From prep-ahead breakfasts to wholesome dinners and a sweet treat or two, the best recipes from 2021 cover all the bases. What were your favorites from the past year?
Another year has gone by, and what a year it has been. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, food has continued to bring us together, whether around our own kitchen tables or right here on the pages of the Fountain Avenue Kitchen.
I always enjoy reflecting back on the recipes that garnered the most attention. At the same time, it’s fun to see which ones flew under the radar.
Sometimes, I receive lots of great feedback on a recipe I initially questioned. Case in point: Ratatouille, which is delicious but does require a good bit of chopping. Other times, I post a recipe I am certain readers will appreciate…and then I hear crickets. Example: Vegan Chili. (I promise, even the meat eaters will love it and it’s so darn easy!)
A request: As we take this walk down memory lane, I’d love to know which recipes you enjoyed over the last year. On that note, we recently added a 5 Star rating system to the comment section. This is a feature Google utilizes in its search engine, so if you are willing to comment and click on the stars for the recipes you’ve made and enjoyed, those recipes will essentially be more searchable and others will have an easier time finding them.
As always, when you comment, your email is not visible and you may use your name, initials, or be like one loyal reader who surprises me with a new name every time. I respect her desire for privacy and appreciate the humor!
Above all, thank you to everyone who has taken time to read the posts, cook the recipes, and provide feedback. Those comments are what tell me people care, and they truly keep me going.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and delicious 2022!
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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
The ultimate comfort food layered with flavorful rice, protein-rich chicken, a creamy sauce, and crispy topping－and there are easy options for adding vegetables. Plus the casserole is quick to assemble, and you may prepare it ahead of time and even freeze it.
Not your usual egg sandwich, the flavor-packed topping can be made in advance and then baked on the bread when ready to eat. The end result is creamy, crunchy, and so very good!
Bags of mini sweet peppers make these scrumptious, 3-ingredient bites a convenient year-round crowd-pleaser. Those who prefer an element of heat can make jalapeño poppers…or create a spicy-sweet variation with a drizzle of hot honey!Servings: 22-24 poppers (can easily make as many or few as needed)
This incredibly easy, mouth-watering recipe may be tailored to whatever amount of pork is needed. While you may use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, I love the flavor of the recipe that follows–and it can be prepared in advance with basic pantry ingredients. Leftovers are delicious and freeze well!Servings: Plan on 3-4 servings for each pound of pork used; pork tenderloins average about 1 pound each
A handful of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy ingredients layer quickly over a crisp graham cracker crust for an irresistibly easy treat that’s perfect for potlucks, cookie platters, and sharing with friends!
This generously sized quick bread is lightly sweet with a delicate crumb and may just become a seasonal favorite!Servings: one 9×5-inch loaf
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Whole Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower
A whole roasted head of cauliflower is delicious AND impressive. It can also be easy and relatively quick thanks to a helpful shortcut. You may also use the basic technique, replacing the Parmesan mixture with a light coating of olive oil and simple seasonings and serve with a dip of choice.Servings: 4-6 servings
Steel cut oats add satisfying texture to this flavorful baked oatmeal that is prepared in advance and can be reheated for easy breakfasts throughout the week. For a pretty presentation, I strategically place a few colorful bits of apple and some pecan pieces on top before covering and refrigerating.
This recipe for baked Swiss chard is my favorite way to enjoy these wholesome greens. The heat of the oven mellows the flavor and the additional ingredients create a side dish that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying.
A gorgeous, golden brown crust and meat that’s tender and juicy on the inside is an achievable goal thanks to this foolproof technique. Simple and delicious!
This satisfying, low-carb twist on baked potato skins can be served as an appetizer or family-friendly side dish. A “steak” option makes for a heartier side dish, and a few extra ingredients will turn the recipe into a protein-rich meal.
This delicious breakfast began as a prep-at-night, bake-in-the-morning recipe, and it works quite well that way. Over the years, however, I've discovered quite a few adjustments that can successfully be made, both in terms of baking method and flexibility of ingredients.If using coconut oil, it's helpful to bring all of the ingredients to room temperature before mixing so the melted oil doesn't harden upon mixing.Servings: 8-9 servings
Rustic, wholesome, and very versatile, this traditional Provencal dish offers a delicious way to make use of an abundance of summer produce.
If desired, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes, and for most appeal, try to keep the dice close to a ½-inch.Servings: 2½+ quarts (10+ cups; recipe halves easily)
I’m so glad you stopped by! Fountain Avenue Kitchen is full of healthy, easy, time-tested recipes. I’m excited for you to peek around, and hope you find something that’ll make your day just a bit more delicious!
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