As we gracefully conclude the incredible year that was 2014, it’s a perfect moment to look back and celebrate the culinary journey we’ve shared. This year has been filled with heartwarming moments, countless delicious meals, and the joy of creating and discovering new favorite recipes right in our own kitchens. Your enthusiasm and engagement have truly made “An Affair from the Heart” a vibrant community, and I’m thrilled to reflect on the dishes that captured your hearts and taste buds the most.
To truly do justice to the year’s standout creations, I’ve decided to craft two distinct posts. This particular article is dedicated to showcasing your absolute favorite main dishes and savory delights from 2014. Get ready to revisit a year of incredible flavors, from comforting classics to exciting new takes on familiar meals. Each recipe featured here earned its spot through your clicks, shares, and wonderful feedback, proving them to be true crowd-pleasers.
Join me on this delightful culinary stroll down memory lane. To embark on the adventure of recreating any of these beloved dishes, simply click on the corresponding picture. You’ll be whisked away directly to the detailed recipe, complete with ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Let’s rediscover the dishes that made 2014 so deliciously memorable!
Throughout 2014, we explored a diverse range of flavors and cooking styles. From innovative copycat creations that brought restaurant favorites home to hearty meals perfect for any occasion, each month introduced a new culinary gem that resonated with so many of you. Here’s a month-by-month rundown of the top food recipe picks that became instant sensations and cherished additions to your meal rotations.
January’s Top Food Pick: Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas
Kicking off the new year with a bang, January saw an overwhelming wave of excitement for these incredible Copy Cat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas. It’s clear that the idea of bringing this iconic fast-food favorite right into your home kitchen resonated deeply with many. Who could resist the crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, rich refried beans, and a generous layer of melted cheese, all topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions? This recipe allowed you to recreate that nostalgic flavor and texture, perhaps even elevating it with your own fresh ingredients, and enjoy it without leaving the house. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for family dinner or a fun gathering.
February’s Favorite: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
February continued the copycat craze, this time with a beloved restaurant staple that people simply can’t get enough of: Copy Cat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The aroma of freshly baked, garlicky, cheesy biscuits filling your home is truly irresistible. These flaky, tender biscuits, bursting with cheddar cheese and a savory garlic butter topping, are far more than just a side dish; they’re an experience. Many of you discovered how incredibly easy it is to make these at home, and the results are every bit as delicious – if not more so – than the restaurant version. Perfect alongside any meal or as a standalone snack, these biscuits became an instant hit for their comfort and addictive flavor.
March’s Sensation: Easy Dump Salsa
As spring approached, March brought a burst of fresh flavor with the incredibly simple and utterly delicious Easy Dump Salsa. This recipe truly lives up to its name, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum taste. Imagine achieving that authentic, restaurant-quality salsa right from your own blender! It’s packed with vibrant tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro, creating a perfectly balanced condiment that’s fantastic with tortilla chips, on tacos, or even spooned over grilled chicken. Its fresh, zesty profile was a refreshing change and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Many appreciated the convenience and delicious outcome of this blender-made favorite.
April’s Homestyle Hit: Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole with Bacon
April delivered a hearty dose of comfort food with the widely adored Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole with Bacon. Who can resist the allure of that famously creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying side dish from Cracker Barrel? This homemade version took it to the next level by incorporating crispy bacon, adding another layer of irresistible flavor and texture. It quickly became a go-to for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side to any dinner. The combination of shredded potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and savory bacon is simply divine, making it a perfect dish for feeding a crowd or indulging the family with a taste of down-home goodness.
May’s Most Clicked: Salisbury Steak Meatballs
May introduced a timeless classic with a delightful twist, and it swiftly became one of the most clicked recipes of the year: Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This ingenious recipe takes all the comforting flavors of traditional Salisbury steak – savory meat, rich mushroom gravy – and transforms them into bite-sized meatballs. This format makes it an incredibly versatile dish, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal served over mashed potatoes or noodles, or as an elegant appetizer for entertaining. The tender, flavorful meatballs drenched in that incredible homemade gravy proved to be a resounding success, offering both familiarity and a touch of novelty.
June’s Grilling Glory: Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops
As grilling season heated up in June, so did the popularity of these sensational Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops. Created for my hubby for Father’s Day, these chops quickly became a giant hit with everyone who tried them. The unique combination of sweet apple and a hint of moonshine creates a glaze that is both tangy and subtly boozy, caramelizing beautifully on the grill to lock in moisture and flavor. These pork chops are incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with an unforgettable taste that elevates any barbecue. If you love grilling and appreciate a truly distinctive flavor profile, this recipe is an absolute must-try.
July’s Cool Comfort: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches in the Crock Pot
When July brought the summer heat wave, the last thing anyone wanted was to stand over a hot stove. That’s why these amazing Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches in the Crock Pot became an instant savior. This recipe allowed us to enjoy a fantastic, flavorful meal while keeping the kitchen cool and our tummies happy. Tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce, then shredded and piled high on soft buns, makes for an effortless and incredibly satisfying summer meal. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a relaxed weeknight dinner where you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The crock pot truly worked its magic on this one!
August’s Easy Indulgence: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
August found us all swooning over the irresistible combination of two classic comfort foods in one fantastic dish: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes. This recipe truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy summer evenings. Imagine the savory goodness of thinly sliced beef or ground meat, sautéed with onions and peppers, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce, then piled onto a soft bun. It’s messy in the best possible way, offering all the iconic tastes of a Philly cheesesteak in an easy-to-eat sloppy joe format. So good, and incredibly easy to prepare, these became a fast family favorite.
September’s Creative Twist: Taco Meatloaf
In September, I took a beloved weeknight meal and gave it an exciting “Taco Tuesday” makeover, resulting in the incredibly popular Taco Meatloaf. This creative recipe infuses traditional meatloaf with all the vibrant, zesty flavors of your favorite tacos. Think seasoned ground meat, often with corn or black beans, topped with salsa and cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and adventurous. It’s been remade by countless blogger friends and readers alike, proving its status as a true winner. Serve it with all your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, and extra salsa for a fun and customizable family meal.
October’s Comforting Classic: Vegetable Beef, Barley & Mushroom Soup
As October ushered in the crisp air of fall and the yearning for warm, comforting dishes, it was no surprise that soup became the star. This hearty Vegetable Beef, Barley & Mushroom Soup quickly soared to the top of everyone’s list, solidifying its place as a blog favorite. Packed with tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, earthy mushrooms, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all swimming in a rich, savory broth, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s the perfect meal to warm you from the inside out on a chilly day, incredibly nourishing and deeply satisfying. A bowl of this promises a delightful culinary hug.
November’s Brunch Delight: Ham and Smoked Gouda Quiche
November brought the perfect excuse for leisurely Sunday mornings, and this exquisite Ham and Smoked Gouda Quiche became an instant family favorite in our home and many of yours. Combining the salty goodness of ham with the nutty, subtly smoky flavor of Gouda cheese, all nestled in a creamy egg custard and a flaky crust, this quiche is pure perfection. It’s elegant enough for a special brunch yet comforting enough for a simple weekend breakfast or light dinner. The sophisticated flavor profile makes it stand out, and its versatility means it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prep.
December’s Festive Fare: Muffuletta Sandwiches
As the year drew to a close and holiday gatherings were in full swing, December introduced the robust and flavor-packed Muffuletta Sandwiches. These iconic New Orleans-style sandwiches, with their signature olive spread, became a fantastic idea for both impressive appetizers and hearty Super Bowl party fare. Layers of cured meats, cheeses, and that distinctive, tangy olive salad pressed into a round loaf of bread create a symphony of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, can be made ahead of time, and only get better as the flavors meld. A true showstopper that combines convenience with incredible taste.
Reflecting on 2014, it has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding year here at An Affair from the Heart. A major highlight was the grand launch of our brand new website in April! This significant milestone allowed us to provide a better, more user-friendly experience for all of you, making it easier to discover and enjoy your favorite recipes. It was a massive undertaking, and I am profoundly grateful to the talented individuals who made this dream a reality.
A huge shout out goes to Jeni from The Blog Maven, who expertly migrated all the content from my old Blogspot platform to our beautiful new site. Her meticulous work ensured a seamless transition, preserving every cherished recipe and post.
My dear friend, Rhonda, the creative force behind FPO Designs in Omaha, poured her artistic talent into developing our distinctive logo. It perfectly captures the essence of An Affair from the Heart, and I couldn’t be happier with her brilliant design.
And last but certainly not least, Lauren Hunt of LP Creative Co. is truly a God-send. Lauren not only designed this fantastic website but has also provided invaluable monthly maintenance and ongoing assistance. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in keeping everything running smoothly, and I cannot wait to continue our collaboration and develop even more exciting features in 2015.
As we move forward, I’ve also broadened our reach across several new social media platforms. I would absolutely love for you to follow along with our culinary adventures wherever you prefer to connect. Staying engaged means you’ll be the first to know about new recipes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and opportunities to connect with our growing community. You can always subscribe to the blog by entering your email in the upper right-hand corner of this page, and find us on these other platforms:
Pinterest – for endless recipe inspiration and beautiful food photography.
Twitter – for quick updates and culinary chats.
Facebook – connect with our community and share your cooking triumphs.
Bloglovin’ – follow your favorite blogs all in one place.
Google + – for more recipe sharing and connection.
Stumble Upon – discover exciting new content, including our latest recipes.
Instagram – for daily doses of delicious food visuals.
Yummly – save, organize, and discover recipes from around the web.
I am genuinely looking forward to all our new adventures and delicious discoveries in 2015. Together, we’ll continue to explore, create, and share even more mouth-watering recipes that we will all undoubtedly enjoy. Your continued support and passion for home cooking inspire me every day.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a truly wonderful, prosperous New Year, my friends! May your kitchens be filled with joy and your tables with delectable meals.
Warmly,
Michaela