2014 IGE Favorite Recipes - Iowa Girl Eats (2024)

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It’s time for my favorite post of the year – arecap of my top 10 favorite recipes from 2014!

As bloggers its easy to get caught up in numbers and trends, so it’s excitingto take a step back and remember what recipes I really enjoyed eating throughout the year, not just what did well on the blog. Is that nerdy? Anyway, choosing just 10 of my favorite recipes from 2014 was like choosing a favorite child. Nearly impossible. (And I’m sure many parents of multiple children would say, uhhh,itisimpossible!)

This was a transitional year here at IGE.Working fromhome with a baby-turned-toddler proved to be much more challenging than I thought, anddealing with myCeliac Diseasediagnosiswas certainlynot something I ever planned for. Heading into 2015 though, I’m in a goodplace. Lincoln’s getting more independent each daywhich means I can cook a meal without having to stir with one hand and hold him with the other (in fact, be on the lookout for baby hand cameos – he helped me whip up an egg casserole the other day!) and I feel more compelled than ever to show how delicious and easy gluten-free cooking can be. I look forward to reaching outside ofmy culinary comfort zone in 2015, and even dabbling into some non food and recipe posts for the blog. I’m all about trying new things in the new year – change is good!

At any rate, as I mentioned, Ididin fact, pick out 10 of my favorite recipes from this past year. From salads to stir frys, skillet dinners andsaucy enchiladas I will continue to make these 10 recipes for years to come. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and have a wonderful weekend!

Warm Kale Salad with Bacon, Dates, Almonds, Crispy Shallots andParmesan

MyWarm Kale Salad with Bacon, Dates, Almonds, Crispy Shallots and Parmesan is a masterpiece! It tastes like warm, bacon-wrapped almond-stuffed dates in kale salad form, with a luscious maple-almond vinaigrette. I could eat this salad every week and never get sick of it. So decadent.

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Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli

I made thisdish over and over and over until I got theorange sauce juuuust right. The secret’s in the type of orange juice I used. Honestly Ben and I like my Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli better than the take out we used to get for years. Must try this stir fry!

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Kale and Wild Rice Bowls with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Kale and Wild Rice Bowls with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette are pure feel good food that will power you through theafternoon or evening. This is a salad with staying power and lots of yummy flavors.

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Crock Pot Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Crock Pot Shredded Beef Enchiladas were made to taste like the enchiladas I atefor four years straight atmy favorite Mexican restaurant in college. This crock pot recipe is LEGIT!! I honestly, regularly crave these juicy enchiladas. So good.

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Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ben and I have made myKung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps more times than I can count since I first posted the recipe last summer. They tasteexactlylike a restaurant’s version of KPC but are super light and freshserved in lettuce wraps.

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Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Burgers with Caramelized Onions andSmokey Mayo

Last summer I went on a burger bender and these Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Smokey Mayo were my favorite creation. The pattiesget a nice crust on them and the smokey mayo plus caramelized onions are to die for!

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Sweet Corn with Maple-Bourbon Brown Butter and Bacon

I didn’t think sweet corn could get any better – then I combined it with maple syrup, bacon, bourbon, and brown butter. HO-LY COW!! Sweet Corn with Maple-Bourbon Brown Butter and Bacon is a game changer. Use fresh or frozen-then-thawed sweet corn depending on the season to enjoy all year long.

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Smoked Sausage, Kale, and Cider Quinoa Skillet

I get the best feedback on Smoked Sausage, Kale and Cider Quinoa Skillet and I completely agree – the smokey sausage with dried cranberries, quinoa, and apple cider is crazy good. Love this 1 skillet dish.

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Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti Carbonara

I knew the combination of bacon, brussels sprouts, and parmesan cheese was going to be good, but I was surprised byjust how GREAT it was.Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti Carbonara is so simple and truly cravable.

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Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Casserole

The Midwesterner in me can always appreciate a good casserole and this southwest twist on the classic is unbelievable. If you need a dishto take to new parents or a friend/family member in need, I can’t recommendSalsa Verde Chicken and Rice Casserole enough.

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