As the year draws to a close, I decided to run a short mini-series highlighting the blog posts from 2017. Rather than combine everything into one very long post, I’ve broken the roundup into categories to make it easier to browse. Today’s post focuses on recipes from the past year — a mix of healthy dinners, baked treats, special-occasion delights, and a few perennial favorites that readers keep coming back to.
Included here are recipes originally published on Harbour Breeze Home as well as a selection of guest posts I contribute monthly to Kenarry Ideas for the Home. Over the year, I continued my own journey toward healthier eating and experimented with many new dishes. Below you’ll find some favorites grouped by category to inspire weeknight meals, baking sessions, and holiday preparations.
These recipes are presented with images and links to the original posts so you can view full ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, comforting soups, or decadent desserts for special occasions, there’s something here for every appetite.
HEALTHY DINNER RECIPES:
Hamburger Barley Soup
A hearty bowl that blends savory ground beef with tender barley and vegetables for a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dinner. It’s a great option for cooler evenings and can be made in larger batches for easy leftovers.
Super Skinny Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash
A lighter take on a classic comfort dish, using spaghetti squash instead of pasta and a lean chicken Alfredo to keep the flavors rich without the heavy calories. Perfect for anyone wanting creamy comfort food with a healthier twist.
Chicken Taco Soup
A crowd-pleasing slow-cooker meal that layers Mexican-inspired flavors into an easy, satisfying soup. Simple to assemble and ideal for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal effort.
YUMMY BAKED GOODS
Pumpkin Blueberry Streusel Muffins
These muffins combine the warm flavors of pumpkin with bursts of fresh blueberry and a crunchy streusel topping. They’re ideal for fall breakfasts, brunches, or any time you want a sweet, moist treat that isn’t overly indulgent.
Swedish Tea Ring
A classic holiday bread that’s perfect for Christmas morning or any special breakfast. This make-ahead recipe freezes well and offers a delicious combination of soft, buttery dough and a sweet filling for festive gatherings.
Special Occasion Recipes
(Note: these recipes are more indulgent and are best enjoyed for celebrations and special treats.)
Vanilla Cake with Butterscotch Filling & Vanilla Buttercream Icing
A show-stopping layer cake with a rich butterscotch filling and smooth vanilla buttercream. This is a great centerpiece for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for a classic, elegant dessert.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffing
Savory, bite-sized morsels that pair classic stuffing flavors with crispy bacon. These make a delicious appetizer for holiday parties and are ideal for sharing with guests.
5-Minute Chocolate Almond Fudge
A quick and satisfying candy recipe for when you need a last-minute homemade sweet. With chocolate and almonds, this fudge is simple to prepare and makes a lovely homemade gift.
Although these are the new recipes featured on Harbour Breeze Home in 2017, a few older posts consistently draw the most readers. These tried-and-true favorites remain beloved for their simplicity and timeless appeal.
Most Popular Reader Favorites
Homemade Apple Juice
A favorite for preserving the taste of fresh apples at home, this recipe walks through making clear, flavorful apple juice that’s perfect for enjoying year-round.
Old Fashioned Blackberry Jam
A simple, nostalgic jam recipe that captures the bright flavor of fresh blackberries. It’s a beloved staple for toast, pastries, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Thank you for stopping by the blog and exploring this roundup of 2017 recipes. I appreciate your support and am excited to bring a fresh selection of recipes in the year ahead — from healthier dinners to sweet baked goods and crowd-pleasing holiday treats. Stay tuned for more ideas and inspiration for every occasion.
