I found myself more passionate than ever about exploring new flavors, cooking techniques, and creating dishes that brought comfort, joy, and connection. Reflecting on the past year, I realize that certain recipes stood out—either because of their taste, ease, or the special memories they created.

In this article, I want to share , each with its story, tips, and why it became a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re looking for new meal ideas, comfort food, or impressive dishes to serve guests, I hope these recipes inspire you to get into the kitchen and create your own culinary memories.

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1. Classic Chicken Parmesan

Why it made the list: There’s something inherently comforting about crispy, cheesy chicken topped with marinara sauce. It’s a timeless dish that evokes memories of family dinners and cozy nights.

Origins and Inspiration

This dish originated from Italy but has become a beloved American classic. Its combination of breaded chicken, marinara, and melted cheese makes it a go-to for hearty, satisfying meals.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Olive oil for frying

Preparation

1. Prep the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ inch). Season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge: Coat chicken in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
3. Fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble: Place fried chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara over each piece, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve with spaghetti or crusty bread.

Why I Love It

This dish combines the crunch of breaded chicken with gooey cheese and tangy sauce. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, it’s straightforward yet impressive.

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2. Vegan Mushroom Risotto

Why it made the list: Creamy, earthy, and comforting, risotto became a staple in my plant-based cooking repertoire in 2022.

Inspiration

Risotto is a classic Italian dish, but I wanted to make a vegan version that didn’t compromise on richness or flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 1 lb mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, portobello), sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (warmed)
• 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp vegan butter or margarine
• ½ cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Preparation

1. Sauté mushrooms: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan. Cook mushrooms until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook aromatics: In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and vegan butter. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Toast rice: Add Arborio rice, stirring constantly until translucent at the edges.
4. Deglaze: Pour in white wine (if using), stirring until absorbed.
5. Add broth: Gradually add warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more.
6. Finish: When rice is tender (about 20 minutes), stir in nutritional yeast, season with salt and pepper, and fold in sautéed mushrooms.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs.

Why I Love It

This risotto is rich, velvety, and packed with umami flavor. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s also elegant enough for guests.

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3. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Why it made the list: Bright, fresh, and with just the right kick, these tacos became my go-to summer meal in 2022.

Inspiration

Inspired by coastal Mexico, these tacos combine sweet mango with spicy shrimp and crunchy toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Corn tortillas

Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Assembly:

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Hot sauce (optional)

Preparation

1. Make the salsa: Combine mango, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Chill.
2. Cook the shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a hot skillet until pink and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side).
3. Warm tortillas: Wrap in foil and heat in oven or on a skillet.
4. Assemble: Fill tortillas with shrimp, mango salsa, lettuce, and avocado. Squeeze lime and add hot sauce if desired.

Why I Love It

The combination of spicy shrimp and sweet mango makes every bite exciting. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

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4. Homemade Classic Lasagna

Why it made the list: Nothing beats homemade lasagna for comfort and nostalgia. I perfected my version in 2022, and it’s now a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil and oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Preparation

1. Cook noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground meat, cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and herbs. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Make ricotta mixture: Combine ricotta, egg, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble: In a baking dish, layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
6. Rest and serve: Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Why I Love It

Layered with rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta, this lasagna is comfort in every bite. It’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining.

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5. Thai Green Curry with Vegetables

Why it made the list: A fragrant, spicy dish that transports you to Thailand with every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• Fresh basil and lime wedges

Preparation

1. Sauté curry paste: Heat coconut oil in a pot, cook curry paste for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add coconut milk: Pour in coconut milk, bring to simmer.
3. Cook vegetables: Add all vegetables except spinach. Simmer until tender (about 10 minutes).
4. Finish: Stir in soy sauce, spinach, and cook until wilted.
5. Serve: Garnish with basil and lime, serve over jasmine rice.

Why I Love It

The bold flavors and creamy texture make this curry a satisfying, healthy meal that’s quick to prepare.

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6. Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake

Why it made the list: Because every good year needs a little indulgence, and this molten chocolate cake never fails to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Preparation

1. Preheat oven: To 425°F (220°C). Grease ramekins and dust with cocoa powder.
2. Melt chocolate and butter: In a double boiler or microwave, melt together.
3. Mix: Whisk eggs, yolks, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth. Stir in melted chocolate mixture. Fold in flour.
4. Bake: Divide batter into ramekins. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
5. Serve: Invert onto plates, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Why I Love It

Rich, gooey, and decadent—perfect for celebrating special moments or satisfying a chocolate craving.

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7. Fresh Summer Berry Salad

Why it made the list: Light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this berry salad was my go-to for summer picnics and brunches.

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• Fresh mint leaves
• Honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Lime juice (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine berries: Gently toss all berries in a large bowl.
2. Add herbs: Chop fresh mint and sprinkle over berries.
3. Optional dressing: Drizzle with honey or lime juice for extra zing.
4. Serve: Chill briefly before serving.

Why I Love It

Simple, colorful, and healthy—perfect as a side or dessert.

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8. Homemade Sourdough Bread

Why it made the list: Baking bread has a special satisfaction, and sourdough became a creative and comforting project in 2022.

Ingredients

• 500g bread flour
• 350g water
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Preparation

1. Mix: Combine flour and water, let autolyse for 1 hour.
2. Add starter and salt: Mix thoroughly and knead until smooth.
3. Fermentation: Let rise in a covered bowl for 4-6 hours, performing stretch and folds every 30 minutes.
4. Shape: Form into a round loaf, proof for 2 hours.
5. Bake: Preheat oven with Dutch oven at 450°F (230°C). Score the loaf and bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes until golden.

Why I Love It

Nothing compares to the aroma and taste of homemade sourdough. It’s a rewarding process that yields delicious, crusty bread.

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9. Fresh Spring Vegetable Pasta

Why it made the list: Bright, flavorful, and quick, this pasta celebrates the freshness of spring vegetables.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Lemon zest and juice
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Cook pasta: According to package instructions.
2. Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil, cook garlic briefly, then add asparagus, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tender.
3. Combine: Toss cooked pasta with vegetables, lemon zest, and juice. Garnish with basil and Parmesan.
4. Serve: Immediately, with extra cheese if desired.

Why I Love It

Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

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10. Homemade Granola Bars

Why it made the list: Healthy, customizable, and portable, these granola bars became my favorite snack in 2022.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
• ½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots)
• ½ cup nuts or seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Toast oats and nuts: Spread on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
2. Mix: In a saucepan, heat honey and nut butter until smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
3. Combine: Mix toasted oats, nuts, dried fruits, and wet ingredients.
4. Press: Into a parchment-lined pan, press firmly.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for 2 hours, then cut into bars.

Why I Love It

Healthy, satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients—perfect for on-the-go snacking.

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Conclusion

2022 was a year of culinary exploration and discovery for me. These 10 recipes represent a snapshot of my favorite dishes—ranging from comfort foods to fresh, vibrant meals, and decadent desserts. Each dish carries its own story, flavors, and memories, making cooking not just a necessity but a joyful experience.

I encourage you to try these recipes, adapt them to your taste, and create your own culinary favorites in the new year. Cooking is an art, a science, and a way to connect with others and yourself. Here’s to delicious adventures ahead!