Wanted : Your Best Recipe of the Year

What am I doing today? Meal planning. WOOHOO! My least favorite task in the entire universe. Except maybe mincing garlic. I really really hate mincing garlic too.

Sooo what I really want to know is...

What's the best recipe you tried in 2014?

Link me up and tell me about it. We will have company for a week and a half (YAY CHRISTOPHER AND ANNA!!!) over the holidays and in an effort to not eat out every.single.meal...I'm attempting to do some serious meal planning.

And I need your help.

If you share your favorite recipe in the comments I will enter you for a chance to win a padded envelope stuffed with my favorite small embellishments of 2014.  Think enamel dots, acrylic accents, veneer, paper clips, etc.

And since I'm asking you to share, I figured I would too. Here are some of the Howell family's favorite recipes of 2014. These are the ones that are regularly requested, and the ones that all six of us loved. 

 

1. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup- This.is.delicious. It's soupy the first night and then turns more into a pasta dish for leftovers. Not at all healthy, and sometimes that's okay.

 

 

2. Spinach, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Tenderloin - We make this often. It's easy, delicious, and healthy. You can vary the ingredients based on what you have on hand. It's really good with just the mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes. It's a given that we love absolutely ANYTHING by Gina at Skinnytaste.

 

3. Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken- As I said, we love Skinnytaste in this house. This recipe is a staple...especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays when we are out of the apartment until 5:30. The perfect combination of tangy and sweet.

 

4. Southern Green Beans- I've been making this recipe for YEARS. Since our first duty station at Fort Drum - in 2004 - when I made it for a Friendsgiving out of my Rachael Ray cookbook. Trust me. This one is GOOD.

 

5. Fusilli Caesar Salad - I'm pretty sure this is Miss Sadie's favorite recipe of all time. Definitely her most requested. And the homemade caesar dressing is TO DIE FOR. The first time I made this I couldn't believe how easy it was and I was so mad at myself for buying caesar in the bottle! Never.Again.

 

6. Pulled Pork with Caramelized Onions - another crock pot meal that is freaking GOOD.

 

7. Chicken Enchiladas - Make these. Immediately. They are somewhat time intensive but totally, completely worth it. This Texas girl is super picky when it comes to Mexican food and these completely passed the snob test.

Okay, your turn! Remember, you'll be entered in a small embellishments giveaway if you share a link and tell me a little bit about it.

Happy Sunday, y'all!

xoxo

 

Comments

[SusanB]

Thanks for sharing your favorites...I will definitely be trying a few of them. One of our favorites is this pork tenderloin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237564949065847104/
It's easy and delicious; I'm making it for Christmas Eve dinner when we entertain our families.
Looking forward to seeing what everyone shares. I love cooking at this time of the year!

[becky d.]

My best recipe of the year is a very easy crock pot DIP! It is awesome with tortilla chips, but it is also yummy spooned into tortillas as a "burrito" filling!

1 can rotel, 2 boxes cream cheese, 1 lb sausage....brown up the sausage, soften the cream cheese, mix up. I like to make it the night before and then get it all melty good in the crock pot. You can use different heat levels on the sausage and/or the rotel to make it more spicy if you want.

Always a winner -- I made double batch a couple weeks ago for a crop and had none left at the end of the day!

[jennybean]

I have a whole pin board filled with recipes I've tried and love... this is one of my favorites to cook for guests... it's easy and tasty, and I've also used boneless breast instead of legs if people don't like dark meat... http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/home-style-chicken-and-corn/6597dfd4-7773-4f3b-b627-c66cbb507df3#?term=chicken%2Bleg&fv=AND(HasGridViewImage:True)&pi=4&ps=9

[Fawn]

http://www.emilybites.com/2013/10/deep-dish-sloppy-joe-casserole.html Our new favorite recipe in the house. Deep Dish sloppy Joes. Such a great recipe with veggies!

[Marti Cobb]

I have been making this sugar cookie recipe for over 30 years - I have yet to find one better. They are thick, soft, and not too sweet, which makes them perfect for frosting and decorating with your kiddos.

Sugar Cookies

1 c. shortening 1 c. sugar 2 eggs
2/3 c. buttermilk 4 c. flour ½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. soda

Cream shortening & sugar. Add eggs, then buttermilk. Add sifted dry ingredients. Roll out, cut, and bake at 375 degrees for 6 – 8 minutes. Cookies will be slightly brown on bottom only.

[Rachel Z]

We love the pioneer woman and this is our fav http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/03/bbq-meatballs-comfort-food-to-the-max/

[Katie]

My husband and I seriously miss Chinese food here in Italy, but this recipe definitely helped with those longings. This is the closest thing I've been able to replicate at home and it's really delicious!

http://rasamalaysia.com/cashew-chicken/2/

\\\\\\\\\\
Katie
http://www.freckleandfair.com

[Ellie Augustin]

Alright Why not add some fun Spanish yum into the mix. These are staples in my house and my kids LOVE it. I even shared it on my blog :) http://www.adventureswithellie.com/2014/11/yes-arroz-con-pollo-is-that-easy.html
http://www.adventureswithellie.com/2014/09/favorite-crockpot-sancho-spanish-stew.html
Hope you get to try these they are SOOOO good (ok I'm a bit bias but still Ha)
Merry Christmas to you & your gang!!

[kat]

stephanie, i made this recipe at thanksgiving and everyone loved it. i'm not that great with cooking, so it took me awhile, but it still turned out great - not that healthy, though. i justify it because there is some butternut squash in there!!

http://www.ahintofhoney.com/2010/12/roasted-butternut-squash-and-bacon/

[Suzy Gray]

Looks like some yummy recipes. Mine came out of church fundraiser cookbook
Pound Cake that is so moist and delicious

1 box butter recipe yellow cake mix
8 oz sour cream
4 eggs
3/4 cup veg oil
1/4 cup sugar in batter & 1/4 cup sprinkled in prepared greased pan
1-2 teaspoons vanilla depend on how you like it
(Can also add other favors (almond & lemon are really good)

Recipe says to beat all ingredients for 10 minutes. I combine the wet first for a minute then beat with kitchen aid stand mixers (my hands can't do hand mixer for 10 minutes. Lol. Then pour in greased bundt pan with the 1/4 cup sugar sprinkled in bottom. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 50 minutes. I remove pretty quick from the pan or it sticks. It used to happen a lot with my super intricate pan with flower formed areas. But the crumbs with ice cream were served to family and company happily (they asked for seconds. Now I have a plain Jane bundt pan with just the lines and comes out just fine

[Jaymie S.]

This was our new favorite this year, and sooooo easy to make. I tried both methods (stove top and slow cooker) and I recommend slow cooking. It gave the meat huge flavor! Yum! Merry Christmas from sunny San Diego!

http://picky-palate.com/2013/08/14/the-best-5-ingredient-salsa-verde-beef-tacos/

[Joan Fowler]

My granddaughter is very hard to cook for as she dislikes most vegetables and is fussy about most side dishes unless it is pasta. She is, however, an avid carnivore so that is always the easy part. When we tried this recipe, she fell in love and we have it at least once a month now. It also makes enough so that there are leftovers for school lunches. That part makes me very happy.

Try Chicken Spaghetti - great for a crowd and you can hide vegetables in the pasta so that less astute children may not even notice.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chicken-spaghetti-recipe.html

[Cathy]

Steph, my friend Tara just turned me onto the EASIEST recipe of all time. Get two jars of marinara. Get two packages of hot turkey italian sausage (can you get that over there? If not, just go regular italian sausage). Put the sauce in a crock pot. Squeeze the sausages out of the casings and break up into the sauce. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with favorite pasta. It's seriously simple and delicious. (Oh, and if my name comes up in the drawing, just redo! I have too much stuff as it is!)

[Alyson]

I found this recipe while preparing freezer meals when I was pregnant this year. It's easy and delicious. I added black beans to the top. http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/chicken-tamale-casserole

[Janell]

This recipe is as delicious as it is easy!

I serve it with the kale salad mix from Costco and Uncle Ben's 90 second long grain wild rice (yes, I know you're overseas, but just some helpful tips for when you return!) -

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/honey_mustard_chicken/

[Sherry Cartwright]

An easy chocolate chip dessert.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CAKE
1 yellow or white cake mix
2 eggs, beaten
5 tbsp melted butter
2 cups chocolate chips

Mix ingredients together.
Put in greased 9x13 and bake at 250 for 20 minutes.

[Erin Waidzulis]

Hey hey Steph! So these are staples in my house (I loooove my crockpot)... For the stuffed peppers you can use any type of meat, I think I use a different kind every time I make them. I will send more recipes your way if think of anymore.

http://paleopot.com/2012/10/paleo-sausage-stuffed-peppers/

http://paleopot.com/2011/12/easy-paleo-crock-pot-chicken-curry-with-peppers-and-cabbage/

[Jetty]

I tried a new lasagnesauce and it was so good, the recipe came from a dutch magazine! But if you are interested i will try to translate it in English for you. We also love lasagne with a bolognese sauce (i use the one from Jamie Oliver), parmesan and grated cheese and bechamelasaus between every layer. This recipe i got from somebody who lives in Italy , it's a familyrecipe. I make the bolognesesauce ahead so i have always some in the freezer, it's also very good with pasta if you have to make a quick dinner.

[Colleen S]

My girl friend made this Lasagna Soup for me after a surgery I had this year. It was excellent!!! http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/03/24/lasagna-soup/

[Robin]

Cooking lights meatloaf muffins. Easy and don't take as long as cooking a regular meatloaf (and you can sneak a tiny amt of veggies in them too!) http://www.myrecipes.com/m/recipe/diner-meat-loaf-muffins

[EvelynB]

This is a seriously easy if you are able to find a roasted chicken, but even if you have to roast some bone-in breasts and legs, it's still super easy. I made this for a family when they were needing some extra help and even their 2-yr old loved it, and it's healthy! It's from Gwyneth Paltrow's latest cookbook but here is a link to the recipe that I googled from someone's blog. If you make a double batch it will be plenty for your family and your guests.

http://www.milkandmode.com/2013/07/gwyneth-paltrows-chicken-and-white-bean.html

[Melanie]

Boo! I didn't make your list for this year. That means I must try harder next year! ;)

[Amy]

ok these two i've made and LOVED this year
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17381148537141232/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17381148536472804/
Thanks for posting this thread…i'm getting lots of ideas from the comments!

[Rebecca]

http://www.food.com/recipe/inside-out-stuffed-pepper-casserole-397049

I think I found this recipe thru Pinterest. I use ground turkey and 1 can petite diced tomatoes, & a small can
Of tomato sauce. No spaghetti sauce. It's very good the day it's made & reheats very well for leftovers. It's a favorite to
make on a Sunday when I know we have a hectic night ahead in the week. One of my girls likes it in a tortilla on a leftover
day.

Thanks for sharing your favorites too. :)

[Sus]

http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/kelsey-nixon/shredded-pork-and-pineapple-tacos.html
I can't remember if I ever shared this recipe w/you while we were in Sav, but it's a good one, make sure you make the pickeled red onions w/it. So good and you can make the sides the night before and put the pork in the crockpot day of.

[Ashley]

http://www.marthastewart.com/315239/apricot-stuffed-pork-with-potatoes-and-b?xsc=soc_pin_2014_2_9_Food_DinnerRecipes_B__&crlt.pid=camp.DSNO0Iwg7qyG

My whole family acted like pigs and ate every bit of it. I consider that a win.

[tara pakosta]

ths 20 minute Thai Basil Beef Bowl was my FAVORITE! so yummy!!!
lemongrass is YUM~!!!!

http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/20-minute-thai-basil-beef-lemongrass-rice-bowls/

tara

[Fontaine]

So many yummy sounding recipes to check out! thanks for starting this.
Our old family favorite is 'sweet and sour meatballs' in the crock pot. Just one can of grape jelly, plus one jar of chili sauce with frozen meatballs. Or double it easily. Dump it all in the crock, stir occasionally and enjoy in a few hours. Can be served over rice or in hotdog buns as subs.

Also, chicken + pineapple + teriyaki sauce in the crock, served over rice is always quick and easy and yummy.

Be sure to let us know of any winners you come across!

[CJ]

This http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/cuisine/european/italian/pappardelle-pie-with-wild-mushrooms-and-taleggio.html is more of a pasta bake that a pie really. Use stock instead of wine, delicious. I hope you find some good recipes, I'll be having a look at all the suggestions. CJ xx

[Marie H]

This salmon recipe is a family favorite. It's easy and healthy. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/barbecue-roasted-salmon-0

[Amy M]

Try this! Easy and yummy! The only thing I do differently is add more chicken broth.
Enjoy!

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sausage-potato-soup#.

[Lisa Stein]

You're going to get TONS of recipes. We all eat. :)

Here's a favorite salad of mine. So hearty, tasty, zingy in a good way. Allover DELICIOUS.

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/salads/fresh-corn-rice-salad/

[Lee L]

I can also recommend that in general, the WholefoodSimply website is.the.bomb - brilliant clean reacipes that are delicious! https://wholefoodsimply.co/category/all/

And here are a couple of my other fave go-to recipes at the moment!

I made these awesome 5 ingredient clean protien balls as snacks - they are so (sososooo) good!! It was in a magazine so I'll type it up here:
1&1/2 cups chopped pitted dried dates
1&1/2 tablespooons cacao power (can sub ordinary cocoa powder but not as clean)
3/4 cup walnuts or flaked almonds
1 tablespoon of organic vanilla protien powder (can use skim milk power)
1 cup of organic/clean coconut flakes.
Put the lot in your food processor, form into balls (optionally roll the balls into dessicated coconut or almond flakes or cacao powder) and put into the fridge till set. Makes about 12-14 balls, can double the recipe for more. YUMYUM!

For a lunch salad (or as a side salad with dinner), this is a yummy salad my mum concocted: (quantaties are to your liking):
Baby spinach leaves, avocado (thin diced slices), diced green apple, chopped carrot, diced fresh tomato (homegrown if you can get it), chopped marinated peppers, paper-thin sliced salami (cut into thin strips). Dressed with a touch of your favourite salad dressing.

For a main meal - Chicken Bake (this is something we would consistently have every week, and the kids gobble it up!)
Approx 1.5kg diced chicken breast
garlic powder (yeah, I know, but it does work in this recipe!!)
dried oregano
finely sliced veggies of your liking - I usually use 1 thinly sliced sweet potato, 1 zucchini, 1 finely sliced and chopped leek, some mushrooms, or some squash (but you can basically put whatever you want in this dish as long as it is thinly sliced)
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
1 300ml tub of cooking cream
1 teaspoon of powdered chicken stock
Cooked brown rice to serve (I use a brown rice & quinoa mix)
*METHOD* Pre-heat the oven to approx 200 degrees (give or take a bit depending on the oven)
Place diced chicken breast in the bottom of a baking dish, then sprinkle over the garlic salt & oregano.
In a large bowl mix together the tomatoes and cream with the chicken stock. Add in to the bowl all the chopped vegetables and stir together. Pour mixture over the chicken in the dish.
Place in the oven for 30 minutes, then stir and check how the cooking is going, and put back in for another 10-15 minutes if needed with the temperature dropped back a bit.
Serve immediately, but this dish also is yummy out of the freezer, I take frozen leftover portions to work for lunch. :)

[Milli D]

Ooooh, the ones you posted sound delicious! About 7 years ago, Becky Higgins posted this recipe for Garlic Chicken Farfalle and O.M.G. My big ol' boys have grown up and moved out but this is STILL one of their favorites when they're home. It's no longer on Becky's blog but I found it here: http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/becky-higgins-garlic-chicken-farfalle.html

Enjoy!

[keely]

Steph, Here's another crock pot recipe from Skinnytaste!! So good. In fact I made it today!! The pork chops are so tender they fall off the bone!!
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/09/crock-pot-sazon-pork-chops-with-peppers.html

[Ashley T]

Hi! This is my family's SUPER easy chili recipe. My mom and step dad came to visit me and my boyfriend (now husband) when we were stationed in Atsugi, Japan. My mom's church did a birthday celebration, and had the whole congregation make this. My mom brought the recipe with her when they came to visit because she knew she could make it in the Navy Lodge. It's THAT easy!!! You will have this memorized in no time and fix it often. Enjoy!

1 lb of ground beef
1 can light red kidney beans
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 can salsa
1-12 oz can V-8 juice (I buy here in the 6-packs at the grocery store to keep on hand)
1 Envelope Ranch dressing mix
1 Envelope Taco seasoning
1 can of corn (since my weird husband, from NE, wanted it added in

Brown your meat, then drain and dump into a crock pot. Add all the other ingredients, liquids included. Cook on low or high, depending on how fast you want to eat it. Good with Fritos, sour cream, etc. delicious the 2nd day!

This is NOT spicy, so it's great for little ones as well. Go Navy! :)

[Kim Delaney]

The Pioneer Woman's Sunday Night Stew is one of our family's favorites, and I made it for dinner tonight!!! You can't go wrong and it makes the house smell amazing!!

thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/01/sunday-night-stew/

[Michelle]

We love this butternut squash lasagna. I make several and freeze. I even made this for a moms group meal swap and it was a hit!
http://www.ovenloveblog.com/roasted-butternut-squash-lasagna-2/

Thanks for this post. I have been in a dinner rut and need some new ideas.

[Kristine]

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/italian-meatball-soup/
I make this stew all the time! My giant teenage boys love it... I do bake the meatballs as it is quicker and easier!
Also add some orzo if you want it a bit heartier!

[Trish]

Thanks for sharing your favorite recipes, Stephanie. I am going to try them. My new favorite recipe is Maple-glazed Turkey with bacon and sage butter from http://fivehearthome.com. Oh my goodness , it is seriously the best turkey I have ever made! I did a turkey breast for Thanksgiving and it got rave reviews! Happy, happy holidays to your sweet family.

[Natalie (QSOgirl)]

Oh, I am eagerly anticipating looking into the recipes you've shared!

It's hard to choose which one(s) to share with you, but one of my favorite recipes from recently is the Pioneer Woman's grilled chicken and pineapple quesadillas. We made have made them a couple times already, and they are a delicious combination of savory and sweet.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/05/grilled-chicken-pineapple-quesadillas/

We are systematically working through the Pioneer Woman's "Favorite Chicken Recipes," (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/09/my-favorite-chicken-recipes/), and the above quesadillas and the Cajun Chicken Pasta (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/09/cajun-chicken-pasta/ -- it's so easy!!) have been our favorites so far.

Another favorite of ours is the America's Test Kitchen Taco Beef-- the recipe is for a homemade taco seasoning that is amazing!

[Amy Coose]

I loved this recipe! I have tried a lot of her recipes and they never disappoint, and they are pretty easy to "lighten up". http://mixandmatchmama.blogspot.com/2014/09/dinner-tonight-beer-cheese-joes.html

[Dana N]

I love to use my crockpot, and this is on of my faves - http://crockpot365.blogspot.ca/2008/02/pomegranate-beef-crockpot-recipe.html

I have tried many of the recipes from her site, and love them!

[Jennifer Schmidt]

Those look delicious! I'll be adding them to my bookmarks for sure. So, my favorite go to recipe, especially when we're having company over, is from a Jamie Oliver cookbook that I have. I googled it for ease of linking it here, and came up with one that has been tweaked just a tiny bit, but pretty much the same. Here's the link http://cupandtable.blogspot.com/2011/12/roast-chicken-pieces-with-sweet.html I love this because it's so easy to throw together ahead of time and takes a while to cook, allowing you to visit with your guests instead of fussing over the meal. Use a really nice mix of tomatoes when possible and they cook down to produce a really nice sauce in the dish that is delicious over grains. If I serve cous cous, rice or orzo as a side for this, I usually omit the potatoes. I also use a ton of fresh basil and have added some nice olives to mix it up before. Bonus- you don't have to mince the garlic! You just chuck the whole cloves in!

[Lindsey]

I like easy and healthy. Here is a dish I made all the time in my "paleo" days. It's chicken, artichokes, capers, onions, and lemons. (I eventually started leaving out the onion, because that required chopping. I told you, I like easy.)

http://paleofoodiekitchen.com/2013/06/lemon-and-artichoke-chicken/

I haven't been to skinnytaste in a while - thanks for the reminder, the dishes look delicious!

[Jennifer C]

This in the regular rotation at our house. I use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel to cut down on the spice factor for the kiddos, substitute milk for cream and use whatever sausage I have on hand.
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html

One pot meal=awesomeness. When I want some chili I make this.
http://damndelicious.net/2014/03/15/one-pot-chili-mac-cheese/

I feel your pain in meal planning. But I do know that if I take the time to do it we eat so much better and cheaper!

[Julie]

Do you like Sauerkraut? If so, I can send an awesome Sauerkraut Soup recipe that I can scan to you!

[Julie]

OH - one more thing, get a Garlic Press...the ones from Pampered Chef are the bomb!

[Candy]

I have loads of recipes but in the end this is the only one that seemed to matter, lol! Our adult kids drink this with us as we celebrate the season with neighbors and friends and other kids we have watched grow up. Salut!

White Peach(pear)Sangria

1 750 bottle of Cava or Prosecco
¼ cup Brandy or Triple Sec
2-3 tablespoons sugar
3-4 White Peaches (or pears... whatever is in season)
Juice from 1 Lemon
Add brandy and lemon juice to the bottom of your pitcher. Cut up the peaches into cubes and add with ice. Top with Cava and serve immediately. As you sip, the peaches macerate in your drink.

[sherried]

Thanks for sharing the recipes. Here is one that is a family favorite for thanksgiving and Christmas. Wild Rice and Goat Cheese Stuffing http://www.pinterest.com/pin/140104238381413632/

This is a really good and easy soup to make http://www.pinterest.com/pin/140104238381197593/

Have a Merry Christmas.

[Kelly Kulich]

This beef peppercorn dish...paleo and hits the spot for Chinese cravings. I was going to make riced cauliflower to go along with it but there were plenty if veggies that we didn't need it! http://againstallgrain.com/2014/01/06/guest-post-stir-fry-peppercorn-beef/

[Jenn V]

Vegetable soup with garlicky croutons! This can easily be made dairy free- just sub olive oil for the butter and don't add the parm rind. The parm rind isn't necessary anyway. It's delicious however you make it! No need to add me to the giveaway (my scrap supplies are full enough, lol) just wanted to share this one. It's SO GOOD :) http://www.annies-eats.com/2014/01/31/vegetable-soup-with-garlicky-croutons/

[Hana_rr]

So, I made this last night having just read your post and the recipe has instantly become my favourite of 2014 so - of course - I had to share it. Sausage and fennel lasagna. Seems weird suggesting a pasta recipe when you live in Italy but using sausages for the ragu is a bit different and it's really really yummy!

http://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/mains/pasta/item/sausage-and-fennel-lasagne

[Erica Messervy]

http://m.news9.com/story.aspx?story=14700627&catId=112032. This is a Red Robin copycat recipe for their Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich. I have never had this sandwich at Red Robin, but I've made this recipe at home several times and it is delicious!

[Christine Campbell]

One of our favourites is my Mom's sweet and sour meatballs:

3lbs hamburger - season with salt and pepper and roll into 1 1/2" balls

Sauce:
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp ginger
2 TBSP soya sauce
1 cup crushed or diced pineapple with juice
1/2 med green pepper, cut in chunks
1 small onion, chopped
Mix all sauce ingredients together. Pour over meatballs (fits well in a small turkey roasting pan) and bake in 350F oven for 1 hour. ** Even better made the night before and reheated in the oven.
Serve with potato scallop or rice.

[Vivian]

There are too many to count! I love Pinterest and have a board filled with recipes I've tried. Here's a few of my faves that we made often this year :

These meatballs: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090106838981/
This naan recipe: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090105636312/
This casserole: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090105990744/
This Pad Thai: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090104871854/
This soup : http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090103105529/
These cabbage rolls: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090106140102/
This fish: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090106014265/
And this really familiar burger: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119275090105573154/

I could go on & on, but I'll quit here.
Good Luck with your meal plan!!

[sandy sh]

When we have company, I like to make a breakfast casserole. You know, the kind you make the night before, stick in the refrigerator and cook in the morning? Helps decrease morning chaos :)

Thanks to Pinterest I now have a recipe that cooks overnight in the crockpot. YAY!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/222857881530521691/

[Stacy]

I didn't read all the comments, so I don't know if someone already shared this, but I make this at least once a week. It's just my son and myself, so I cut it in half, and sometimes we eliminate the top layer of tater tots to make it a little less heavy. It reheats well, too, if there's any left. :)

http://www.thecountrycook.net/2012/07/cheesy-chicken-tater-tot-casserole-slow.html

I also make an overnight lasagna that I swear by. Make the meat sauce, put a third of it in the bottom of your pan. Layer uncooked noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with one egg (use half of a 16-ounce container). Layer mozzerella over that, then repeat the layers. Put meat sauce on top. Cover your pan with foil and let it sit overnight. Preheat your oven to 350, cook the lasagna covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and cook it another 15 minutes. (The recipe is in the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. It's the bomb. You can add zucchini or other veggies, or be carnivores like we are. :) )

[Shaun Paddock]

Best Key Lime Pie recipe out there...http://allrecipes.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-vii/detail.aspx

[Dena]

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Florentine Pasta!!! So good, easy and yummy. The only recipe of hers that i did not like so far was the banana bread and to be fair that's her mom's recipe :)

[Cindy Stanley]

Hi Stephanie .. Merry Christmas!! I don't have a recipe handy but I do have a tip for the garlic. Peel your garlic, then put between layers of saran wrap. Then smash it up with a tenderizer mallet thingy. Voila!! No fancy gadget that's a bugger to clean!! Just toss the saran. I had one of those for years and hated it too, then my sweet elderly neighbour told me her trick. So simple .. duh!!!

[Kim Edsen]

I am excited to check out what everyone posts - I'm trying to streamline my own meal planning process this year...

Here are some favorites:
Made last night - would be perfect with biscuits or puff pastries http://kitchensanctuary.com/2014/12/01/chicken-pot-pie-soup/

These are amazing: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/02/drip-beef-two-ways/

This is my go to way to make pork tenderloin: http://www.inspiredtaste.net/21117/perfect-roasted-pork-tenderloin-recipe-with-apples/

[Nicole]

These have been popular in our house:

The hubby and kids liked this one and I loved that it was a slow cooker recipe: http://melaniemakes.com/blog/2013/12/slow-cooker-chicken-parmesan-sandwiches.html

Serve these with rice or a side to make a main course: http://melaniemakes.com/blog/2014/05/moscato-meatball-skewers.html

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/04/bruschetta-chicken/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/16-minute-meal-3-mini-meatball-sandwiches/

One of our favorite side dishes - so yummy and the kids don't know its low in carbs :) http://www.thecoersfamily.com/loaded-baked-fauxtato-casserole/

[bree]

Minestrone Soup! Sooooo good! And healthy!

http://clubclifton.blogspot.com/2014/02/minestrone-my-way.html

[Kimmie]

Not super fancy but we all love this one! And it is super easy and can be done in one pot!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/09/shells-cheese-and-bacon-and-peas/

[nicole @ I am a Honey Bee]

this slow cooker pork was a blog favorite this year. great with mashed potatoes.
http://iamahoneybee.com/2014/02/20/slow-cooker-brown-sugar-balsamic-pork-tenderloin/

And my favorite party/company recipe are these ham and cheese sliders. Huge hit at my daughter's birthday party. we went through dozens.
http://iamahoneybee.com/2013/04/05/ham-and-cheese-sliders/

[Lorena W]

I would like to second Pioneer Woman's "Chicken Spaghetti and add this: http://hopeandjohnbasher.blogspot.com/2012/05/herb-crusted-chicken-in-basil-cream.html
SO good.

[AmySorensen]

That creamy chicken soup looks divine! Definitely going to try it!

One of my favorite recipe finds this year is an awesome fettuchini Alfredo sauce. I've since made it with chicken, with chicken and mushrooms, and just plain. Good all the ways! :)

http://amysorensen.typepad.com/the_english_geek/2014/10/perfect-alfredo-sauce.html

[Michelle King]

My go-to recipe is Korean Beef (I was taught by a Korean housewife while I was living there teaching English). I bring it to every pot luck I am a part of (and in most cases and TOLD that's what I am bringing). What is nice about it is that all the prep is done the day before, so that you can enjoy your company. An added bonus - I have yet to find someone who does not like it (and it's a great way to get kids to eat veggies!). Here is the recipe:

600g bite-size chunks of beef (I use tenderized beef as it allows the marinade to penetrate well)
5 tbsp soya sauce (I use reduced sodium)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 heaping tbsp finely chopped or crushed garlic
veggies (I use onions, mushrooms, bean sprouts, baby bok choy, spinach as they take on the flavors really well, but you can experiment with different ones)

1. Mix all ingredients together by hand (really work the marinade in).
2. Pat down firmly in an airtight container and cover.
3. Leave in refrigerator at least 3 hours (24 hours is best).
4. Cook in large pan or wok and serve over rice or rice noodles.

Easy, yummy and contains lots of good stuff for littles ones. A winner in our book!

[Bridget Larsen Australia]

The recipe I favour a lot every year to either eat at home or take to a gathering which can be eaten as an entree or a main meal is the 7 layer dip http://bridgetlarsen.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/7-layer-dip.html

[Bridget Larsen Australia]

Another recipe I love to make that is quick and easy and yummy is mince beef made into patties, lay that in a non stick electric fry pan with no oil. let that brown and turn over. Add a can or two of creamy mushroom soup and let that simmer until the meat is cooked through. Serve with mashed potatoes and salad or vegetables

[Jen M]

I'm hoping to start being a better meal planner and not so much a take out queen this year. This is one of our family favorites that we found while living overseas where we missed our favorite Chinese take out place. Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice. http://therecipecritic.com/2014/03/chicken-fried-rice/

Enjoy the rest of the holidays!!

[Samantha Landay]

One of my favorite recipes of all time is the easiest thing ever! You need frozen or thawed chicken, taco seasoning (I make my own) and ranch seasoning (you can buy or make your own!) and enough chicken broth or water to cover your chicken. If you use water just add a little extra spice. Cook in the crockpot for 4-6 hours until it shreds easily. SO EASY! My go-to when I forget to take meat out it defrost, lol!

[Samantha Landay]

LOL! I guess I should have mentioned that my recipe is for chicken tacos. So serve the shredded chicken in tortillas or hard shells with your fave taco toppings!

[Linda E]

This Real Simple recipe for Pork Chops has become a favorite of mine: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/paprika-spiced-pork-chops-recipe
I don't add the raisins. Great idea for a post, Stephanie! I can't wait to start working through the comments to get some new recipes for the new year!

[Ann]

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/02/17/italian_sausage_spinach_and_pasta/

This one pot pasta dish is simple, fast, filling and delicious. It makes enough for my family of four (including three big guys), with leftovers for lunch!

I can't wait to try several of the recipes here. Thanks!