“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

A New Year, Another Wonderful Year In Review at Simply Scratch!

As the calendar flips to a fresh start, it’s a cherished tradition here at Simply Scratch to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey of the past 365 days. This isn’t just a recap; it’s a digital journal, a scrapbook filled with memories, both big and small, that have shaped our professional and personal lives. For those new to our community, welcome! You’re joining us at a special moment as we mark an incredible 14 years of dreaming, creating, and sharing delicious, scratch-made recipes. What started as a simple hobby back in 2010, when our girls were just 9 and 6 and I juggled a full-time role in an emergency room, has blossomed into a thriving full-time passion. Now, with our daughters grown into remarkable young women of 22 and 19, looking back fills me with immense joy and a touch of disbelief at how quickly time truly flies.

Every year, I find myself saying that the past year was one of the best yet, and 2023 was no exception. It truly felt like a year of intentional living. We embarked on exciting travels, celebrated significant milestones, and, perhaps most importantly, consciously embraced a slower pace. We took a much-needed break from the endless cycle of household projects, discovered new hobbies that brought immense joy, and savored a less bustling schedule, allowing for more spontaneous moments and genuine connection. It was a year defined by balance, discovery, and a deep sense of contentment.

But first, let’s talk about what truly brings us all together: FOOD!

Our Top 10 Favorite Recipes of 2023: A Culinary Journey

The kitchen at Simply Scratch is always buzzing with activity. Beyond developing, testing, and photographing brand-new recipes to inspire your home cooking, a significant part of my work involves revisiting and refining older posts. This often means updating photography to make the dishes truly pop, and clarifying instructions to ensure every recipe is foolproof and accessible to cooks of all skill levels. While I’ve stopped counting the exact number of recipes shared or updated each year—a task that became wonderfully overwhelming—I’m thrilled to present a compilation of our top 10 most beloved and frequently made recipes from 2023. These are the dishes that resonated most with us and our community, promising flavor, comfort, and culinary delight.

• Salted Snickers Stuffed Dates: A Guilt-Free Indulgence

  These Salted Snickers Stuffed Dates offer a delightfully healthier take on the classic candy bar. Each plump, naturally sweet date is generously filled with creamy peanut butter and crunchy, salted peanuts. A luscious dip in melted chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky fleur de sel elevate this treat to gourmet status. The dates themselves provide a rich caramel-like sweetness, perfectly complementing the chocolate and peanut butter for a truly satisfying bite that’s both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome. They quickly became a go-to for a quick dessert or snack.

• Blood Orange Pistachio Salad: A Burst of Seasonal Flavor

  This Blood Orange Pistachio Salad isn’t just stunning visually; it’s an explosion of fresh, vibrant flavors. Juicy blood oranges lend a bright, sweet-tart citrus note that harmonizes beautifully with the sharp bite of red onion, the earthy crunch of chopped pistachios, and the creamy tang of feta cheese. Drizzled with a homemade blood orange dressing and a hint of luxurious pistachio oil, this salad is perfect for brightening up any meal, especially during the colder months when citrus is at its peak.

• Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chicken: Effortless and Flavorful

  For a super simple yet incredibly flavorful weeknight meal, these Spicy Peanut Noodles are a true winner. Tender pieces of chicken, crisp broccoli florets, sweet carrots, bell peppers, and onions are tossed together with al dente noodles, all coated in a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced peanut sauce. It’s a dish that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings, and offers a wonderful balance of textures and savory notes that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• Buffalo Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos: A Taco Night Sensation

  These Buffalo Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos are incredibly easy to prepare and absolutely bursting with flavor. Succulent, chipotle-southwest seasoned shrimp, cooked to perfection in an air fryer, are nestled into warm, toasty white corn shells. A cool and crisp cilantro-lime slaw provides a refreshing contrast, while a drizzle of tangy buffalo sauce and a topping of pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, or creamy avocado adds the perfect finishing touches. Customizable with your favorite toppings, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

• Bacon Gouda Breakfast Sandwiches: Your Morning Meal Prep Hero

  Say goodbye to expensive coffee shop runs with these homemade Bacon Gouda Breakfast Sandwiches, a delicious rendition of a Starbucks favorite. Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and melty gouda cheese are perfectly sandwiched within a soft everything roll. These sandwiches are ideal for meal prep; simply assemble, freeze, and reheat on busy mornings for a hearty and satisfying breakfast that fuels your day.

• Bacon Jalapeño Chicken Smash Burgers: A Flavorful Twist on the Classic

  Prepare for an explosion of flavor with these incredible Bacon Jalapeño Chicken Smash Burgers. Seasoned ground chicken is pressed into thin patties along with thinly sliced red onion and jalapeños, then cooked until beautifully caramelized. These patties are then served between toasted brioche buns, layered with creamy havarti cheese, more crispy bacon, and fresh lettuce for a truly gourmet burger experience that’s both juicy and spicy.

• Grilled Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls: Light, Healthy, and Delicious

  These Grilled Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls are the epitome of a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. Juicy, marinated grilled chicken is paired with a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables and crunchy toasted cashews, all nestled on a bed of tender rice noodles. A simple, aromatic toasted sesame dressing ties all the elements together, creating a satisfying and refreshing dish perfect for any day of the week.

• Bacon Jalapeño Focaccia Pizza with Hot Honey: A Culinary Adventure

  Experience the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy with this sensational Bacon Jalapeño Focaccia Pizza. Our homemade focaccia pizza dough provides a soft, airy base, topped with a rich pizza sauce, a decadent blend of mozzarella and fontina cheeses, savory pepperoni, crispy bacon, and fiery jalapeños. Once baked to golden perfection, a generous drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of red chili flakes elevate this pizza to an unforgettable taste sensation.

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Simple Comfort, Elevated Flavor

  Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most profound. Our Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a testament to this, delivering immense flavor with minimal effort. Tender redskin potatoes are mashed to creamy perfection with fragrant roasted garlic cloves, rich butter, and a touch of half & half. This incredible side dish pairs beautifully with virtually any main course, adding a layer of garlicky goodness that’s deeply comforting and utterly delicious.

• Loaded Baked Potato Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort

  Warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is easy to make and prepared entirely in one pot. It’s the quintessential comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it brimming with traditional loaded baked potato toppings like sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions or chives for a hearty and utterly delicious meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

2023: A Year In Review – Moments of Joy and Growth

Looking back at 2023, it stands out as a year of welcome calm compared to the bustling years before. The days of high school sporting events, endless open houses, and demanding home renovation projects graciously stepped aside, creating space for new experiences and more leisurely weekends. This shift allowed us to truly embrace a less hectic pace, filling our time with meaningful activities and cherished moments. I’ve done my best to encapsulate the highlights of this wonderful year below, a mosaic of adventures, personal achievements, and family connections.

Sisters Reunited: A Memorable Trip to Clearwater, Florida

Early February brought a truly special occasion: a sister weekend in sunny Clearwater, Florida. My wonderful brother-in-law orchestrated this surprise getaway to celebrate my oldest sister Kelly’s 50th birthday. It had been far too long since all four of us sisters, living in different states, were together, and the joy of our reunion was palpable. The first evening, my sister Julie arranged for a photographer to capture our bond with a beautiful beach photoshoot, creating lasting memories. The second day was gloriously warm, perfect for long walks on the beach, relaxing by the pool with refreshing drinks, and enjoying leisurely coffee chats, catching up on every detail of our lives. Our final night was magical, spent by the water, sharing an incredible garlic herb olive oil bread dip, indulging in some of the best sushi rolls, and sipping wine under the stars. It was a trip filled with laughter, love, and connection – a truly unforgettable experience.

A Year of Healing and Intentional Living

2023 truly became my year of healing and intentionally decluttering my life of anything that no longer served my well-being. It started with small, conscious choices in January: reducing alcohol consumption, opting for refreshing San Pellegrino instead, prioritizing protein with every meal, and consistently deepening my yoga practice. These initial steps created a ripple effect, leading to even more significant positive changes. I began to experience profoundly better sleep, I successfully lost over 20 pounds, and most importantly, I now feel genuinely healthy. This journey has brought me to a place of profound contentment and peace, a feeling I cherish deeply and continue to cultivate.

Pat’s Passion Project: Beautiful Artisan Cutting Boards

My husband, Pat, has always possessed an incredible knack for building and fixing just about anything. Many of you might remember his fantastic creations, like the headboard he crafted for me, or the charming garden bench. This past year, he channeled his talent into a new passion: making exquisite cutting boards. Using a stunning array of woods like mahogany, maple, walnut, oak, purple heart, and padauk, he transforms raw timber into functional works of art. I’d always relied on mass-produced acacia and bamboo boards, so transitioning to Pat’s rich, beautiful, and truly high-quality masterpieces has been a delightful upgrade to my kitchen.

Haileigh’s Achievements: A First-Generation College Graduate

Early May was a monumental month as our daughter, Haileigh, graduated magna cum laude from CMU with a Bachelor of Science in Education – a humble brag, indeed! As a first-generation college graduate, her accomplishment fills us with immense pride. In the fall, Haileigh embarked on her career at a local elementary school, where she has already gained invaluable experience and demonstrated a true passion for teaching. It’s clear this profession is her calling. Beyond this major milestone, Haileigh has been relishing her newfound free time, trading textbooks for adventures. She explored the Outer Banks over the summer, attended several concerts and sporting events with her boyfriend, and cherished quality moments with her old roommates and girlfriends, truly embracing this exciting new chapter of her life.

Malloree’s Independence and Personal Milestones

Malloree, too, embraced significant changes in 2023, starting a new full-time job as a receptionist at a vibrant hair salon while continuing her college studies. In just a few weeks, she’ll be commencing the final semester of her second year, a testament to her dedication. Throughout the year, Malloree began attending Sunday church services, added beautiful blonde highlights to her hair, and acquired a few meaningful tattoos, each reflecting her evolving self. She is fiercely independent, consistently brings laughter into our home, and radiates a quiet contentment in her life. In December, she leased a new car, symbolizing another step in her journey. Her free time is happily spent with her boyfriend, cherished girlfriends, and, of course, her beloved buddy, Finn.

A Heartwarming Family Reunion and Celebration of Life

June brought a truly moving event: a celebration of life and family reunion on my dad’s side. My grandmother had passed away in early 2020, and for obvious reasons, her memorial had to be postponed. This past summer, family members converged from all corners of the United States to honor my grandmother’s life and enduring legacy. It was an incredibly powerful experience to witness so many generations gathered under one roof, sharing stories, laughter, and tears, and feeling the profound strength of our family bonds.

A Perfect Lakeside Retreat with Cherished Friends

In July, we enjoyed a blissful weekend getaway at our good friends Mike and Heidi’s cottage near Charlevoix. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and camaraderie. Heidi and I spent peaceful hours working on a puzzle, fueled by steaming cups of coffee, while Mike expertly crafted our very first Old Fashioned cocktails, which we savored while unwinding by the serene water. We ventured to Norwood, searching for beautiful Petoskey stones, and later gathered around a crackling bonfire, sharing stories and marveling at the incredibly clear, star-studded night sky – a sight the photo above barely does justice. That entire weekend was filled with delicious food, constant laughter, and an overwhelming sense of peace. It was, without a doubt, one of the most perfect and relaxing weekends we’ve ever experienced.

California Dreams and Pebble Beach Adventures

Mid-September saw Pat and me embark on a long-awaited trip to California with my sister Julie and her husband, Jeff. This adventure had been meticulously planned since a dinner conversation back in the fall of 2020, initiating a three-year countdown to #PebbleBeach2023. Our first destination was Monterrey, where we stayed at the stunning Spanish Bay Resort, offering breathtaking views overlooking the bay. The food was incredible, and witnessing the bagpiper “put the course to sleep” each evening was one of the most serene experiences imaginable. On our first full day, Pat and Jeff fulfilled a lifelong dream, playing at the iconic Pebble Beach golf course. While golf isn’t my primary hobby, watching Pat achieve this dream on such an infamous course was truly unforgettable. My sister and I walked the course with them, capturing countless photos and videos while soaking in the picturesque coastal vistas. The rest of our California leg included more golf at Spyglass (for the guys), rejuvenating yoga sessions at Om Oasis Studios (for the girls), and an abundance of delicious food, engaging conversations, countless inside jokes, and endless laughter.

From California Coast to Nevada Desert: Las Vegas Escapade

On the third day of our incredible trip, we checked out of the resort and began our scenic road trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Along the way, we introduced Julie and Jeff to the West Coast favorite, In-N-Out Burger, marveled at our first (of many) Joshua trees, and even spotted a fascinating dust devil twirling across the desert landscape. After a nine-hour drive, we settled in, rested up, and celebrated Julie and Jeff’s 20th anniversary with a spectacular multi-course meal at Carbone’s. Our time in Vegas also included a bit of gambling, an awe-inspiring performance of Chris Angel’s Mindfreak, and, perhaps my favorite part of the entire Vegas experience, a breathtaking hike through Red Rock Canyon. It was truly an incredible and memorable trip from coast to desert, one I would happily relive in a heartbeat.

Finn: The Heart of Our Home

Our beloved golden retriever, Finn, continues to be the very heart of our home. His sweet disposition, incredibly gentle nature, and the most hilarious and adorable faces he makes bring immeasurable joy and laughter into our daily lives. He is truly a cherished member of our family.

Thankfully, Finn’s endearing personality and boundless energy haven’t changed much. He turned four in July and still absolutely adores playing fetch, going on car rides, and embarking on boat adventures. Essentially, he embraces anything and everything as long as it means he’s not left home alone. His presence is a constant source of comfort and fun.

Last fall, Finn joined Pat on their annual trip to South Dakota. Beyond living his absolute best life running through the fields, eagerly flushing pheasants and partridge, he also managed to encounter a skunk (resulting in a memorable bath!) and unfortunately stepped on a cactus – a small setback in an otherwise thrilling adventure for our adventurous pup. Even with these minor mishaps, he cherishes every moment of these trips with Pat.

Cheers to a Delicious Future!

As we close the book on 2023, we raise a glass to another fantastic year filled with countless blessings. I am eternally thankful for my family and for every precious moment we get to spend together, creating lasting memories. And equally, my heartfelt gratitude extends to each and every one of you, our wonderful community. Thank you for your unwavering support, for consistently stopping by this little blog for recipe inspiration, and for sharing our creations with your own loved ones. Your engagement and encouragement mean the world to me and truly fuel this passion. Here’s to another year brimming with delicious discoveries, culinary adventures, and shared joy!

From my family to yours, we wish you all a wonderfully happy and healthy 2024, and may it bring you an abundance of peace, love, joy, and laughter.