With 2015 barreling its way in, I'm freaking out just a tad. With the new year, comes my very last semester of graduate school (yay!). Except that means: only one more semester to finish up this dissertation, get it signed off, and find a job.
"Welcome to the real world, Sarah." - 2015
While I've had a full-time job and been in the real world before, this will be the first time since I was 5 years old that I'm not also in school. Summer's going to take on a whole new meaning. Cue major heart palpitations.
What do I do when I'm anxious? Dive head first into food. Let's do that.
But first, I want to reflect on this past year. 2014 flew by faster than any year so far (maybe I say that every year?), but it left lots of highlights in its wake:
- We tried (and failed) to roast a pig in a pit in our backyard.
- My brother finally proposed, which means I'm finally getting a sister. Speaking of said future sister-in-law, her DEBUT novel Love and Other Theories hit the shelves today - a young adult fiction about the complexities of high school dating and love. You should read it.
- I taught myself web design and gave Snixy Kitchen a remodel with a custom-designed and built theme.
- Lucas and I celebrated our first year of marriage.
- Lucas got his first product, OmieBox, funded on Kickstarter - an innovative lunch box that holds hot and cold food all in one box.
- I've made lots of new incredibly inspirational and generous friends - both online and off - through this space on the internet and they're all teaching me so much about friendship, food, photography, and blogging. It's pretty special.
And with that, let's eat our way back through 2014. Below is a list of the most popular recipes on Snixy Kitchen from this past year based on traffic - your favorite 14 recipes. Thank you to every one of you who reads my stories, shares a recipe, tries a dish, leaves a comment, or just keeps coming back for more. This space wouldn't exist without you. Here's to 2015!
#14: Zucchini Arepas: Zucchini Corn Cakes with Cheese, Salsa, and Guacamole - These corn cakes have a crispy shelled exterior and a light and fluffy corn cake center that are the perfect edible plate for all kinds of toppings.
#13: Butternut Squash Soup with Parmesan Crisps - "I love, love, love this soup! I made it for a family/friends “cook off” and I won! I topped it with crispy apple cider bacon. Just made this again tonight. Perfect for fall!" - Katelyn
#12: Flourless Salted Almond Chocolate Cookies - This wedding of salt, almonds, and chocolate is addicting. I've made these cookies with different add-ins and they're always a chewy, gooey, chocolate-y hit.
#11: Guilt-Free Shrimp & Veggie Fettuccine with Cauliflower Alfredo - With half the calories of a traditional fettuccine alfredo, and 1/10th the grams of fat, you’ll be shocked by how remarkably close to the real deal this skinny alfredo recipe tastes.
#10: Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Turkey Meatballs - "Absolutely delicious! I baked the meatballs for 30 mins instead of frying them and they turned out awesome." - Steph
#9: Zucchini Noodle Egg Drop Soup - "Excellent recipe! I came across this recipe on Pinterest, and was a little hesitant, because I’ve never had an egg drop soup and this is very much adventurous in comparison to the things I make regularly. We recently bought a spiralizer though so I’ve been on the hunt for new things to try. I am so glad I went out on a limb and made this! Absolutely delicious!!" - Monika
#8: Salted Caramel Pudding - This stuff is what I imagine angels eat while they sit around on puffy while clouds discussing whatever it is that blissful angels talk about.
#7: DIY Bacon Gifts: Bacon Jam, Bacon Salt, & Bacon Candy - "Oh my, this is the most amazing jam! I added some bourbon and probably tripled the onions. Granted I had sweet onions, not just yellow onions. I got four (albeit kinda short) half pints all in all." - Sharmin
#6: Smoked Salmon Soba Bowl - "Thanks for a great recipe! I just got it this morning by way of Spry Living and we had it for lunch along with an Asian style soup. I will be making this again and again…" - R.A.
#5: Southwestern Black Bean Spaghetti with Skinny Avocado Crema - I packed Southwestern platter with fresh veggies – heavy on the spices and drizzled with a skinny greek yogurt avocado crema that mimics sour cream to create a dish that's simultaneously spicy, fresh, and cool.
#4: Baked Cauliflower Mac & Cheese - I make this mac & cheese at least once a month and it's my go-to whenever I want to bring a dish to a friend who just had a baby. Hiding among the cheese, the yellow squash and cauliflower add only a slightly noticeable flavor boost, while bumping up the nutrition benefits tenfold.
#3: Skinny Black Bean & Veggie Mexican Pizza - I ate this for dinner tonight. It's crazy easy to make, yet so tasty that it's become our I-can't-meal-plan-and-I'm-already-hangry dish.
#2: Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw - Sweet and spicy shrimp tacos for a night when you don't have hours to marinate fish.
#1: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse - Each spoonful is light and airy with a spiced pumpkin pie flavor throughout, a tang of cream cheese, and a dollop of whipped cream. This is the most recent dish on the list...and it's also #1 for the year.
And because I can't leave well enough alone, here are four of my favorite recipes from 2014 on the blog (and maybe even of all time). Click on any image to see the recipe.
And because I'm still hungry (always), here are three of my favorite recipes from around the web that I've been making over and over again in 2014:
- Roasted Shiitake and Asian Pear Salad with Miso-Sesame Vinaigrette from Blogging Over Thyme
- Turkey Saltimbocca Meatballs with Cauliflower Purée from I Breathe...I'm Hungry...
- Ginger Butternut Squash Soup from Naturally Ella
I hope you have a delicious new year! What are some of your favorite recipes you've made in 2014?
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen -
All the recipes look amazing, but that Shrimp & Veggie Pasta is calling my name! So glad to have gotten to know you over the last year Sarah! I look forward to a great year in 2015! Happy New Year!
Sarah Menanix -
You too, Kristi! Thanks for reading my blog! It's always lovely to hear from you and to read your posts too!
Rachel -
I am so happy that I discovered your blog this year. Each post looks so delicious and you have definitely inspired me to spend more time in the kitchen. Happy New Year and I cannot wait to see all the goodies you have for us next year!
Rachel
http://rachelinflight.com
Sarah Menanix -
Thank you so so much for your sweet words and for reading my, Rachel! Look forward to getting to know you more in 2015 too!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West -
What a year it has been for you! So you handled the redesign of the blog? Wow! I need to ask you about that! As always, fabulous recipes, fabulous writing and photos here. I need to go back and read them all. Happy New Year's Eve, friend! :)
Sarah Menanix -
Yeah! I did! It was a ton of work, but it was so rewarding. I took some online courses at Lynda.com and spent tons of time googling random stuff. Hehe. Thank you so much for always reading my posts, Ashley! I look forward to seeing you again in person really soon!
Kelly - A Side of Sweet -
Your readers have excellent taste! And these photos are all so lovely! My favorite is the apricot galette! YUM!!!!
Sarah Menanix -
Thanks lady! That's one of my favorites too - especially because it marked the first post of my blog remodel, so it's got a special place in my heart.
King Tyler -
Finish grad school and open a restaurant so I can eat all of these things whenever I want! Please and thank you! :)
Sarah Menanix -
It will be a bacon empire.
Carla (@charliesue) -
I JUST WANT THAT PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE MOUSSE.
Please. :)
Sarah Menanix -
Come over any time and I'll have it waiting for ya!
Tina @ Just Putzing Around the Kitchen -
I take issue with this post because ALL of your recipes from 2014 were my favorite. How dare you pick only 14??? ;) <3 <3 <3
(HAPPY 2015!!!)
Sarah Menanix -
<3 <3 <3 The same goes for you! Why oh why do you have to live so far?!
Min -
Happy New Year, Sarah!! And the world is, indeed, ready for you! At the rate I'm going, you may enter the work force before me. Good luck with your dissertation. I have no doubt you will finish strong! Then Asia trip? ;) I'm so glad we met this past year (totally weird) and am so looking forward to getting to know you even more. All the recipes look incredible!! Pinning so I can try all of them. I experimented a lot with Thai cooking and look forward to continuing ;).
Sarah Menanix -
Happy New Year to you too! YES! Asia trip! I'm not allowing myself to plan it until I at least have a draft done...or else I could easily just spend the rest of the semester planning a vacation;) I know I thought I'd have a draft by December, but...life happened. We're getting closer though! The home stretch - thanks for all the support! I'm also so so glad we met this year - I can't wait for the day we'll meet in person (and can cook together!:).
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl -
What a lineup!! I am smitten by those Zucchini arepas - can't wait until Zucchini is back in season...bookmarked! Happy New Year!
Sarah Menanix -
Dude - you and me both. I'm itching for zucchini already! Also - Thanks! Happy New Year to you too!
Lisa / Good on Paper -
Happy new year Sarah!! SO happy we met and became friends! Looking forward to more of all of the above! :)
Sarah Menanix -
Me too! When are we having our next date? I feel like I haven't even had a chance to sit for 5 minutes since the New Year (which is a complete lie because I sat around watching TV all day on January 1), but can we get together soon? When are you free?
Alice @ Honestly Fitness -
Ah, Sarah, I am in the exact same boat as you. This semester will be my last of graduate school and I will also have to look for a real job after that and start helping out my boyfriend who has at least 4 years left of his PhD program (struggles)!
Sounds like you had a fabulous 2014 and thank you for rounding up these recipes; gives me lots of new and delicious meals to make! Happy New Year :)
Sarah Menanix -
Oh my gosh! Congrats to your near finish! (I totally feel for you though - no pressure on the job front, right?!). Thanks for reading my blog, Alice and happy new year!
Maryanne @ the little epicurean -
Such a beautiful and delicious collection of recipes! I'm so happy to have met you last year! Can't wait so see what 2015 has in store for you :)
Sarah Menanix -
Right back at you! Oh man - "last year" sounds so funny, but it's true! We really need to start planning your trip up to visit already...
Ellie @ Homemade Hearts -
Wow, what a great year it has been for you and another amazing year is ahead of you with finishing up your dissertation! What a huge accomplishment! My husband is also in the thick of his PhD so I can totally imagine the feeling you get when you are so close to the end :) you published so many great recipes this year and can't wait to read and taste more in 2015!!! Thanks for sharing your favourite, they all looks so yummy! Cheers to a wonderful new year :)
Sarah Menanix -
Oh man - I feel for you as the supporter of someone in the thick of their PhD. I think my husband has earned this degree just as much as I will have just by the sheer number of meals he's cooked and dishes he's washed to give me time to work. Thanks so much for reading my blog this year, Ellie! It's been so lovely to get to know you!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan -
How did I miss the black bean spaghetti?? BLACK BEAN SPAGHETTI!!! You're amazing.
Sarah Menanix -
Hehe - I didn't MAKE the spaghetti from scratch. Not like your cauliflower rice!
Jessica -
Finally taking some time to catch up on all my "stories" today :) I love hearing about the highlights of your year! Congratulations on an amazing 2014!!! And let's give that buried pig (or maybe even lamb???) another try -- this time you can use my back yard ;)
#7 reminded me that I'm experimenting in making my own vanilla, and in approximately 2 months I'll have bourbon vanilla to share with you and start adding to bacon and other things!
Can't wait to see what your 2015 brings! Good luck with the final semester -- let's plan lots of weekday adventures this summer to make the most of your freedom! =)
Sarah Menanix -
Ummm - yes. I'm holding you to that. I also just told Lucas so we have a witness (wait - this is in writing - the whole world is a witness). Jessica offers up her backyard for a pig roast, y'all!
Woah! I can't wait to try some homemade vanilla!! That's been on my to-do list for awhile now.
Thanks so much! I look forward to our upcoming brunch. I owe you an email:)
K / Pure & Complex -
I so enjoyed this list. And I am certainly loving that cookie recipe. Wonderful post
Alyssa -
I want to make ALL OF THESE!
Can't wait to see what deliciousness you come up with in 2015 :)
Sarah Menanix -
Right back atchya!
Shikha @ Shikha la mode -
Oh my god, arepas. I don't know how I missed that recipe but I am OBSESSED with arepas - I don't think I've ever had them in SF!
Sarah Menanix -
So random, but I actually was EATING arepas when you left this comment. It's like you could see me at that very moment!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter -
2014 was such an incredible year! Love all these dishes that made it to the list.. Everything looks amazing! Can't wait to see what 2015 brings! Happy Happy New Year!
kristie {birch and wild} -
Looks like a delicious year!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom -
Sarah,
OH MY GAWD, I had a conference call with Nancy Yen about OmieBox sometime last year. . she contacted me b/c I'm a mom food blogger. . anyway, I thought the product was great! someone was going to send me a prototype or something so I could see it (and then help them promote it) but then I never heard back. . anyway, so HAPPY that they got funded on Kickstarter!!! Big congrats to Lucas!! Now, I recognize you at the end of the video! :)
Sarah Menanix -
So awesome!! Aw man - I wonder what happened. It was such a stressful month that I'm sure some wires got crossed! They still haven't shipped yet, but I'll remind Lucas to have Nancy reach back out when they have samples!
Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista -
Wow...2014 has been a big year for you! And congrats on being so close to the end of school! Quite an achievement. And you still managed to come up with all these delicious recipes! You are wonder woman! I am impressed. :)
Sarah Menanix -
You're so sweet! Thank you so much! I'm in the final stretch!
Aimee @ Like mother like daughter -
I love these posts on everyone's blogs, so fun to see what is most popular on different blogs. And that butternut squash soup - I mean parmesan crisps? I'm seriously drooling!
Chris @ Shared Appetite -
You've had an amazing 2014! Can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for Snixy Kitchen! LOVE your constant creativity in the kitchen and your witty writing behind the screen. You, my friend, are a rockstar. BTW... those arepas. OMG need!
Sarah Menanix -
Aww - Thank you, Chris! Thanks to you for being one of my first blog comment "friends" :) I look forward to meeting (and cooking with???) you in person some day! Also - I just made those arepas again for a food blog meetup, but instead of out-of-season zucchini, I filled them with cheese. MMMMM.
[email protected] -
What a beautiful collection of delicious recipes. I love your photography. I must say my favorite is the salted caramel pudding, I'm a sucker for salted caramel anything.
Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking -
Holy cow, you just taught yourself web design last year?? You're totally a natural! And I'm sure you'll find a job just fine. Good luck with finishing, and I'm so proud of you for having the dedication to do that! :)
Sarah Menanix -
Thanks so much lady! Let's wait to be proud when I actually show the dedication and get it done;) Haha. It's constant tight shoulders from now til May!