My 16 Favorite Recipes Of 2016

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Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone!

Just realized that I forgot to hit “publish” on today’s follow-up post to the list I shared yesterday of Your 16 Favorite Recipes of 2016. But since we still have a few hours left before the end of the year, I wanted to pop in and share this delicious list of My 16 Favorite Recipes of 2016!

And by “favorite”, I mean the recipes that I make again…and again…and again. Which, in the life of a food blogger who’s always testing out new recipes, says something. ;)

So without further ado, here are my favorite new recipes that were shared on the blog in 2016. Hope that you mind find some new favorites in here as well!!

The BEST Beef Jerky

2016 was the year that I finally shared my all-time favorite recipe for beef jerky on the blog. And, as the girl who asked for a dehydrator for Christmas so that she could learn how to make jerky at age 16, suffice it to say that this is one of those nostalgic recipes I absolutely LOVE. And whenever I make it, everyone else always seems to go crazy for it too. My secret? ZERO ADDED SUGAR. (I can’t stand sweet beef jerky!)

Arugula Salad with Parmesan, Lemon and Olive Oil

Speaking of favorite recipes, these next three are also all some of my favorite recipes that I have made dozens and dozens (and dozens and dozens) of times over the years that finally hit the blog in 2016. This simple arugula salad is one that Barclay and I make at least once a week…literally…and it never gets old. We’ve tried it making it with all sorts of different greens, and that delicious peppery baby arugula is still my favorite. I also love adding in some toasted pine nuts and, occasionally, grilled shrimp. SO GOOD.

Garlic Lovers Spaghetti

Whenever the pasta craving hits, this ultra-garlicky pasta is also the recipe I turn to most frequently. It’s my total idea of comfort food, and always hits the spot. :)

My All-Time Favorite Gumbo

2016 was also the year that I finally figured out how to make an epic pot of homemade gumbo. I had been experimenting with various recipes over the years, which always seemed to be close but not quite. But this recipe is an absolute winner. If you love gumbo as much as I do, you’ve gotta try it.

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

2016 was also the year that I learned how to make drunken noodles at home, and I’m tellin’ ya, this recipe rivals any I’ve had out at a Thai restaurant. They’re super flavorful and delicious, and easy to make with your favorite meats, seafood, or tofu!

Italian Lentil Soup

This simple lentil soup also ended up being one of my surprise favorites of the year. Instead of traditional Mediterranean seasoning, it’s simmered with all sorts of delicious Italian flavors, and it is absolutely delicious.  And bonus? It’s freezes really well…which I do often.

Zesty Lentil Salad

So this lentil salad flew under the radar a bit on the blog this year, but man, I thought it was a TOTAL WINNER. Love all of those delicious, fresh, savory flavors together. And it’s an incredibly hearty and filling vegetarian meal.

Easy Peruvian Shrimp

I also started experimenting with some new Peruvian recipes at the end of the year, and this easy shrimp saute was one of my surprise new favorites. It’s just as bold in flavor as it is vibrant in color, it’s super easy to make, and those flavors are crazy delicious. This was one of the few recipes over the year that Barclay insisted had to go on the blog — we both loved it!

Brussels Sprouts Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Those of you familiar with my undying love of Mexican food know that I’m always down for a good new taco recipe. And hands down — this yummy Brussels sprouts taco recipe (with that heavenly avocado sauce) was my favorite new discovery in 2016. The flavors in there all the best!!

Rigatoni with Mushrooms, Rosemary and Parmesan

This simple pasta recipe also became a new favorite in 2016, inspired by a meal that Barclay and I had this past fall in Washington D.C. It may seem like nothing ground-breaking with such simple ingredients, but trust me, they come together to create a DELICIOUS meal that is sure to please a crowd.

Mimosa Sangria

Who knew that mimosas and sangria paired so well together?! Until last year, I had no idea. But now it’s one of my — and it sounds like, thousands of your — favorite drinks to serve at brunch. Super simple, and super delish!

Toasted Almond Chipotle Guacamole

I meant to post this recipe back in 2015, when my friend Kathryne and I spent a month in Austin, but finally got around to it in 2016 after a trip back to visit (when I was reminded how much I need it in my life!). It’s inspired by one of the amazing guacs served at La Condesa in Austin, and it is so irresistibly good. If you’re looking for a show-stopping recipe to bring along to your next party, I can’t recommend it enough.

Shrimp & Artichoke Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Mmmm, I actually just made this salad again this week, and was reminded of how amazing it is. It looks like there’s a lot happening there, but it’s totally easy to make. And that yummy Italian-seasoned shrimp, zesty artichokes, toasted pine nuts, and lemony vinaigrette pair absolutely perfectly together. I love this salad so much!

Easy Refrigerator Pickles

2016 was also the year that I really — finally — learned how to like pickles. And this ultra-easy refrigerator pickles recipe is now my favorite way to make them. It can be prepped in just a few minutes, and the result will be an amazing batch of pickles that you can’t stop crunching. So healthy and good!

Golden Milk

I tried to be intentional about incorporating more turmeric into my diet this past year, and fell hard for the golden milk craze that has been sweeping the country. This recipe is my favorite way to make it, and it works well either hot or iced. (Just be careful when making it, because that pesky yellow turmeric will stain your countertops if it spills and isn’t wiped up quickly…speaking, er, from experience…)

Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

Finally, you all know how much I love a good crock pot recipe, and this simple curried lentil soup is one that I’ve been making on and off for years. The recipe is finally on the blog now, and will absolutely hit the spot when you’re craving some good classic lentil soup. So delicious.

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