Life

15 Recipes You Should Know How to Make in 2015, Because Ordering Takeout Every Night Is Starting to Get Old

We know how it goes — busy schedules lead to takeout order upon takeout order, and before you know it, the kitchen counter starts collecting dust. That's why we're going to resolve to make more meals at home this year, before our Seamless habits turn into daily ritual.

Cooking at home can improve your wellbeing, all the while saving you money. From the best mac 'n cheese you'll ever make to perfect, fluffy pancakes, these are the dishes you simply have to learn in 2015. Pretty soon, you'll be a kitchen pro.

Image: Green Kitchen Stories

by Rebecca Deczynski

Curry Hummus

Hummus is one of our favorite go-to snacks, and it’s so easy to make at home. Try out Joy the Baker’s curry-flavored version for a taste that will make you want to whip out that food processor way more often.

Image: Joy the Baker

Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

We get it. Promising to make more salads can seem like a tough resolution — unless your salads are as delicious as this green goodness by Cookie and Kate. Brussels sprouts and kale make it super easy to start the year off in a healthy way.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Mean Green Smoothie

You don’t have to go full-out juice cleanse to get healthier this year. Try drinking a veggie smoothie every now and then for a refreshing burst of greens. We love Half-Baked Harvest’s nutrient-filled drink.

Image: Half-Baked Harvest

Baked Macaroni

We know even cheese lovers make New Year’s resolutions. Make this the year that you branch out from your usual box of mac ‘n cheese and try out this amazing baked macaroni recipe by A Beautiful Mess. You’ll want to make it again and again.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2015 is the year that you finally nail down the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. Averie Cooks makes a coconut oil version that may just be the most delectable, chewy treat we’ve ever come across.

Image: Averie Cooks

Ciabatta Bread

There’s nothing quite like freshly baked bread. Brown-Eyed Baker’s ciabatta is perfect for a gourmet grilled cheese, or for dunking into a hot bowl of soup. Bonus: it will make your home smell like a bakery. Count us in.

Image: Brown Eyed Baker

Crock Pot Veggie Stock

To cut down your food waste and save money, start making your own vegetable stock. Use vegetable scraps and The Crepes of Wrath’s helpful recipe to turn carrot tops and leafy bits into rich stock, perfect for adding flavor to pasta or quinoa.

Image: The Crepes of Wrath

Soft and Chewy Baked Granola Bars

Granola bars can be super tempting, especially for a girl on the go. Skip store-bought brands that are filled with added sugar and preservatives, and make your own healthy snacks with Oh She Glows’ recipe.

Image: Oh She Glows

One Pot Lasagna

If cooking at home has one downside, it’s dirty dishes. Thankfully, Damn Delicious has an amazing lasagna recipe that can be made in one pot — and that means more time enjoying your homemade meal and less time scrubbing.

Image: Damn Delicious

Classic Pesto

Forget the stuff that comes from the jar. Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s classic pesto will quickly become your go-to for sprucing up sandwiches, pasta, and more.

Image: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Shakshuka

For a breakfast that is guaranteed to truly impress, look no further than shakshuka. The spicy tomato-egg dish tastes positively gourmet, but it’s really not a huge challenge to make, especially with the help of Green Kitchen Stories.

Image: Green Kitchen Stories

Shrimp Tacos

Take taco night to the next level and lay off from your usual Mexican takeout. Shrimp tacos are a healthy, delicious meal option, and thanks to A Spicy Perspective, you’ll have them mastered in no time.

Image: A Spicy Perspective

Buttermilk Pancakes

Instead of waiting an hour to get brunch at that trendy new restaurant, learn how to make your own covetable pancakes. The Kitchn’s recipe guarantees perfectly fluffy flapjacks.

Image: The Kitchn

Healthy Quinoa Bowl

With a little protein, some vegetables, and of course some sliced avocados, this quinoa bowl makes the perfect go-to dinner. Follow Domestic Fit’s recipe to make a healthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

Image: Domestic Fits

Homemade Pizza

Your favorite pizzeria may have a well-deserved spot on your speed dial, but there’s nothing quite as satisfying as making your own pie. The Kitchn’s recipe for homemade pizza will guide you step-by-step.

Image: The Kitchn

115