2017 Reader Favorites

The final days of the year provide good reason to reflect, reminisce…and remember our favorite recipes!  I pulled together the top 10 recipes of 2017, as determined by comments, emails, and firsthand feedback from my faithful readers.  Our quick walk down memory lane also seemed like the perfect time to thank you for all those comments, emails, etc., and let you know how much I appreciate every word of it.

As a bonus, I’ve added a second grouping of the five most popular recipes of the year, with the caveat that they were first posted prior to 2017.  It seemed silly to ignore those tried-and-true recipes that serve us well over the long haul!

I’m excited to share many more recipes in the coming year and, as always, welcome any and all feedback and requests.  What are you craving these days?  What kinds of recipes do you hope to see on the pages of The Fountain Avenue Kitchen in 2018?

Happy New Year!

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Sautéed Shrimp & Asparagus with Crispy Prosciutto & Parmesan  —  “Another winner from Ann! I can’t even describe how good this was – and very easy to prepare. Make this! That’s all I can say.”

Crock Pot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup (with freezer bag option) —  “As I was anticipating the snowstorm, I made sure that I had all the ingredients to make this soup…. and I’m glad that I did. Souper delicious! Chicken thighs make for a much more flavorful soup. And I added probably four cups of fresh baby spinach. This soup is both light and hearty — definitely healthy comfort food for a cold and snowy day. Thank you!”

3-Ingredient Protein Cookies (with optional add-ins)  —  “I am now buying extra bananas just so they can get too ripe to eat and I can make a steady supply of these cookies! Everyone loves them as a healthy but great tasting snack or quick breakfast.”

Shortcut Beef Vegetable Soup —  “Enjoyed this soup as a warm lunch on a cold day and it reminded me of my grandmother’s slow cooked vegetable soup, only it took a fraction of the time to prepare. Will make again soon!”

Easy Taco Chicken Foil Packets —  “We made these for dinner last night. Yum! The recipe is now officially in the rotation. My husband added some heat — we are happy people. Thanks for the recipe!”

Roasted Zucchini and Mushrooms with Feta   —  “I saw your recipe in Sunday’s paper and decided to try it tonight. We loved it! It was absolutely delicious! I’m positive this is something I will make again & took your advice on broiling it during the last few minutes.”  (As an added note, toss with pasta and an extra drizzle of olive oil for a complete meal!)

Salsa Chicken —  A 4-ingredient recipe with familiar flavors won’t steer you wrong!  I’ve had so many texts and emails including pictures for this recipe, noting what an easy, well-liked meal this is.  Many readers like to sprinkle with their favorite taco toppings.

Christine’s Eggplant Supper Soup  —  Months after eggplant season I’m still receiving feedback from this surprise favorite.  Thanks to my husband’s comments mentioned in the post, many people who don’t usually care for eggplant have made this soup multiple times and raved!

Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal takes a little extra prep (you have to grate the carrots and apple) but the reward is worth it.  I’ve heard so much positive feedback on this wholesome breakfast —  at sporting events, the grocery store, and via email.  One reader commented that this just might be her family’s “favorite baked oatmeal recipe of all time.  A definite keeper…and possible a weekly occurrence!”

With two basic ingredients and the option to customize with extracts you have on hand, Easy Hand & Body Sugar Scrub has become a fast favorite.  Many readers have let me know that they used this as a gift-making project for a group of girls or a Sunday school class or that they simply have a jar sitting by the sink to keep their hands soft (but not greasy!).

Low Country Shrimp Boil  —  One reader commented that “We served this for a family birthday party and it was A MAJOR HIT! Everyone sat around the table peeling and dipping and having a wonderful time. This will be a summertime staple from here on out!”

 

Ok…if you were counting, I actually included 11.  Although I said I was choosing 10, I went one over and then couldn’t decide which one to toss.  So you got a bonus. 😂

And now for the Top 5 from all time…

Jen’s Incredible Baked Meatballs —  This recipe has received so many positive comments, I’m not sure how I’d pick just one.  These meatballs have been ranked number one in Google and Pinterest searches, and I have my good friend Jen to thank for the initial inspiration!

Slow Roasted Whole Chicken —  If you’re tired of dry chicken, this recipe is for you.  Countless readers have raved about this unconventional but oh-so-easy preparation, commenting that it’s foolproof and yields the juiciest, most tender chicken ever.

Crispy Baked Eggplant —  This recipe was an early hit, but it really took off last summer, going viral a full four years after I originally posted it.  Many readers have used the Panko substitution I mention, and now use the clever swap anytime dry breadcrumbs are needed.

Crispy Top Mac & Cheese —  My younger son adores this recipe and would eat it every day if I could only produce enough!  Readers agree, and I have a spot-on adaption for the gluten-free crowd.

Kathleen’s Cottage Pancakes —  Low carb, high protein and truly tasty, this recipe hit my blog in the early days (it was the third month in and I took this photo with my original iPhone!).  Many readers have found it to be the perfect weekend breakfast.  We like to make extra and pop in the toaster for speedy weekday meals.

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2 responses to “2017 Reader Favorites”

  1. Alexis Arthur Avatar
    Alexis Arthur

    Thanks Ann. I love them all!

    1. Awesome!