Best of 2013

One more year has passed, which means my blog is just over a year and a half old now. Like I said a year ago, I can’t believe I was able to stick with something for this long! Can you believe I’ve been pumping two to three original oatmeal recipes every week for a year and a half? How is that even possible? How is it possible that I still have ideas left?

Much to my great pleasure and gratitude, 2013 was a great year for me. I began my partnership with Country Choice Organic, started my Facebook fan page, introduced the Oatmeal Enthusiasts series, was featured on the Huffington Post and Buzzfeed, celebrated my first FoodGawker acceptance, and–last but not least–this happened.

With all of that peppered throughout my exhausting first and second school year in urban education, my life seems pretty satisfying right now. Being tired and stress most of the time, it’s not until moments like this that I actually have time to reflect on how great my year has been–with many thanks to this site and all of you for supporting it!

Here are my most popular OR personal favorites from 2013. I had to change the categories a bit from last year (because “Best Stove-Top Oatmeal” is way too overwhelming of a competitive field!). I also added categories (because I’m the boss and I can do that). Feel free to comment with recipes you think are missing from the list. 🙂 I love hearing your thoughts on this!

2. Pinterest Queen

Chocolate Banana Overnight Oatmeal: I was originally horrified when this recipe became a hit because I hated the photos for it. I was mortified every single time I saw it repinned. Luckily, I found the time to redo them, and now I love sharing this recipe with others! This oatmeal received the most “repins” than any other recipe born in 2013 (although it may never catch up with Peanut Butter and Banana Baked Oatmeal, which currently has over 500 repins!).

3. Best Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Pumpkin Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal: Of course a pumpkin pie recipe made it on the list–you all proved this year with the mega hits my other recipes received from you that you love pumpkin pie oatmeal! I always loved all of the pumpkin pie recipes, but something was truly special about the steel-cut version. I made it for my roommates, and they all moaned in appreciation as they ate it. When I tried it myself, I had to agree that it was absolutely decadent–except it was sweetened entirely with dates!

4. Best Baked Oatmeal

Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal: This oatmeal received more page views and repins than any other baked oatmeal recipe in 2013. I can understand why; it’s fabulous. However, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s more of a dessert than a breakfast, but hey, there are oats, so…fiber? 🙂

5. Best Savory Oatmeal

Sweet Potato & Soyrizo Oatmeal: This combination is incredible. It’s one of the few savory recipes that I’ve made multiple times. I didn’t even look up how many views, comments, or pins my savory recipes received this year; I simply made the executive decision that this one is the best. Deal with it. 🙂

6. Best Stupid-Easy Oatmeal

Applesauce Oatmeal: I scared some readers off when I said the words “homemade applesauce,” but seriously…I made it in the microwave. I sliced the apples, added some cinnamon and other spices, and steamed in a covered container. After a couple minutes, I took it out and mashed it up easily. All that was left to do was stir it into the eagerly awaiting oats. EASY.

7. Best Labor-Intensive Oatmeal

Grilled Peach Steel-Cut Oatmeal: I had to grill a GD peach, for Quaker’s sake!

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatcakes: The fact that I was able to eat these while suffering from food poisoning tells you how delicious they are. I fought through the pain for each decadent bite!

Strawberry Basil Oatmeal: I loved seeing how many of you were brave enough to try this one (and you all agreed that the results were fabulous)! Oh yeah, and if you added the optional balsamic reduction, you are officially an honorary Oatmeal Enthusiast.