The top 10 most popular Quite Good Food recipes from 2017, including a nice selection of sweet and savoury plant-based dishes. All vegan, and mostly gluten free.
See ya later 2017, you were a great year but it's time to move on. When I look back at the year that's been, I'm exhausted just thinking about it! It was a huge year from whoa to go and I'm quite grateful for all the opportunities that came my way.
2017 started with a bang, when I spent two months travelling in Malaysia, Bali and Lombok with my husband and two daughters. It was a pretty epic adventure that already feels like it happened a very long time ago.
The middle part of the year was a juggle, working hard on some at times challenging projects in my day job as a communications professional, taking on new contracts and clients, and moving into a cool shared office space later in the year. At nearly two years old, it feels like the business has grown up, become more stable, and we are clearer about what's important to us. That's a nice feeling.
And last but not least, I topped out the year enjoying some pretty massive growth right here on Quite Good Food. More of you than ever are visiting this website, loving my recipes and giving me awesome feedback about the things you've tried making at home. I've continued to work on my photography and become a contributing writer for Nourish, a local foodie magazine. 2018 feels full of possibility.
So what did you love in 2017? Taking the top spot are my crispy kumara cakes, a simple three ingredient recipe that I almost didn't post because it felt too simple. Turns out you like simple. You also like cheesecake, quite a lot. The surprise new entrant to my top 10 list was easy home made five seed crackers, which have been a runaway hit - shared 8.4k times on Facebook with 434k views to date. Holy moly! I'm loving how this top 10 list is a nicely balanced combo of nourishing main meals, simple everyday recipes and decadent sweet treats. It reflects my food philosophy, and yours.
So what are you going to love in 2018? Let me know what you're loving right now, wanting to try for the first time or make more often. What are your challenges with food or in the kitchen, and what would inspire you to try new things and eat more plants? I love hearing from you, so leave a comment and help shape the recipes you'll see here over the coming months.
1. Crispy kumara cakes (V)
These crispy kumara cakes are an oldie but a goodie, and proof that simple is good.
2. Lime and vanilla vegan cheesecake (V, GF)
Number 2 for 2017, but number 1 in the all-time hits, this gluten free lime and vanilla vegan cheesecake remains very popular and is one of my personal favourites.
3. Easy home made five seed crackers (V, GF)
These five seed crackers are so simple to make, and as we know, you like simple. Naturally vegan, gluten free and paleo, they're a crowd favourite.
4. Raspberry, lime and coconut cheesecake (V, GF)
Okay okay, I get it. You like cheesecake quite a lot. This allergy friendly raspberry, lime and coconut vegan cheesecake is free from the five most common allergens (dairy, egg, soy, gluten and nuts).
5. Creamy cauliflower sauce (V, GF)
This creamy cauliflower sauce is a family favourite in my household. The kids love it, it freezes well, and it's brilliant to have on hand for quick weeknight dinners.
6. Baked eggplant with lentils, tomatos and a herby topping (V, GF)
I'm so proud of you. Lentils made it into the top 10! I love lentils and their endless versatility, so it warms my heart to see how much you love this recipe for baked eggplant with lentils, tomatoes and a herby topping.
7. Passionfruit bliss balls (V, GF)
These fudgy passionfruit bliss balls are such a treat when passionfruit are in season, and the perfect afternoon pick me up alongside a cup of tea.
8. Easy vegan mayonnaise (V, GF)
Everyday staples are important. I came up with this easy vegan mayo after trying something similar at a food fair. It's tofu based and whips up in just a few minutes.
9. Cajun chilli fries (V, GF)
Mmmmmm. Comfort food. These cajun chilli fries are the bomb, and I must make them more often.
10. Vegan coffee cheesecake with salted caramel popcorn (V, GF)
A relative newcomer, this vegan coffee cheesecake is possibly, maybe my favourite creation of 2017. The cheesecake filling is almost like smooth coffee icecream, and the bittersweet salted caramel popcorn on top is next level.
These all look fabulous. A great year of great food. Happy New Year! x
Thanks and Happy New Year to you too! xx
So many gorgeous recipes and pictures, I want to try them all (pinned the whole post :D). Happy New Year!
Five-seed crackers. The best crackers ever. Love the simplicity of the recipe.