Happy New Year! To get things started in 2017, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite recipes from 2016. As a food blogger, I can’t take much time to rest on my culinary laurels. But like everyone else, I crave what’s familiar, satisfying, and easy. So these are the recipes from the past year that I fall back on over and over again. In fact, my younger son requested sushi bowls for the first meal of the year–definitely a personal favorite–and that’s what we had!
Many of these have turned into reader favorites, too. So under each photo I included some brief feedback from readers who have tried and enjoyed. I so appreciate each and every one of you who takes time to comment and hope to hear from more of you in the coming year. ❤️
California Roll Sushi Bowls“Big hit in our household tonight! I couldn’t believe how much each bite truly tasted like sushi. For anyone interested, ~ 1 serving = 9 WW Smartpoints. The vinegar/soy sauce choice adds no points!”
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Roasted Checkerboard Potatoes“I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve made these since seeing your recipe in the newspaper a couple of months ago. I finally had to comment when my daughter started requesting them…for breakfast! Thanks for a great (and easy) recipe!”
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Cannellini Tomato Soup… with Grilled Cheese Croutons or Dippers“This is now my go-to tomato soup. Did not add the red pepper flakes because of my husband, but did put a little Chipotle hot sauce on mine. Delicious!”
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“Made it to serve with dinner last night. I did not have whole milk – used the nonfat milk and it turned out just fine. What a nice and easy recipe.”
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Easy Chicken Fajitas“Your pictures made me HAVE to make them last night. They were delicious! I used your exact same amounts of spice and it was perfect. I like spicy, but not hot. This recipe will definitely go into my usual rotation of quick, but delicious meals.”
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Beef Pot Roast“I saw this recipe last Sunday and, coincidentally, I had a large roast thawing and was thinking, “I don’t want to do the same old thing with it.” I used this recipe, it smelled amazing, and before serving to a large crowd I cut off a corner to taste and it melted in my mouth. Everyone raved. The recipe is now in the permanent file.”
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No-Bake Refrigerator Peanut Butter Oat Squares“These are the best! I make them nearly every week for my kids and honestly, that’s not even enough!”
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Lancaster Cheesesteaks“I was skeptical that roast beef would really work, but these are simple to prepare AND taste like the real deal. We will be enjoying these often!”
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Fall Slaw “I can see why this recipe is a keeper. Light and tangy is what we love about a slaw recipe. Thank you!”
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Amish Baked Oatmeal“I made this yesterday and I’ve already eaten it 3 times – had it for dinner, breakfast and just now for lunch! Excellent!”
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Mexican Street Corn Salad“WOW!! Four thumbs up from me and my husband! If we had more thumbs, they would be up too!! Absolutely love this one Ann, can’t wait to make it again.
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Beer Margaritas“We made a batch in preparation for CINCO de MAYO and everyone loved them…not so sour like a regular margarita. We’re looking for a ‘signature drink’ for an upcoming wedding party rehearsal celebration for our son who thought a magarita would be a good choice…this just might be the recipe!”
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Summer Breeze Chicken Salad“We enjoyed this with peaches that I canned last summer and it was delightful–light and so satisfying after the holiday gluttony! Can hardly imagine how delicious it will be with fresh, seasonal peaches!”
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Zucchini Noodles in Rustic Tomato Sauce“We made this last night for 14 people and it was huge hit!! The only downside is that there weren’t any leftovers. 😉 We will definitely be making this again.”
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Tomato Tuna Melts“I made your tuna melts last night and loved them. I doubled the tuna so I would have for lunch. Finishing it off today with some thin crisp triscuts! So good!”
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Spicy Sweet Potatoes with Smoked Paprika Aioli“You saved me again! I am having a large group of extended family for a Mother’s Day brunch and tonight I made this recipe for a trial run. I have many foods planned to please all ages. The potatoes were delicious and will take care of my gluten free..lactose intolerant…vegetarian sister-in-law while my family and others will also enjoy!”
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Egg & Avocado Toast“I had this for dinner last night. Deliciousness.”
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Black Bean Dip (or Salsa or Salad)“This recipe is especially good if you can use fire roasted corn. We had leftover corn from a corn roast so I used it in this recipe. I also added 4 cloves of minced garlic and two finely chopped fresh jalapeno peppers. It was delicious!”
Glazed Pork Chops“TOTAL YUM!!! I made this last night and it was a major hit. The extra sauce made the plain rice I served alongside taste like something special, too!”
Spiced Pecan Chex Mix“I made these for holiday gifts and they were such a hit. My only problem was not eating it all before giving it away!”
Candy Bag Brownies (with delicious GF option)“I made this brownie recipe adding chocolate chunks to the batter. Best ever! I will make this easy dessert often.”
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