2024 Unpacked

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou

Celebrating 15 Years: A Reflective Journey Through 2024 at Simply Scratch

As the calendar turns, ushering in a new year, it’s a cherished tradition here at Simply Scratch to pause and reflect on the past 365 days. This annual “Year in Review” serves as more than just a blog post; it’s a deeply personal journal, a collection of memories, triumphs, and lessons learned, both professionally in the kitchen and personally with my family. This February will mark an incredible 15 years since I first started dreaming, creating, and sharing delicious recipes on Simply Scratch. For those new to our community, this detailed, often heavily photographed, recap allows me to relive every significant and subtle moment, making space for new adventures and growth.

My blogging journey began in 2010 when my daughters were just 9 and 6 years old, and Simply Scratch was a humble hobby alongside my full-time role as a unit clerk in an emergency room. Fast forward 11 years, and this passion project has blossomed into my full-time endeavor, with my girls now grown women at 23 and 20. It’s truly a joy to look back at the tapestry of life woven over these 15 years, witnessing how much has transpired and how quickly time truly flies. Each year, I find myself saying that the last one was “one of the best yet,” and 2024 was no exception. We explored new places, celebrated significant milestones, tackled various home projects, and embraced every moment. While not every year has been without its challenges, we navigate them together, emerging stronger and more connected each time.

Culinary Creations: My Top 10 Favorite Recipes of 2024

The past year was once again filled with a vibrant array of new recipes, bringing fresh flavors and exciting techniques to our kitchen. Beyond new creations, I’ve also been dedicated to revisiting older posts, meticulously retesting, reshooting, and updating recipes to ensure they are even more accessible and delicious for you. My focus is always on clear, concise instructions and appealing photography that truly does the dishes justice. While I’ve stopped counting the exact number of recipes shared or updated – after all, cooking should be a joy, not a competition – I’m thrilled to present a curated list of my top 10 favorite recipes from 2024. This selection includes both brand-new delights and beloved classics that received a fresh revamp, all designed to inspire your culinary adventures!

1. Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

This Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast is a true testament to effortless comfort food. Imagine a chuck roast, transformed into something ridiculously tender and bursting with savory flavor, all by simply cooking low and slow. The magic happens with a blend of homemade au jus gravy mix, zesty ranch seasoning, rich butter, and a kick from pepperoncinis. It’s a dish that practically cooks itself, leaving you with fork-tender meat that shreds beautifully. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or go bold and tuck it into a Mississippi Pot Roast Sandwich for an irresistible bite.

2. Bakery Style Rice Krispie Treats

Elevate your childhood favorite with these Bakery Style Rice Krispie Treats. Forget dry, crumbly squares; these are wonderfully soft, incredibly gooey, and boast luscious ribbons of melted marshmallow throughout. While the technique is similar to traditional krispie treats, this recipe takes them to an extra special level with the thoughtful addition of sweetened condensed milk for richness and marshmallow fluff for an unparalleled chewy texture. They’re perfectly golden, irresistibly sweet, and sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, whether for a party or a nostalgic treat.

3. Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Warm your soul with this hearty and comforting Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup. This robust dish starts with perfectly browned Italian sausage, infusing the soup with incredible depth of flavor. Tender mini potato gnocchi adds a delightful chewiness, while fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly into the creamy, fire-roasted tomato base. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors – savory sausage, pillowy gnocchi, vibrant spinach, all swimming in a rich and aromatic broth that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious. Ideal for a cozy evening, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

4. Blueberry Banana Bread

Indulge in the irresistible charm of this Blueberry Banana Bread. This recipe promises a loaf that is wonderfully moist, incredibly flavorful, and generously bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully complements the tart bursts of blueberries, creating a harmonious balance. Slice it thick, slather it with a generous smear of salted butter, and prepare to fall deeply in love with its comforting aroma and delightful taste. It’s perfect for breakfast, a coffee break, or an afternoon snack.

5. Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls

Reinvent a classic with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls. This deconstructed take on the beloved Sloppy Joe features perfectly roasted, seasoned sweet potatoes as its base, offering a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional buns. These golden, tender sweet potato chunks are then piled high with a rich, homemade sloppy joe sauce, simmered to perfection. The finishing touches elevate this dish: crisp dill pickles, tangy pickled red onions, and a zing from fresh jalapeños add layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more. It’s a wholesome, satisfying, and vibrant meal.

6. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Capture a taste of sunshine with this timeless Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This nostalgic dessert is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, featuring glistening pineapple slices and vibrant maraschino cherries caramelized in a rich brown sugar and butter sauce. Beneath this sweet, sticky topping lies a moist and wonderfully spongy vanilla buttermilk cake, boasting a tender crumb and delicate flavor. Each slice offers a perfect balance of tangy pineapple and sweet cake. For an extra touch of decadence, serve slices with a generous dollop of whipped cream and an additional cherry on top!

7. Peach Prosciutto and Burrata Sandwich

Experience a symphony of summer flavors with this exquisite Peach Prosciutto and Burrata Sandwich. This sophisticated sandwich harmonizes sweet, salty, creamy, and peppery notes into one unforgettable bite. It features luscious, creamy burrata, a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze and spicy hot honey, thinly sliced salty prosciutto, and juicy, ripe peach slices. Fresh basil and peppery arugula add aromatic freshness, all perfectly nestled between slices of a perfectly toasted baguette. It’s a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to assemble, perfect for a light lunch or elegant appetizer.

8. Pork Carnitas Tacos

Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your table with these incredible Pork Carnitas Tacos. Each taco starts with lightly toasted corn shells, providing the perfect warm, soft base for the star of the show: homemade pork carnitas. These carnitas are slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then crisped to perfection, offering an irresistible combination of succulent meat and delightful crunch. They’re generously topped with crumbled cotija cheese, finely diced onions, an abundance of fresh cilantro, and a refreshing squeeze of lime juice. These tacos are a flavor explosion, perfect for a festive weeknight dinner or a lively gathering.

9. Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

For a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and hassle-free, look no further than this Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli. This recipe champions simplicity without sacrificing flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings. Thinly sliced beef and crisp broccoli florets are tossed with a savory marinade and roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan in a hot oven. Once cooked, they’re coated in a simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce that brings all the elements together. Serve this delightful stir-fry inspired dish over fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying, and easy-to-clean-up meal that the whole family will love.

10. Eggnog Croissant French Toast Bake

Embrace the festive spirit with this indulgent Eggnog Croissant French Toast Bake. This breakfast or brunch showstopper takes slightly stale croissants, allowing them to soak up a rich, spiced eggnog custard, infusing every nook and cranny with seasonal flavor. The bake is then topped with a delightful sprinkle of coarse sugar, creating a beautiful, slightly crisp crust. The result is a wonderfully tender, custardy, and aromatic dish that’s perfect for holiday mornings or any special occasion. Serve with a quick cranberry relish for a tart counterpoint and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup for ultimate enjoyment.

Life’s Unfolding Chapters: Personal Highlights of 2024

If I were to distill 2024 into a single word, it would undoubtedly be “unhurried.” It was a year free from demanding deadlines and rigid obligations, allowing us to embrace a more natural rhythm. We effortlessly managed the easy moments, bravely navigated the more challenging obstacles, and remained open to every new possibility that presented itself. Below, I’ve captured some of the most cherished highlights from this beautifully paced year, moments that truly made 2024 unforgettable.

A Transformative Yoga Retreat

Early in March, I embarked on a yoga retreat, an experience that proved to be far more profound than I initially anticipated. When I first signed up, I envisioned a delightful weekend filled with invigorating yoga sessions, delicious food I didn’t have to cook, and ample relaxation – and it delivered all that and more. What truly caught me by surprise, however, was the incredible bond I formed with the women I met. The connection forged over those few days was deep and genuine, and the ripple effect on my life since has been truly transformative. Without delving into overly personal specifics, it was a journey of self-discovery and healing that I didn’t realize I desperately needed. My heart will forever hold a special place for these women, this memorable trip, and the profound sense of healing it brought into my life. I am eternally grateful for that time.

Sunshine and Serenity in Florida

Later in March, Pat and I received a wonderful invitation from our dear, longtime friends to join them for a week in Panama City, Florida, for spring break. So, one snowy Michigan morning, we packed our bags and began our drive south to Florida’s panhandle. Along the way, we made a memorable stop in Alabama, spending a night and experiencing our first (and likely last) visit to a Buc-ee’s and Whataburger. Pat actually thoroughly enjoyed Whataburger, but for me, nothing quite compares to the classic taste of In-N-Out. Once in Panama City, we had the absolute best time. We connected with many fantastic new people, savored some truly amazing food, basked in the warmth of the sun and pleasant weather, and simply, truly relaxed. It was a rejuvenating escape that created lasting memories.

Morel Hunting Up North

As early spring arrived, Pat, Finn, and I ventured up north for our eagerly anticipated annual morel mushroom hunting weekend. The first day was spent joyfully traversing the woods, eyes peeled for those elusive fungi, and we were incredibly successful, unearthing a respectable bunch of good-sized morels! Beyond the thrill of the hunt, we also enjoyed leisurely hikes and scenic long drives through the picturesque landscape. On our final evening, we celebrated our findings by grilling up succulent steaks, topping them with our freshly sautéed morels and wild leeks – a meal that was absolutely delicious! This long weekend at the cabin is a tradition I always look forward to, a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and cherished family time.

Hozier Live: A Bucket List Moment

Towards the end of May, the girls and I had an unforgettable night at the Hozier concert held at the iconic Pine Knob Music Theatre. For me, attending a Hozier concert had been a long-standing item on my bucket list. Even though we had lawn seats, the atmosphere was electric, the music was soulful, and the performance was absolutely captivating. It was such a great concert and an immense amount of fun, creating a vibrant memory we’ll cherish for years to come. Sharing that experience with my daughters made it even more special, a perfect blend of fantastic music and family bonding.

Haileigh’s Exciting Milestones

The spring brought significant changes and exciting opportunities for Haileigh. She successfully concluded her building substitute position and was promptly offered a full-time teaching role, leading a second-grade class at the very same elementary school. Her summer was primarily dedicated to meticulously preparing her new classroom and eagerly getting ready for the 2024/2025 school year. In addition to her professional growth, Haileigh also bid a fond farewell to “Betty,” her trusty 2012 GMC Acadia, which had been her faithful companion since she started driving at sixteen. In a significant step, she purchased her very first new car! Her year was also filled with lively concerts, quality time spent with her sister, continued spiritual growth through church, and countless memorable hangouts with her wonderful girlfriends. We are incredibly proud of the mature and compassionate young woman she has become and remain immensely excited to witness all the wonderful things the future holds for her.

Malloree’s Journey Towards Her Dream

2024 was a landmark year for Malloree as she celebrated her 20th birthday! She continues to thrive in her work at a nearby hair salon, honing her skills and building valuable experience. Educationally, she completed all her prerequisite courses for college and diligently gathered everything needed to apply to the competitive dental hygiene program, submitting her application in December. While the acceptance decision won’t be known until spring, and she may be accepted or waitlisted, her dedication to working towards her dream career fills us with immense pride. Malloree also continues to be active in her church community, cherishes time with her friends and family, and, of course, dotes on her best friend, Finn. Her commitment and focus are truly inspiring.

Pat’s Projects and Outdoor Pursuits

Pat’s 2024 was a blend of successful outdoor pursuits and fulfilling home projects. In the spring, he embarked on his usual turkey hunting expedition, proudly bagging a nice-sized bird. The summer months saw him dedicated to a major garage overhaul: clearing out clutter, applying a fresh coat of paint to the ceiling and walls, and, with the help of our neighbor, adding more electrical outlets. Pat then expertly ran gas lines and installed heating for the colder months, along with better lighting. He also invested in some much-needed storage cabinets, an impressive array of saws, sanders, and a planer, finally transforming the garage into his dedicated woodworking sanctuary. As fall arrived, his passion for hunting continued with salmon fishing, a pheasant hunting trip to South Dakota with Finn, deer hunting up at the cabin, and local hunts for grouse and woodcock. All in all, it was a productive and deeply satisfying year for Pat.

My Own Reflections: Embracing the Unhurried

While 2023 was a year brimming with events, 2024 felt a bit more gentle, a welcome shift to a slower pace for me. My routines of working out, practicing yoga, and prioritizing protein continued, along with a newfound passion for Inside Flow – and I’m perfectly content with this consistency. The yoga retreat and our spontaneous road trip to Florida were precisely what I needed after navigating a few personal challenges earlier in the year, offering much-needed rejuvenation. In the spring, I indulged my love for gardening by planting a wide variety of flowers, specifically so I could cut them in late summer and fill our home with bright, cheerful arrangements – a practice I now 10/10 highly recommend! In essence, 2024 was about cherishing the small, everyday moments, bravely saying “yes” to experiences well outside my comfort zone, and dedicating time to those who consistently bring smiles, laughter, and a profound sense of love into my life. These are the precious intentions I eagerly carry forward into this new year and the many years to come.

Finn: Our Sweet, Hilarious Companion

Last, but certainly not least, we celebrate our beloved Finn. He turned five this year – how this is even possible, I genuinely have no idea, as it feels like just yesterday he was a tiny puppy. This past year, Finn reveled in several “pup cups,” indulged in countless games of fetch (so, so much fetch!), enjoyed car rides and exciting hunting trips with Pat, and equally cherishes his long naps and tasty treats. Finn is truly the most gentle, sweet, expressive, and undeniably hilarious dog we have ever known. His pure heart and joyful spirit are a constant source of happiness in our home, and he honestly seems too pure for this world. He enriches our lives in countless ways, bringing laughter and comfort every single day.

Looking Ahead to a Delicious 2025!

Cheers to another year filled with blessings and beautiful moments! My heart is overflowing with gratitude for my wonderful friends and family, and for every memorable moment we’ve shared. Equally, I am incredibly thankful for each and every one of you, my cherished readers. Thank you for your unwavering support, for faithfully trying and enjoying these recipes, and for sharing them with your loved ones. Your continued encouragement means the world to me and my family, fueling my passion for Simply Scratch. I am genuinely so excited for yet another delicious year ahead, eager to create and share more culinary inspiration with all of you!

From my family to yours, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025. May it bring you abundant peace, boundless love, overflowing joy, and endless laughter. Here’s to making wonderful new memories together!