Best Recipes of 2016

Man, what a year! 2016 sure has been a memorable one, that’s for sure. As you remember, I started this blog back up again in July 2016. And it’s been one of my best decisions all year. Food is such a passion of mine and I am so blessed to have a means to share that passion with you all.

In the past year, I’ve shared many of my favorite recipes with you all: sweets, soups, drinks, entrees – each one more indulgent than the last. Now, I want to share the recipes that you all have loved the most and some of my favorites, too.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Most Popular Drink Recipe – Cranberry Lime Mojitos

These mojitos have been so popular with you guys. Is it the bright, festive colors? The delicious, refreshing flavors? Or maybe the simplicity of the recipe? Who knows! I just know that you guys have been making these like crazy ever since I posted the recipe earlier this month. I don’t blame you – I’ve made them five times in the last couple months and showing no signs of slowing down. Cheers to that!

Most Popular Breakfast Recipe – Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole

There is no shortage of breakfast recipes on the blog, that’s for sure. The most popular one, by far, has been this bananas foster french toast casserole. Though it was posted in early November, you have been making it the most during the holidays this month. Same here! I made it on Christmas morning and it was a huge hit. So glad you are loving it as much as I do! Maybe I’ll post some more breakfast casseroles soon? We shall see.

Most Popular Cookie Recipe – Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Cookies, cookies, cookies. I just can’t get enough cookies! But there is one that stands above the rest: Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are as chewy as they are visually stunning. So I can’t say I’m surprised when I realized these were the most viewed cookies on the blog. If it’s the peanut butter you love, you’re gonna be obsessed with this peanut butter hot chocolate.

Most Popular Savory Dish – Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese

Ya’ll cannot get enough of these cheesy dish. And how could you?! This mac and cheese combines three kinds of cheese with the amazing cavatappi pasta (also called corkscrew pasta). The pasta has little ridges that perfect grips the creamy sauce so you get a perfectly cheesy bite every time. Yummm. If you haven’t made this yet, what the heck are you waiting for?!

Most Popular Recipe – Overall

The popularity of this one was a little surprising, if I’m being honest. The recipe is super simple – no bells and whistles. Just your average chili recipe. That’s actually what compelled me to write this recipe. I struggled to find a normal, simple, chili recipe on Pinterest. So once I figured it out, I had to share. So maybe that’s why you all have responded so well to it. It is the most viewed recipe on the site by almost 10,000! I definitely heard you and plan to make some more simple, easy recipes throughout 2017, too.

My Husband’s Favorite – Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

I asked my husband what recipes he loved the most from the past year. He thought it was a trap so he said they were all his favorite. Haha! My husband, folks. Such a smartie. After some coercing, I finally got it out of him: he loooooved the apple pie cinnamon rolls that I made this summer. Hands down. I loved them, too, so I could definitely understand his choice. Imagine a combination of cinnamon apples, gooey filling, and chewy, soft cinnamon roll dough. How could you turn that down?! I’m actually planning to make them again today for my brother-in-law. It’s what he wanted for Christmas this year. I can respect that!

Most Surprising Recipe – Turkey Noodle Soup

When I set out to make this turkey noodle soup, I just wanted to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. But when I tasted the flavors in that broth, I instantly fell head-over-heels for this soup. So creamy and hearty without being heavy and fattening. I was so surprised by how amazing this recipe turned out so I just had to document it and share with you guys. If you don’t have leftover turkey to use, you can easily use leftover chicken. I’ll definitely be making more of this soup throughout the cold nights this winter.

My Favorite Recipe – Molten Chocolate Cake

Last but not least, we have my absolute favorite recipe: molten chocolate cake. I am OBSESSED with this cake. The chocolate flavor is the perfect balance of rich and sweet. I didn’t even need ice cream to accompany it – it’s that good. And the texture….so gooey in the center with a slight crisp around the edges. This is easily the best cake I’ve ever had. EVER. I love that I can have it ready in less than 30 minutes. So whenever I get a craving for something rich and chocolatey, I can whip it up in a flash. Which I’ve done many times this year.

Well, that does it! Those were some of your favorites and a couple of mine. If you haven’t tried any of the above, you gotta check them out. Maybe it can be your 2017 resolution??

2016 is almost a wrap and I hope you’ve achieved what you wanted to for the year. But if not, use this time to make new goals for 2017 and set up your steps for achieving those goals. After all, goals without a plan are just dreams.

I would say “see you in 2017” but I have one more post to share on Thursday before the year ends. So hold on for a couple more days! See you Thursday!