Unveiling the Best of 2014: Your Top 10 Favorite Recipes from Wishes and Dishes!
As the curtain closed on 2014, it was truly a moment for reflection and immense gratitude here at Wishes and Dishes. This year has been an incredible journey, made all the more special by each one of you – my amazing readers, cherished friends, supportive family, and even those wonderful strangers who stumbled upon a recipe and decided to stay. Your continuous engagement, whether it’s by reading my posts, leaving a comment, or recreating one of my beloved dishes in your own kitchen, means the world to me. Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, for making Wishes and Dishes a vibrant community. Your enthusiasm is the secret ingredient that fuels this passion project!
Following the fantastic reception of last year’s inaugural roundup, I’m thrilled to make this a cherished annual tradition. I delved deep into the analytics, scrutinizing views, comments, and shares across social media platforms, especially Pinterest, to identify the recipes that resonated most with you throughout 2014. The results are in, and it’s clear what captured your culinary hearts: effortless slow cooker meals and delectable, comforting sweets! Get ready to discover (or rediscover) the standout stars that dominated your kitchens and filled your homes with incredible aromas. Without further ado, let’s count down your top 10 favorite recipes of 2014!
Counting Down to the Most Popular: Your 2014 Recipe Champions!
10. Creamy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Making a grand debut on our top 10 list for 2014, this Creamy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese quickly became a sensation! It’s no surprise that this rich, velvety, and incredibly easy slow cooker macaroni and cheese captured so many hearts. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply a comforting weeknight dinner, its hands-off preparation means more time for you. This recipe promises perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a luscious cheese sauce, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask you to make again and again. If you haven’t tried it yet, prepare to meet your new favorite comfort food!
9. Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread
Another delightful newcomer to the top 10, our Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread truly shone, especially as the leaves began to turn in the fall. This recipe takes all the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple pie and transforms them into an irresistible loaf of bread. Imagine tender, spiced apples swirled through a moist, cinnamon-infused batter, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee. It fills your home with an intoxicating aroma that will instantly make any day feel cozier. Its seasonal appeal and delicious simplicity made it an instant hit with readers looking for that perfect autumn bake.
8. Crock Pot Peach Cobbler
It comes as no surprise that this absolute gem of a recipe continues to hold its ground in the top 10! Our Crock Pot Peach Cobbler is pure dessert magic, offering a hands-off approach to a beloved classic. The slow cooker works its wonders, transforming sweet peaches and a tender, cake-like topping into a bubbling, golden masterpiece with minimal effort. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers a delicious, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll understand why this recipe remains a timeless favorite year after year. It’s the ultimate hassle-free sweet treat!
7. Crock Pot Coca-Cola Roast
Dubbed the “Best Roast Ever” by many readers, this Crock Pot Coca-Cola Roast is back on the list, proving its undeniable popularity and mouth-watering appeal. This recipe takes a humble chuck roast and, with the surprising addition of Coca-Cola, transforms it into an incredibly tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth experience. The soda works wonders in tenderizing the meat and adding a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with savory spices. It’s an effortless slow cooker meal that promises juicy, succulent results every time, making it a go-to for family dinners and special occasions alike. If you haven’t yet tried this unique method for an unforgettable roast, now is the time!
6. Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
While the photograph for this dish might not be our most glamorous, please don’t let it fool you – the taste of this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is absolutely phenomenal! This hearty, comforting meal is the epitome of home cooking, made incredibly simple with the power of your slow cooker. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings swim in a rich, creamy broth, creating a soul-warming dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a taste of pure comfort. Its ease of preparation combined with its deeply satisfying flavors ensures it consistently earns its spot as a reader favorite. You simply must try this one!
5. S’mores Pie
Who can resist the classic flavors of s’mores transformed into an incredible pie? Our S’mores Pie recipe is a universally loved dessert that consistently brings smiles to faces, and it definitely captured the hearts of many in 2014. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich chocolatey filling, and a crowning layer of perfectly toasted marshmallow, it delivers all the campfire nostalgia without the need for a bonfire. I’ve made this crowd-pleaser countless times myself, and it’s always a huge hit at parties and gatherings. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that perfectly combines gooey, crunchy, and utterly delicious textures.
4. Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
This isn’t just any hot chocolate; it’s a wonderfully rich and Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate that became incredibly popular, especially during the festive holiday season of 2014! Imagine a slow cooker gently simmering a decadent blend of chocolate and cream, filling your home with an inviting aroma. This recipe is a dream come true for entertaining, potlucks, or simply keeping a large batch of warm, luxurious hot chocolate ready for cold winter days. It’s super easy to prepare, making it a stress-free option for serving a crowd or treating your family to something truly special. Top it with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra touch of indulgence!
3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
When the weather heats up, who wants to turn on the oven? That’s precisely why these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars soared in popularity, especially during the warmer months of 2014! This brilliant no-bake recipe offers all the deliciousness of raw cookie dough (safely made without eggs!) in a convenient, sliceable bar form. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum satisfaction. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth without any baking fuss, these bars are chewy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. They truly are the ideal dessert for summer or anytime you crave a quick, delectable treat.
2. Pecan Pie Bark
Holding strong at number two for an impressive two years in a row, this Pecan Pie Bark recipe is a testament to its sheer deliciousness and widespread appeal! This wonderful creation from my talented friend, Hayley, over at The Domestic Rebel, transforms the beloved flavors of pecan pie into an easy-to-make, addictive bark. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, nutty, and caramel notes of a classic pecan pie in a unique and shareable form. Perfect for holiday platters, hostess gifts, or simply a delightful treat, its consistent popularity proves that this recipe is truly something special. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more piece, every time!
1. Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
And the reigning champion for the second year in a row is… our spectacular Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes! These aren’t just cupcakes; they’re an explosion of flavor and fun, combining moist peanut butter cupcakes with a decadent, egg-free monster cookie dough frosting. Packed with chocolate chips, M&Ms, and oats, this frosting is utterly irresistible, making each bite an adventure. It’s clear why these culinary creations have held onto the top spot: they’re vibrant, incredibly delicious, and offer a playful twist on classic treats. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to brighten any day, these cupcakes are a guaranteed showstopper and a testament to truly irresistible baking. If you haven’t indulged in the magic of these monster treats yet, you absolutely must!
Happy New Year! Here’s to More Delicious Memories in the Kitchen!
As we bid farewell to the fantastic culinary year of 2014 and eagerly anticipate new adventures in 2015, I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed revisiting these beloved recipes. Whether you’re a fan of comforting slow cooker meals or crave indulgent, sweet treats, this list clearly shows what delighted your palates the most. I encourage you to click through, explore these reader-favorite recipes, and perhaps even discover a new go-to dish for your family. Thank you once again for your incredible support and enthusiasm. May your new year be filled with joy, prosperity, and countless delicious moments shared around the table. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to share even more culinary delights with you in the year ahead!