As you may or may not know, 2014 was the birth year for The Primal Desire and we’ve done some pretty great things. I decided that we should do a “year in review” of what happened this year that has got us here. Here are our top 10 viewed recipes, our 25 favorite recipes (that just didn’t get the love they need and deserve), and a handful of our possibly (though maybe unlikely) Pulitzer Prize worthy writings.
Top 10 Recipes of 2014
These are the recipes that were most viewed in 2014 in ascending order:
#10 – Paleo Eggs Benedict 
Who doesn’t love eggs bene? This is my go-to breakfast when eating out, and now we can enjoy a paleo version!
#9 – Paleo Hummus Omelette
Thank goodness one of my killer omelettes made it into the top 10! This is one of my faves too.
#8 – Paleo Chicken Parmesan
Holley nailed this one. Another great use for “paleo cheese” (“And if you don’t know, now you know, sucka”-Biggie).
#7 – Paleo Moussaka
This really was amazing, though a little surprising that it is so high on the list. Looks like our Greek Weeks feature was pretty popular!
#6 – Paleo Baked Apple
We knew from the instant we saw the photos that this one was gonna be popular. It was initially going to be for a guest post on another site, but after trying it and seeing these sexy photos I said “we’re keeping that!” This was even featured on the Great Mark’s Daily Apple.
#5 – Paleo Lemon Meringue Pie
Another win from Holley, this dessert is sought out by many on a regular basis. Delish!
#4 – Paleo Butter Chicken
It’s no surprise at all that this amazing butter chicken recipe (a friend’s family recipe that we paleo-ized together) has been so popular. The surprising thing is that it hasn’t been featured more. Big shout out to Holy Mama Moly who makes this almost weekly and tweets photos on the regular!
#3 – Paleo Chips N’Dip (Guacamole x2)
You cannot go wrong with guacamole, and both of these variations are great with pineapple chips. We got lucky when Buzzfeed picked it up.
#2 – Paleo Hummus
Cauliflower and almond butter? You would never guess the ingredients if you didn’t know. As you can see from just this list, this is more than just a dip for paleo pita bread. Sandwich spread, omelette feature, and vegetable dip just to name a few.
#1 – Paleo Cranberry Sauce
This was based on my momma’s recipe! This isn’t just good as a holiday recipe, use it any time to make a meal more exciting.
Top 25 Under-Appreciated Recipes of 2014
Many of our most exciting recipes of the year just didn’t get the attention they deserved (I think that about all of our recipes, but that’s beside the point, haha). Here are some of our favorites and most interesting dishes.
#25 – Candied Maple Pecan Yams
This is easy and delicious, a nice side for many meals. Thanks to my sis for helping create this one.
#24 – Paleo Rhubarb Banana Crisp
Another amazing combination from Holley. It might sound like a weird mix, but you don’t even know how good it is until you try it!
#23 – Paleo Pancakes – Carrot, Blueberry, Lemon
Holley has made a number of great paleo pancake recipes this yea, but this was the original and I think it’s waaaaayyyy better than the “normal” pancake.
#22 – Thai Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Bacon
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a replacement for traditional scalloped potatoes. This is its own beast.
#21 – Paleo Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake
Two words: The Bomb. Cherry bomb? Chocolate bomb? Cheesecake bomb! I guess there are lots of 2-words that fit here. And that’s my 2 cents.
#20 – Horseradish Honey Mustard Pecan Encrusted Salmon
I’ve made this multiple times, and everyone loves it, even the chef that told me that salmon shouldn’t be encrusted!
#19 – Apple Fennel Salad
Simple. Well balanced. Refreshing. I’m not even a fennel fan and I couldn’t get enough of this!
#18 – Balsamic Bacon Radicchio
Not only does it look cool, this is a really stellar dish. And it’s super easy. (By the way, it has bacon!)
#17 – Paleo Chocolate Truffles (aka Schweddy Balls)
Salty and sweet, I dreamed these up while in a waiting room and couldn’t wait to put them all together!
#16 – Beef Mushroom Endive Taco Boats
Look: they’re beautiful! And let me tell you, these lil appies are delicious. Initially created for a competition for the Blend and Extend campaign, this one’s a keeper.
#15 – Paleo Breakfast Sausage
I love this blend of flavors! And you can pre-make these, so they are super convenient for rushed breakfasts! They say it’s the most important meal of the day!
#14 – Beef Thai Pie
I want to eat this right now! I forgot about this one. And I like the name. It rhymes you know. I’m so easily amused….
#13 – Strawberry Jalapeno Iced Tea
Strawberries and peppers… it seems like they are a match made in heaven. See #2 on this list.
#12 – Portobello Mushroom Paleo Taco
I dig this one a lot. Mexican style. The guacamole, ground beef, and olives don’t even leave me craving cheese. Boo-yah!
#11 – Jalapeno “Cheesy” Crackers and Onion Jam
Making your own crackers is super easy and fast. I had no idea until I was looking at a couple recipes online. I should make these every week….
#10 – Orange Blossom Strawberry Ice Cream
Did you know that you can make ice cream without an ice cream maker?? Holley shows us how.
#9 – Jalapeno “Cheddar” Kale Chips
I only put this at number 9??? Quote from Holley’s boss: “These are better than how I imagine crack would be”. Wow.
#8 – Peach Chili Chicken Wings
These are only one of many amazing appetizers that we have on the site, and the way Holley raved about them, I’m super jealous that I haven’t tried them yet…
#7 – Paleo Calamari & Battered Fiddleheads and Asparagus
Speaking of amazing appetizers, I made these for Christmas day (and made onion rings with the extra batter). These are wicked-awesome. Especially with Holley’s paleo tzatziki!
#6 – Banana Bacon Scrambled Eggs
I know, it sounds strange, but everyone I’ve served these to has loved them! And they’re easy.
#5 – Chia Chocolate Mousse
Paleo Chia Chocolate Mousse – Great for breakfast or dessert!
This… this was my very first posted recipe. It’s both amazingly delicious, but also works well as dessert or breakfast (which is how I usually eat it). And I am sooo proud of the photo….
#4 – Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings
I’ll let you take a second to collect yourself and wrap your mind around this one. I saw this (a non-paleo version) in a restaurant, and the chef could not stop beaming while he explained what I was seeing him prepare. Mind blown!
#3 – Paleo Tiger Ice Cream Smoothie
I am actually shocked – SHOCKED! – at how good this smoothie is! Only 4 or 5 ingredients including ice cubes. Good one Holley!
#2 – Chipotle Strawberry Chicken Wings
Boom! Strawberry and pepper, again. I told you! This is an amazing flavor combination and with Holley’s paleo ranch dip – Oh Em Gee! I don’t even have words other than “AaggaGGhGhghGhGhghhhh”!
#1 – Pecan Crusted Rack of Lamb
This is one of my favorite recipes of the year. Made 3 racks for my family Christmas Eve meal this year. Must-have!
Top Reads of 2014
Holley and I find each other pretty entertaining, which is one of the reasons we became great friends so quickly. Sometimes we’re even able to get across how amazing, funny, smart and witty we are through our writing. So here is a list of some of our amazing literary works of art chosen by us and couple loyal readers. This list is in no particular order.
#18 – Our “Privacy Policy, Disclaimers, and Disclosures” page
I’m not even joking, this is actually an entertaining read, and not only that but when I asked Holley for her input on this list, this was the first thing that came to her mind.
#17 – Curried Pumpkin and Apple (with Raisins)
This is a personal story about a family visit, how the recipe came to be, and the social importance of food in my family.
#16 – How to Cut a Pineapple (and Choose it & Grow it)
Look! We know things! We’re funny! This is one of our few team-posts. Always a treat.
#15 – Mulberry Spinach Salad
Holley gets the low-down on mulberries. Thanks to her connecting with a farmer and getting the behind the scenes, little-known-facts about this interesting berry.
#14 – How to Network in a Onesie
If the title itself doesn’t grab you… Another team-post. We had attended a food bloggers’ conference and learned a ton! This was a fun little insight into our personalities, and with links to funny photos of us.
#13 – About Us
This is a series of half a dozen pages about each of us and our influences, as well as a bit about The Primal Desire itself. FYI, my About page is viewed more than Holley’s, so if you want to even that up, give her a hand, hahaha!
#12 – Subscribe Now!
This page has undergone quite a few makeovers this year, and I think I’m finally comfortable with it. If this doesn’t convince you to subscribe to our email updates, well, maybe you should tell me what we’re missing.
#11 – Persimmon Korma
Holley reminisces about the experiences of childhood play in the snow with details that I had not thought of since living them myself as a child.
#10 – Paleo Rosemary Raspberry Jam
Holley tells stories about her mom and dad, who are quite an entertaining couple. You know that they have pet chickens that like to cuddle?
#9 – Avocado Peach Basil Spinach Salad
Holley tells of incredibly, almost unbelievably action-packed days with her nephews.
#8 – Pecan Crusted Rack of Lamb
Not only one of my favorite recipes of the year, but I also think this is the post to read. Especially well timed today, the last day of the year. Have Kleenex
ready (I even made that a link so you could buy some online).
#7 – Peach Avocado Salsa
Haha, here I admit to a weakness, my Kryptonite if you will. This one was chosen by a couple friends (I think the ones who I convinced to skin peaches for me).
#6 – Duck Egg Omelette
Another of my very first posts, I speak about being a father – no, I don’t have any actual children. But I feel like I am. This is probably my second-favorite post that I wrote this year.
#5 – Glazed Banana Carrot
I think the combination of bananas and carrots should be enough to get you to read this, but there is some back story about the “banana challenge” (nothing like the 30-day Paleo Challenge that we will start tomorrow – please join us for that).
#4 – Strawberry Jalapeno Iced Tea
Learn about my thoughts about fashion sense. I happen to know that a lot of people agree, even if they only told me in person and wouldn’t admit it in the comments (you know who you are!).
#3 – Jalapeno “Cheesy” Crackers and Onion Jam
This is a comical write-up containing some of my habits, an insider’s look into my being.
#2 – Basil, Avocado, Bacon Deviled Eggs (aka Green Eggs and Ham)
I unplugged from technology and screens of all kinds for 3 full days. It was a fantastic experience and look forward to doing it again. I write about my experience and observations. I revisit that place in my head regularly.
#1 – Peach Chili Sauce
Holley recently spent a few days in solitude unplugged from cyber space and her cell phone. Quite a bit different than my unplugged experience, and something that I might want to try.
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