23 Comments
Can you believe it? This year has passed by in the blink of an eye. I always love looking back at the year in recipes, since each one stirs memories of the circ*mstances surrounding it. I work so hard on my recipes that it’s quite difficult to pick favorites, but I’m perhaps most proud of these ten recipes. I’ll be back tomorrow with your favorite recipes.
This year, I tried to fill in the recipe gaps on the blog, developing Cookie and Kate-level recipes for basics like hummus, marinara, almond butter and red salsa. I had a lot of fun researching, testing and tweaking those recipes until they were just right.
I’m warning you, though: Those recipes will probably ruin the store-bought varieties for you (they certainly have for me). The good news is that they’re each simple to make and 100% percent worth the effort.
In 2018, I’m planning to create more creative weeknight dinners, giant salads (my favorite), and naturally sweetened treats. I’d also like to share approachable versions of the delicious recipes I’ve discovered on my travels. Please leave a comment and tell me what kinds of recipes you’d like to see! I am all ears, as always.
1) Epic Vegetarian Tacos
Gluten free and easily vegan
These vegetarian tacos are truly epic! Every great taco possesses the following qualities: something hearty (beans), something creamy (avocado), something crisp (shredded cabbage), something tangy (pickled onions and feta), and lots of fresh flavors. These tacos have those qualities in spades.
2) The Best Hummus
Gluten free and vegan
I’ve finally figured out how to make hummus as good as the best Middle Eastern restaurant’s. This hummus is exceptionally luxurious and creamy. You’ll have to visit the post to learn my tricks. :)
3) Super Simple Marinara Sauce
Gluten free and vegan
This marinara tastes heavenly, and could not be easier to make. You don’t even have to chop the onion.
4) Pinto Posole
Gluten free and vegan
This hearty Mexican-ish stew is warming, fresh and filling at the same time. It freezes and defrosts well, too.
5) Real Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Easily gluten free
It’s about time I came up with a go-to mac and cheese recipe. I tried mac and cheese every which way, and I’m in love with the final recipe you see here. It’s like homemade blue box mac and cheese, but a thousand times better.
6)
Gluten free
This crazy-looking salad features carrots at their best. Caramelized roasted carrots combined with super thin rounds of raw carrots offer an intriguing contrast of tender and crisp. Creamy avocado, fresh herbs and creamy, yogurt-based honey-mustard dressing make it irresistible.
7) The Best Red Sangria
Ta da! I finally cracked sangria. The trick is to choose the right kind of red wine. You can read all about it in the post.
8) Homemade Almond Butter
Gluten free and vegan
Homemade almond butter is pure gold. Truly, it’s so delicious and luxurious that you could gift jars of it (or save them all for yourself and save a bunch of money at the grocery store). Now, my breakfasts aren’t complete without it.
9)
Gluten free
My latest salad obsession, this pomegranate and pear salad is as fun to eat as it is to look at. Be sure to make it while pomegranates are still in season.
10) Restaurant-Style Red Salsa
Gluten free and vegan
Once I came up with this recipe, store-bought salsa hasn’t cut it for me any more. This simple red salsa recipe comes together in 10 minutes and tastes so fresh. Make it for your next party and your friends will ask you for the recipe.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
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pPinfSharetTweeteEmailBy Kathryne Taylor
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Hayley
Love your blog so much Kate, definitely one of my favourites to read! I’d love to see more vegan recipes (especially desserts and fancy entrees) from you in 2019! I’m hoping to make the jump to veganism myself :)
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Deb
I’m an avid fan and own your cookbook. Have also given it as several gifts.
About to start Whole 3o for January. What can I use of your recipes?
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Michelle
That hummus is PERFECTION. Definitely ruined store bought hummus for me forever . I received your cookbook for Christmas and can’t wait to dig in!
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Kate
I’m glad you loved the hummus! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the cookbook.
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HM
I’m having the weekend of Kate! Your stove top popcorn, balsamic broccoli grilled cheese, and your perfect hummus are alllllllll happening in the span of a day and a half.
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Kate
I love it! Thanks for sharing, HM>
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Amber
Yes! The hummus!
Kate
I had to!
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Bryan Martinez
The carrot salad is something my wife and I would really enjoy!! It looks like a great recipe
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Kate
Let me know what you think!
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Teresa Reese
The marinara sauce is awesome! We make this once a week because it is super easy. Kate, your recipes have been a life saver for us as we transitioned to vegetarianism. The flavors are amazing.
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Kate
I’m glad you love it!
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Martha
I love your blog and cookbook so much! My friends think I’m a great healthy cook, when I mostly use your recipes! So thank you.
Yes, yes, yes to more giant salad recipes. Those are my favorie recipes too!
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Kate
I’m glad you love both! Thanks for your comment, Martha.
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Sasha
Giant salads always welcome! Soups also very welcome! Also, I know you didn’t get a huge response to your one and only omelette (which looks delicious!), so I know you probably won’t be interested in doing this, but I would love to see your suggestions for omelette fillings. You are so creative that you’re bound to come up with things I haven’t thought of.
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Kate
That’s an interesting idea! Be sure to fill out my online reader survey I just posted here: https://cookieandkate.com/2019/what-to-cook-this-january/
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Vanessa
Hi Kate! I’m a fan of your muffin and quick bread recipes and your delicious soups! Having recently entered motherhood, I haven’t had tons of extra time on my hands to make my own basics (outside of what can be cooked in an instant pot, it seems). That being said, I would love to learn the best recipe and technique for making my own tortillas, once I have the time. But until then, I’m excited when your recipes have instant pot options.
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Kate
Congratulations! I will add that to the list to think of for this year!
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Megan
Every recipe I’ve made from your site or cookbook has been a hit with my picky, foodie husband! We’re expecting our first child in February, which meals have the greatest success with being made ahead of time and frozen to eat later? Thanks in advance!
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Kate
I love it! Congratulations, Megan. How exciting! I know the enchiladas, lasagna and a lot of the soups(without dairy) have worked really well for others in the past!
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mary wentz
I am new to your blog and have loved everything I have made especially the vegetarian tacos. I am very restricted in my diet and had lost my love of cooking! There is hope! I can’t wait to keep trying new recipes….thank you Kate!!
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Kate
Welcome, Mary! I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for sharing what you love so far.
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Andrea Maxwell
Your recipes are amazing. I am a super picky eater and am trying to eat healthier. The first recipe of your I ever tried was your banana bread. It’s my favourite thing ever. I’m like if healthier tastes like this , I think I can do this! So now I want to try everything! So excited. I especially love all the tips and explanations etc. I have never liked cooking or food so have very little experience. Thank you for your recipes and all the help!!!
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