As 2018 comes to a close, I cannot help but look back with so much gratitude. This year has been incredible for both my personal life and The Schmidty Wife blog. It has been full of big changes, new recipes, busy family moments, and so many reasons to feel thankful.
On a personal level, it was another huge year for our family. In February, I gave birth to our second son, Fred, which officially made Archie a big brother. Fred’s arrival brought a lot of joy, although his birth also came with some health challenges for me. I developed a blood clot in my right ovary after giving birth, which was scary at the time. Thankfully, by the summer I received a clean bill of health, and there were no concerns that it would lead to anything more serious. Then, at the end of the summer, we closed on our first house. A house, you guys! Matt and I had dreamed for a long time about finding a sweet little fixer-upper we could make our own, and this year that dream finally became real. Now we are living in it, working on it, and enjoying all of its charm.
As for The Schmidty Wife, I can honestly say that I love my readers more than ever. The blog grew so much this year, and that growth allowed me to put more time, energy, and care into creating recipes for you. I joined a new blog network, attended a food blogger conference, and made so many wonderful blogger friends along the way. Most importantly, I shared new easy family recipes, weeknight dinners, freezer meals, and healthy meal ideas that you truly seemed to enjoy.
So now for the reason you are here: let’s take a look at the most popular new posts I published this year. These are The Schmidty Wife top new recipes of 2018, based on the posts you visited, cooked, shared, and loved the most.
5. Marinated & Grilled Flank Steak
To be fair, this recipe was technically a republish. It was one of the very first recipes I ever shared on the blog, but at the time it had almost no page views because everything about the post, except the actual recipe, needed a lot of improvement. I always knew the recipe itself was worth saving, so I gave it a much-needed update. This marinated and grilled flank steak is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves an easy grilled beef recipe. A good cut of steak, a simple marinade, and the grill really do make a fantastic combination.
4. Easy Southwest Chicken
This easy Southwest chicken quickly became a reader favorite, and it is easy to see why. It is packed with flavor, comes together quickly, and can be used in so many different meals. The chicken is seasoned with a simple dry rub that works beautifully for rice bowls, salads, quesadillas, tacos, wraps, or even as the main protein on its own. It is one of those versatile weeknight chicken recipes that can make dinner feel easy without being boring.
3. Shrimp Stir Fry Freezer Meal
This shrimp stir fry freezer meal could also be called the meal my family survived on after baby Fred was born. When I was in full nesting mode toward the end of my pregnancy, I wanted to prepare a good amount of freezer meals. At the same time, I did not want every single one of them to be a crockpot meal. That is how this easy, freezable shrimp stir fry came to be. It is practical, flavorful, and ideal for busy nights when you want a homemade dinner without starting from scratch. And without giving too much away, this is not the only stir fry recipe that made the list.
2. Crockpot Bolognese
This crockpot bolognese was definitely a favorite for Matt and Archie. A rich, comforting bolognese sauce that does not require standing over a simmering pot for hours is hard to beat. I make this one for them often, and we actually had it just last week. This was also one of the meals I prepared ahead of time before baby Fred arrived, then stored in the freezer for later. It is clear that readers appreciate the convenience of a slow cooker dinner, especially when it delivers the kind of cozy flavor everyone wants from a classic pasta sauce.
1. 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry
Everything about this meal makes it an obvious number one. First, it is a healthy dinner filled with fresh vegetables and lean chicken. Second, it is fast and easy, which is exactly what you want when the title says 20 minutes. Third, it tastes amazing. This is the kind of quick chicken stir fry that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight, especially when you want something homemade, colorful, and satisfying. I actually made it three days ago because I knew the evening would be busy, and I wanted a meal that was healthy, fast, and delicious.
I also want to give a special shout-out to a few other recipes that did very well this year. These honorable mentions received plenty of love and page views, even though they did not quite make it into the top five.
Honorable Mention:
Grilled Chicken Shawarma, Sunflower Seed Basil Pesto, Mexican Rice
Thank you for stopping by and looking back at the top new recipes of 2018 with me. I am so grateful for every visit, comment, share, and recipe you have tried from The Schmidty Wife. Now I want to know: have you made any of these recipes yet? Let me know what you think in the comments. I would truly love to hear which easy dinner recipe, freezer meal, or family favorite you enjoyed most.