A Comprehensive 2020 Year in Review: Navigating Unprecedented Challenges and Our Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes
Taking a final glance back at 2020, a year that challenged us all in unforeseen ways, yet also sparked creativity and resilience. Join us as we reflect on its defining moments and celebrate the comfort found in our kitchens, featuring the highly anticipated top 10 recipes of 2020!
Goodbye (and perhaps, good riddance) 2020! It’s safe to say this past year will forever be etched in our collective memory as one of the most uniquely challenging and transformative periods in recent history. The sheer volume of global events, from the pervasive shadow of the Coronavirus outbreak to the unsettling appearance of Murder Hornets, constant hurricanes, devastating wildfires, and an exceptionally intense political landscape, created a sense of perpetual unease. It often felt as if the world was on a “roast setting,” demanding an unprecedented level of adaptation and resilience from us all. No matter where you stood politically, the election journey was undeniably turbulent, adding another layer of stress to an already complex year.
I believe I speak for many when I say that 2020 was incredibly hard. As someone who works from home nearly constantly, I initially felt a strange sense of blessing that the quarantine didn’t necessitate major work-life changes for me. However, adjusting to profound social isolation proved far more challenging than anticipated. Even as an introvert, the sudden lack of casual interactions and scheduled social engagements was palpable. I can only imagine the immense difficulty faced by extroverted individuals, like my husband, who genuinely thrive on the energy and company of others. To help navigate these uncharted waters and keep spirits high, I compiled a list of fun activities earlier in the year. It was a testament to our collective need to find new ways to connect, learn, and simply pass the time. What new activities or hobbies did you discover to fill the void and make the most of your time in 2020?
Despite the undeniable hardships, social isolation did present some unexpected advantages, particularly for those of us who found solace and purpose in our homes. With more time spent indoors, my husband and I embarked on a few exciting DIY projects that had been on our wish list for ages. We finally invested in our first compound miter saw, a tool that quickly became indispensable as we custom-built a beautiful bench for our mudroom. The satisfaction of crafting something with our own hands was immense. Following that success, we tackled the installation of classic shiplap, transforming a plain wall into a charming feature. I must admit, for about five glorious minutes, I felt like Joanna Gaines herself, completely immersed in the creative process and loving every single moment. That burst of confidence spurred us on to our next project: the guest bedroom. While it’s still a work in progress, this endeavor has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, making me unafraid to wield a brad nailer, apply a little Liquid Nails to the wall, and simply trust the process after watching a few instructional DIY videos. It’s been incredibly empowering to embrace these new skills and watch our home transform.
In other news, amidst the ongoing social isolation, our kitchen also became a hub of creativity and comfort. I finally purchased a pizza stone, a long-desired addition to our culinary arsenal. This acquisition paved the way for me to perfect and share my no-knead pizza dough recipe. This recipe is truly a game-changer, yielding a homemade pizza that comes remarkably close to an authentic Neapolitan pizza, all from the comfort of your home oven. The experience of crafting and savoring a perfect homemade pizza is deeply rewarding. Words alone cannot adequately describe the aroma of the fresh ingredients, the crispiness of the crust, and the bubbling cheese – it’s a sensory delight that you truly have to experience for yourself to understand its magic.
As the year drew to a close, and with a careful eye on safety and responsibility, we embarked on a much-needed road trip to Colorado with our closest friends. Our focus was entirely on outdoor activities, embracing the natural beauty of the region through invigorating hikes and small day trips to various picturesque parts of Colorado. This trip offered a crucial mental break, a chance to clear our heads and rejuvenate our spirits, all while meticulously adhering to social distancing guidelines and health protocols. We approached our journey with meticulous planning and a strong commitment to safety. Meals were enjoyed in the car, on expansive outdoor patios, or back at our hotel room. We specifically opted out of housekeeping services at our hotel, and I made sure to bring a large bottle of antibacterial spray, which I diligently used on every surface of our room before we settled in. This diligent approach allowed us to enjoy a change of scenery and reconnect with friends without compromising on health. It demonstrated that responsible travel is indeed possible with a little foresight, preparation, and dedication to safety. The beautiful landscapes and fresh mountain air were a welcome balm for the soul after a year of intense indoor living.
As we close the chapter on a year that redefined our relationship with home, comfort, and community, it’s clear that the kitchen became a sanctuary for many. Home cooking wasn’t just a necessity; it transformed into a source of creativity, joy, and connection. It’s truly inspiring to see which recipes resonated most with you, our cherished readers. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the dishes that brought the most comfort, flavor, and perhaps a touch of culinary adventure into your homes throughout 2020!
Our Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes of 2020!
10. Pesto Baked Chicken in Tomatoes and Mozzarella – This vibrant and incredibly flavorful one-pan recipe quickly became a weeknight hero, celebrated for its minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It features robust pesto roasted tomatoes, tender cooked chicken, and irresistibly melty mozzarella, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it generously over your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside roasted veggies and warm garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience.
9. Comforting French Onion Meatballs – These rustic French onion chicken meatballs are delightful little nuggets of pure goodness. They’re incredibly tender and nestled within a rich, creamy, and deeply savory French onion sauce that evokes pure comfort. For an extra layer of indulgence, top them off with a generous sprinkle of cheese and run them under the broiler until golden and bubbly. The result is the coziest meal, perfect for chilly evenings.
8. Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes– Discover my absolute favorite method for achieving truly extra crispy roasted potatoes every single time. The secret lies in a simple two-step process: parboil them briefly to ensure a tender interior, then let them roast to perfection in the oven. This technique creates a gloriously garlicky and crispy exterior, while the inside remains wonderfully buttery and soft – an ideal side dish for any meal.
7. Greek Chicken Meatballs in Lemon Cream Sauce – Indulge in these utterly delicious Greek chicken meatballs, bathed in a creamy, dreamy lemon sauce that’s both tangy and rich. These meatballs are cooked to perfection, ensuring they are tender right to their core. Perfectly nestled in their luscious lemon sauce, they are ideal for serving over al dente pasta, fluffy quinoa, or a bed of light and airy rice, offering a taste of the Mediterranean.
6. Smoked Salmon Chowder – Transport your taste buds with this incredible smoked salmon chowder, generously loaded with tender chunks of potato, luxurious cream cheese for unparalleled creaminess, and capers that provide a delightful pop of added zing. This recipe captures the authentic flavors you’d expect from the renowned Seattle Pike Place Market, bringing that iconic experience directly to your dinner table.
5. Date Night Tuscan Ravioli – Elevate your weeknight dinner or create a special date night at home with this exquisite Tuscan Ravioli. Store-bought ravioli is transformed by tossing it in a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, then beautifully topped with fresh baby spinach, aromatic basil, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. The best part? This gourmet-level meal is ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!
4. Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs– Recreate the magic of your favorite Asian takeout right at home with these irresistible Mongolian beef meatballs! Crafted with savory ground beef, these meatballs are wonderfully tender through and through. They’re then generously tossed in a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and gloriously sticky glaze, guaranteeing they’ll be gobbled up by any crowd, whether for a family dinner or a lively game day gathering.
3.Perfect One Hour Whole Roasted Chicken – Experience the ultimate homemade roasted chicken that surpasses any store-bought rotisserie. Basted with rich butter and seasoned with an aromatic blend of herbs, this chicken emerges from the oven with exquisitely crisp skin and incredibly juicy, tender meat. This recipe guarantees a succulent and flavorful whole roasted chicken that is remarkably ready in just one hour, making it perfect for any occasion.
2. Hungarian Mushroom Soup– Warm your soul with this hearty and deeply comforting Hungarian Mushroom Soup, designed to fill you up and provide a sense of cozy contentment. What truly makes this soup exceptional is a generous dollop of cool sour cream, adding a luxurious creaminess and tangy contrast that elevates every spoonful. It’s loaded with all the warm and cozy vibes you could ask for, making it a perfect meal for any season.
1. Skillet Chicken in Balsamic Caramelized Onion Cream Sauce – Claiming the top spot is this phenomenal skillet chicken, featuring tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious balsamic caramelized onion cream sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you can effortlessly create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. You truly won’t believe how straightforward it is to prepare this sophisticated and incredibly flavorful dish!
Beyond these top ten recipes, we were also thrilled to see so many of you baking batches of my new favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe, a testament to the enduring appeal of classic comfort. And let’s not forget those utterly outrageous 1-hour cinnamon rolls, which consistently made weekend brunches (or any morning, really!) feel incredibly special and indulgent. It’s clear that finding comfort and joy in our kitchens was a unifying theme throughout 2020.
And that’s our comprehensive look back at 2020. It was a year unlike any other, filled with unprecedented challenges, moments of unexpected joy, and a deepened appreciation for home, health, and connection. While we acknowledge the difficulties, we also celebrate the resilience and creativity that emerged. Goodbye 2020, and with hopeful hearts, we sincerely wish that we never have to experience a year quite like you again!
We look forward to seeing you with renewed spirits and fresh inspiration in 2021!
