2014: Most Popular Recipes on Bunsen Burner Bakery

Another year winding down – doesn’t seem possible, does it?

I have to say, this year was pretty darn good to us: my husband finished his fellowship, ending a very long process to becoming a radiologist (4 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, 4 years of residency, 1 year of fellowship), most of the years which were spent married and living in separate states.

Finishing up his medical training in June also meant the end to our many years of living apart, as he signed a contract for an attending position here in Philadelphia and moved back home.

The dog and I are thrilled to get to see him every day, and the transition to living together again went much more smoothly than I was expecting.  It’s so very nice to finally be living a “normal” married life, after a mere 6 years of marriage.

We both hit some unexpected health issues in the later half of 2014 which forced me into an unintentional blogging hiatus.  Despite several months of no posting, I still managed to share 42 new recipes with you this year (although sadly, none of them provide the answer to the life, the universe, and everything).

Many of these recipes were featured on Tastespotting, Foodgawker, and Tasteologie, and as always, I’ll end the year with the top 10 new recipes from the year, based on pageviews.

{Time Travel}

2014 Most Popular Recipes

10) Healthier Tomato Pie
This Northerner’s take on tomato pie (double the tomatoes, halve the mayo) kicked off Tomato Week on Bunsen Burner Bakery, as I tried to use up an overload of tomatoes from my CSA.  It’s definitely one of my personal favorite things I made this year, and I can’t wait for the return of tomato season so I can make it again!

Healthier Tomato Pie: this not-so-souther tomato pie capitalizes on fresh tomato flavor with minimal mayo, keeping a delicious crispy crust. {Bunsen Burner Bakery}

9) Baked Peach French Toast
I’m not a breakfast person, but I like this baked french toast.  It’s also quite pretty, making it a perfect option to serve guests for brunch.  If I didn’t already have a bagels and lox tradition for New Year’s, I’d probably serve this to our friends, swapping out the peaches for berries.

Baked Peach French Toast Casserole: Sweet and custardy overnight baked peach french toast casserole, covered in ripe, fresh peaches.  Easy enough for everyday, but decadent enough for company. {Bunsen Burner Bakery}

8) Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic! Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies and this recipe is my favorite – and you guys love it, too!

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: mixed in one bowl with no refrigeration step before baking, these easy chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleasing favorite! {Bunsen Burner Bakery}

7) Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ah, the chocolate chocolate chip muffin… toeing the line between breakfast and dessert.  A good classic recipe to keep on hand!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins: rich and decadent, this is a muffin that's really a dessert in disguise. Chocolate for breakfast? Yes, please! #bunsenburnerbakery #muffins #chocolatemuffins #breakfast #dessert

6) S’mores Cupcakes
The closing of Sprinkles and other cupcake chains seems to indicate that the cupcake craze is dying down… or perhaps individuals are just becoming more savvy to how easy they are to make at home.  Looking for something that’s a little fancier than your typical vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting?  Look no further than these s’mores cupcakes.

s'mores cupcakes

5) Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Grill them or bake them, stuff them with fresh crab or imitation crab.  These are a favorite for dinner or as an appetizer.  

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms: perfect on the grill or baked in the oven, these make-ahead crab stuffed mushrooms are a perfect side or appetizer for your next party. No breadcrumb filler means they're gluten free, too! {Bunsen Burner Bakery}

4) Eggplant Curry with Coconut Milk
After several sweet recipes in a row, we’re finally back to something savory.  This curry is delicious – and gluten-free and vegan by default, though I didn’t set out to create a recipe with either of those labels.

Eggplant Curry with Coconut Milk: vegan and gluten free, this 30-minute meal is the answer to getting out of your weeknight cooking rut. #bunsenburnerbakery #curry #eggplant #glutenfree #vegan

 

3) Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cake
I mean, really. Chocolate cake, peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, and lots of chopped peanut butter cups.  I’m shocked this is as far down as the number three spot!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cake: Chocolate cake, peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, peanut butter cups. This Peanut Butter Cup Cake is a chocolate and peanut butter lover's dream. {Bunsen Burner Bakery}

2) Gnocchi, Sausage, and Tomato Skillet
This comes together in under 15 minutes, and can be easily adapted for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan.  Does it get any better?

Gnocchi Skillet with Tomatoes and Sausage: easily adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets, this gnocchi skillet is ready in under 20 minutes. {Bunsen Burner Bakery} #dinner #20minutemeals #glutenfree #vegetarian #vegan #gnocchi

1) Garlic Naan
Finally, this brings us to the most popular recipe on my blog in 2014… garlic naan.  It’s so much easier than you think and freezes beautifully.  In fact, I have a few pieces in my freezer as we speak, which will probably accompany some saag paneer later this week.  Go ahead, try it – homemade bread is always worth the effort!

Garlic Naan: homemade naan is so much easier than you think!  Soft, slightly chewy, and flavored with garlic, make a big batch and freeze the rest for later. {Bunsen Burner Bakery}