The Best of Audrey’s Apron in 2014: The 10 Most Popular Recipes!

Here are the top 10 most popular recipes of 2014 based on your views and comments! Some of my personal favorites are in the mix (especially #1, #2, #3, and #10).

I hope you will use this list to jump start your cooking in 2015 with some new recipes! Click the title above each picture to view the recipe. Thanks for a great 2014!!

1). Roasted Spiced Sweet Potatoes (GF, DF, Vegan)

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Wow, did this recipe ever take off this year! This was by far the most popular post, and for good reason–these are one of my favorite ways to prepare sweet potatoes. One comment said, “These were so good! It was like eating CANDY!”

2). Parmesan Upside Down Baked Potatoes (GF)

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This recipe was the #1 most popular recipe of 2013, and I’m not surprised to see it in this year’s top 10 post because it is awesome! Sandy left a comment that said, “I made these tonight as part of a Pinterest meal blog post. They were very good. I added the rosemary, which is a favorite of mine with potatoes. Thanks!”

3). Lemon and Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken (GF, DF, Paleo)

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Hands-down, this is my go-to favorite marinade for grilled chicken. It’s super easy (5 ingredients!) and light–no oil needed here!

4). No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls (GF, DF)

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Don’t let the terrible photo fool you–these are SO, so good!! You probably have everything you need in your pantry to make these sweet treats right now. 1 bowl and 6 basic ingredients is all you need!

5). Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad (GF, DF)

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Love all the colors in this salad! It’s a great side dish or main dish for vegetarians/vegans. It’s also a fabulous option for a potluck or picnic as it does not need to be refrigerated like a traditional potato salad.

6). Baked Chicken Taquitos (GF if using corn tortillas)

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Eat them whole as a main dish or cut them in half for an appetizer–either way they are amazing! I love this recipe and I think your whole family will, too! Bonus: they reheat well!

7). Pappasito’s Fajita Steak Marinade (DF)

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This simple marinade mimics the flavors of the famous Pappasito’s fajita steak! It’s delicious and so simple–just 3 ingredients!

8). Oven Baked Corn on the Cob (GF, without butter: DF, Vegan)

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A great, easy way to perfectly cook corn for a crowd! It’s ideal for cookouts because you can leave the corn wrapped in foil to keep it warm after it’s cooked.

9). Roasted Parmesan Sweet Potatoes (GF)

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Love this simple way to cook sweet potatoes! It’s easy and delicious.

10). Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing + A Salad Idea (GF, DF, Paleo, Vegan)

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That title says it all–this salad dressing is quick, easy, and healthy! I’ve made this numerous times whenever I want a change from my balsamic vinaigrette.

And there you have it: the top 10 most popular recipes for this year! Thank you so much for following along my cooking journey–I’m looking forward to a great 2015!

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Thanksgiving Feast Recipe Round-Up

Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes to get you through the big day tomorrow! Since turkey is the main star of the show, I included the top 20 recipes in the following categories: breakfast, sides, and desserts!

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Hope you all have a wonderful holiday tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Breakfast:
Pumpkin Spice Muffins (GF if using all-purpose GF flour)

IMG_20131012_100504These muffins are soft, full of pumpkin flavor, and not overly sweet. I included ways to make them a tad bit healthier in case you want to save your indulging for the dessert table!

Apple Crisp Muffins

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All the flavors of an apple crisp, in muffin form! These are really good and taste like eating dessert for breakfast!

Pumpkin Spice Latte (GF, use non-dairy milk for vegan)

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Skip the Starbucks line–this is the best way to start Thanksgiving morning! Double the recipe for a bigger crowd.

Homemade Sausage Balls (No-Bisquick!)

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Flour, baking powder and salt replace the bisquick in these homemade sausage balls. They’ll be gone quick!

Sides:

100% Whole Wheat Soft Dinner Rolls (vegetarian)

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These do take a little bit of time to assemble but they are so worth it! Soft, fluffy dinner rolls always have a place on the Thanksgiving table, right? Right.

Roasted Spiced Sweet Potatoes (GF, vegetarian, vegan)

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One of the most popular recipes on the blog! Super easy, and super delicious.

Skinny Garlic Mashed Potatoes (GF, vegetarian option)

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Garlic transforms these mashed potatoes in a major way while milk, light sour cream, and broth keep the potatoes soft and smooth. Again, this recipe is great if you want to save your calories for another side or dessert.

Autumn Chopped Salad (GF, optional vegetarian/vegan)

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LOVE this salad! It is always a hit. Apples, pears, peanuts, dried cranberries, feta, bacon, and a poppyseed dressing–you’ll want to leave a little bit of room for this on your plate!

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Kale (GF, vegan)

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This salad is tangy, savory, and filling. Lots of textures make this dish really interesting!

Roasted Green Beans (GF, vegan)

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Hands-down, the best way to prepare green beans. Sprinkle a bit of shredded parmesan on the top and these are to die for!

Roasted Parmesan Sweet Potatoes (GF)

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A more savory option for sweet potatoes (as opposed to the spiced version above which is sweeter). Easy and delicious!

Butternut Squash Soup (GF, DF, vegan, paleo)

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A small ramekin of this soup would be an awesome side dish for Thanksgiving! It has a little bit of a kick (if you want it!) and caters to every family member’s dietary restrictions.

Parmesan Upside-Down Baked Potatoes (GF, vegetarian)

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Last year’s top recipe–and for good reason! These are awesome!

Farro with Roasted Green Beans, Cranberries, and Feta (vegetarian, omit cheese for vegan)

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Farro has an awesome texture and this combination just screams fall!

Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese (GF if using corn starch)

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This casserole tastes super rich thanks to a butter/flour roux and cheddar cheese! One of my favorites.

Garlicky Baked Butternut Squash (GF, vegetarian)

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My favorite way to prepare butternut squash. Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper transform this butternut squash into something special. Not too soft, not too firm–just perfect!

Desserts:

The Best Apple Pie Ever. (vegetarian)

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The title says it all! This is literally THE BEST apple pie I’ve ever made, and it’s the only dessert I’m bringing to Thanksgiving this year! I make it with my one minute home-made pie crust.

Chocolate Puffs with Mascarpone Cream (Vegetarian)

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If you want a show-stopping, mouth-watering, completely unique dessert, you should make these. They look and taste gourmet!

Perfectly Chocolate Cake with Nutella Buttercream Frosting (Vegetarian)

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This one is for all the chocolate lovers out there! This is the only chocolate cake recipe I use now! It truly is perfect, and the nutella buttercream is an awesome flavor combination.

Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies (vegetarian)

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Umm yeah. Just look at that! I don’t think I need to convince you how awesome these are!