In 2017 I made a resolution for myself- and that was to get better in the kitchen. To do this, I set a goal of making something new each week. Now I must say, I’m pretty proud of myself, because I stuck to my goal for most of the year! There were a couple months were there were only 3 recipes I tried out, but for the most part I really stuck with it and that makes me feel great!
Now… don’t get me wrong, not every recipe was a success. Sometimes I failed, and failed HARD (aka anything that has to do with baking). But, for the most part I was successful, and because of that I am continuing to feel more and more comfortable in the kitchen. It also helps that I’ve got a wonderful taste tester of a hubby who pretty much likes whatever I’ll make him (or he’s really good about pretending to like it 🙂 )
Below are my BEST RECIPES OF 2017!!!
These are recipes that were hits the first time and that we continue to make over and over again. There’s meals for all seasons here so be sure to check back in throughout 2018 for ideas as the temps change and so do tastes 🙂
Be sure to click the link embedded in the name of each recipe to enjoy!
These were a hit! We celebrated Cinco de Mayo with these bad boys as well as a couple of strong margaritas!! The mix of the sweet and spicy on the shrimp with the crunch of the carrots/cabbage and lime juice… yum!
This recipe may have been what sold my husband on salmon. He always said time and time again that he didn’t like salmon and would never let me cook it for dinner. That all changed once I fed him a piece of salmon slathered in maple syrup and brown sugar….
Pair this meal with a yummy rice or couscous and enjoy roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side! This is a repeat meal for sure.
This meal is incredibly delicious and one of my personal favorites of the year. The yummy coconut flaked chicken paired with the sweet and spicy peanut sauce, alongside the sweet roasted pineapple… yum!! This meal is great for any time of the year. And best part is that it’s all roasted together on just one sheet pan! The less cleaning at the end of the night, the better!
HEALTHY LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
I’m all about anything both lemon and blueberry flavored. So mixing them together to make an easy, HEALTHY, pancake was probably one of the highlights of my 2017 (aside from marrying my best friend and all…..)Â Have kids craving pancakes (or yourself) but want to keep it on the healthy side? Try this recipe out. Just a few simple ingredients and you have a healthy breakfast ready to go!
CHICKEN, BRIE, AND PEACH FLATBREAD
Ummmm…. YUM! This was one of those recipes made at the end of summer when the peaches are fresh and in season. This delicious flatbread is a sweet and savory dinner option perfect for a casual night in, or great to make for a fun and different meal during a dinner party! This was one of our favorite recipes of the summer.
The New England girl in me knew I had to try out this recipe for these apple doughnuts. And am I GLAD I did! Because dang, these things are delicious (and addicting). Mixed with the yummy fall flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these doughnuts are a perfect addition to your Pumpkin Spice Latte – filled fall! And they’re baked, so that means they’re a little bit healthier, right???
This was my favorite recipe to end the year with. I’m a comfort food girl through and through, so I was in heaven when I tried this meal for the first time. All the insides of your typical Chicken Pot Pie cooked in a slow cooker and topped with a yummy buttery biscuit…. LOVE. Not the healthiest of options in these recipes, but if you’re ever in the mood for a hearty winter meal, this is a go to!
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This is only a small sampling of all the meals on this blog from last year, but these are just my favorites! Truly, I’m so proud of myself, to see how far I’ve come in a part of my house that used to intimidate me like no other. I was scared of the kitchen, and set the fire alarm off almost every meal I tried to cook. Now I’m whipping up meals, creating my own recipes, and actually get excited at the idea of trying something new.
While in 2018 I won’t be trying out as many new recipes, I will still continue to push myself and try new things in the kitchen all while sharing my kitchen successes, and failures, on the blog! Because you know what, I actually enjoy it now, good or bad!
Happy 2018!
matteahiggins 
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