MOST POPULAR RECIPES OF 2017
Hi Everyone!
What a year 2017 has been! So many ups and downs, but, I feel I am finishing the year in a better place than where I started from on January 1st and that’s what counts. 🙂 Onwards and upwards, a small step at a time.
First, some of the downs. Over the summer, my two year old son suffered five seizures and spent a week in hospital while the doctors tried to find the cause. It was the scariest time of my entire life. I felt so helpless and afraid for him. The doctors never found out for sure the cause. They think it was a viral infection. He hasn’t had any seizures since but it has taken a long time for the worry to subside.
Around the same time my brother-in-law had a recurrence of testicular cancer. He had been in remission for nearly five years. The doctors operated quickly and he has been given the all clear without having to have chemotherapy again.
As for the ups it has been quite a rollercoaster ride. I started my blog! I couldn’t be happier about Gilded Gingerbread. It has exceeded all of my expectations and keeps going from strength to strength. I am so happy that my readers like my recipes! When I started the blog back in June, I was skeptical that I could make a success out of it. Was anybody really interested in my cooking? Well, it turns out that lots of people are and the Gilded Gingerbread family keeps growing everyday. 1685 followers across my social media platforms. Just shy of 12,000 views on my YouTube channel. It blows my mind just thinking about it.
One surprising aspect of starting my blog are the doors that it has opened to other opportunities. My kimchi making class was a great success and more are planned for the New Year. In March, I will also be taking part in Sheffield University’s Korean Day in association with the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK). I will be conducting a Korean cooking demonstration. There will be lots of tasty food. Yay!
And what plans do I have for 2018? Well, yesterday Gilded Gingerbread Ltd, my company, was born. I can’t believe it! I am officially an entrepreneur. LOL! Who would have thought??? My first foray into the world of business will be the publication of my e-book. I have been working on it for a little while now, squeezing it in between blog posts and family life. It is starting to come together and I expect to publish in the first quarter of the year. I’m also planning another big product launch. Keep your eyes peeled to the blog for more updates a bit closer to the time.
One thing I have learnt since starting Gilded Gingerbread is that you can never tell which recipes will be popular. Some of my favourites, No Machine Ice Cream I’m looking at you, never really caught on, while my Ssamjang dipping sauce recipe has proved to be one of my most popular videos on YouTube! I wish I knew the secret! Until I find it out I will continue to post recipes that make me warm and fuzzy on the inside.
In the meantime, here are the most popular recipes from 2017. And as you can see, you never can tell. Click on the pictures or links to go to the recipes and videos. Happy New Year Gingerbreaders! I hope 2018 brings you all the success and happiness you desire. Peace and love, Hyeon Jeong.
Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2017
10. Cucumber Kimchi 오이 김치
My Cucumber Kimchi recipe is cool, crunchy, spicy and refreshing. The perfect Korean side dish. Super simple and very, very tasty. It goes with pretty much everything but is especially good with bulgogi and Korean BBQ. My recipe is super quick, so, it is perfect for when your regular kimchi has run out and you need some badly. 🙂
9. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) 순두부찌개
My quick and easy Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) recipe. Pork, kimchi and soft tofu in a spicy, comforting stew. Ready in less than 20 minutes.
8. Dakgalbi 닭갈비
Dakgalbi is a very tasty, stir fried spicy chicken dish served with ramen noodles and rice. An excellent dinner to impress your family and friends. The leftovers (if there are any) taste amazing too!
7. Quick, Easy, Authentic Kimchi 막김치
My easy, authentic Kimchi recipe is the perfect introduction to making kimchi for yourself. Shop bought kimchi doesn’t come close! A great Korean side dish.
6. Yangnyeom Chicken 양념치킨
The original KFC (Korean Fried Yangnyeom Chicken) 😉 Crispy double fried chicken in a spicy sweet and sour sauce. Upgrade your dinner, movie night or party with my super easy recipe that everyone will love.
5. Korean BBQ Samgyeopsal 삼겹살
Korean Samgyeopsal. Perfect with roasted garlic, grilled kimchi, spring onion salads, ssamjang, sesame oil dipping sauce, cooked rice and doenjang soup.
4. Ssamjang & Sesame Oil Dipping Sauce 쌈장/기름장
Ssamjang and Sesame Oil Dipping Sauce are perfect with any cooked meat. Ssamjang is also an amazing dip for your favourite vegetables but goes especially well with cucumbers, carrots and celery. Pack it in your lunchbox for a change from hummus or your usual dip. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Dakgangjeong Fried Chicken (Crispy Sweet and Spicy Fried Chicken) 닭강정
Crispy double fried sweet and spicy boneless Korean Dakgangjeong Fried Chicken. Your new go to fried chicken recipe. Just delicious.
2. Easy Nutella Flower Bread
A beautiful tear ‘n share Nutella Flower Bread (Blumen Brot). Three layers of Nutella sandwiched between all-butter brioche bread. The perfect dessert centrepiece for your Christmas Dinner.
1. Easy German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)
My German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen) recipe. Juicy apples baked in a lovely golden sponge with an apricot jam glaze. It is perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert as well as parties, picnics and afternoon treats.
