Best Recipes of 2014

As 2014 draws to a close, and I get ready to go back to work tomorrow after a nice week at home in Arizona for Christmas, here's a quick look back on the edible highlights from my year: 

January - Stuffed Cabbage Soup

March - Cheesy Stuffed Eggplants

April - Chocolate Almond Bread

May - Lentil Meatballs with Lemony Pesto

June - Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

July - Mini-White Bean Burgers

October - Chipotle Roasted Kabocha Squash and Kale Salad

November - Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake

Not every month is represented in the recipes above, but as anyone who regularly tries new recipes knows, they can't all be winners.  However, the ones featured on this list are all worth repeating and it's been fun to look back at my year(s) in food.  The recipes from the first part of the year feel like I made them in another lifetime, but I guess in a way I did.

It's been a roller coaster of a year, and I am continuing to adjust to my new job and life in a new city.  Without a doubt, I am in a better place than I was at the beginning of the year and while it's hard for me to believe that there are only a few days left in 2014, I am looking forward to new challenges and adventures in 2015.

Thank you for following along on Two Betsu Bara & all the best in 2015!

Currently - Dec '14

Joining up with Anne with a list of things I've been making, listening (to), wrapping, watching and anticipating this month. 

Salty Sesame Chocolate Chip Cookies for the Bake-Off at work.  I thought was being very clever with my choice, so I was quite surprised when I saw another batch of cookies with sesame seeds on top!  The two sesame themed recipes were actually pretty different, and neither of us won.  The well-deserved grand prize went to a chocolate caramel walnut tart that was both gorgeous and decadent. 

I've listened to a few Christmas carols, but this song has been my favorite since late summer. I fell in love with the video set in Japan, and I expect everyone at my wedding to have the sweet dance moves memorized.

I am going home for Christmas (see below) so instead of wrapping things that are just going to be jammed into my suitcase, I have started collecting the few small gifts I am taking with me into a small pile.

Mostly though I have been wrapping myself up in my new winter coat.  It's black and puffy; neither exciting nor the best option for walking home in the dark, but it has fleece-lined pockets, covers my hips and I have yet to be cold while wearing it.

I've actually seen two movies in the theater in the past month!  My brother and I saw Big Hero 6, which had some real tear-jerker moments for kids movie.  I can't wait to have my own Baymax to take care of all my health care needs.  I also saw the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 over the long weekend.  My Hunger Games experience started with the second movie, followed by listening to all three of the books; maybe one day I will get around to watching the first movie, or maybe not.

A whole week at home for Christmas! It's been a whole year since I was last in Arizona, which seems like a very long time.  Even when I was teaching English in Japan, I made it home once in the middle of my two year stint.  I am hoping for some ridiculously sunny weather, some time with my mom's sewing machine (to make some of these), and spending time with family & friends.  Only 16 more days!