2019 Year in Review

Just like that, the end of the year is almost here. It has been a year of incredible growth of Cozy Peach Kitchen (I'm talking over 500% growth compared to this time last year) and I really couldn't have done it without YOU.

Every recipe page you visit, every recipe you make and every photo you tag me in -- it all brings a smile to my face and makes this blog possible!

To wrap up the year let's review what went down on the blog in 2019 and what's to come in 2020.

(Check out the 2018 Year in Review here)

Top 10 Most Popular Recipes in 2019

1. Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta

Y'all love this recipe, and for good reason. This one takes less than 30 minutes to mix up and uses only 10 plant-based ingredients.

2. Instant Pot Brown Rice & Black Beans

Meal prep-able and easily customized, this Instant Pot is a HIT. My boyfriend makes this recipe for frozen burritos at least twice a month...that's how ya know it's good.

3. Oil Pie Crust

This pie crust recipe, passed down from my Grandma, is tried and true. Oil, water, flour, salt -- mix it together and you have the perfect butterless pie crust.

4. Strawberry Almond Energy Balls

This one was on the list last year as well. Made with dates, strawberries and almonds, these energy balls are easy to make and packed with flavor.

5. Easy Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole

I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one who makes this easy breakfast casserole for Christmas morning breakfast. It's also a great option for breakfast meal prep or family gatherings.

6. Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

These crispy panko-breaded tofu nuggets are a sure fire way to make picky eaters enjoy tofu. And the recipe comes with a tasty honey mustard dipping sauce!

7. Fluffy Vegan Sweet Potato Cakes

Sweet potato pancakes are a great fall recipe, thanks to warming spices and hearty sweet potato puree.

8. Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup

Another popular Instant Pot recipe, this soup is packed with healthy ingredients and as creamy as can be.

9. Classic Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Simple to make and perfect for meal prep -- this is one of those classic recipes that everyone should have on hand.

10. Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (Vegan)

Rice & beans are a hit on the blog! Versatile, flavorful, and super easy to make because of the magic of an electric pressure cooker.

My Favorite Recipes of 2019

A few of my favorite recipes passed under the radar this year, so let me share with you the ones that got away.

1. Goat Cheese & Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers

This is a newer recipe and one that I actually served to my family on Christmas Eve this year. There is just something about that combo of goat cheese and mushrooms that can't keep me away!

2. Vegan Broccoli Mac & Cheese Casserole

What is it about spicy panko breadcrumbs and a cashew based sauce that makes this simple recipe so, so good?

3. Homemade Vegan Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

This is one of those recipes that I made for years before finally adding it to the blog (sorry). The gravy is seasoned with sage, nutritional yeast, and all things good & comforting.

4. Easy Peanut Baked Tofu

This oven-baked tofu is tossed in a creamy peanut sauce and just perfect served with a side of broccoli and rice.

5. Roasted Vegetable Gyros with Aioli Pesto

Something about roasted summer veggies tossed in Greek seasoning and a pesto aioli -- who else is ready to get making these gyros?!

6. BBQ Tofu Sandwich

Nothing says summer quite like a blackened BBQ tofu sandwich with spicy slaw.

7. Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Simply the best combination of flavors combined in an easy-to-make dessert.

My Life in 2019

In 2018 I made a big change by moving from Portland, Oregon back to Athens, Georgia. Since that big change, things have been pretty steady around here and I've been able to regrow roots in my college town.

I took up a few new hobbies and learned a few things about my self. Such as: making ceramics is not for me and bouldering (that's rock climbing without ropes) is my favorite thing ever.

In October I took a vacation to Paris, which was just as wonderful as I hoped it would be. For more details on the food I ate while in Paris, check out my new article: Paris Vegetarian Food Guide.

What I've been watching: On Sunday mornings I like to sharpen up my cooking skills by watching Good Eats by Alton Brown (who doesn't love a little bit of food science in the morning?). My favorite TV shows this year were Killing Eve, Barry and Fleabag. I must admit that I have a dark sense of humor.

What I've been reading: I listen to audiobooks more than I read actual books because I commute far for work. Check out my Goodreads to see what I read this year (hint: I'm a sucker for true crime and psychological thrillers). My favorite book was either Normal People by Sally Rooney or Sing, Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward.

What I've been listening to: I am constantly searching for new music, but 5 artists remains steady year over year: Yumi Zouma, Sufjan Stevens, Big Thief, Joanna Newsom, and Frankie Cosmos. I ran a twee (basically indie pop) radio show in college, which certainly reflects in my heavy rotation.

What to expect in 2020

At the end of the year I always reflect on what worked and what didn't work on the blog (and in life, honestly). It's clear that y'all love simple recipes and Instant Pot recipes, so expect to see more of those.

Expect to receive more regular emails (psst -- sign up by clicking the banner in your browser if you haven't already!). Definitely expect more nutrition information -- there are plans in the works for a "Back to Basics" series featuring the facts on how to cook tofu, vegan protein sources, and more...

Happy 2019 and may 2020 be a great one!