It’s hard to believe that it’s the last day of 2017! I’ve spent the past week truly disconnecting from work and the blog, giving me a chance to really focus on what’s important: family. It’s been refreshing to not worry about meeting deadlines or posting new recipes for a few days. With the fast pace of our world, sometimes it’s hard to realize when you really need to slow down.
With that said, I’m looking forward to getting back into the kitchen and cooking more outside of my comfort zone in 2018. I started this blog to give myself a creative outlet, and I want to try more new things in the new year. As we get ready to close the book on 2017, I wanted to share my ten most popular recipes from the past 12 months. They may not be the most unique or extravagant, but I believe the best food is simple — and delicious. Here’s to another year of good eats!
1. Five Easy Weeknight Dinners
I’m not surprised to find this collection of recipes is my top post from 2017. If there’s one thing we could all use more of, it’s time. These dinners come together quickly and easily, making them great for nights when you really don’t feel like cooking.
2. The Best Banana Cookies
These cake-like cookies are my husband’s favorites. They’re topped with a frosting that melts in your mouth.
3. Healthy Almond Butter Banana Bread
This may be my favorite recipe of 2017. I made this healthier version of banana bread more times than I can count, and I have yet to get sick of it. The almond butter gives the bread the perfect texture.
4. White Texas Sheet Cake
This cake is the one everyone requests for birthdays and special occasions. The secret ingredient? Almond extract.
5. Chocolate Zucchini Cake
I’m counting down the days until summer so I can make this zucchini cake again. The summer squash makes this cake perfectly moist.
6. Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners got really popular in 2017, because they’re effortlessly healthy. This one is our favorite, especially in the winter.
7. Southwest Cheesecake
This spicy, baked spread can feed a small army. It includes three of my favorite things: green chiles, cheddar cheese and salsa.
8. Spaghetti Squash With Spicy Meat Sauce
The secret to this delicious meat sauce is using a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausages. This is a recipe that’s always in our weeknight rotation.
9. Chocolate Chip Banana Blondies
Are you starting to sense a theme? I love baking with bananas! These blondies are inspired by one of my favorite treats: banana and Nutella crepes.
10. Summer Berries With Mascarpone Whipped Cream
There’s nothing better than berries and cream on a hot, summer afternoon. While temperatures are near record lows right now, I’m dreaming of this dessert.