And the Winner Is….best Of the Blog 2014

I don’t know about your 7th grade, but in mine one of the highlights was an end-of-year ritual known as Superlatives. Members of the student body voted for fellow classmates in a variety of categories, the most coveted being “Most Popular”, “Best Looking”, and naturally, “Cutest Couple”. I still remember a twinge of envy when my friend Carla snagged the award for “Best Eyes”. I congratulated her, of course, but secretly wished that I too had a beautiful Persian mother from whom I might inhertit exotic blue-green eyes with lush lashes.

While I’m glad that the hallmarks of 7th grade are a thing of the past, I’m swiping a page from middle school for the purposes of rounding up this year in blogging. Using a largely unscientific approach, I’ve gleaned the Best of the Blog based on traffic to various posts, number and nature of comments, posts that were picked up on other sites, along with some of my own personal favorites. Here goes:

MOST POPULAR RECIPE: Slow Cooker Pinto Beans 

This post generated nearly 50,000 page views this year. Those are some beans.

RUNNER UP: Spaghetti with Butter, Egg and Cheese

This simple pasta was a close second for most frequently visited recipe (and is a household favorite).

MOST POPULAR NON-RECIPE POST: Best of Trader Joe’s

Generated lots of traffic along with plenty of comments with welcomed input on readers’  TJs favorites.

PRETTIEST: Upside Down Buttermilk Plum Cake

I still have a lot to learn on the photography front, but some of my photos now manage to look as pretty as the food they capture.

 BEST SERIES: Year of Whole Grains

Does it matter that it was also the ONLY series I did? We covered millet, farro, teff, oats, rice, sorghum, quinoa, and rye, with a recipe for each.. You can find specific recipes by typing  “whole grains” and the  grain you are looking for in the search box on the home page.

BEST TIP: How to Make and Freeze Smoothies

My personal favorite discovery this year and so easy to do.

MOST PRACTICAL: Cure for the “See Food” Diet

 This post was picked up on the Huff Post and Fooducate and is chock full of pratical tips on healthifying your pantry.

 MOST CONTROVERSIALl: Will the Real “Best Diet” Please Stand Up

This one generated lots of comments, both positive and critical, and made for some good food for thought.

MOST PERSONAL: What Happens When you Don’t Look Down

I debated writing this one, but judging from the number of emails, texts, and comments that followed its publication, it resonated with a number of you.

HEALTHIEST: Arugula and Quinoa Salad 

Truth: I’m not sure this is the very healthiest recipe (I did sneak in some bacon, after all), but it is a good one for this time of year as we look to eat a little cleaner after the holidays and into 2015.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

THANK YOU FOR SPENDING EVEN A LITTLE PART OF YOUR 2014 WITH ME.

XOXO, KATIE