As the year draws to a close, I wanted to share a roundup of the recipes I published in 2017. Instead of one very long post, I divided the roundup into categories so you can more easily find ideas for healthy weeknights, cozy baked goods, special celebrations, and the recipes readers returned to most. I also included monthly guest posts I wrote for Kenarry Ideas for the Home.
Over the past year I’ve been focusing on learning to eat more healthfully and experimenting in the kitchen. That journey inspired many of these dishes, and I picked a few favorites from each category to highlight here.
Healthy Dinner Recipes
Hamburger Barley Soup
This hearty soup combines browned lean ground beef, wholesome barley, vegetables, and a rich broth for a comforting, family-friendly meal. It’s easy to prepare in a single pot and reheats well, making it ideal for busy evenings or a make-ahead lunch.
Super Skinny Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash
This lighter take on chicken Alfredo swaps pasta for roasted spaghetti squash and uses a simple, flavorful sauce to keep the dish satisfying without excessive calories. It’s a great way to enjoy creamy comfort food while keeping portions of vegetables front and center.
Chicken Taco Soup
Simple ingredients and slow-cooker convenience make this chicken taco soup a weeknight winner. Packed with flavor from spices and plenty of vegetables, it doubles as an easy meal to serve for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Yummy Baked Goods
Pumpkin Blueberry Streusel Muffins
These muffins blend seasonal pumpkin with bursts of fresh blueberries and a crunchy streusel topping. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a portable snack, and they freeze well for easy mornings.
Swedish Tea Ring
This classic, braid-style bread is buttery and slightly sweet—an excellent choice for holiday mornings or special weekend breakfasts. It can be prepared ahead and frozen, then baked fresh when guests arrive.
Special Occasion Recipes
These indulgent recipes are perfect for celebrations and gatherings—delicious treats to serve when you want to impress. (Fair warning: they’re richer than the everyday meals, and that’s part of the fun.)
Vanilla Cake with Butterscotch Filling & Vanilla Buttercream Icing
This layered cake is a showstopper for birthdays and celebrations, with a smooth buttercream and a rich butterscotch filling that pairs beautifully with a tender vanilla crumb.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffing
These savory bites combine traditional stuffing flavors with crispy bacon for a festive appetizer that’s both familiar and fun to serve at holiday parties.
5-Minute Chocolate Almond Fudge
A quick and decadent treat, this fudge comes together in minutes and makes a lovely homemade gift or a last-minute dessert for guests.
Most Popular Reader Favorites
Beyond the new recipes I posted in 2017, these tried-and-true favorites continue to bring readers back for their simplicity, flavor, and reliability in the kitchen.
Homemade Apple Juice
Homemade apple juice is comforting and satisfying, offering a fresh, natural flavor that’s a favorite for family gatherings and preserving the taste of fall at any time of year.
Old Fashioned Blackberry Jam
This timeless jam recipe highlights the bright, tart sweetness of fresh blackberries and is perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or gifting in pretty jars.
Thank you for visiting the blog and exploring these recipes from 2017. I’m excited to share a fresh set of recipes in the coming year—more healthy dinners, comforting baked goods, and special treats for celebrations. If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you.
