We have made it halfway through 2024 and checked off Q2. I have tested 228 new recipes since January 1st—and it looks like I will be able to meet my goal of 365 different recipes this year. This has been an adventure!

After Q1, I shared the top ten recipes had made so far. This time I’ll share the top ten recipes I have made in Q2:

1. Weeknight Tagliatelle with Bolognese Sauce from America’s Test Kitchen 🍝

2. Ultimate Banana Bread from Smitten Kitchen 🍌

3. Gỏi Gá (Crunchy Vietnamese Chicken Salad) from food & wine by Eric Banh and Sophie Banh | Instagram Post 🥗

4. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes from Jo Cooks

5. Chamoy Casero (Homemade Chamoy) from MESA SANA🌶️ | Tiktok Post | Instagram Reel

6. Best, Easy Healthy Baked Salmon from Creme de la Crumb 🐟

7. Vanilla Crème Brûlée from NYTimes Cooking by Mark Bittman 🍮

8. Grilled Zucchini Salad with Cilantro Pepita Pesto from The Sprouted Kitchen Bowl and Spoon: Simple and Inspired Whole Foods Recipes to Savor and Share [A Cookbook]🥗

9. Elegant Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut with Fresh Herbs and Coconut Sauce from Foodal 🥥🐟

10. Brown Sugar Syrup from my baking addiction

Thank YOU all for your support. If you know anyone else who would enjoy this newsletter, please share 📧.

Recipe Request and Recommendation Corner 📬

My aunt, Aida, has sent me many recipes via Instagram. I am so thankful for her support and everyone who has been messaging me about the blog. She sent me this one—Ensalada de Calabacita con Burrata y Almendra (Zucchini Salad with Burrata and Almonds) from Mesa Sana 🥗—and I was excited to try another Mesa Sana recipe. But this time, the recipe was just alright. I am really excited to keep trying all the recipes my aunt is sending me! 🌟 

Recipes Made So Far This Year:

Goal: To try seven new recipes each week 🗓️, aiming for 365 this year!

 Number of Recipes Made this Week: 7

Number of New Recipes Tested as of 6/30: 228

Weeks Achieving seven or More New Recipes: 25 out of 26

This Week’s Recipe Test Summary

Impress Someone🌟

Brown Sugar Syrup from my baking addiction

My sister sent me a recipe via Instagram, which I will feature next week. One of the ingredients I needed was brown sugar syrup, so I made my own. I was so surprised by how delicious this was. I think it would be great to have at home for any fellow coffee drinkers ☕️.

Would Make Again 👍

Easy Healthy Yogurt Fruit Dip from Foolproof Living 🍑

I remember playing around the pool in Rosarito when I was about 12 years old, and my mom, as usual, would bring us snacks down to the pool. One of those was peaches and yogurt dip—it was delicious, as I remember. Last week, my high school friends came over to the pool last minute (literally), and I had to make something out of what I had. I had lots of fruit and yogurt, so I quickly googled this recipe and whipped it up. I thought it was okay (not as good as my mom’s recipe, but is anything ever as good as what your mom makes?). I laid it out by the pool, and my friends kept asking me what it was; it was really good. So, I think I am keeping this recipe for a poolside snack 🍉. Note: this is the best yogurt for yogurt dip or any frozen yogurt treat.

Would Not Make Again 👎

These recipes didn’t live up to expectations or weren’t to my taste

Blueberry Yogurt Multigrain Pancakes from smitten kitchen 🥞

Ensalada de Calabacita con Burrata y Almendra from Mesa Sana🥗

Perfect Potato Pancakes from Ina Garten 🥔

Sticky Ginger Scallion Meatballs from All the Healthy Things 🧆

Chai Tea Latte Popsicles from the foodie dietitian

I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any recipe requests you might have. Just respond directly to this email.

See you next week. Keep cooking! 👋 

Vale from ValeCooks