Reflecting on 2019: A Year of Growth, Flavor, and Cherished Family Moments

As we “Inhale 2020” and “Exhale 2019,” a palpable sense of calm washes over me, a welcome change after the exhilarating whirlwind of the past year. This annual tradition of pausing to look back isn’t just about chronicling events; it’s an opportunity to truly appreciate the journey, the growth, and the precious moments that shape us. Join me as I unwrap the layers of my 2019: A Year in Review.

There’s something uniquely therapeutic about this time of year. It grants me the perfect excuse to settle in, perhaps with a glass or two of my favorite wine, and immerse myself in the memories of the preceding 365 days. My reflection ritual begins by scrolling back to January 1st on my phone, meticulously reviewing every single photograph. I make a conscious effort throughout the year to capture as many moments as possible – big or small – knowing these images will serve as my faithful guide, ensuring no cherished detail is overlooked in my annual recap.

Simply Scratch: A Culinary Journey Through 2019

Before diving into the personal highlights, let’s toast to the evolution of Simply Scratch this year. The early months were brimming with anticipation as we geared up for a significant blog redesign. After seven years, a fresh look was not just desired, it was long overdue. I once again collaborated with the brilliant minds and fellow food bloggers at Purr Design, and together, we forged a truly stellar new site. This transformation included a brand-new logo and a tagline that resonates deeply: “Recipes For Life.” I adore its dual meaning – offering delicious recipes you’ll cherish and keep for life, while also celebrating the recipes that enrich our everyday lives. The updated Simply Scratch now boasts enhanced navigation, superior search capabilities, and an overall aesthetic that finally feels more authentically *me*.

A Bountiful Harvest of New and Improved Recipes

Despite the comprehensive redesign, which demands considerable time and focus, I’m incredibly proud to announce that I published 158 new recipes this year! That’s a remarkable achievement, especially considering the scale of our other projects, and a solid 12 more than the previous year. Beyond the new creations, I dedicated substantial effort to updating and revitalizing a multitude of older recipes, breathing new life into forgotten favorites with fresh photos and refined instructions. This year, I challenged myself creatively, not only in recipe development but also in the crucial aspects of food photography and styling. While the visual arts have never been my strongest suit, I’ve truly grown to love and embrace the entire creative process, finding immense satisfaction in capturing the beauty of homemade food.

My Top 20 Culinary Creations of 2019

It’s a question I hear often: “What’s your favorite recipe?” My sincere answer is always “all of them!” because truly, each recipe holds a special place in my culinary heart. It’s impossible to pick just one beloved dish. However, I can certainly highlight a few exceptional standouts from 2019 that truly captivated our taste buds and became instant favorites. Here are my top 20, presented in no particular order, each offering a unique flavor experience.

Homemade Speculoos Cookies – These crisp, perfectly spiced cookies evoke nostalgic memories of childhood. They are an absolute delight, whether dunked into a warm cup of coffee or tea, transformed into a luscious cookie butter, or crushed and folded into homemade ice cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Black Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin – Elegantly simple yet incredibly impressive, this recipe delivers a tender, mouth-watering beef tenderloin every time. It’s a straightforward approach to preparing a luxurious cut of beef, perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight meal.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – This recipe has been a game-changer for countless home cooks. A whole turkey breast cooks effortlessly to succulent perfection in the slow cooker, making it a foolproof solution for holidays or a flavorful family dinner without the fuss.

Beef Tomato Ancini de Pepe Soup – I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve whipped up this comforting soup. It’s wonderfully simple to assemble and delivers a deeply satisfying warmth. Serve it alongside homemade garlic toast for an absolutely incredible meal.

Maple Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake – For those who have followed Simply Scratch over the past decade, you know my immense love for pudding cakes. This particular creation elevates the concept by combining the rich flavors of banana with sweet maple and a hint of warming bourbon, resulting in an epic dessert experience.

Apple Pecan Chai Cinnamon Rolls – While these cinnamon rolls require a little extra time and patience, the effort is undeniably rewarded. They are incredibly delicious and surprisingly manageable to make. The harmonious blend of crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and aromatic chai spices creates a match made in sweet roll heaven.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese – Bid farewell to dry, curdled macaroni and cheese forever. This recipe has become my absolute go-to for achieving perfectly creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible baked macaroni that the whole family will adore.

Strawberry Shortcake Cake – This stunning dessert features layers of tender homemade shortcake, generously stacked with fluffy homemade whipped cream and fragrant lavender-macerated strawberries. It’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also beautifully presented.

Summer Coleslaw Chicken Salad – This is such a delightful and refreshing salad, perfect for warmer months. It’s wonderfully healthy, packed with vibrant flavors, and, just as I prefer, offers plenty of delicious toppings for a customizable and satisfying meal.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – An overwhelming hit with my entire family, this pasta salad is light, bursting with flavor, and offers a delightful array of textures. It quickly became a requested dish for potlucks and family dinners alike.

Easy Baby Back Ribs – Without a doubt, this is one of the recipes I am most proud of. Cooking ribs used to seem daunting, but this recipe demystifies the process, making it incredibly easy to achieve fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a sauce that is absolute perfection.

Pickled Strawberries – These unique pickled strawberries are surprisingly underrated! They are incredibly flavorful and add an unexpected, delicious zing to salads, making them a fantastic culinary secret weapon.

Blackened Fish Tacos with Cilantro Pesto Slaw – Inspired by a memorable trip to Maryland, these tacos are a flavor explosion. They feature perfectly blackened cod, a zesty cilantro pesto slaw, and a to-die-for chipotle crema that brings everything together in harmonious bliss.

Cucumber Tomato Salad – Simplicity at its best! This fresh, vibrant salad is bursting with crisp flavors and is incredibly satisfying, proving that sometimes the best dishes are the simplest.

French Onion Chowder – This innovative recipe brilliantly combines my deep affection for classic French onion soup with the rich, creamy texture of a hearty chowder, creating a unique and utterly comforting dish.

Homemade Cherry Pie – Once you taste this homemade cherry pie, you’ll forget all about jarred fillings. The difference is truly astounding; fresh cherries baked into a flaky crust are simply incomparable and incredibly rewarding to make.

Kung Pao Chicken Stir-fry – Drawing inspiration from beloved takeout, this spicy stir-fry is a frequent visitor to our dinner table. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and satisfyingly spicy, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies – These delightful homemade oatmeal cream pies are incredibly delicious, and they become even better when chilled. They are a nostalgic treat that brings joy with every bite.

Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough – A true lifesaver, I prepare this pizza dough at least once a week due to its incredible ease. There’s no need to fuss with yeast; just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes are all you need for a fantastic homemade pizza base.

Sheet Pan Spinach Tomato Ricotta Pasta Frittata – My love for frittatas runs deep, and this one, prepared effortlessly on a sheet pan, is absolutely perfect for a relaxed and delicious weekend morning brunch.

What were some of your favorite recipes you discovered or created in 2019? I’d genuinely love to hear about your culinary highlights!

Personal Milestones & Family Adventures in 2019

Beyond the kitchen, 2019 was an incredibly vibrant year, filled with a multitude of exciting personal events and significant family milestones. Let’s delve into the cherished memories, starting with our amazing Malloree.

Malloree’s Incredible Year of Achievements

In 2019, Malloree celebrated her 15th birthday, embarking on a new phase of life that brought with it the challenge of balancing homework, demanding dance practices, thriving friendships, and the momentous start of driver’s training! 😳 It feels surreal to be at this exciting stage of her life, but I couldn’t be prouder. She successfully earned her driver’s permit and is already proving to be a remarkably capable and conscientious driver, navigating the roads with confidence.

Her year kicked off with an incredible triumph: her varsity dance team secured 1st place in the hip-hop category at the prestigious Piston’s Classic competition. This remarkable win led to an even more unforgettable experience – they were selected to perform during halftime later that very same evening. Consider that this was Mal’s *first ever* competition performance, and to not only win 1st place but then perform in front of thousands at the iconic Little Caesars Arena? That’s an absolutely monumental achievement! I truly mean, who can say they’ve done that at her age?! I won’t lie; I still get teary-eyed every single time I watch the video from that night. That’s our girl, shining so brightly!

Beyond her remarkable growth as a dancer and a wonderfully kind human being, Mal has consistently maintained excellent grades, cultivated strong and supportive friendships, and is eagerly anticipating the removal of her braces in 2020. I have a strong feeling that the coming year is truly going to be Malloree’s year to shine even brighter.

Haileigh’s Transition to College Life

For Haileigh, 2019 was a year defined by significant change and exciting new beginnings. In the spring, we watched with immense pride as our eldest daughter gracefully walked across the stage to accept her high school diploma. To say we are proud is a vast understatement. Haileigh graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized as one of only 52 senior scholars in her class. Her academic excellence extended to memberships in the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. Additionally, Haileigh participated in a valuable teacher cadet program, gaining hands-on experience by assisting teachers in various grades at local elementary schools. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly over the past four years, consistently balancing her studies with either playing softball or working a part-time job. She truly deserves every single accolade and commendation she received.

Then, in late August, we helped her move into her college dorm, where she embarked on her journey towards a degree in teaching. We are thrilled to report that she absolutely adores college life and the dorm experience. She’s been incredibly fortunate to find wonderful roommates who have quickly become close friends, making her transition seamless and joyful. While we deeply miss her cheerful face and infectious laugh around the house, she visits home often, and we maintain constant connection through FaceTime and countless texts. So, the distance hasn’t been too unbearable, and we cherish every moment we get to share.

Adventures, Collections, and Sisterhood

Pat and I kicked off the year with a strong focus on hiking, immersing ourselves in nature. In the first four months alone, we trekked an impressive 24.5 miles, logging a grand total of 121,204 steps – yes, I kept meticulous track! Our hiking adventures temporarily paused as we shifted gears to prepare for Haileigh’s graduation party, but we’ve eagerly made plans to resume our trails this coming year, anticipating new scenic routes and invigorating exercise.

This past year also saw me expand my beloved plant collection significantly. Since acquiring my very first plant on my birthday three years ago, I’m now a proud owner of 27 vibrant plants – I just counted them! They infuse every space they inhabit with a refreshing pop of color and bring me immense joy. In fact, their deep, lush green leaves served as the direct inspiration for the accent color palette chosen for the Simply Scratch blog redesign!

In April 2019, my three sisters and I reunited in Maryland for a much-needed girls’ weekend. We indulged in delicious food, savored copious amounts of wine, and, most importantly, spent invaluable quality time catching up and reconnecting. I believe it had been five years since the four of us had been together, a period far too long between such cherished gatherings. Can you tell we’re related from the photos?

Over Mother’s Day weekend, Pat and I ventured up north to join friends at his family’s cabin for an exciting morel mushroom hunt. Despite the chilly Michigan air, it was an incredibly fun and successful outing. If my memory serves me correctly, our combined haul of morels totaled around 98 – that’s a truly impressive bounty of mushrooms! Afterward, our friends expertly grilled steaks and sautéed our freshly gathered morels and wild leeks, crafting an epic dinner. I, of course, contributed my best homemade brownies to the feast. The remainder of the night was filled with lively shenanigans, which I’ll simply leave to your imagination. 😉

Home Transformations & Cherished Moments

In the first half of the year, Pat and I dedicated a significant portion of our time to various home renovation projects. We began by tackling a small, windowless bathroom situated just off our living room. Years ago, we had painted the walls a bluish hue that, in retrospect, clashed terribly with the off-white fixtures. 😂 While we didn’t have the time or desire for a complete gut renovation, we were determined to transform this eyesore into a more inviting space.

Of course, it wasn’t as simple as just slapping on a fresh coat of paint. Faulty ventilation had caused some paint to peel, so Pat painstakingly scraped away the flaking paint from the top half of each wall, used drywall mud to meticulously patch any imperfections, and then sanded everything smooth. We then updated the sink topper and light fixture with more modern selections. I chose an elegant off-white (Valspar paint with Sherwin Williams’ White Heron color) for the walls, while the wood trim and vanity received a crisp coat of Bistro White. The result? A decidedly brighter, more polished, and infinitely more welcoming space!

Our next project moved to Malloree’s room. Her bedroom, like most in our home, is on the smaller side. Her only requests were white walls, a black iron bed frame, and a cozy white comforter. We happily obliged, creating a serene and beautifully simple space that she absolutely loves. I sourced the elegant bed frame, dresser, and bedding from Wayfair, and the walls were painted with Sherwin Williams’ Bistro White in a Valspar eggshell finish. Just in case you were curious! 😉

As the weather finally warmed, our focus shifted outdoors. We enthusiastically tackled yard work, ripping out old flower beds, diligently weeding, planting an array of new flowers and bushes, and spreading an incredible amount of fresh mulch. I genuinely enjoy yard work – truth be told, I love any and all house projects – and it’s always so much more fun collaborating with Pat. We truly make the best team, turning mundane tasks into enjoyable shared experiences!

Celebrations with Loved Ones

On one of the hottest days of summer, our dear friends Mike and Heidi selflessly offered to come over and help us stain both our front and back decks. Who offers to do something so laborious? Only truly great friends! We’ve all been close for years, even going back to high school, and Pat and I feel incredibly lucky to have had their invaluable help that day. After more than six hours of non-stop staining and sweating, we rewarded ourselves with pizza and took our boat out to the middle of the lake for a refreshing swim. Friends who stain together, truly stay together!

The very next weekend after our deck staining marathon, we hosted a few of our closest friends to celebrate Pat’s 40th birthday. Given our incredibly hectic summer, which included gearing up for Haileigh’s graduation party and preparing her for college, we opted for a more relaxed celebration. We grilled delicious burgers and hotdogs, enjoyed some adult beverages, which may or may not have spontaneously led to an epic 90s dance party! It was such a fun night celebrating my favorite guy with some of our favorite people.

Just two weeks after Pat’s party, we transformed our backyard into the perfect setting for Haileigh’s graduation celebration. The day itself was close to 100°F, but thankfully, a strong breeze provided some relief, though it was still incredibly steamy! We had it catered by our favorite Mexican restaurant, ensuring an abundance of delicious food and plenty of cold beverages. So many wonderful people braved the heat to celebrate Haileigh’s incredible achievement, and we remain profoundly thankful and grateful to each and every person who joined us.

Welcoming Finnegan: Our Newest Family Member

Meet Finnegan!

Or Finn, Finny, Finn Diesel 😂 – he goes by many affectionate names!

As if 2019 hadn’t already delivered enough excitement, we decided to embrace another significant life change: getting a puppy! In mid-July, Pat dedicated considerable time to researching and connecting with a well-known Brittany breeder. This connection led him to another reputable breeder whose dog, Ginger, had just given birth to a delightful litter of Brittany puppies. Remarkably, they were born on the very same day as Haileigh’s graduation party! Since Pat was the first to inquire, he had the wonderful opportunity to choose the first pick of the litter. We endured the longest six weeks of our lives, eagerly awaiting the day we could meet all the puppies and finally select our new furry family member.

Pat instantly fell in love with a particular puppy’s distinctive orange lip marking, and as they say, the rest is history! Two weeks later, we eagerly picked him up and officially welcomed him into our home. Today, Finnegan is six months old and has truly grown into such a good dog – when he’s not busy being an energetic, mischievous puppy, that is! 🙂

Since Finn joined our family, our social calendar has naturally slowed down quite a bit. For a period, his tiny bladder meant we couldn’t be away from home for long stretches. While it’s much better now, we still tend to stay in more, which, honestly, is perfectly fine with me. There’s a special comfort in these quieter, more domesticated days with our sweet new companion.

Embracing the Future with Gratitude and Joy

Looking back, 2019 was, without a doubt, a pretty stellar year. Every challenge, every triumph, every small moment woven into its fabric created a tapestry of memories I wouldn’t change for anything. I am profoundly grateful for our incredible network of friends and family. Whether it was lending a helping hand to tackle a daunting project, offering unwavering words of encouragement as we sent our daughter off to college, or simply sharing a laugh, each person contributed immeasurably to the richness of our year. This past year truly wouldn’t have been what it was without their love and support.

And to each and every one of you who has visited this blog over the years, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! This journey, this dream job, continues to be an incredible blessing for which I am ceaselessly thankful. My passion for cooking and sharing recipes remains as strong as ever, and the fact that I’m now embarking on my tenth year of Simply Scratch is absolutely mind-boggling. I deeply appreciate every comment you leave, every email I receive, and every recipe you make and share. Your unwavering support is the bedrock of this blog, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.

As we step into a new decade, I wish for all of you an amazing 2020, one that brings you abundant peace, overflowing love, boundless joy, and endless laughter.

From my family to yours, Happy New Year!

Explore More: My Past Year in Review Posts

Curious to revisit previous reflections? Dive into my past year-in-review posts and trace the evolution of Simply Scratch and our family’s journey over the last nine years:

2018: A Year in Review

2017: A Year in Review

2016: A Year in Review

2015: A Year in Review

2014: A Year in Review

2013: A Year in Review

2012: Looking Ahead

2011: A Year in Review

2010: A Year in Review