Aggie’s Kitchen’s Top 12 Most Popular Recipes of 2016: A Culinary Journey and Personal Milestones

As another year draws to a close, it’s a cherished tradition at Aggie’s Kitchen to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey we’ve shared. This compilation proudly presents the most popular recipes from 2016 – the dishes that resonated most with you, our incredible community. Thank you profoundly for every visit, every comment, and every moment you’ve spent with me here this past year. I extend my warmest wishes to everyone for a truly healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Reflecting on a Transformative Year: 2016 at Aggie’s Kitchen

There’s a special kind of magic in the quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. For a naturally reflective person like myself, it offers a precious opportunity to look back, not just at personal experiences and family milestones, but also at the journey of Aggie’s Kitchen. Having this blog has become an invaluable journal, a documented timeline of life’s moments and culinary creations, each entry stamped with a date. It deepens my appreciation for what this platform means to me, evolving from a space where I once shared more about my family’s day-to-day life to a vibrant hub predominantly focused on delicious and wholesome food. This shift, influenced by the ever-changing landscape of the internet, has been a positive one, allowing me to dive deeper into my passion for cooking and sharing recipes that truly make a difference in your kitchens.

The year 2016 was undeniably a period of significant change and growth, both personally and professionally. It was the year I celebrated my 40th birthday, a landmark that brought with it a renewed sense of purpose and adventure. I embarked on a new academic chapter, returning to college, a decision that challenged me in unexpected ways. Physically, I embraced a fitness journey, discovering a surprising inner strength and a passion for staying active. My oldest child transitioned into middle school, marking a new phase for our family, and together, we navigated and survived the anxieties of a scary hurricane, emerging stronger. My daughter even had the incredible experience of being a guest judge for a recipe contest at a produce conference, a proud moment for a food blogger mom! My youngest turned three, transforming from a baby into a spirited little person, full of curiosity. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I ventured into public speaking, presenting at a dietician/healthy blogger conference – an experience I surprisingly loved and found incredibly rewarding. My travels took me to beautiful Vermont, historic Savannah, and the sunny Florida Panhandle, each offering new inspirations. I cherished moments with my dear friend Kristen when she visited, leading to unforgettable adventures like seeing Justin Bieber and making magical memories at Disney – a place my family and I frequented often that year. While I later withdrew from college to realign my priorities, it was still a valuable learning experience. My husband and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary, a testament to our enduring partnership. We supported family members through challenging health problems and celebrated life’s joys, including attending the most epic Indian wedding celebration. My daughter and I also dedicated time to volunteering for the 2016 presidential campaign, an opportunity for civic engagement. Through all these varied experiences, I truly felt myself growing, both as an individual and as the person behind Aggie’s Kitchen. It was a year filled with lessons, laughter, and profound personal and professional development.

Reflecting on 2016, it stands out as a year of significant events and positive strides. As always, the arrival of a new year brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation for fresh starts and new adventures. And, of course, new recipes!

A Culinary Journey: Your Most Loved Recipes of 2016 at Aggie’s Kitchen

Throughout 2016, I had the pleasure of sharing a wealth of new recipes, each crafted with love and a passion for wholesome, flavorful food. It fills my heart with joy to see which dishes resonated most with you, our amazing readers. Here are the top 12 most popular recipes from Aggie’s Kitchen in 2016, as chosen by your clicks and comments. These are the tried-and-true favorites that captured your attention and graced your tables:

1. Smoked Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Soup

   This hearty and comforting soup quickly became a reader favorite, perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with savory smoked sausage, tender white beans, and nutrient-rich spinach, it’s a bowl full of warmth and flavor. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you crave a wholesome meal.

   

2. Broccoli Cheese Frittata Muffins with Quinoa

   An absolute hit for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack on the go! These versatile frittata muffins are loaded with fresh broccoli, savory cheese, and protein-packed quinoa, offering a nutritious and convenient option for any time of day. They are ideal for meal prepping, ensuring you have a wholesome bite ready in the fridge whenever hunger strikes.

   

3. Salsa Chicken and Bean Tostadas

   Craving a quick, flavorful, and vibrant meal? These salsa chicken and bean tostadas delivered! With a base of crispy tostada shells, topped with juicy salsa-infused chicken, hearty beans, and your favorite fresh toppings, they offer a delightful explosion of Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a lively gathering with friends.

   

4. Caprese Rice Salad

   A refreshing twist on a classic! This Caprese Rice Salad brings together the beloved flavors of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a zesty dressing, all tossed with fluffy rice. It’s a wonderful side dish for grilled meats, a light lunch on its own, or an impressive contribution to any potluck or picnic during warmer months.

   

5. Pesto Roasted Brussels Sprouts

   Even Brussels sprouts skeptics were won over by this recipe! Roasting them with aromatic pesto transforms these humble vegetables into an incredibly flavorful and addictive side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, these pesto roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic way to elevate any meal, adding a gourmet touch effortlessly.

   

6. Blueberry Almond Oatmeal Bites

   These delightful oatmeal bites quickly became a household favorite for a healthy breakfast or a guilt-free snack. Packed with the goodness of oats, sweet blueberries, and nutty almonds, they are as delicious as they are nutritious. Serve them warm with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat.

   

7. BBQ Chicken, Kale and Quinoa Bowl

   A wholesome and satisfying meal in one bowl! This BBQ Chicken, Kale and Quinoa Bowl combines tender BBQ chicken with nutrient-dense kale and fluffy quinoa for a complete and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week or for a quick, balanced dinner when you need something delicious and fuss-free.

   

8. Spiced Ground Turkey and Peas (Kheema)

   Transport your taste buds with this aromatic and flavorful Kheema, featuring spiced ground turkey and tender peas. Infused with warm Indian spices, this dish is incredibly satisfying and versatile. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, or can be scooped up with warm pita or naan bread for a delightful culinary experience.

   

9. Strawberry Almond Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal

   Simplify your breakfast routine with this incredible baked oatmeal! Ideal for feeding a crowd or for efficient meal prep, this Strawberry Almond Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal is a comforting and nutritious start to any day. Serve it with a dollop of yogurt and extra fresh fruit for an even more powerful and delicious breakfast.

   

10. Tuna and Orzo Salad with Parmesan and Basil

    A light, fresh, and incredibly flavorful salad that became a quick favorite. This Tuna and Orzo Salad combines tender orzo pasta with flaky tuna, aromatic basil, and salty Parmesan cheese, all brought together with a light, zesty dressing. It’s a perfect option for lunch, a picnic, or a simple side dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

    

11. Vegetarian Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

    This vibrant and wholesome dish proved that you don’t need meat to create a deeply satisfying meal. These Vegetarian Enchilada Stuffed Peppers are filled with a hearty and flavorful mixture of quinoa and black beans, seasoned with classic enchilada spices. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that’s packed with plant-based goodness.

    

12. Clementine Vinaigrette

    Add a burst of bright, seasonal flavor to your salads with this delightful Clementine Vinaigrette. Harnessing the sweet and tangy essence of fresh clementine juice, this dressing instantly elevates any green salad, giving it a refreshing and gourmet touch. It’s a simple yet impactful way to celebrate citrus season and brighten up your meals.

    

Aggie’s Personal Picks: Unforgettable Flavors from 2016

Beyond the most popular recipes chosen by you, there are always a few dishes that hold a special place in my own culinary heart from the year. These are the recipes I found myself returning to, perfecting, or simply enjoying immensely with my family. They might not have hit the top 12, but they definitely stood out to me for their unique flavors, versatility, or the pure joy they brought to my kitchen:

1. Black Bean and Egg Breakfast Tostadas

   A breakfast revelation! These Black Bean and Egg Breakfast Tostadas offer a wonderfully savory and satisfying start to the day. The combination of crispy tostadas, hearty black beans, and perfectly cooked eggs, topped with fresh salsa or avocado, makes for a vibrant and flavorful morning meal that truly wakes up the palate.

   

2. Harvest Farro Salad

   This Harvest Farro Salad is truly a celebration of fall and winter flavors. Packed with wholesome farro, roasted vegetables, and a medley of other delicious ingredients, it’s a hearty and flavorful vegetarian grain salad. It’s perfect for a substantial lunch, a side dish, or an excellent addition to any holiday potluck, bursting with goodness and texture.

   

3. Pesto Pasta with Turkey and Kale

   A brilliant solution for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this Pesto Pasta with Turkey and Kale is a family favorite. It effortlessly combines lean ground turkey, nutritious kale, and flavorful pesto with pasta, creating a hearty and balanced meal. It’s a clever way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their greens!

   

Looking Forward to a Flavorful Future

As we close the chapter on 2016 and step into a brand new year, I want to express my deepest gratitude once more for your continued support and enthusiasm for Aggie’s Kitchen. It is an absolute privilege to share my culinary adventures and personal stories with such a wonderful community. Your engagement inspires me to keep exploring, cooking, and creating. May the coming year bring you immense joy, excellent health, and countless delicious moments around the table with your loved ones. I am incredibly excited for all the new recipes, stories, and connections we will make in the days ahead. Here’s to a year filled with flavor, happiness, and unforgettable meals!