It’s time for my favorite post of the year – a recap of my top 10 favorite recipes from 2014!
As bloggers its easy to get caught up in numbers and trends, so it’s exciting to take a step back and remember what recipes I really enjoyed eating throughout the year, not just what did well on the blog. Is that nerdy? Anyway, choosing just 10 of my favorite recipes from 2014 was like choosing a favorite child. Nearly impossible. (And I’m sure many parents of multiple children would say, uhhh, it is impossible!)
This was a transitional year here at IGE. Working from home with a baby-turned-toddler proved to be much more challenging than I thought, and dealing with my Celiac Disease diagnosis was certainly not something I ever planned for. Heading into 2015 though, I’m in a good place. Lincoln’s getting more independent each day which means I can cook a meal without having to stir with one hand and hold him with the other (in fact, be on the lookout for baby hand cameos – he helped me whip up an egg casserole the other day!) and I feel more compelled than ever to show how delicious and easy gluten-free cooking can be. I look forward to reaching outside of my culinary comfort zone in 2015, and even dabbling into some non food and recipe posts for the blog. I’m all about trying new things in the new year – change is good!
At any rate, as I mentioned, I did in fact, pick out 10 of my favorite recipes from this past year. From salads to stir frys, skillet dinners and saucy enchiladas I will continue to make these 10 recipes for years to come. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and have a wonderful weekend!
Warm Kale Salad with Bacon, Dates, Almonds, Crispy Shallots and Parmesan
My Warm Kale Salad with Bacon, Dates, Almonds, Crispy Shallots and Parmesan is a masterpiece! It tastes like warm, bacon-wrapped almond-stuffed dates in kale salad form, with a luscious maple-almond vinaigrette. I could eat this salad every week and never get sick of it. So decadent.
Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli
I made this dish over and over and over until I got the orange sauce juuuust right. The secret’s in the type of orange juice I used. Honestly Ben and I like my Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli better than the take out we used to get for years. Must try this stir fry!
Kale and Wild Rice Bowls with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Kale and Wild Rice Bowls with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette are pure feel good food that will power you through the afternoon or evening. This is a salad with staying power and lots of yummy flavors.
Crock Pot Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Crock Pot Shredded Beef Enchiladas were made to taste like the enchiladas I ate for four years straight at my favorite Mexican restaurant in college. This crock pot recipe is LEGIT!! I honestly, regularly crave these juicy enchiladas. So good.
Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ben and I have made my Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps more times than I can count since I first posted the recipe last summer. They taste exactly like a restaurant’s version of KPC but are super light and fresh served in lettuce wraps.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Smokey Mayo
Last summer I went on a burger bender and these Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Smokey Mayo were my favorite creation. The patties get a nice crust on them and the smokey mayo plus caramelized onions are to die for!
Sweet Corn with Maple-Bourbon Brown Butter and Bacon
I didn’t think sweet corn could get any better – then I combined it with maple syrup, bacon, bourbon, and brown butter. HO-LY COW!! Sweet Corn with Maple-Bourbon Brown Butter and Bacon is a game changer. Use fresh or frozen-then-thawed sweet corn depending on the season to enjoy all year long.
Smoked Sausage, Kale, and Cider Quinoa Skillet
I get the best feedback on Smoked Sausage, Kale and Cider Quinoa Skillet and I completely agree – the smokey sausage with dried cranberries, quinoa, and apple cider is crazy good. Love this 1 skillet dish.
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti Carbonara
I knew the combination of bacon, brussels sprouts, and parmesan cheese was going to be good, but I was surprised by just how GREAT it was. Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti Carbonara is so simple and truly cravable.
Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Casserole
The Midwesterner in me can always appreciate a good casserole and this southwest twist on the classic is unbelievable. If you need a dish to take to new parents or a friend/family member in need, I can’t recommend Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Casserole enough.
I am obsessed with your blog! My dad shared your GF soup post with me and I’ve had fun discovering all the rest of your great content. I printed a ton of recipes and plan to make some freezer meals soon!
Love reading about Lincoln, especially since i discovered he and my daughter are the same age. Aug. 2013, yes? Thanks for your great site! ~Jayma
I made the maple sausage & quinoa dish last night (used TJ’s Sweet apple chicken sausage) and tonight we are making chicken lettuce wraps. Needless to say, your recipes are frequently made in our household. Thanks so much for delicious & manageable recipes!!
So glad to hear, Abby!!
I really want to try the orange beef and broccoli!
Have to try the Orange Beef and Broccoli dish!
Mmm these all look wonderful! love the kale salad!
The corn recipe looks divine and the carbonara recipe is ingenious. I’ve tried a similar corn recipe that also included red bell pepper, which gave it a tex-mex flair. I plan to try the carbonara very soon.
I made the kale and wild rice bowl for Thanksgiving (minus the chicken since it was going to be sitting next to a ham and whole turkey) and it was a HUGE hit! It is going to be making a dinner appearance in this house soon.
Sounds like Kale was your winning ingredient for the year! I love your recipes, and use them often, but I’m so glad to hear of non food/recipe posts in the future! I miss the ol IGE from way back in the beginning!
I want to make every single one of these recipes! And can I just say your photography is gorgeous- prettiest pictures around the blogosphere!
These all look fabulous! I need to try that warm kale salad. I made the corn salad this summer and my husband fell in love with it immediately. It was so good! :)
The kale and wild rice bowls are in weekly rotation at our house…yum!!!