So I’d planned to post this in January, but I blinked and it was gone. Some people claim January DRAGS by, but for me, it flew. If the rest of the year goes this fast… Anyway, here are the trends I’ve noted, researched and tasted for the coming year.
The New York Times published their most liked recipes from 2024 and there were definite trends. Actually, three- Comfort, Convenience and Chicken. I have to admit, those three all sound good to me.
Gone are the days when I want to spend days in the kitchen on one dish. Life, this year has already been extremely hard, so comfort foods are just what I’m craving. And chicken? My favorite protein and one that’s actually affordable and readily available.
Coincidentally, most of the trends I’ve spotted for this new year, mostly fall into one of these three categories.
- King Ranch Chicken
This dish hits all three of those trends and when you have three separate email newsletters sending you this recipe, you know it’s a trend. I made the recipe from Better Homes and Gardens for this enchilada-type casserole topped with cheese and it was a big, gooey hit. I have to admit if I made it again, I would try the Food and Wine recipe, which doesn’t rely on canned soups (yuk). It’s not as convenient, but it sounds more interesting and healthier. Sour Cream, salsa and cilantro are welcome toppings.
2. Rich Foods
When times are hard and people are struggling, food can fill a void. Even if you don’t have a ton of money, you can at least make a Millionaire’s Short Bread or Chocolate Eclair Cake and feel like a million bucks. These two desserts were some of America’s Test Kitchen’s favorite recipes from last year. Homey pies, pasta and stews topped Food and Wine’s favorite dishes from 2024, proving comfort food is king.
3. Asian Food
Is again trending hard, but now specifically South East Asian Cuisine, like Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian. Indonesian food features dishes like Fried Rice, Stews and Meatballs. Once again, comfort food!
4. Gut-Healthy Food
When I was growing up, no one talked about pro or prebiotics or gut-healthy food, but it’s all the rage now. So mushrooms, sauerkraut and kimchi are very popular. Kimchi, in particular, is trending and is being used in many ways, outside of just a side dish.
5. Non-Processed Foods
This is kind of an anti-trend. Ultra-processed foods are definitely on the naughty list these days. That includes Seed Oils, which are highly processed and whose extraction process can include high heat and chemical solvents. No thank you. These oils are often in fried and snack foods and are known to cause inflammation. Instead of Corn or Sunflower Oil, reach for Olive, Avocado or Coconut Oils. If all else fails, use butter.
6. Calamondin
This tiny citrus fruit packs a punch and is apparently trending, according to the Food Network. It has made appearances in drinks, snacks and desserts. It’s also in a Trader Joe’s Mango Bar, which means it’s officially a trend.
7. Crispy Onions and Jalapenos
You know those French’s Crispy Onions that appear every Thanksgiving? I ate some out of the plastic container and wondered how they could be used in other recipes besides the typical green bean casserole. Now, Trader Joe’s and other grocery stores are carrying Crispy Jalapeños and not just at Thanksgiving. They add a tasty crunch on top of dumplings, salads, soups and are also good just straight out of the bag!
8. Eastern European Foods
Like Pierogi (dumplings), Borscht and Goulash are popular right now. These are, of course, also comfort foods with a twist. When we went to Seattle’s Pike market recently, the line for Pierogis was out the door.
9. Cured Egg Yolks
I recently had a Beef Carpaccio topped with a cured egg yolk at Latitudes in Key West and was very impressed. Then, a friend’s daughter told me she made her own to top a homemade Tuna Tartare for a dinner party. Sounds like a trend to me and protein, in all forms (including plant-based) is definitely hot, especially with the amount of people on Ozempic and similar drugs.
10. Tiny Cocktails
According to Infatuation, a great website, tiny cocktails are a thing now, especially mini martinis. I haven’t seen this trend and, personally don’t want to. With the way 2025 is going, bring me a large, extra strength cocktail and don’t skimp!
Next Up: Where to go in Key West
