It has been a few years since I wrote a year-end roundup like this, and I’m genuinely excited to share it. This post feels like the old days of blogging just for fun. I didn’t select these entries by personal preference alone — these are the ten posts that received the most traffic and pageviews in 2020, highlighting what resonated most with readers over the year.
This year I invested a lot of energy into the blog: developing new recipes, updating older ones, and adding video content to complement the posts. The pandemic changed plans across the board and, since I paused shooting and writing a cookbook after January, I was able to dedicate more time to this site — and I loved having that focus.
I’m thankful for the freelance work that kept things afloat this year. Many projects and trips were canceled in March through May, and several sponsored collaborations and opportunities fell through. Despite those setbacks, I was able to stay productive in part because I had other income, and I’m grateful for that stability.
Overall, I’m deeply grateful to have been blogging for nearly ten years. Sharing vegan recipes — whether they’re comfort food or something adventurous — remains a joy. Seeing your photos and tags when you make my recipes for holidays or simple weeknights is the best part of this work. I also appreciate everyone who has supported my cookbooks; it still surprises me that there are three out in the world!
A bright spot of 2020 for our household was adopting our cat, Misu. She found us, and we’re so happy she did. You may have seen her in my Instagram stories — I hope to share her rescue story sometime. Misu truly helped make the year easier to get through.
On a personal note, after years of managing anxiety, I made a medical decision that helped me be more consistent and productive. That step didn’t erase everything, and good days and bad days still come, but it made a measurable difference in how I was able to work and create this year.
In total I published 43 posts this year, more than I have for a while. Below are the top ten posts of 2020, as measured by traffic and engagement. These entries reflect what readers found helpful, comforting, or inspiring during a challenging year.
Top VYA Posts of 2020
High-Protein Vegan Meal Prep for Two
My first meal-prep post remains a favorite. This plan covers five days of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for two people, with diverse, fresh ingredients to keep meals balanced and satisfying. Many readers told me it helped simplify their weeknights.
Chipotle Brown Rice Bake
Published when many of us cooked from pantry staples, this dump-and-bake casserole became a go-to. It’s easy, flavorful, and made from simple ingredients most people have on hand.
One-Pot Lentil Mushroom Pasta
This one-pot dish uses dried lentils to add texture and protein to a comforting pasta. It’s savory, filling, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Slow Cooker Seitan Roast
Posted later in the year but quickly popular, this Slow Cooker Seitan Roast comes from my second cookbook and became a favorite for holiday dinners.
Low-Effort Vegan Recipes by Black Creators
I was glad to spotlight recipes from Black creators in this roundup. It felt important to use the blog to promote other voices and to share accessible, delicious ideas. Proceeds from ads on that page were donated to the ACLU.
Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers
Simple and fast, these turnovers deliver a flaky breakfast pastry in about 30 minutes. They’re an easy way to treat yourself with minimal fuss.
Sheet Pan Tofu Scramble
Though it ranks seventh, this sheet-pan tofu scramble is one of my personal favorites. Roasting the tofu and vegetables together is a revelation — minimal hands-on time, maximum flavor.
Autumn Squash Wild Rice Bake
Another comforting dump-and-bake casserole that became popular: hearty wild rice combined with fall vegetables makes an easy, satisfying dinner that’s ideal for cooler months.
Vegan Cheesy Sweet Potato Pierogi
With Polish family roots, pierogi are close to my heart. This vegan sweet potato and cheese version struck a chord with readers and became a comforting, nostalgic dish many returned to.
Cabbage Roll Soup
Another heritage-inspired favorite, this Cabbage Roll Soup is easy to make and freezes well — a practical, cozy option for busy weeks and meal prep.
Honorable Mentions
These recipes narrowly missed the top ten but deserve recognition — especially because I’m a huge fan of desserts and comfort foods that carry us through busy days and celebrations.
One-Bowl Vegan Chocolate Chai Cookies
These nut-free, one-bowl cookies were repeatedly baked in my kitchen and yours. They’re easy to customize with pantry ingredients and perfect for gifting or snacking.
Four-Ingredient Chocolate Pie [Plant-Based on a Budget]
This rich, easy chocolate pie from the Plant-Based On A Budget cookbook did especially well on video over the summer. It’s indulgent yet straightforward to make.
I hope you have a safe and happy New Year. Thank you for reading, cooking, and sharing your photos — it means so much. Below is a playful image I shot after a pasta session this week; cheers to good food and small comforts.
