As we head into the new year, I’ve found myself reflecting on 2018. Overall, it was a fantastic year, albeit with highs and some lows. We were able to take a few amazing trips to spend time with family and friends. I often feel like life gets so busy that we don’t always make time to focus on relationships. That is a goal for me this year, which means I will need to improve my time management.
As far as the blog goes, thanks for helping me spread the word. Inspired Fresh Life is (slowly) gaining momentum, and it’s largely due to your loyalty. I truly appreciate you. I’ve been working hard to improve my photography and food styling skills this year. Not gonna lie, it’s been a challenging task, but when I compare my recent photos to the first ones on the blog, we’ve come a long way, baby! I’m continually striving to learn and grow, and I’m so happy that you’ve come along with me for the ride.
I have to give a special shout out to my super LP, Russ. He is a tireless taste tester and supporter. Even when a recipe isn’t perfected yet, he still smiles and eats it, perhaps with some suggestions for improvement...lol! Don’t get me wrong, the man has great taste buds, and his suggestions are usually spot on. He’s also incredibly patient with my eyes continually on the laptop, phone or iPad. If I’m not writing a post, cooking, photographing or editing photos, I’m on Pinterest or Instagram. In short, I’m thinking about the blog and food constantly, and he provides a much needed distraction at times.
Each year I hand him a list of all the recipes posted to the blog and ask him to choose his top ten favorite of the year. I bring to you the Top 10 Guy Approved Recipes of 2018. Fair warning, they are probably not the healthiest recipes I’ve posted, but I guarantee they are delicious. (Plus, you’re going to see first hand the progression of those photography skills I was talking about.)
This is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that can be on the table in less than 40 minutes. I will often chop the veggies and sausage the night before while another meal is cooking. All we have to do the next night is toss all the ingredients on a prepared baking sheet with some seasoning, and bake it in the oven. This one's on roation in our house a few times a month. It's also gluten-free and Whole30 friendly (just make sure your sausage is compliant).
Steak Roll Ups are another easy weeknight meal that can be prepped ahead of time. Peppers, onion, spinach, and mozzarella cheese are all layered on seasoned, thinly sliced steak, then rolled and baked. Head over to the post for step-by-step photos and directions. Bonus: These can be prepared on the grill or in the oven. Gluten-free and Whole30 friendly (just omit the cheese).
Spinach Stuffed Rolled Chicken
Spinach Stuffed Rolled Chicken is similar to Steak Roll Ups but uses chicken breasts pounded thin instead of steak. They are also completely customizable. Try swapping in some asparagus or mushrooms. As with the Steak Roll Ups, simply omit the mozzarella cheese for a Whole30 version.
If you are looking for some of the juiciest bone-in Oven Baked Pork Chops of your life, look no further. The secret? A tiny bit of coconut sugar and pan searing the pork chops first. Plus, the finishing touch of the Buttery Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Sauce is simply to die for.
Taco Cheese Ball
This easy Taco Cheese Ball is a delicious twist on the classic cheese ball recipe. It has a slight kick from the pickled jalapeños that is tempered by the cheese. One bite, and you’ll fall in love. All it takes is seven ingredients and fifteen minutes of hands on time to have a delicious appetizer that all your guests will devour.
Cuban Inspired Sloppy Joes
Wait a minute–Cuban sandwich flavors in a Sloppy Joe? Yes, please! These Cuban-Inspired Sloppy Joes are not only super easy to make, the flavor is out of this world. Get ready to meet your new favorite Sloppy Joe recipe. In fact, when one of my coworkers was being transfered to a new location, this was the recipe he requested I bring in before he left.
Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup
This Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup is both dairy-free and gluten-free, yet it still packs creamy deliciousness into each bite. I have to admit, I'm pretty excited this soup made Russ's list as it's one of my personal favorites.
Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
These Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are really easy to make and packed full of flavor. It’s an easy dinner that also lends itself well to meal prep. Ignore those people who tell you that turkey meatballs are dry and tasteless. Simply not true. These meatballs have a ton of flavor from the mushrooms, onion, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Coat them with my homemade Teriyaki Sauce or use a store-bought version you like. These meatballs can be served as a meal, or make them a little smaller to serve as a party appetizer.
Favorite Roasted Potatoes
Favorite Roasted Potatoes is a side dish we make on a regular basis in our house. They are incredibly easy to prepare and quite possibly the yummiest roasted potatoes ever. Roasting the bell peppers and onion together with the potatoes adds another layer of delicious flavor beyond the herbs and seasoning.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is packed full of all the enchilada flavors you love in a time saving casserole form. A delicious homemade enchilada sauce is simmered together with chicken, black beans, corn, and green chiles. This dish has just the right amount of spice to warm you from head to toe.
What would YOU like to see on the blog in 2019? While I definitely create recipes that I know Russ and I will like, I would love to know what you’d like to see more of. After all, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t persevere with Inspired Fresh Life. Please leave a comment with your ideas and/or suggestions. And, thank you SO much for all of your support. It really means the world to me.
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