Journey back with us to 2016 and rediscover the culinary delights that captivated palates and filled kitchens with warmth! From vibrant, vegetable-packed salads crowned with tangy feta to comforting, healthy one-pot pasta dishes, and rich, savory enchiladas, A Cedar Spoon’s Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2016 truly represent a year of delicious exploration. These reader favorites showcase the heart of home cooking – dishes that are both approachable and incredibly satisfying.
THE MOST LOVED RECIPES OF 2016: A CULINARY RETROSPECTIVE
As we reflect on the past, it’s incredible how quickly years unfold, each bringing its own unique blend of cherished memories and exciting challenges. For A Cedar Spoon, 2016 was a profoundly special year, marked by significant personal milestones, including the joyous arrival of our third son, Jack, on September 30th. Welcoming a beautiful baby into the world meant navigating a new chapter of life, balancing family commitments with an unwavering passion for creating and sharing delicious food.
Despite the beautiful chaos of pregnancy and new parenthood, the kitchen remained a source of joy and inspiration. It’s truly heartwarming to look back and see the incredible array of dishes that resonated most deeply with you, our amazing community. This retrospective isn’t just a list of recipes; it’s a testament to the shared love for wholesome, flavorful, and approachable home cooking that defines A Cedar Spoon.
Each recipe featured in this Top 10 collection brings a smile to my face, ignites culinary inspiration, and reaffirms my belief that food has a magical way of bringing people together. From diverse cultures to varying tastes, a shared meal can bridge any gap, fostering connection and creating lasting memories around the table. My enduring passion for cooking and sharing recipes remains the driving force behind this blog, and I am deeply grateful for every visit, every comment, and every shared experience.
Thank you for being an integral part of A Cedar Spoon’s journey. Your engagement fuels our creativity and encourages us to continue bringing fresh, exciting, and accessible recipes to your kitchens. Let’s delve into the most cherished culinary creations that defined 2016!
10. Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas
Kicking off our countdown is a vibrant and incredibly satisfying dish, the Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas. This recipe quickly became a staple for many, proving that meatless meals can be both hearty and bursting with flavor. Ideal for a busy weeknight, these enchiladas can be conveniently prepped ahead of time, making dinner assembly a breeze. A robust mixture of black beans and tender vegetables is generously smothered in your favorite enchilada sauce, blanketed with melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious Mexican-inspired favorite that consistently delivers comfort and taste, perfect for any family seeking a nutritious and easy dinner solution. They’re also a fantastic option for meal prepping, ensuring you have wholesome dinners ready to go throughout the week.
9. Tropical Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Coming in at number nine, the Tropical Tuna Stuffed Avocado offers a refreshing and utterly delightful option for a quick, healthy lunch or a light dinner. This innovative recipe elevates the humble tuna salad with an exciting tropical twist, making it perfect for those on-the-go moments or a vibrant desk lunch. Flaky Solid White Albacore Tuna is combined with the sweetness of fresh mango, the zest of cilantro, crisp vegetables, and a bright squeeze of lime juice, all bound together with creamy Greek yogurt for a healthier profile. This flavorful mixture is then elegantly served in a perfectly ripe avocado half, providing a delicious boost of healthy fats and protein. It’s a dish that brings a burst of sunshine to any day and continues to be a reader favorite for its simplicity, nutritional benefits, and exquisite taste.
8. One Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Securing its spot at number eight is the ingenious One Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta – a true weeknight hero! This recipe brilliantly fuses the beloved flavors of traditional enchiladas with the unparalleled convenience of a one-pot pasta dish, drastically reducing cleanup without compromising on taste. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken pieces, rich enchilada sauce, savory cheese, and fresh cilantro and green onions all coming together in a single pot to create a harmonious and comforting meal. It’s a dynamic dinner that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, offering a hearty and flavorful experience that the whole family will undoubtedly crave. This dish truly embodies the philosophy of effortless yet delicious home cooking, making busy evenings much more enjoyable.
7. Gouda Smashed Potatoes
At lucky number seven, we find the exquisitely delicious Gouda Smashed Potatoes. This recipe transforms humble potatoes into an impressive side dish that’s perfect for elevating any meal, not just holidays! Golden potatoes are lovingly drizzled with fragrant olive oil and minced garlic, then baked until they achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. The magic happens when these perfectly smashed potatoes are generously topped with slices of rich, nutty Gouda cheese and gently warmed until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. The result is a side dish that’s incredibly flavorful, wonderfully textured, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, adding a touch of gourmet elegance to your dinner table. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats or a simple weeknight steak.
6. Homemade Chai Tea Latte
Taking the sixth spot is the ultimate comfort beverage: the Homemade Chai Tea Latte. This easy-to-make drink allows you to recreate your favorite coffee shop experience right in your own kitchen, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day or simply enjoying a moment of cozy indulgence. The rich, aromatic spices characteristic of authentic chai – cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg – are steeped to perfection and then combined with your preferred milk, creating a creamy, thick, and utterly delightful latte. It’s a soothing concoction that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a moment of serene relaxation, making it a perennial favorite for those seeking warmth, spice, and a comforting pause in their day. Adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking for a truly personalized experience.
5. Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal
Cracking the top five, we have the Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal – a truly healthy and hearty way to kickstart your day or enjoy a nutritious snack. This recipe elevates your morning routine with a satisfying blend of wholesome ingredients, making meal prep a breeze for busy mornings. Warm, sweet blueberries and ripe bananas are baked into a comforting concoction with fiber-rich steel cut oatmeal, a hint of cinnamon, and a boost of vanilla protein powder. The result is a delightfully filling and flavorful dish that nourishes your body and keeps you energized throughout the day. It’s a family-friendly breakfast that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious, easy to prepare, and utterly enjoyable for everyone.
4. Cucumber Hummus Bites
At number four, the Cucumber Hummus Bites emerge as a quintessential appetizer and finger food, perfectly suited for any gathering or light snack. These vibrant and refreshing bites offer a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh flavors that are sure to impress. Crisp slices of cucumber serve as the perfect base, generously topped with creamy roasted red pepper hummus for a savory foundation. They are then adorned with juicy diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of herbaceous brightness. This recipe is not only visually appealing but also a wonderfully healthy alternative to heavier snacks, making it a beloved choice for entertaining, a quick, guilt-free treat, or even a sophisticated party starter.
3. Greek Village Salad
Landing at a strong third place, the Greek Village Salad transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with every flavorful bite. This exceptionally healthy and robustly vegetable-packed salad is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and Kalamata olives come together in a vibrant medley, beautifully complemented by tangy feta cheese and zesty pepperoncinis. Dressed simply with olive oil and a touch of vinegar, this salad is incredibly versatile. It makes an outstanding main course for lunch, especially when enhanced with protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken, or serves as a refreshing and nutritious side dish for any dinner. It’s a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and promises a burst of flavor with every forkful.
2. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Just missing the top spot, but capturing hearts nonetheless, is the incredibly comforting Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. This recipe offers a lighter, leaner alternative to traditional beef chili without sacrificing any of the hearty flavor and satisfying richness. It’s the ultimate “set-it-and-forget-it” meal, perfect for those bustling days when you desire a home-cooked dinner without the fuss. Simply combine your ingredients in the crockpot in the morning, go about your day, and return home to the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly cooked, robust bowl of chili. Packed with spices, beans, and lean ground turkey, this chili is a wholesome and deeply flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
1. One Pot Kale Broccoli Chickpea Orecchiette Pasta
And finally, triumphantly claiming the coveted number one spot for 2016 is the sensational One Pot Kale Broccoli Chickpea Orecchiette Pasta! This recipe truly embodies the essence of A Cedar Spoon – combining health, convenience, and incredible flavor into a single, memorable dish. It’s a plant-powered masterpiece that brings together nutrient-dense kale and broccoli, protein-packed chickpeas, and delicate orecchiette pasta, all tossed in a savory sauce and finished with fresh Parmesan cheese. The beauty of this recipe lies in its one-pot simplicity, making cleanup a breeze, and its ability to deliver a satisfying, wholesome vegetarian dinner that appeals to everyone. You can feel absolutely wonderful about serving this vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious meal to your family, knowing you’re providing both comfort and health in every bite. This dish is a true testament to how delicious and easy healthy eating can be.