Unveiling My Most Cherished Recipes of 2017: A Culinary Journey Through a Year of Transformation

As we close the chapter on what was undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating, challenging, and profoundly life-changing years, I find myself reflecting on the moments that truly grounded me. For me, 2017 will forever be remembered as the year I was joyfully — and often delightfully — distracted from my usual routine. It was a whirlwind of personal milestones and incredible adventures that shaped my world in countless ways, each one a testament to life’s beautiful unpredictability.

This remarkable year began with the joyous news of getting engaged, swiftly followed by the intricate and exciting process of planning our wedding. Amidst the flurry of wedding preparations, we embarked on the significant endeavor of applying for residency visas for Spain, setting the stage for an even grander adventure. Then came the magical day of tying the knot, a dream come true, immediately followed by an unforgettable honeymoon in Mexico. The logistics of life didn’t slow down; we remodeled and rented out Barclay’s old house, meticulously sold nearly all our belongings, and then made the monumental move (with our beloved dogs) to Barcelona. And just when we thought we had settled, another move within Spain awaited us. Looking back, I honestly marvel at how we navigated it all, much less kept this blog vibrant and flourishing!

Through the absolute best of times, the most trying moments, and the utterly crazy phases of this incredible year, one constant has always brought me back to center: the simple act of cooking. Even if it was just a few precious minutes dedicated to preparing a nourishing meal, it served as my anchor, my space for mindfulness and creativity. Now, the joy is compounded by sharing these culinary creations with my favorite person in the world, Barclay. And there’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family around our table, clinking glasses, passing dishes brimming with homemade goodness, and sharing genuine conversations about life’s big and small moments. These are the cherished memories that I will hold onto forever, whether we’re indulging in an elaborate five-course tasting menu or simply pulling a delicious pizza from the freezer. You can always count me in for meaningful time around the table with those I love.

This deep affection for cooking is precisely why Gimme Some Oven exists. It’s why I’m so passionate about creating and sharing the kind of quick, easy, shareable, and undeniably delicious recipes you’ve come to rely on here. Especially during a year defined by so much exhilarating change and personal growth, these recipes weren’t just food; they were the literal sustenance that nourished us through real, crazy, wonderful, and truly amazing life experiences. They provided comfort, familiarity, and a sense of home, no matter where we were in the world.

Following yesterday’s revelation of *your* most beloved new recipes on the blog from 2017, I’m thrilled to continue our annual tradition today by sharing *my* personal favorites. Some of these gems might have flown a bit under the radar, but they hold a special place in my heart, and I wholeheartedly recommend you give them a try. On another exciting note, 2017 was also the year we began experimenting with creating behind-the-scenes videos (not just about recipes!) for the blog. This has evolved into a refreshing and incredibly fun new creative outlet. If you haven’t yet, I’d love for you to explore them on our YouTube channel and consider subscribing for the coming year, as we have some delightful new content heading your way soon.

More than anything today, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for such an extraordinary year shared together. Your unwavering encouragement and support – especially as we embarked on our marriage and momentous move abroad – absolutely blew me away. Your faithfulness in continually tuning into the blog, experimenting with new recipes, and sending me your wonderful kitchen photos (which are truly my favorite!) means the *entire world* to me. I genuinely tell everyone that the Gimme Some Oven community is the absolute best. I’m so incredibly thankful for your support, which empowers me to pursue what I love to do every single day.

So, from the bottom of my heart, *thank you*.

I’m sending so much love your way from beautiful Spain as we wrap up this unforgettable year. I absolutely cannot *wait* to see what incredible adventures and delicious creations await us in the year ahead. Love you all!

A Deep Dive into My 2017 Recipe Favorites: Must-Try Dishes from a Memorable Year

From cozy comfort foods to vibrant salads, these are the recipes that truly defined my cooking in 2017. Each one brought joy to our table and became a treasured part of our culinary repertoire. I invite you to explore them and perhaps discover a new favorite for your own kitchen!

Comforting Curry Noodle Bowls

This vibrant and soul-warming curry soup quickly became a staple in our household. Its rich, aromatic broth is bursting with bold flavors that awaken the senses, making it an incredibly satisfying meal. What I love most about these curry noodle bowls is their remarkable versatility; you can easily customize them with your preferred protein, whether it’s succulent shrimp, hearty tofu, tender chicken, or any other addition that suits your palate. It’s the perfect blend of quick preparation and deeply comforting taste, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner that feels incredibly special and cozy.

Lemony Artichoke Pasta Salad

Summer of 2017 was truly defined by this bright and refreshing Lemony Artichoke Pasta Salad. It was our undisputed go-to recipe for potlucks, picnics, and any gathering imaginable, consistently proving to be a total crowd-pleaser wherever it went. The combination of zesty lemon, tender pasta, and savory artichoke hearts creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both light and incredibly satisfying. An added bonus? It’s just as delectable served warm as it is chilled, offering incredible flexibility for meal prep or impromptu get-togethers. This pasta salad brings a taste of Mediterranean sunshine to any meal.

Pozole Rojo: A Revelation in Dried Chiles

For me, 2017 marked a significant culinary turning point: the year I became utterly obsessed with cooking with dried chiles. This newfound passion proved particularly fortuitous as dried chiles are far more readily available here in Spain than traditional chili powders. I discovered just how incredibly easy they are to work with, unlocking an astonishing depth of flavor. These humble dried chiles are the secret behind the extraordinary, rich broth of this classic Pozole Rojo soup. The robust, earthy notes they impart are simply unparalleled. I’ve even developed a wonderfully strange habit of making this soup with double the broth these days because I just can’t get enough of its profound flavor. It’s truly a comforting and authentic Mexican dish that will transport your taste buds.

Mexican Caesar Salad

This magnificent salad masterfully unites two of my all-time culinary loves: the timeless appeal of Caesar salads and the vibrant, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Inspired by the incredible Mexican Caesar served at one of our cherished restaurants in Kansas City, this recipe delivers an explosion of taste and texture. The creamy, tangy dressing gets a spicy Mexican twist, perfectly complementing crisp romaine lettuce. What truly elevates this salad are the delightful additions of crunchy pepitas and crispy tortilla strips generously sprinkled on top, providing an irresistible textural contrast that makes every bite a joy. It’s a refreshing yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Mini Mason Jar Fruit Crisps (Choose Your Favorite Fruit!)

While I’ve made countless fruit crisps throughout my life, 2017 introduced a charming new obsession: creating them in adorable, individual-sized mini mason jars. This simple change transformed a classic dessert into a delightful personal treat, and we absolutely couldn’t get enough of them! The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible adaptability; it’s effortlessly customizable with any juicy fruits you happen to have on hand, from berries to peaches to apples. Furthermore, it’s incredibly easy to scale, whether you’re baking for an intimate dinner for two or preparing a sweet indulgence for a large gathering. These mini crisps are perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or simply a cozy dessert at home, offering a warm, sweet, and comforting finish to any meal.

“Everything” Chicken: The Versatility of Everything Bagel Seasoning

It seems that 2017 was the year the culinary world collectively woke up to the incredible potential of Everything Bagel Seasoning, extending its use far beyond its traditional bagel home. My own explorations led to two particularly exciting discoveries! Firstly, incorporating this iconic blend into guacamole added an unexpected layer of savory depth and crunch that was utterly addictive. Secondly, and perhaps even more remarkably, using it to season my favorite baked chicken breasts transformed a simple dish into something truly extraordinary. The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. This “Everything” Chicken is not only incredibly delicious but also lives up to its name, pairing perfectly with virtually any side dish, making it an incredibly versatile weeknight dinner solution.

Chocolate Chip-Less Cookies: Celebrating the Simplicity of Dough

I must admit, I approached sharing this recipe with a touch of apprehension, unsure how the blog community would react. To my delight and surprise, it turns out I am far from alone in my deep affection for chocolate chip cookies…minus the chocolate chips! A flood of responses to my Instagram stories about baking “plain” dough revealed a widespread love for this simple pleasure. Many of you shared how much you also adore the pure, unadulterated flavor of cookie dough itself. So, this delightful recipe is now officially on the blog, and it will forever remain one of my personal favorites. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, less truly is more, especially when it comes to the perfectly balanced flavors of a classic cookie base. These cookies are pure comfort, highlighting the rich, buttery, vanilla notes that often get overshadowed by inclusions.

Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpea and Arugula Salad: Barclay’s Top Pick

If Barclay were to cast his vote for his absolute favorite recipe of 2017, this Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpea and Arugula Salad would undoubtedly be the winner. Consequently, it graced our dinner table with remarkable frequency throughout the year. This dish is a masterclass in simplicity and customization; it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit your preferences, whether you enjoy it as a refreshing salad, a hearty rice bowl, or a convenient wrap. However, one element is non-negotiable and always a must: the dreamy, creamy tahini dressing. Its nutty, savory depth ties all the vibrant components together, transforming humble ingredients into a truly satisfying and memorable meal. This salad is packed with flavor and healthy goodness, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious and delicious dinner.

Ancho Chicken Enchiladas: Embracing Smoky Chili Flavor

Speaking of my deepened appreciation for cooking with various peppers, 2017 was the year that ancho chili powder firmly cemented its permanent place in my spice drawer. This incredibly versatile spice offers a beautiful, smoky depth with a subtle hint of spice that elevates so many dishes. It truly shone in this recipe, lending an extra layer of complexity and an irresistible smoky warmth to my favorite homemade enchilada sauce. The rich, nuanced flavor of the ancho chili powder takes these Chicken Enchiladas from delicious to absolutely extraordinary, making them a comforting and flavorful Mexican classic that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners or entertaining, promising rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Egg Roll Soup: A New Spin on a Comfort Classic

Although I only just posted this recipe last week, I simply had to sneak it onto my list of 2017 favorites because it is *that good*. Seriously, this Egg Roll Soup is an absolute revelation! It’s essentially a sesame-ginger inspired spin on my other beloved (more Italian-flavored) Cabbage, Sausage and Potato Soup, and it is ridiculously delicious and incredibly satisfying. All the wonderful flavors and textures of a classic egg roll are deconstructed into a warm, comforting, and hearty soup, making it an ideal choice for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. This soup is packed with vibrant vegetables and savory notes, offering a healthy and utterly addictive take on a takeout favorite.

Enfrijoladas: A Mexican Honeymoon Discovery

I honestly don’t know how I managed to live my life up until 2017 without ever hearing about Enfrijoladas. But thanks to our unforgettable honeymoon in Mexico, we were introduced to this incredible dish, and we’ve been utterly obsessed with making them ever since. At their heart, Enfrijoladas are a delightful variation of enchiladas, but instead of a chili-based sauce, they feature a rich, velvety black bean sauce that coats the tortillas. You can then generously stuff them with your favorite fillings – chicken, cheese, or vegetables – creating a truly customized and satisfying meal. These are the epitome of Mexican comfort food, offering a deeply savory, earthy, and incredibly fulfilling culinary experience that feels like a warm embrace. They are simple yet profoundly flavorful, perfect for a cozy family dinner.