I like to take this time every year to reflect, think back on the year as a whole and as a blogger and eater.
Well, we’ve all had a lot of time to reflect on 2020, and it’s been a mixed bag for sure.
While I usually pick several food resolutions for the coming year, I’m keeping it simple. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s that rest is very valuable and simplicity wins.
So, my one food resolution for 2021 is to cook from my cookbooks! I’ve had this as a goal on nearly every year’s list for the past 5 years or so, but I’m making it my one focus topic in the new year. I want to focus on 1 cookbook every month or two (like really this time) and cook from it. AND I would like to share my journey through my cookbooks on the blog.
I didn’t post as much as usual in 2020 with all that was going on, so I would like to switch things up a bit and have more of a focus in 2021. I’m also working on growing my poetry audience, so follow along if you’re interested in that.
Now, on to the top 5 posts in 2020
I’m doing something a little different with this list, too, this year. I usually only choose posts created in that year, but this year, I want to look at the overall top posts you all enjoyed in 2020. What were you all cooking and baking in the dark days of the year? Let’s see!
1. Apple Crumble Cookies
I’m not surprised at all that this super simple and unique recipe is at the top of the list. It’s from the wonderful Jamie Oliver, and probably the only thing that you need to make them that isn’t in your pantry right now is dried apples (which you can find at your grocery store). 2020 was a great year for baking and cookie making, and I hope these will be on your 2021 baking list if you haven’t made them yet!
2. Tahini No-Bake Cookies
We were all trying to satisfy our sweet tooth but not get too crazy about it during 2020, and that’s why I think these cookies were high on the list. And all you need is oats, tahini, coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla and cinnamon to make these. I love a good and quick no-bake cookie, and these are something a little out of the ordinary with the tahini vs. peanut butter.
3. Summer Squash Pasta
This is another Jamie Oliver recipe that is a simple winner! I hope that you can save this one to make when summer squash and zucchini are in season next summer.
4. Orange Spice Cookies
Another great cookie recipe! Y’all know I love a good cookie, so I’m glad you do, too. These are a wonderful treat for the fall and winter season with warm spices and a touch of freshness with orange zest. You can also use this cookie dough recipe to create a 3D shape, too (like, say, the Eiffel tower- see the post!).
5. Strawberry White Chocolate Scones
These scones totally take me back to the beginning of quarantine/strawberry season. This year, I got into white chocolate chips, and my scone creations (and my family members) are very happy about that. The sweet, slightly juicy berries paired with the classic white chocolate is an awesome combo. These scones are best eaten warm, but delightful any time during the day. And you can sub out other fruits in here, too, like cranberries or raspberries.
Honorable Mention: A Letter to Taco Bell
This post was not a recipe like the others and just in the top 10 vs. top 5, but I thought it was worth mentioning. It was fun to hear from you other T Bell lovers about the thoughts I expressed. Although I’m still mourning the loss of the triple-layer nachos, I’m making do with my classics of crunchy tacos and cheesy bean and rice burritos.
That’s a wrap for 2020 (let’s hope- ha)!
I wish you the best as you ring in the new year and cook, bake and enjoy eating in 2021. Thanks for reading and following! My life is more fruitful with you in it.