There’s a reason everyone loves to dive deep into analytics. It shows what’s gaining traction, what is on-trend, what most people like best and also what they like least. As I was looking back on this year’s recipe analytics, my favorites are certainly different from yours. But it’s your voice that matters–because I like every recipe–and I am thrilled to share the top 10 from 2019. And analytics are also announcing that this is my 500th post in 10 years which brings even more joy!
From smoothies to salads, pasta to salad dressings and a few good + good for you desserts, this is a list that will help you succeed in the kitchen in the new year and for years to come.
#10
This Smoothie 2.0 recipe takes us all the way back to the beginning of the year when we are virtuous and committed to making excellent food decisions like drinking lots of smoothies. Adding frozen cauliflower to your smoothie instead of bananas is an easy switch that lessens your sugar consumption and ups your veggie count. And isn’t that what we all want more of?
#9
Your number nine choice is one of my top choices–the Emergency Brownies. Because we all know the feeling of needing dessert. Not wanting, but needing something sweet. Nigella’s emergency brownie to the rescue. One bowl and 30 minutes later, you will have enough brownies to satisfy two people generously and four people conservatively. Isn’t that sweet?
#8
If you are looking for an entree that comes together in 15-minutes, let this 15-Minute Pasta be the recipe you lean on time and again. It’s quick, easy, economical and mind-blowingly delicious. Thanks to my friend, Stephanie, for sharing this gem with me.
#7
Salads are my jam, as you can tell by the number of hearty salad recipes I share. But, please, no boring salads. I like salads with a bold personality. Salads that are hearty, memorable and desirable to all kinds of picky eaters. The Ultimate Green Salad from New York’s Via Carota is simple but stunning. Mixed greens are dressed with a flavorful sherry vinaigrette and are piled high like a sturdy mountain. When it is placed before you, even the most salad-averse will want to dive into this masterpiece of greens.
#6
Summertime is all about outdoor cooking, frolicking, swimming and fun in the sun. It’s no surprise that the sixth favorite post is the collection of 28 Recipes to Celebrate the 4th of July. From breakfasts to beverages, soups to salads, sides to burgers and plenty of sweet treats, there’s something everyone will love in this robust compilation of great eats for our favorite summer holiday.
#5
We traveled to Jamaica to discover this recipe which is one you need to put to memory. Big and bright flavors, but few ingredients, this Chardonnay Dijon Vinaigrette will make you crave salads. It’s that good.
#4
As a gazpacho expert–maker of the soup and eater of the soup, any chance to eat more tomatoes and fruits and I am on it. This watermelon-tomato gazpacho is proof. Luckily, this Peach and Tomato Salad with Basil and Fresh Mozzarella is serious enough to be an entree and stunning enough to be the talk of the dinner table. Perfect for a summer cookout with friends, the trick is to make enough of this salad because it will disappear quickly.
#3
I waited years to share this recipe with you and I still don’t know why it took me so long. I am not the selfish type. But now that you have this decadent recipe for a dairy-free Chocolate Pot de Creme that rivals its heavy, dairy-full cousin, you can make it whenever the desire hits. Cashews provide the heft along with the coconut oil, while the maple syrup and cacao bring in the chocolate flavor. O. M. G.
#2
As a lover of Reese’s cups, but not a lover of cheap chocolate and ingredients I may not want to eat, it’s hard to get my chocolate and peanut butter fix. Until now. These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars come together in a jiffy and are exactly what you and I both want in a peanut butter and chocolate concoction.
#1
Virtual balls of happiness. That’s what these Apricot, Cashew and Coconut Energy Balls are, which may be why they landed in the top spot for this year’s most popular recipe. Made in a food processor, they can save you from hanger when the moment hits. Switch out the dried fruit and nuts to come up with your own combos or stick with the apricot and cashew which is tried and true. (And, as one dear reader pointed out, be sure and seek out the unsulphured apricots, which are not pictured here. The color is more brown-orange, but they are better for us.)
As we close the chapter on another year and another decade, let’s agree to be more gentle. On ourselves and with others. To love a little more and be kinder. To ourselves and others. And to celebrate with our beloveds by cooking at home with more Cowgirl Gourmet in Santa Fe recipes that are good + good for you.
Buen provecho and cheers to an incredibly bright 2020!
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