Reflecting on a Delicious Year: A Cedar Spoon’s Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2016
Welcome to a special culinary retrospective here at A Cedar Spoon! As we bid farewell to a truly memorable year, we’re taking a nostalgic look back at the dishes that captured your hearts and taste buds the most. From hearty one-pot wonders to vibrant salads and comforting classics, 2016 was a year filled with incredible flavors and shared cooking joy. Join us as we count down the absolute favorites – the top 10 recipes that resonated most with our wonderful community, proving that delicious, wholesome food is always in style.
A Year in Flavors: Revisiting A Cedar Spoon’s 2016 Hits
It’s truly astonishing how quickly another year can fly by, especially when you’re immersed in passion and joy. For me, 2016 held an extra special significance beyond the kitchen, as it marked the arrival of our third beautiful son, Jack, on September 30th. Welcoming him into our lives brought an indescribable wave of happiness and a new dimension of fun, making our family complete in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This incredible personal milestone undoubtedly shaped my approach to cooking, inspiring even more focus on efficiency, nourishment, and dishes that bring comfort and delight.
Navigating most of 2016 while pregnant and then embracing the beautiful chaos of a newborn meant my time in the kitchen had to be more intentional, more efficient, and perhaps even more creative. Yet, amidst the beautiful whirlwind, my dedication to creating and sharing delicious, approachable recipes for you never wavered. As the year draws to a close, it feels incredibly rewarding to reflect on the culinary journey we shared and highlight the creations that truly stood out.
This retrospective isn’t just a simple list; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the dishes that resonated most with you. It’s a testament to the power of good food to bring people together, inspire new traditions, and nourish both body and soul. Each recipe you’re about to discover fills me with immense pride, a renewed sense of culinary inspiration, and a deep gratitude for this incredible community. It’s a joy to see which flavors and cooking styles became your go-to options for family dinners, meal prep, and entertaining throughout the year.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to every single one of you who has visited A Cedar Spoon, tried a recipe, left a comment, or simply shared in my profound love for cooking and eating. Food has always been my language of connection, and it truly warms my spirit to share this passion with so many like-minded individuals. Here’s to looking back fondly at 2016’s most cherished flavors, and eagerly anticipating all the deliciousness that 2017 will bring!
10. Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas
Kicking off our countdown at number ten is a vibrant and incredibly satisfying dish: our Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas. This recipe quickly became a reader favorite, celebrated for its robust flavors and impressive versatility. Ideal for a “Meatless Monday” or any busy weeknight, these enchiladas are a testament to how flavorful and filling plant-based meals can be. We start with a hearty blend of black beans and colorful vegetables, all lovingly wrapped in tortillas, smothered in your preferred enchilada sauce, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. The beauty of this dish lies in its make-ahead potential; you can assemble everything in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to enjoy a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious Mexican-inspired meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
9. Tropical Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Landing at number nine, we have the refreshing and brilliantly simple Tropical Tuna Stuffed Avocado. This recipe hit all the right notes for those seeking a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful lunch option. Perfect for desk lunches or a meal on-the-go, it transforms ordinary tuna into an exciting culinary experience. Flaky solid white albacore tuna is mixed with the sweet tang of fresh mango, the bright zest of cilantro and lime juice, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all bound together with creamy Greek yogurt. This vibrant mixture is then generously stuffed into a perfectly ripe avocado, creating a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a protein-packed, healthy fat-rich dish that offers a delightful escape to the tropics with every bite.
8. One Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Securing the eighth spot is our ingenious One Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta, a recipe born from the desire to merge favorite flavors with ultimate convenience. This dish takes all the beloved components of classic chicken enchiladas – tender chicken, savory enchilada sauce, melty cheese, fresh cilantro, and a hint of green onion – and reimagines them into a quick and easy pasta dish, all prepared in a single pot! This means less cleanup and more time enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave something comforting and packed with taste but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This one-pot wonder truly delivers on both flavor and ease, making it a staple for many of our readers.
7. Gouda Smashed Potatoes
At number seven, we find a side dish that truly elevated many holiday tables and special dinners: Gouda Smashed Potatoes. These aren’t your average mashed potatoes. Golden potatoes are first boiled until tender, then gently smashed to create perfect crevices for absorbing flavor and getting wonderfully crispy edges. Drizzled generously with fragrant olive oil and minced garlic, they are baked to a beautiful golden crisp. The magic happens when they’re topped with slices of rich, smoky Gouda cheese and returned to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt into a warm, gooey, irresistible blanket. This dish is designed to impress your guests and add a gourmet touch to any meal, proving that a simple potato can be transformed into something truly spectacular.
6. Homemade Chai Tea Latte
Taking the sixth spot is a comforting beverage that brought warmth and coziness to many: our Homemade Chai Tea Latte. Far surpassing any coffee shop version, this easy-to-make latte allows you to control the richness and spice level to perfection. It’s the ideal fall drink, but truly wonderful any time you need a moment of tranquility. The recipe combines robust black tea with a luxurious blend of aromatic spices – think warm cinnamon, pungent cloves, spicy ginger, and fragrant nutmeg. Made creamy and thick with your favorite milk, this homemade version is not only incredibly satisfying but also allows for a healthier, more natural indulgence. It’s a hug in a mug that quickly became a beloved ritual for many A Cedar Spoon readers.
5. Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal
Halfway through our countdown, at number five, we find a breakfast champion: Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal. This recipe transformed morning routines for many, offering a healthy, hearty, and incredibly delicious way to start the day. Perfect for meal prep, this baked oatmeal can be made ahead of time, ensuring a nutritious breakfast is always within reach. It combines the wholesome goodness of steel cut oats with the natural sweetness of warm blueberries and ripe bananas. A touch of cinnamon and optional vanilla protein powder adds an extra layer of flavor and staying power, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s a wholesome dish that truly proves healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly tasty.
4. Cucumber Hummus Bites
Coming in strong at number four are the delightful Cucumber Hummus Bites. These elegant yet simple bites quickly became a go-to appetizer for parties, gatherings, or even as a light, guilt-free snack. They exemplify fresh, vibrant flavors and effortless preparation. Crisp, cool cucumber slices serve as the perfect base, providing a refreshing crunch. Each slice is then generously topped with creamy roasted red pepper hummus, juicy diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. These bites are not only visually appealing but also offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. They’re a fantastic way to offer a healthy, gluten-free, and utterly delicious finger food option that everyone will enjoy.
3. Greek Village Salad
Earning the third spot, and transporting us straight to the Mediterranean, is our invigorating Greek Village Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant vegetables, packed with authentic Greek flavors. Inspired by the traditional Horiatiki salad found in every Greek village, it features crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers, all tossed with briny Kalamata olives, zesty pepperoncinis, and generous chunks of creamy feta cheese. Dressed simply with good quality olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. It makes a fantastic light lunch on its own, especially with added protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken, or serves as the perfect refreshing side dish for any dinner. Its timeless appeal and healthful ingredients made it a consistent favorite.
2. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Our runner-up for 2016, proving the enduring love for comforting and convenient meals, is the incredibly popular Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. This recipe offers all the hearty, soul-warming goodness of classic chili but with a leaner profile, thanks to the use of ground turkey instead of beef. Despite being lighter, it loses none of its robust flavor, thanks to a carefully balanced blend of spices, tomatoes, and beans. The genius of this dish lies in its simplicity: just combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and go about your day. You’ll return home to the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly cooked, delicious bowl of chili, ready to be enjoyed. It’s the ultimate easy weeknight dinner, perfect for meal prep, and a dish that truly nourishes and satisfies, especially on cooler days.
1. One Pot Kale Broccoli Chickpea Orecchiette Pasta
And finally, claiming the coveted number one spot as A Cedar Spoon’s Most Popular Recipe of 2016 is the incredible One Pot Kale Broccoli Chickpea Orecchiette Pasta! This recipe truly embodies everything we strive for: wholesome, flavorful, easy-to-make, and utterly satisfying. It’s a brilliant one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste and nutrition. Tender orecchiette pasta is cooked directly with nutrient-dense kale, crisp broccoli florets, and protein-packed chickpeas, all simmered in a savory broth. A generous finish of fresh Parmesan cheese brings everything together into a creamy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful vegetarian dinner. This dish is a perfect example of how healthy eating can be convenient and delicious, making it an absolute favorite for families seeking a nutritious and fuss-free meal. You can genuinely feel good about putting this dish on your table.
As we wrap up this delightful look back at A Cedar Spoon’s most cherished recipes of 2016, I hope you feel inspired to revisit some old favorites or discover new ones. Your engagement and passion for wholesome, flavorful food truly fuel everything I do here. It’s been a pleasure sharing this culinary journey with you, celebrating both personal milestones and shared love for good food.
Don’t miss out on more deliciousness! If you love these recipes and want to stay updated with fresh ideas, healthy meals, and easy cooking tips, make sure to join the A Cedar Spoon community. Sign up for our newsletter here to get exclusive recipes and updates delivered straight to your inbox, ensuring you’re always in the loop for our latest culinary adventures.
You can also connect with A Cedar Spoon on social media for daily inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and to share your culinary creations. Find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram. (Yes, I’m on Snapchat too! You can find me at {ACEDARSPOON}). Let’s keep cooking, sharing, and savoring together!