Aggie’s Kitchen: Celebrating the Best Recipes of 2013 – A Year of Culinary Adventures and Family Joys

As 2013 drew to a close, I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d manage to put together one of these annual “Best Of” posts. The truth is, my life has been wonderfully chaotic and incredibly fulfilling, largely thanks to my sweet baby boy and my older children, who keep me constantly on my toes. Finding dedicated time to be online, to cook, and to share my culinary adventures has been a real challenge, and I’ve found myself struggling to maintain the rhythm I once had with Aggie’s Kitchen. Yet, the desire to connect with you, my wonderful readers, and to share the joy of homemade food, remains as strong as ever.

I am actively seeking a new balance, a way to harmoniously blend my roles as a mother, a homemaker, and a food blogger. I truly miss the consistent engagement and the simple act of sharing what’s cooking in my kitchen. However, this period of reduced online time has also offered a valuable realization: how much time I was spending online unproductively. My clear goal for the upcoming year, 2014, is to be far more intentional with every moment – dedicating quality time to my family, nurturing our home, and thoughtfully contributing to this blog with renewed focus and purpose. This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about a holistic approach to life that values presence over pixels.

Taking the time to look back through the array of delicious dishes I created throughout 2013 was unexpectedly delightful. Despite being pregnant for the majority of the year, a period when my appetite and preferences were often unpredictable, I was genuinely surprised by the number of recipes that truly captured my heart and taste buds. Revisiting these month-by-month culinary highlights was incredibly inspiring. It reignited my passion to get back into the kitchen, to embrace fresh ingredients, and to craft simple, nourishing meals for my family – a practice I confess had waned in the final months of the year. And believe me, my body and soul are definitely feeling the need for that wholesome, home-cooked goodness!

Here, with immense pleasure and a rumbling stomach, are my absolute favorite recipes from each month of 2013, representing a year of discovery, comfort, and deliciousness:

My Culinary Highlights: A Month-by-Month Look at 2013 Favorites

January – Asian Chopped Cabbage Salad with Panfried Wonton Crisps: This vibrant and crunchy salad was a fantastic way to kick off the year. Born from a fun and collaborative cooking session with my talented friend Julie, it perfectly marries crisp cabbage, earthy mushrooms, and savory pan-fried wonton crisps. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor and texture, making a light meal feel incredibly satisfying. A truly memorable dish that remains a favorite for its fresh appeal and ease of preparation.
February – Kale and Chard Green Power Salad with Maple Vinaigrette: Inspired by an abundant harvest of chard my grandpa sent home with me from his garden, this power-packed salad became an instant hit. It’s a delicious way to enjoy nutrient-dense greens like kale and chard, beautifully balanced by a subtly sweet maple vinaigrette. This recipe reminds me of the simple pleasures of garden-fresh produce and healthy eating, proving that nutritious meals can also be incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare for a wholesome lifestyle.
March – Grapefruit and Pistachio Crusted Baked Salmon: A truly elegant yet simple dish, this baked salmon was inspired by my friend Sandy’s delectable salmon recipe. I elevated it with fresh-picked grapefruit from my grandpa’s tree, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich, nutty pistachio crust. It’s a sophisticated meal that comes together quickly, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or even a special occasion, showcasing the versatility of fresh seafood and citrus flavors.
April – Refreshing Cantaloupe Smoothie: This smoothie holds a special place in my heart, evoking vivid memories of the early days of my pregnancy. Its cool, sweet, and incredibly hydrating nature provided much-needed comfort during those moments when I wasn’t feeling my best. A simple yet delightful blend of fresh cantaloupe, it offers a taste of pure sunshine, making it an ideal choice for a quick, healthy breakfast or a revitalizing snack. It truly reminds me how even the simplest recipes can bring immense joy and relief.
May – Mexican Black Bean Pizza: A fantastic twist on traditional pizza, this Mexican Black Bean Pizza was an absolute smash hit, especially with my husband! It’s loaded with flavorful black beans, vibrant toppings, and gooey cheese, offering a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for family pizza night. This recipe proves that you can get creative with your pizza toppings and still create a deliciously comforting dish that everyone will love, blending familiar comfort with exciting new flavors and healthy ingredients.
June – Shaved Fennel and Arugula Salad: This incredibly refreshing salad was inspired after enjoying a similar dish while on vacation. The delicate, licorice-like flavor of shaved fennel pairs beautifully with the peppery bite of arugula, creating a sophisticated and light side dish. It quickly became one of my all-time favorite salads, a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can elevate any meal. It’s fantastic alongside grilled meats or as a light starter, a perfect addition to a balanced meal.
July – Garden Farro Salad with Feta: I literally ate this salad for days on end, and it never got old! This Garden Farro Salad with Feta was the epitome of a perfect summer grain salad – hearty and filling, yet wonderfully light and fresh. Packed with garden vegetables, chewy farro, and tangy feta, it’s an excellent make-ahead meal that holds up beautifully, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or just a healthy lunch throughout the week. A true summer essential for any healthy diet, offering both flavor and sustenance.
August – Easy Cheesesteak Sandwiches: Oh, the pregnancy cravings! These Easy Cheesesteak Sandwiches were the ultimate comfort food, perfectly satisfying a very specific longing. Tender slices of steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all piled onto a crusty roll – it’s a simple pleasure that hits all the right notes. This recipe proved that you don’t need to be in Philly to enjoy a fantastic cheesesteak, and sometimes, satisfying a craving is just what the doctor ordered (or, in this case, the pregnant lady! 😉). It’s a hearty meal for any time.
September – Skillet Zucchini and Feta Tortilla Pizza: Once the kids were back in school and I had my cherished lunch dates with myself again, I got absolutely hooked on these Skillet Zucchini and Feta Tortilla Pizzas. They are incredibly quick to prepare, using a tortilla as a crisp base, topped with fresh zucchini, salty feta, and a few other simple ingredients. Perfect for a speedy, flavorful lunch that feels indulgent yet light, these mini pizzas quickly became a go-to for a moment of quiet, delicious solitude and healthy eating.
October – Kalamata Olive and Feta Dip with Baked Lemon Pepper Pita Chips: This incredibly addictive dip was specially created for my friend Liz’s virtual baby shower, and let me tell you, I could (and did!) eat massive amounts of it. The combination of briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta, and the bright crunch of baked lemon pepper pita chips is simply irresistible. It’s a sophisticated appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for entertaining or just enjoying as a flavorful snack. A true crowd-pleaser and a personal obsession that highlights Mediterranean flavors.
November – Rotisserie Chicken Cuban Sandwiches: Another delightful pregnancy craving satisfied! These Rotisserie Chicken Cuban Sandwiches quickly became a regular Saturday afternoon football-watching meal, often lovingly prepared by my husband, especially in the late stages of my pregnancy. Using convenient rotisserie chicken makes this classic sandwich incredibly accessible, combining savory chicken, ham, pickles, and cheese, all pressed to perfection. It’s hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting – a perfect game-day or weekend lunch that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying.
December – Spinach and Feta Quinoa Bites: Mark my words, 2014 is destined to be the year of quinoa bites on this blog! I genuinely couldn’t stop eating these Spinach and Feta Quinoa Bites once I started. These savory, protein-packed bites are versatile, healthy, and incredibly flavorful, making them perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even a light breakfast. I’m so excited to experiment with even more combinations and variations in the coming year, as I believe these little gems hold endless culinary potential for healthy, quick meals!

Each of these recipes holds a special memory or flavor profile that truly made my 2013 kitchen experiences memorable. I would enthusiastically make (and have already made) every single one of them over and over again. Just thinking about them, and indeed, looking at their pictures, makes me incredibly hungry all over again!

Other Notable Favorites: Honorable Mentions from Aggie’s Kitchen

Beyond my top monthly picks, there were several other creations from 2013 that deserve a special shout-out. These recipes might not have fit neatly into a specific month’s spotlight, but they certainly left a lasting impression with their unique flavors and comforting qualities. They represent the diverse culinary exploration that defined my year, proving that inspiration can strike at any moment and lead to truly delicious outcomes.

Cherry Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad: This vibrant salad is a celebration of simple, bold flavors. The sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes perfectly complements the sharp, tangy notes of blue cheese. It’s a quick, elegant side dish that adds a touch of gourmet to any meal, proving that sometimes the best combinations are the simplest ones. This salad is an ideal choice for summer gatherings or as a refreshing accompaniment to heartier main courses, a true testament to fresh produce and robust tastes.
Herbed Wild Rice Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts: A wonderfully hearty and aromatic salad, perfect for meal prepping or as a substantial side. The earthy wild rice is infused with fresh herbs and adorned with crunchy toasted pine nuts, creating a beautiful symphony of textures and flavors. It’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional grain salads and a touch of sophistication that elevates any dinner table.
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli: This dish is the epitome of comfort food made easy. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful chicken spaghetti, with the added goodness of tender broccoli. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights, delivering hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. A true family favorite that simplifies delicious dinner preparation, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Your Top Picks: Reader Favorites from Aggie’s Kitchen in 2013

It’s always fascinating to see which recipes resonate most with you, my incredible readers! Your enthusiasm and feedback are what truly fuel this blog and inspire me to continue sharing new culinary ideas. Based on popularity and engagement, here are some of the dishes you loved most in 2013. It seems many of you share my appreciation for wholesome, delicious, and often Greek yogurt-infused creations – a trend we both clearly adored!

Fruity Greek Yogurt Smoothie: A perennial favorite for a reason, this smoothie combines the creamy richness of Greek yogurt with a vibrant burst of fresh fruits. It’s a perfect blend of healthy, refreshing, and delicious, making it an ideal choice for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a light, nourishing treat. Its versatility and nutritional benefits clearly struck a chord with many of you looking for a healthy and easy start to your day or a healthy pick-me-up.
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt: This innovative twist on a classic comfort food proved highly popular, showcasing a healthier approach. By cleverly replacing traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, this tuna pasta salad becomes lighter, tangier, and packed with extra protein, all without sacrificing any of the beloved creamy texture. It’s a fantastic recipe for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch, demonstrating how small ingredient swaps can make a big difference in both taste and health appeal.
Mini Cheddar-BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Muffins: These adorable and incredibly flavorful mini meatloaf muffins were a huge hit, especially with families! Packed with savory turkey, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese, and baked in convenient muffin tins, they offer a fun, portion-controlled way to enjoy classic meatloaf. They are perfect for kids’ lunches, easy dinners, or even appetizers, making healthy eating fun and delicious for everyone at the table and encouraging creative meal solutions.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Melts: Another testament to the power of the slow cooker, these BBQ chicken melts were a runaway success, celebrated for their ease and incredible flavor. Tender, shredded chicken simmered in a rich barbecue sauce, then piled onto rolls and topped with melted cheese – it’s a comforting, easy-to-prepare meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a lazy weekend. The simplicity and incredible flavor make this a staple in many busy kitchens, proving slow cooking can be truly sensational.
Whole Grain Orange-Vanilla Greek Yogurt Pancakes: Starting the day right is always a priority, and these pancakes offer a wonderfully wholesome and delicious option that brightens any morning. Infused with bright orange zest and warm vanilla, and made with nutrient-rich whole grains and Greek yogurt, they are fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. They turn an ordinary breakfast into something special, proving that healthy can also be decadent and deeply enjoyable for the entire family.

Indeed, 2013 truly was the year of Greek yogurt in many of your kitchens – and mine! Its remarkable versatility, creamy texture, and impressive health benefits made it a star ingredient in countless dishes, from invigorating breakfast smoothies to savory main courses. It’s a culinary trend I wholeheartedly embraced and continue to love for its ability to enhance flavor and nutrition so effortlessly, making healthy eating both easy and incredibly delicious.

Goodman Family Holiday 2013 – Cherishing these precious moments and memories.

As I reflect on this past year, amidst the delicious food and the beautiful chaos of family life, one thing stands out above all: your unwavering presence and incredible support. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for being here, for reading, cooking along, and engaging with Aggie’s Kitchen. Your comments, shares, and enthusiasm genuinely made my year that much brighter and more fulfilling. It’s a profound gift to share my passion for food with such a wonderful and supportive community, and I am endlessly grateful for each one of you.

Here’s to a truly Happy and Healthy New Year, 2014, filled with even more delicious meals, cherished family moments, renewed inspiration in the kitchen, and countless opportunities to create and share! May your tables be full and your hearts be light.

I eagerly look forward to connecting with you and sharing many new culinary adventures, healthy recipes, and simple cooking tips in the coming year!

Woof! (And a special greeting from our beloved furry family member, wishing you all the best!)