Meet Alex Caspero
Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.
2014, it’s been real. Thank you for making it another delicious year! To celebrate, I’ve rounded up the top 14 recipes of 2014, voted on by you through your pins, tweets and comments. I too rarely say how grateful I am that you take the time to stop by my site. The most rewarding aspect of operating this blog is reading your comments!
Since we are currently en route to Jamaica for the holidays (Jamaica, mahn!), I will be taking the rest of the week off.
Wishing you lots of peace & love. See you next Monday!
1. Vegan Chili Cheese Dip {vegan, soyfree & gluten free}
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised this was the most-pinned recipe of 2014 as it’s one of my favorites from the year as well. You guys, along with my husband, couldn’t get enough of this spicy, cheesy, meaty dip!
2. Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup {vegan, soyfree, nutfree}
The vegan answer to chicken noodle soup! This was another of my favorites, and I’m happy that so many of you enjoyed it! Don’t be scared by the splash of lemon juice in the end; it brightens the entire dish!
3. Copycat CPK: BBQ Tofu Salad {vegan, nutfree, glutenfree}
I love that you love CPK chopped salads as much as I do! We throw perfectly cooked BBQ tofu into a chopped salad and smother the whole thing in a smoky ranch dressing. With over 25g of protein per serving, this is one filling salad!
4. Puttanesca Pizza! {vegan}
Who says pizza has to be covered in cheese to be delicious? Um, no one after a slice of this pizza. Chewy crust topped with sliced tomatoes, sauteed onions, mushrooms, capers, briny olives, red pepper flakes and homemade dairy-free parmesan cheese. This pizza was only slightly out-pinned by my other pizza of the year- Vegan Garlic Herb White Pizza.
5. Baked Oatmeal Walnuts & Berries {vegan, glutenfree, soyfree}
We served this baked oatmeal the morning of our wedding and everyone loved it! Baked oatmeal casserole served with fresh berries, nuts and milk.
6. Dairy-Free Snickers Milkshake {vegan, gluten-free, optional soy-free}
THIS MILKSHAKE! Which, of course, isn’t really a milkshake at all. A smoothie that just happens to taste like a Snickers bar. Everyone loves this recipe, including my 19-month old niece who goes crazy when she gets a cup full of this! If you liked this one, make sure to try the vanilla milkshake with ‘Magic Shell’ chocolate topping.
7. The Great Big Vegan Salad {vegan, gluten-free}
The name says it all. 30g of protein per serving and packed with nutrition. This one’s got it all: lentils, avocado, marinated mushrooms, tempeh bacon & veggies. Prep all the ingredients separately to enjoy throughout the week.
8. Weeknight Tortilla Soup {vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free}
A soup you can make in 30 minutes or less! Spicy tortilla soup packed with tomato, corn, vegetables & black beans. Enjoy as is or garnish with extra avocado, crispy tortilla strips and cilantro.
9. Chia Banana Pancakes with Peanut Butter Syrup {vegan, soy-free}
While I love the pancakes, I can’t get enough of this peanut syrup- one of the greatest things ever. Vegan chia pancakes topped with velvety, decadent maple-peanut butter syrup and fresh sliced bananas. Come to mama!
10. BBQ Chickpea Sandwiches with Rainbow Slaw {soy-free, vegan}
Is there anything chickpeas can’t do? Here they are smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with fresh vegetable slaw! The ultimate backyard summer sandwich.
11. Kale & Mango Poppyseed Salad {vegan, gluten-free, soy free option}
Even if you don’t think you like kale salad, you must try this one! Crunchy, fresh kale massaged with creamy avocado, juicy mango and homemade poppyseed dressing.
Other must-make salads from 2014: Fall Fattoush, Arugula Pesto, Peach Panzanella, Rainbow Millet & 4 low-fat salad dressings.
12. Creamy Cauliflower Pasta {vegan, nut-free}
Creamy cauliflower pasta sauce! Nut-free, dairy-free & low in fat. I love it tossed with elbow noodles, roasted cherry tomatoes and basil. It’s the Italian flag in a bowl!
13. Triple Chocolate Granola Bars {vegan, gluten-free}
My favorite granola bars! Layers of oats, nuts, seeds and chocolate! Topped with a dairy-free magic-shell chocolate topping.
14. Pumpkin Donuts with Pecan Frosting
Pumpkin had quite the starring role here at DK this fall! Besides these pumpkin donuts, you guys loved the pumpkin fettuccini alfredo, pumpkin vanilla oatmeal, pumpkin pesto risotto, and pumpkin pie pecan bars (my personal favorite).
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(4 comments) leave a comment
You had a great 2014, Alex! Happy New Year!
Thanks Annie!
I made the Snickers milkshake this morning and it was fabulous! I added about 1/4 of an avocado which made it even creamier. I’m planning on bringing the cheese dip to a friend’s baby shower, hoping it will be a hit! Thanks for the recipes and hope you had a great trip! Happy New Year!
AWESOME! So happy that you loved it! I will try adding an avocado next time. Hope the cheese dip was a success!