I honestly can’t believe I’m sitting here writing this on the last day of 2025. While it hasn’t been the easiest year (full of many ‘firsts’ without my partner who passed away last year) I found a lot of peace and comfort in the kitchen again. Cooking became an anchor and a place I could return to, and I’m really grateful for that. I’m also so proud that I was able to share more recipes here on the blog this year. Every single one was turned into a video too, so if you’re not already following along on Instagram or TikTok… now might be the time!

This year, I updated some of my favourite older recipes with brand new photos and videos. Mostly because I make them over and over and I couldn’t keep cringing at my old photos any longer! I fully leaned into my ‘homemade’ era too, designing a free ebook of my favourite things to make from scratch instead of buying at the supermarket. I also relaunched my Homemade Christmas ebook, so thank you so much to everybody who supported it. I hope your festive season was filled with as much rocky road and cookies as mine was!

Next year, this blog turns 19, which feels completely wild and makes me feel just a little bit ancient. Looking ahead to 2026, I’d love to start creating longer-form videos on YouTube, keep gardening and cooking with what I grow, and continue experimenting with homemade alternatives that not only taste better, but help save a bit of money too. But before the year officially wraps up, let’s take a little walk down memory lane. These are some of my absolute favourite recipes of 2025. And if you’ve tried any of them, I’d love you to leave a comment below!

1. Peach Crumble Focaccia

2025 was the year I fell down a focaccia rabbit hole. Once I nailed the base recipe, I couldn’t stop experimenting. This Peach Crumble version was one of my favourites and really unlocked a creative part of my brain. Expect more focaccia in 2026 (I have so many ideas!) and possibly some other kinds of bread projects too. Sourdough, English muffins and bagels are all on my list.

2. XO Sauce Noodles with Pork and Green Beans

I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to share this recipe on the blog, because it’s one of my go-to weeknight dinners. I make it at least once a month, and everyone who’s tried it has loved it. It takes about 15 minutes (faster than Uber Eats!) and is absolutely packed with flavour. I made it again two days ago and can confirm, it’s still a total winner.

3. Homemade Caramel Popcorn

I’m a self-professed popcorn snob and I was so tired of buying expensive, disappointing caramel popcorn that I just had to make my own. And honestly? This version is perfect. Sweet and salty, crunchy and completely addictive. Bookmark this one for your next at-home movie night.

4. Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

My obsession with putting crumble on everything continued this year, but this pie/cookie/slice hybrid was a favourite. I loved everything about it, and now that cherry season has rolled around again, I’m absolutely itching to make it for a summer picnic!

5. Banana Self Saucing Pudding with Miso Caramel

This was one of my biggest surprises of the year. I’m not usually a huge fan of banana desserts, but I also hate wasting overripe bananas. I was genuinely shocked by how good this turned out. The hint of miso ties everything together beautifully and it made the most comforting, cozy winter pudding.

6. Pavlova Rocky Road

Alongside focaccia, rocky road became my other food hyper-fixation this year. I shared three different versions on the blog, and while it’s barely even a recipe (just throw your favourite things into melted chocolate!), I loved getting creative with it. If I had to choose a favourite, this Pavlova Rocky Road was the prettiest, and absolutely delicious too. You guys also went nuts for Rocky Road Week in December when I shared a new version every day!

7. Slow Cooked Brisket Ragu

If you come over for dinner at my place during the cooler months, there’s a high chance I’m cooking this ragu. It’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly hands-off thanks to the slow cooker. I also loved using homegrown rosemary, basil and cherry tomatoes in this recipe. I made it for my Dad’s birthday, then froze the leftovers in portions, which meant I got to enjoy it for the rest of winter too.

8. Pimm’s and Peach Tarte Tatin

Any recipe involving Pimm’s is almost guaranteed to be a favourite for me. I love how well it works in fruit desserts, and this was my very first attempt at a tarte tatin. I’ll admit I was a little terrified flipping the pan over… but it turned out utterly gorgeous and tasted even better. A delicious dessert with theatrical flair that’s guaranteed to impress dinner guests!

Wishing you a very happy 2026 filled with great food, new adventures and lots of good times. Thank you so much for being here, and I’ll see you next year!