2014 Pinterest Potluck Recipes

The name of my main Pinterest food board is Pinterest Potluck. It's not food that I would take to a potluck (well, I could), rather the board looks like a potluck with all it's varied pins.  

One of my goals in 2014 was to make at least one Pinterest recipe per month. Each month I added a new recipe to this post that I had found on Pinterest and tried, along with my thoughts, comments, changes. I was mostly successful. Towards the end of the year, I was feeling less energetic and didn't get around to trying anything new in November (also reflected in my Pinterest Project goal as well).  I'm still pleased however to have a few new recipes that I have added to my favorites list.  Here it is December 30 and I'm still undecided about my plans for 2015. Do I continue the same plan--1 new Pinterest Recipe per month-- or do I put a new criteria on it? I guess that will be determined soon enough. Stay tuned.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole   |   December

Image Source: Allkindsofyum.com

Very easy and got rave reviews at work Christmas potluck! They thought it was just the right amount of spice. My only variation was to do less cheese and to do a blend of Pepperjack and Cheddar. The pepperjack gave it a little extra kick without a lot of effort. I cooked this overnight, but I didn't sleep well--worried that it might run out of juices and start burning... So about half way through the night, I got up and added a little more milk- just in case. Not sure if that was really necessary, but it gave me a bit more peace of mind. The only thing that really needs to "cook" overnight is the eggs and hashbrowns -- and so I was okay to have my programmable crockpot switch to warm after 4 hours. It was adequately cooked by the time I got it to work. {Will probably make again}


Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili   |   October

Image source: queenbeecoupons.com

So easy and it turned out great! I needed something quick to pull together for a farewell potluck we had at work today. I was too tired last night to make the hot bacon potato salad (see below), so I looked around my Pinterest pins hoping for something easy with ingredients I should already have on hand... bingo! I even had some thawed chicken breasts that I needed to use up, so win-win. I ended up throwing a 3rd chicken breast in --partly because I wasn't sure what else I'd do with it, but also because I knew that not many people had signed up with substantial dishes (fruit salad, cupcakes...). So I got up early this morning, threw everything in my programmable crock pot and set it for high at 4 hours, and then continued getting ready for work. When it was time to head to work, I unplugged it and took it to work for it to finish cooking in the break room. The aroma wafted through the medical practice where I work (I felt a little guilty for those patients who had to fast prior to their stress tests). It turned out fantastic! Everyone enjoyed it. Because of the extra chicken, it turned out more like a stew. I think it could've used a little more spice, so next time, I'm going to try adding a packet of taco seasoning in addition to the spices in the recipe (or maybe two packets and skip it all together??)  {Will definitely make again}



Chipotle Chicken and Corn Chowder  |   September

Image Source: browneyedbaker.com

Disappointing. I was expecting a "fuller" flavor to this soup. While it was mildly spicy and definitely NOT low-cal, I was left wondering what key ingredient was missing. You will need to love corn to enjoy this soup, and think you could easily leave out a can of the sweet corn and never miss it. I wish I had cooked the potatoes a little longer. {Probably won't make again}




Pumpkin Cheesecake  |  August

Image Source: ladybehindthecurtain.com

Very good! This was my very first cheesecake and it turned out great! I took it to a potluck dinner and it got good reviews. I was a bit disappointed with the homemade caramel sauce and didn't attempt the sugar pecan garnish. But overall tasty and easy to follow recipe.  {Might make again}





Hot Bacon Potato Salad  |  July

Oh, so amaaazing! In general, I'm pretty neutral about potato salad and have never ventured to make it before. However, at a potluck in June, I discovered that potato salad in a heated form, is rather quite good. I got the recipe from the lady who made and pinned it to Pinterest. It's now one of my favorite dishes! I got good reviews when I took it to a family function over July 4 weekend. YUM! {Will definitely make again}




Spicy Black Bean Salsa  |  June

Image Source: Ro-tel.com

Not your traditional salsa! I ended up modifying this recipe because I felt it lacked a little something after I made it (and doubled the corn). A friend made a similar black bean/corn/rotel salsa with Italian dressing (similar to THIS recipe), so I ending up adding a fat-free Caesar Italian (all that I had on hand). I thought it ended up okay, I still think it lacked something or maybe I had too much onion (I quadrupled the recipe and just chucked a bunch of onion in). I made WAY too much for a Saturday afternoon potluck...so took it to work on Monday for another potluck... and people at work ATE IT UP! I was surprised that it even was good after day one. So that's a win.  {Might make again}

Image Source: Budget Bytes

Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas | May

So good and flavorful. Easy too. This recipe calls for homemade taco seasoning which they link to in the recipe, but I found that a packet of store bought was just as good.  Recipe did not specify what kind of cheese and all I had was Kroger brand Hot Pepper Blend shredded cheese-- which probably added to the flavor. {Will make again}

Image Source: Budget Bytes

Salsa Chicken Casserole | May

So easy and very tasty. No changes. Didn't have any green onions, so left them out. {Will make again}

Image Source: myrecipes.com

Ohio Buckeyes | April

These tasted DELICIOUS! Just a like a Peanut Butter Cup! However I really struggled with the application of the melted chocolate. My PB balls kept falling apart. Did not look as pretty as the ones in the picture. Need to look around for tips on dipping in chocolate! {Might make again}

Image Source: aspicyperspective.com

Spicy Pumpkin Soup | April

Although it was spicy, I didn't think the flavor was that full or satisfying. I didn't have a fresh jalapeno and was forced to use canned, which was probably the difference.  I also didn't make the topping. it wasn't appealing for me.

I modified soup:

• added another 15 oz. can of pumpkin (total 2)
• added 3 oz. can of tomato paste.

Even still after the modifications and putting it over rice, I still wasn't completely happy with it.  {Probably won't make again}


Chocolate-PB Eclair | March

LOVE this easy dessert! This is one I added to Pinterest via my blog. {Will make again}

Image Source: Kitchenmeetsgirl.com

Hot Chocolate Mix | February

This a recipe for hot chocolate mix. No carregeenan!!! It's a little chalky due to the cocoa powder, but flavor okay.. {Probably won't make again}

Image source: Allrecipes.com

Quinoa & Black Beans | January

This turned out really yummy! I love to eat this in a soft taco shell. {Will make again}

My version/changes:

• I use chicken bouillon to make broth
• Added: 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. paprika and 1 can Rotel mostly drained and pureed -- add at same time spices are mentioned in the recipe. It adds a touch more moisture/liquid which I haven't figure out how to get rid of, but in the end you don't really notice.