A Cedar Spoon’s Top 10 Reader Favorite Recipes of 2015: A Culinary Year in Review

As we reflect on the incredible journey of A Cedar Spoon, 2015 stands out as a truly transformative and wonderful year, all thanks to your unwavering support and enthusiasm. This year marked a significant chapter not just for the blog, but for my family and me personally.

A little over a year ago, my family made the exciting yet daunting move from the vibrant city of Chicago to our new home in Cleveland. This geographic shift brought with it a profound change in our household dynamics and my professional life. After much contemplation, I made the bold decision to step away from my full-time job, with its steady paycheck and familiar routine, to dedicate myself entirely to my passion: A Cedar Spoon, and to embrace more time at home with my children. It was undeniably a scary leap into the unknown, leaving behind a secure career. However, looking back, I can confidently say I’ve never been happier, and I haven’t regretted that decision for a single second. It was the best move for our family, and for my creative spirit.

Now, I have the immense privilege of working full-time from home, immersed in the joy of creating new, delicious, and approachable recipes for all of you. What began as a humble space to share my culinary explorations with close family and friends has blossomed into something far greater than I ever imagined. A Cedar Spoon isn’t just a job; it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion. Every day, I genuinely look forward to “going” to work, to experimenting in the kitchen, and to connecting with a global community of food lovers. It truly feels as though I’ve stumbled upon a dream I never thought was attainable.

My love for cooking has been a constant thread throughout my life, tracing back to my earliest memories in the kitchen. I remember vividly the aroma of fresh ingredients as I helped my grandma and mom prepare traditional dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and kibbeh. These experiences ignited a spark that grew into a lifelong fascination with food. My interests have always gravitated towards exploring new recipes, discovering diverse cuisines through travel, and, most importantly, sharing these culinary delights with loved ones. Today, that circle has expanded beyond my immediate family and friends to encompass the entire world. To say I feel blessed by this opportunity would be an understatement.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making 2015 such an unforgettable and successful year for A Cedar Spoon! Your engagement, comments, and shared enthusiasm fuel my creativity. As we step into 2016, I’m incredibly excited about what’s to come. My commitment remains steadfast: to continue creating the kind of recipes you can effortlessly bring to your family’s table—recipes that are not only healthy and wholesome but also feature the occasional sweet treat to brighten your day. Your feedback is invaluable, so please don’t hesitate to send me messages, emails, tweets, or Facebook messages with your recipe ideas and suggestions for the new year. I genuinely love hearing from you and crafting dishes that you and your families will enjoy. Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and delicious New Year!

And now, without further ado, let’s dive into the most beloved dishes of the year! Here are the **Top 10 Reader Favorites from 2015**, starting our countdown with…

Number Ten: Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos

Kicking off our countdown at Number Ten, these Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos truly captured your hearts and taste buds with their unbeatable simplicity and incredible flavor. Imagine tender, fall-apart beef, slow-cooked to perfection with just four humble ingredients, transforming into a versatile star for your weeknight dinners. This recipe isn’t just for “Taco Tuesday” – though it excels there – it’s a foundation for countless culinary adventures. Use the savory shredded beef in vibrant salads for a healthy lunch, stuff it into cheesy quesadillas, roll it into hearty burritos, or even serve it over rice for a satisfying bowl. Its minimal ingredient list and hands-off preparation make it an absolute lifesaver for busy families, proving that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s no wonder this became a perennial favorite, offering maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Number Nine: Vegetarian Breakfast Egg Muffins

Securing its spot at Number Nine, these Vegetarian Breakfast Egg Muffins are the perfect solution for busy mornings and a true crowd-pleaser for those seeking a nutritious start to their day. Bursting with fluffy eggs, a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables, and savory cheese, these individual muffins are a powerhouse of flavor and convenience. Their genius lies in their make-ahead potential; whip up a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have healthy breakfasts ready to grab-and-go all week long. Even better, they freeze beautifully, making them an ideal meal prep staple. For those who love a little kick, don’t forget to check out my Southwestern Taco Egg Muffin variation for another fantastic breakfast option!

Number Eight: Warm Brie Cranberry Naan

Coming in strong at Number Eight, the Warm Brie Cranberry Naan proved that sometimes the newest recipes are the most popular! This delightful appetizer, shared just weeks before the year-end, absolutely exploded on social media, and it’s easy to see why. The harmonious blend of creamy, melted brie cheese, sweet and tangy cranberries, all baked atop soft, warm naan bread, creates an irresistible flavor profile that is utterly perfect for the holiday season or any festive gathering. Beyond its gourmet appeal, this dish is remarkably simple to prepare, making it a stress-free option for entertaining. I must confess, when I first made this, I simply couldn’t stop eating it – it’s that good! It’s the kind of elegant yet effortless appetizer that leaves a lasting impression.

Number Seven: 18 Delicious Pasta Salads for Summer

Securing the Number Seven spot, this incredible round-up, 18 Delicious Pasta Salads for Summer, resonated deeply with so many of you! Honestly, this post was a little self-serving at first because I have a genuine love affair with pasta salads and wanted a handy list of inspiring recipes to try. When it comes to picnics, potlucks, and BBQs, pasta salads are my go-to contribution. They’re not only incredibly easy to prepare and transport but also offer a fantastic way to ensure there are some wholesome vegetables on the table. This collection provides a wealth of ideas for vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying salads that are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light meal. It’s a testament to the fact that simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create truly memorable dishes.

Number Six: Healthy Fruit Yogurt Dip

Landing at Number Six, this Healthy Fruit Yogurt Dip has become a beloved staple in my own home, and clearly in yours too! It’s the ultimate guilt-free indulgence, perfect for elevating snack time or as a lighter dessert. Paired with an array of freshly cut fruits, this dip transforms a simple snack into a delightful experience. What makes it truly exceptional is its incredible ease of preparation – you literally couldn’t make a simpler dip! Crafted with just three wholesome ingredients: creamy Greek yogurt for that rich texture and protein boost, your favorite nut butter (peanut butter works wonders!), and a touch of golden honey for natural sweetness. It’s a testament to how healthy, easy, and unbelievably tasty a snack can be, making it a perennial hit for families and health-conscious eaters alike.

Number Five: 20 Easy One Pot Meals

Climbing to Number Five, this indispensable round-up of 20 Easy One Pot Meals quickly became a reader favorite, a testament to our collective desire for simplicity in the kitchen. One-pot meals are nothing short of culinary magic; they streamline the cooking process, minimize cleanup (because who loves washing dishes?), and consistently deliver comforting, flavorful results. This collection showcases a diverse array of dishes that promise to make your weeknights easier and more delicious. From hearty pastas to savory stews, these recipes are designed to save you time without compromising on taste. I’m already planning to bring you even more exciting one-pot meal ideas in 2016, so stay tuned for more culinary convenience!

Number Four: Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

Earning its place at Number Four, the Simple Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing became a resounding success, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and incredibly satisfying. I adore kale in all its forms, from vibrant salads to comforting soups, and this recipe highlights its best qualities. The secret to its appeal lies in the “massaged” kale technique, which transforms tough kale leaves into a wonderfully tender and palatable texture. Infused with bright lemon, pungent garlic, rich olive oil, and a sprinkle of salty Parmesan cheese, this salad boasts an explosion of fresh, savory flavors. It’s a perfect option for a light yet fulfilling lunch (try adding tofu, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein!) or as a vibrant, healthy side dish to any dinner. This recipe truly showcases how simple steps can elevate everyday ingredients to gourmet status.

Number Three: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Holding strong at Number Three is the vibrant Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors that captivated so many of you. Building on the immense popularity of my original Summer Orzo Pasta Salad from a few years back, I knew a Greek version was an absolute must – after all, Greek salads are among my all-time favorites! This recipe perfectly combines tender orzo pasta with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a bright, zesty dressing. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing summer meal, a fantastic side dish, or a portable option to bring to your next BBQ or picnic. Prepare to fall in love with its fresh, tangy, and utterly delicious profile – it’s a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!

Number Two: Simple Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

And now, for our remarkable Number Two! It’s clear that many of you, like me, appreciate the beauty of uncomplicated dishes, especially when they’re bursting with flavor. The Simple Garlic Parmesan Green Beans perfectly embody this philosophy. In our increasingly busy lives, having access to easy recipes that don’t skimp on taste is a true blessing, and this side dish delivers on all fronts. These tender-crisp green beans, sautéed with fragrant garlic and finished with a generous sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese, are ready in virtually no time at all. They offer a delightful and easy way to elevate your everyday side dish routine, adding a gourmet touch without any fuss. My family absolutely adores these, and I’m thrilled they became such a hit with all of you too!

And for Number One: 15 Minute Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for – our undisputed Number One recipe of 2015! I wholeheartedly agree with your choice; this dish is not only one of my personal favorites but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a true kitchen superstar. If you’re a fan of shrimp, you absolutely *must* try this 15 Minute Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce. Picture succulent shrimp, perfectly sautéed in a bright, fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a splash of white wine, all served over a delicate bed of linguine. A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. This recipe masterfully combines speed and elegance, proving that you can create a restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes. It’s truly a dish that feels sophisticated yet remains wonderfully accessible for any home cook, making it the perfect choice to crown our list of reader favorites!

Thank you once again, dear readers, for an extraordinary year filled with culinary adventures and shared passion. Here’s to all the good things and many more delicious moments in 2016!

Don’t miss out on any new recipes! Sign up for my newsletter by clicking here and get free, mouth-watering recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also connect with me and A Cedar Spoon on social media: find me on Facebook, discover visual inspiration on Pinterest, follow for updates on Twitter, join the conversation on Google+, and see behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram. I just recently joined Snapchat too – you can find me there at {acedarspoon}. Let’s continue this delicious journey together!