Goodbye 2014. Hello 2015.
I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough. My goals not being completed fast enough. My to do list keeps growing instead of shrinking.
So that's why I always love to take a few seconds and look back over the past year. To see what was accomplished. To see what goals I reached. To take a look at all my posts and recipes. And you know what I found?
90 recipes. 90! ...and a handful of restaurant reviews and food photography tutorials, too.
Another big venture I started in 2014 with my great friend, Tyler.... Ashe Photography Studio. We specialize in engagement and wedding photography, and we've been incredibly blessed with a growing number of really awesome clients.
And on a personal level, 2014 brought some really exciting changes. I turned 30, which really hasn't sunk in yet. Asheley and I bought our dream home. And of course, the biggest miracle of all... expected to arrive in June of 2015.
So 2014, thanks. You've been a great year.
Here's a look back at the 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2014 on Shared Appetite...
1. Rustic Tuscan-Style Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup.
Rustic Tuscan-Style Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup
2. Gluten-Free Spaghetti Squash Pizza Crust + Skinny Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
Gluten-Free Spaghetti Squash Pizza Crust
Gluten-Free Skinny Buffalo Chicken on a Spaghetti Squash Pizza Crust
3. Mexican Street Corn Croquettes.
Mexican Street Corn Croquettes
4. Thai Peanut Spaghetti Squash and Sweet Potatoes.
Vegan Thai Peanut Spaghetti Squash
Vegan Thai Peanut Sweet Potatoes
5. Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts
6. Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken.
Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
7. Copycat Trader Joe's Spinach + Kale Greek Yogurt Dip.
Copycat Recipe for Trader Joe's Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
8. Baked Brown Butter Churro Donuts.
Baked Brown Butter Churro Donuts
9. Totchos.
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Totchos
10. Stuffed Jalapeno Popper Bacon Cheeseburger.
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
HOW did I miss your big announcement?????! Congratulations to you and Ashleley!!! You are going to make the most amazing father Chris! Eek!!!! So happy for you.
P.S. SO see why all these are reader favorites!!!!
Chris
Thanks so much Nicole... I really appreciate it 🙂 We are super excited!
Pamela
How did I miss the baby announcement too?! Congrats you guys! Big hugs to 2015!
Chris
Thanks so much Pamela! Much appreciated 🙂
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom
Chris, "sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough. My goals not being completed fast enough. My to do list keeps growing instead of shrinking." dude, I feel the same way. . this is why I guess every day is new and allows us to re-group and re-charge and I've realized over the years to take it one day at a time and that we are only human. The to-do list will always be there .. we can only do so much and the rest we just have to let go. . anywho! (sorry for that ramble). . your recipes, posts and photos are always so stunning and delicious. . wishing you a fabulous 2015 and can't wait to see what you have in store for us, here on the blog!
Chris
Glad I'm not the only one that feels overwhelmed by the "to do" list! And you're so right... one day at a time and do what you can do! Looking forward to 2015 over at Hip Foodie Mom too!!!
Kelly
This was such an amazing year for you. Your recipes all look amazing to me and I can definitely see why these are favorites! I still really want to try the spaghetti squash pizza, love that idea! Can't wait to see what 2015 brings! Happy Happy New Year!
Chris
Thanks so much Kelly... 2015 will be exciting for sure! And yea... that squash pizza is a great way to indulge without indulging!
Karen
Wow, spaghetti squash for the win!!
Kevin | keviniscooking
So I was thinking maybe the MEXICAN STREET CORN CROQUETTES for lunch, that incredible looking RUSTIC TUSCAN-STYLE SAUSAGE, WHITE BEAN, AND KALE SOUP for dinner and maybe a BAKED BROWN BUTTER CHURRO DONUT or two for dessert. You're killing me with this year end roundup. WOW! #WolfpackEats
Howie Fox
Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip! Bookmarked!! I have a ton of spinach leaves in the fridge and until now I didn't know what to do with them before they go bad. This just changed 😀
Happy new year!!
Chris
Yea man, it's great. And secretly pretty good for you!!
Bri | Bites of Bri
Congrats on the big news! I read the post about it and am so excited for you after reading how much you've gone through. And this list...lots of good ones but thank goodness that my favorite cheeseburger ever made the list! Must make those again soon 🙂
Chris
Thanks so much Bri! Yes, it's been a long road, but one with a great destination 🙂
Christine
a delicious year for sure Chris!!! love your blog and your creativity, it's been great getting to know you as a person and a crazy talented cook! excited for more goodness in 2015 🙂
Chris
Thanks so much Christine! Ditto right back at ya! Love me some Cooking with Cakes!!!
Sarah
You had such a wonderful 2014! I can't wait to see how the miracle of 2015 influences what recipes you make:) I haven't tried that tuscan soup yet, but it's on my to-do list! Happy New Year, Chris!
Chris
Thanks Sarah 🙂 Most likely there is some organic baby food-making in my future!
Stardancer
I don't know how it happened, but I missed your announcement post! Congratulations! My husband and I have yet to start trying for kids, but I'll admit that infertility is my biggest fear right now. I don't even know how we would begin to approach that. I'm so glad that you and Asheley are getting the happy ending!
As for popular posts, I should tell you that I pinned your Churro Donuts post when it first came out. I don't have the kind of Pinterest that's followed by thousands, and I haven't even baked them yet myself...but it's been repinned FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN TIMES. Apparently you filled a hugely unmet need with the churro donut recipe!
Chris
Thanks so much for your kind words. Much appreciated! Hahaha, that churro donut is quite delicious... reminds me I have to go make some right this second!