recipes by incorporating seasonal vegetables and lighter ingredients to suit the warmer months. This chili verde offered a vibrant, zesty twist that was perfect for summer evenings.
July: Garden Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage
This garden pasta salad with chicken sausage is a consistent request from my daughter, and for good reason! It’s a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying dish. The addition of savory chicken sausage elevates it, making it hearty enough to serve as a light yet fulfilling summer meal. It’s a colorful and delicious way to enjoy fresh garden produce.
August: Turkey and Spinach Tostadas
These turkey and spinach tostadas quickly earned their spot as another beloved family favorite. I honestly can’t count how many times I prepared these throughout the year. Everyone in my family absolutely adores them, and I especially love piling mine high with shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of green salsa for an extra boost of fresh veggies and vibrant flavor!
September: Buffalo Rotisserie Chicken Salad
I crafted this buffalo rotisserie chicken salad specifically for my husband when he was craving the bold flavors of buffalo wings, but we were both aiming for lighter, healthier meals to aid in weight management. This salad delivered all the spicy, tangy goodness without the frying, proving that you simply can’t beat the irresistible taste of anything “buffalo” – it truly makes everything delicious!
October: Cinnamon Pear Green Smoothie
This cinnamon pear green smoothie became my delightful companion throughout the fall, particularly during those transitional weeks when I was unsure which fruits to buy. The subtle sweetness of pears, beautifully complemented by the warm hint of cinnamon, made this smoothie utterly irresistible and kept me happily hooked all season long.
November: Butternut Squash and Spinach Manicotti
This butternut squash and spinach manicotti holds a particularly special place in my heart, both as a recipe and as a cherished memory. My daughter and I spent such a wonderful afternoon cooking this dish together. It was a beautiful experience where I had the joy of teaching her something new in the kitchen, and in turn, she taught me the invaluable lesson of slowing down and savoring those precious moments of shared creation.
December: Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs
As the year drew to a close, these baked spinach and ricotta meatballs were the epitome of comfort food. Rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, they brought absolute cheer to our family dinner table. The moment these hit the table, there were smiles all around, marking a perfect, cozy end to a year of delicious meals.
Your Favorites: The Most Popular Recipes from Aggie’s Kitchen in 2014
It’s always fascinating to see which recipes truly resonate with you, my incredible readers! Here are some of the dishes that garnered the most attention and love from the Aggie’s Kitchen community in 2014:
Autumn Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Almonds and Apples
This delightful chicken salad, originally crafted for a client, became an unexpected and overwhelmingly popular hit! Its appeal lies in its wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The added crunch from the toasted almonds and crisp apples provides a fantastic contrast to the tender chicken, all bound together with a creamy, healthier Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying crunch.
Hard Cider Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Creating this recipe was an absolute joy! I was inspired to make something special for my in-laws and decided to infuse classic pork chops with a seasonal autumn twist. The hard cider, apples, and onions come together to create an incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a fantastic recipe for any fall gathering or weeknight meal.
Roasted Chili Maple Pork Tenderloin
This roasted chili maple pork tenderloin truly pushed me out of my culinary comfort zone, and I had so much fun learning something new in the process. The sweet and savory rub, with a hint of spice, transformed a simple pork tenderloin into something extraordinary. Everyone who tried it absolutely loved it, and its success has inspired me to experiment with many more rubs and marinades for future recipes.
Summer Black Bean and Corn Salad
A true classic that shines in the summer but honestly works wonderfully any time of year! This vibrant black bean and corn salad is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic served as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken, makes a delicious dip for tortilla chips, or can even be used as a flavorful filling for tacos and burritos. Its fresh flavors and satisfying texture make it a perennial favorite.
You also shared my enthusiasm for the Lightened Up Broccoli Salad and the comforting Baked Ricotta and Spinach Meatballs, proving that great taste truly is universal!
Honorable Mentions: More Delicious Discoveries of 2014
Beyond the top favorites, a few other recipes from 2014 truly deserve a spotlight for their sheer deliciousness and consistent appearance on our table:
Chicken, Pear and Avocado Salad
This chicken, pear, and avocado salad was an obsession! I literally couldn’t get enough of it and found myself making it for days on end. The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and sweet, crisp pears creates a perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying meal that’s both light and incredibly flavorful.
Kicked Up Oven Baked Steak Fries
Spicy baked fries? Yes, please! These kicked-up oven-baked steak fries offer a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts without sacrificing any flavor. The extra spice elevates them from a simple side dish to a craveable treat, perfect for movie nights or pairing with your favorite burger.
Black Chili Bean and Avocado Quesadillas
My little guy and I were absolutely hooked on these mini quesadillas for lunch. They’re quick, easy, and packed with delicious flavor. The black chili beans and creamy avocado make for a satisfying filling, and using corn tortillas became my new favorite discovery for a delightful texture and taste. A perfect snack or light meal!
Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season to the fullest! Wishing each and every one of you the very best in 2015 – a year filled with joy, health, and delicious moments.
It’s going to be absolutely awesome!
Looking Back: A Glimpse into Past Culinary Highlights
Best of 2013 – My Favorites and Yours
My Favorite Meals of 2012
Bye Bye 2011
Top 5 Favorites of 2009 – Harissa Steak Sandwich, Game Day Chili, Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pizza, BBQ Pulled Pork and Chipotle Onion Sandwiches, Chorizo and Eggs