The 20 best recipes of 2015

20. Banana-caramel cream pie

Creamy, with hits of caramel and crunchy chocolate toffee, this over-the-top pie is nothing short of spectacular.
More: Get the recipe. Best banana recipes.

19. Rhubarb curd

How to extend the all-too-short rhubarb season? Make curd! This genius idea was inspired by lemon curd — just sub in rhubarb. Spread it on pancakes, spoon it into little meringues, fold it into whipped cream — or just eat it from the jar. Get the recipe.
More: Best rhubarb recipes.

18. French onion macaroni and cheese

We didn’t know we could love macaroni and cheese any more than we already do. Then we tasted this recipe. More: Best cheesy pasta recipes.

17. Whole-roasted cauliflower with tomato-pepper sauce

Whole roasted cauliflower has recently become the darling of trendy restaurants, and with good reason: Not only is it stunning, it’s also easy and delicious. Get the recipe.
More: Best cauliflower recipes.

16. Garlicky chicken fried rice

The trick to this easy dish is using day-old rice (freshly cooked rice will turn it into glop). But, if you want to make it today: Cook rice, spread it on a baking sheet and cool it in the fridge. Get the recipe.
More: Best winter chicken recipes.

15. Onion quiche in a potato crust

We first came up with this idea for a friend who loves quiche but is allergic to gluten, and it’s a house favourite for everyone now.
More: Get the recipe. Best quiche, frittata and fritter recipes.

14. Classic vanilla cake

Introducing the only cake we ever make! It’s easy, fast and spectacular. It looks best in two 8-in. cake pans; to use 9-in. pans, decrease the baking time to 30 min. Get the recipe.
More: Best cake recipes.

13. Apple-blueberry superfood crumble

We added heart-healthy walnuts, fibre-rich flax and crunchy pepitas to the traditional oats and sugar topping. Get the recipe.
More: Best apple recipes.

12. Black bean chocolate cake.

No one will ever guess what’s in this cake. Get the recipe.
More: Best superfood desserts.

11. Small-batch chocolate chip cookies

This recipe yields just four cookies, making it the perfect little indulgence for after dinner. Get the recipe.
More: Best cookie recipes.

10. Kung Pao chicken stir fry

This delicious soy-sherry sauce works just as well with pork or firm tofu. As with all stir-fries, have all ingredients prepped and measured before starting to cook. Get the recipe.
More: Best stir fry recipes.

9. Chocolate-zucchini muffins

These chocolate muffins get a boost from a secret ingredient — grated zucchini. (And you can’t even tell it’s in there.) Get the recipe.
More: Best muffin recipes.

8. Slow cooker gingery chicken congee

This simple but delicious rice porridge is a classic Asian breakfast and a test-kitchen staff favourite. It’s especially good for anyone who prefers savoury over sweet on a chilly morning. It’s great in a thermal container on a ski trip too. Get the recipe.
More: Best slow cooker recipes.

7. Slow cooker french onion soup

This is one of our favourite comfort foods, and preparing it in the slow cooker makes it that much easier. For a stovetop version, caramelize the onions and salt over medium until dark golden. Add flour, then vermouth, broth and water, and simmer, covered, for at least 30 min. Get the recipe.
More: Best slow cooker recipes.

6. Overnight Chia Oatmeal

Assemble the night before, then the next morning, breakfast is ready — in just five minutes.
More: Get the recipe. Best breakfasts in 10 minutes or less.

5. Fruit and nut oatmeal

Slow cooked oatmeal is the original comforting stick-to-your ribs breakfast. Use any combination of dried fruit, nuts and seeds, and feel free to skip the milk (just stir in some extra water after the oats are cooked).
More: Get the recipe. Best recipes using oats.

4. Old-fashioned date sqaures

Delicious date squares are a simple blend of brown sugar, oats, butter and sweet dates – a comforting treat for a cozy winter afternoon. If there’s a baked-goods equivalent to a hug, this is it.
More: Get the recipe. Best recipes using oats.

3. Chocolate-beet brownies

Grated beets are hidden away in these chocolatey brownies adding a big boost of folate. Get the recipe.
More: Best beet recipes.

2. Slow cooker cinnamon-raisin swirl bread

Swirled with cinnamon-sugar and raisins, this homemade loaf will add an especially sweet note to your next breakfast. Get the recipe.
More: Best sweet bread recipes.

1. Maple-bacon French toast

Challah bread is ideal for this recipe – it’s sturdy enough to stand up to long cooking. We like the subtle sweetness of this dish but really love it served with lots of maple syrup. Get the recipe.
More: Best brunch recipes.

Related:
24 cookbooks we loved in 2015
How to make candied cranberries
10 holiday menus for easy entertaining