A Culinary Journey Through 2019: Our Top Favorite Recipes and Memorable Moments

As the curtains close on another remarkable year, we reflect on a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of this cherished corner of the internet. What an extraordinary decade it has been, culminating in an absolutely phenomenal year filled with culinary exploration, community growth, and personal adventures. This year, in particular, has cemented our passion for bringing delicious, accessible recipes to your kitchen, making it truly one for the books. We’ve poured our hearts into creating content that not only inspires but also connects us all through the universal language of food.

On the blog, 2019 was a whirlwind of creativity, resulting in an impressive 131 brand new recipes. Our focus was multifaceted, driven largely by your invaluable feedback and requests. We dedicated ourselves to filling in the gaps for classic, comforting dishes that have graced dinner tables for generations. From the rich layers of lasagna and the heartwarming depth of beef stew, to the creamy perfection of potato salad, the savory goodness of shepherd’s pie, the nostalgic charm of deviled eggs, and the sweet indulgence of caramel sauce, we aimed to provide definitive versions of these beloved staples.

Beyond the classics, we delved into the satisfying world of making essential ingredients from scratch. The joy of creating homemade pasta, the delicate art of ricotta gnocchi, the silky smoothness of classic hummus, the vibrant crunch of quick-pickled onions, and the intense flavor of oven sun-dried tomatoes brought a new level of culinary satisfaction to our kitchens. Furthermore, we recognized the need for versatile accompaniments, leading to the development of simple yet exciting side salad recipes perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether it was the robust flavors of our Everyday Italian Salad, the lively zest of the Everyday Mexican Salad, the fresh brightness of the Everyday Mediterranean Salad, the aromatic depth of the Everyday Sesame Ginger Slaw, or the wholesome goodness of the Everyday Kale Salad, these additions proved to be immensely popular.

Catering to the growing interest in plant-based eating, we also expanded our repertoire of vegetarian dinner recipes. Hearty options like vegetarian gumbo, the savory indulgence of mushroom lovers pasta, the warming spice of cauliflower curry, the soul-soothing qualities of vegan pho, and the creamy comfort of butternut squash mac and cheese were met with enthusiastic reception. Your incredible engagement with all these new recipes made 2019 a record-breaking year for site visits – a fact that continues to humble and amaze us. It’s a testament to the vibrant community we’ve built together, and for your unwavering presence and support, we are eternally grateful. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for making this blog a thriving hub of culinary inspiration.

Living the Dream: Our Barcelona Adventure Continues

Behind the scenes, 2019 brought significant personal joy and continued adventure. Barclay and I made the wonderful decision to extend our stay in the enchanting city of Barcelona beyond our initial two-year plan, committing to at least a third year. And truly, the past few months here have been our absolute best. It felt as if something profound “clicked” for us around our two-year mark, deepening our connection to this magical city. We’ve found ourselves feeling more at home than ever before, surrounded by cherished friends, immersed in the rich local culture, navigating the language with greater ease, and truly embracing the unique spirit of Barcelona. This adventure of living abroad continues to be one of the most profound privileges of my life, a journey of growth and discovery.

I owe my deepest thanks, once again, to each and every one of you. Your consistent support of this blog has been the cornerstone that makes this extraordinary season of life possible. It has allowed me to realize a dream I could never have imagined a decade ago when this blog first began: transforming this platform into my full-time profession. This incredible opportunity grants me the freedom to work remotely from various corners of the world, pursuing meaningful work that I genuinely love every single day. Your support is not just appreciated; it truly means everything to me, enabling this fulfilling lifestyle and the continuous creation of content that brings us all together. So, with immense sincerity, thank you.

Looking ahead, we have some truly exciting plans brewing for the coming year, which we believe will be our most healthy, delicious, and inspiring yet. We are eager to continue innovating and sharing new culinary delights that will brighten your tables and expand your cooking repertoire. So please, stay tuned for all the wonderful things that are on the horizon! As we embark on our second decade together, and indeed, step into the vibrant “Roaring Twenties,” I extend my heartfelt gratitude. A big, warm, Spanish hug is making its way to you from Barcelona today. We wish you a magnificent and joyous start to the new year ahead!

Our Top 19 Favorite Recipes from 2019

Without further ado, here is our special look back – a curated list of 19 personal favorite recipes that emerged from the kitchen in 2019. These are the dishes that captured our hearts, delighted our taste buds, and became instant staples, representing the very best of a fantastic year of cooking and sharing.

Homemade Pasta

Our inspiring trip to the Amalfi Coast last spring ignited a determination to finally master the art of homemade pasta. What a revelation it was to discover that making pasta from scratch is far easier and quicker than one might imagine! This recipe proved that fresh pasta instantly elevates any dish to a “mega-notch” status. We guide you through using a pasta maker (our first!), but also provide clear instructions for achieving perfectly rolled pasta with just a simple rolling pin. Prepare for a culinary game-changer that will forever transform your pasta nights.

Pepperoncini Chicken Noodle Soup

2019 was the year we unlocked a secret ingredient that revolutionized chicken noodle soup: pepperoncini peppers! These zesty peppers introduce a subtle yet captivating tang and a gentle kick that transforms this classic comfort food. The added brightness and depth of flavor are simply irresistible, making this soup a cozy favorite perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. Once you try it, you’ll understand why we fell so deeply in love.

Hummus Toast

While avocado toast has certainly had its moment, 2019 was the year we championed the equally delicious and incredibly versatile hummus toast! This recipe offers a fantastic way to refresh your breakfast or snack routine. Our classic homemade hummus serves as the perfect creamy base, pairing beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings. Experiment with fresh vegetables, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes to create your personalized masterpiece. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying option everyone should try.

Vegetarian Gumbo

As devoted fans of traditional gumbo brimming with rich andouille sausage, we admit we approached the idea of a vegetarian gumbo with a healthy dose of skepticism. Yet, this recipe proved to be shockingly good! We loaded it with an abundance of hearty vegetables, creating a substantial and satisfying meal. When combined with a luxurious, golden Creole sauce (achieved by mastering that essential roux) and served generously over fluffy rice, this vegetarian gumbo was an undeniable 100% winner. It’s a testament to how incredible plant-based dishes can be without sacrificing flavor or authenticity.

Everyday Mexican Salad

This year, we proudly introduced a series of five “Everyday Side Salads,” each designed to be a vibrant and easy addition to your meals. Among them were the Italian Salad, Sesame Asian Salad, Mediterranean Salad, and Kale Salad. However, the hands-down favorite in our household – a delightful surprise to no one – was this effortlessly delicious Mexican side salad. Given our love for Mexican cuisine, often featuring generous portions of tortillas, beans, and cheese, having a crisp, fresh green salad on the plate offers a perfect balance. The vibrant dressing on this particular salad is simply exquisite, making it an ideal accompaniment to virtually any Mexican-inspired dish.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

This vibrant Cilantro Lime Slaw is a revelation in simplicity and flavor, coming together in a mere 10 minutes. Its fresh, zesty profile makes it incredibly addictive, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself wanting to pair it with everything. We are especially fond of piling it generously onto juicy burgers and our favorite fish tacos. But don’t underestimate its standalone appeal; it shines as a simple, refreshing side salad and travels perfectly for potlucks and gatherings, always garnering rave reviews.

Catalan Chickpeas and Spinach

Sharing authentic Catalan recipes was a highlight of our year, and this dish stands out as a personal favorite. It’s our lovingly crafted copycat version of a beloved item from a 90-year-old tapas bar right in our Barcelona neighborhood. We could honestly eat this everyday! The ingredient list might initially appear to be an unconventional mix, but trust us implicitly – the flavors meld together into something truly special and harmonious. This recipe captures the essence of local Barcelona cuisine and brings a piece of our adventure into your home.

Amazing Mexican Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole truly lives up to its “amazing” moniker. It’s packed with all our favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients, offering a delicious start to any day. One of its best features is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd. In our experience, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, disappearing quickly whenever we serve it. For those seeking a plant-based option, feel free to make it vegetarian by substituting mushrooms or a vegan sausage alternative for the meat – it’s equally delicious and satisfying.

Life-Changing Baked Fish Tacos

While we certainly appreciate classic, deep-fried, beer-battered fish tacos, we often crave something lighter and fresher. Enter these refreshingly healthier baked fish tacos – a recipe that genuinely changed our lives! This rendition features tender fish baked to perfection with a crispy panko crust, complemented by the dreamy cilantro lime slaw (which we love so much it earned its own spot on this list!), and finished with a quick, heavenly chipotle crema. Customize with your favorite toppings for a truly winning meal that feels indulgent yet light.

Roasted Broccoli Farro Bowls

These Roasted Broccoli Farro Bowls effortlessly earned our “favorite clean-out-the-fridge, happy-accident-of-a-recipe” award for 2019. They are brimming with wholesome, feel-good ingredients, making them a nourishing and satisfying meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its remarkable adaptability; you can easily customize it with whatever grains and roasted vegetables you happen to have on hand. Everything is then tossed with our incredibly delicious dreamy tahini dressing, which ties all the flavors together. We’ve made this dish countless times since its creation, and it never fails to impress and satisfy.

Cozy Cauliflower Curry

Credit for this delightful dish goes entirely to my wonderful husband, Barclay! His cauliflower curry has quickly become a regular fixture in our meal rotation this year, checking all our favorite boxes: it’s quick, remarkably easy to prepare, incredibly healthy, wonderfully comforting, naturally vegetarian, and bursting with ultra-flavorful spices. Ladled generously over fluffy rice – or Barclay’s preferred tri-color quinoa – this Indian-inspired curry offers the perfect, warming embrace on any chilly evening, making it a truly cherished recipe.

Quick Gochujang Lettuce Wraps

2019 also marked the year we discovered the magic of gochujang, enthusiastically incorporating this Korean chili paste into countless dishes! These 20-minute lettuce wraps became an instant favorite. They feature a simple yet incredibly flavorful 4-ingredient gochujang sauce, combined with your choice of lean protein and crisp vegetables. These wraps are ideal as a healthy main meal, a vibrant appetizer, or even a quick, satisfying snack. Their irresistible flavor will undoubtedly have you reaching for more.

Thai Chicken Wild Rice Soup

After making our beloved Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup countless times throughout the colder months, it was time to introduce another wild rice soup to our repertoire. This Thai Chicken Wild Rice Soup absolutely hit the spot! It’s wonderfully gluten-free, incredibly simple to prepare whether you prefer the Instant Pot or stovetop method, and brimming with all the comforting, aromatic Thai curry flavors we adore. It’s a nourishing and exotic twist on a classic soup concept, perfect for warming the soul.

Super-Simple Salmon Tacos

Our very first recipe shared on the blog in 2019 quickly became a consistent favorite throughout the entire year. These tacos feature perfectly cooked, flaky salmon seasoned with a delectable chili-cumin rub. A quick, vibrant, and juicy avocado-citrus salsa provides all the moisture and flavor needed, negating the need for any additional sauce. Together, these elements create the most flavorful, light, and healthy tacos imaginable. As an added bonus, they can be on your table in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Italian Potato Salad

This Italian Potato Salad is essentially a brilliant combination of all our favorite Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, harmoniously blended into a deliciously refreshing cold salad. It’s absolutely perfect for summer potlucks, backyard grill-outs, and leisurely picnics, bringing a burst of the best Italian flavors to any outdoor gathering. The zesty dressing and fresh herbs make it a standout dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser and a welcome alternative to traditional potato salad.

5-Ingredient Burst Tomato Spread

This is an absolute must-try for your cherry tomato season this year! Last summer, my mom served this incredible spread with crusty bread, and everyone around the table couldn’t stop raving about its deliciousness. The simplicity of just five ingredients transforms fresh cherry tomatoes into a rich, savory, and irresistible spread that’s perfect for appetizers or light meals. If you haven’t experienced it yet, make sure to add this to your culinary bucket list – it’s truly unforgettable.

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

This decadent Bourbon Caramel Sauce became our go-to sweet indulgence this past summer, drizzled generously over everything imaginable – from scoops of ice cream and fresh fruit to brownies, cheesecakes, pies, and more. It miraculously takes just 10 minutes to prepare, yet tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. Our friends consistently go absolutely crazy for this rich, subtly boozy caramel, making it a regular request for any gathering. It’s the ultimate quick and impressive dessert topping.

Greek Salad Salmon Bowls

These Greek Salad Salmon Bowls are such a versatile and beloved staple in our home that we prepare some variation of them at least a few times each month. They are fantastic as presented, but also incredibly adaptable. They work beautifully with a vibrant sesame vinaigrette (like the one from our Everyday Sesame Asian Slaw recipe) or made with succulent grilled shrimp instead of salmon. However you choose to customize them, this recipe consistently delivers fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying results, making it a healthy meal rotation winner.

Breakfast Tacos

Yes, this marks the third taco recipe to make our favorites list – are you truly surprised? We believe everyone needs a solid, reliable breakfast taco recipe in their culinary arsenal, and this year, we proudly shared ours. These tacos are incredibly quick and easy to whip up, bursting with fantastic flavor, and pretty much guaranteed to kick your day off to the most fabulous start imaginable. They’re customizable, satisfying, and a joyful way to begin any morning, proving that tacos aren’t just for lunch or dinner!