The Best of 2016: Mom On Timeout’s Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes
Welcome to a delicious journey back in time! At the close of each year, it’s always incredibly rewarding to reflect on the culinary adventures we’ve shared, and 2016 was no exception. Here at Mom On Timeout, we believe that cooking should be a source of joy, comfort, and delicious memories, not a chore. That’s why we pour our hearts into creating recipes that are not only incredibly tasty but also accessible for every home cook, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your kitchen explorations. This special collection showcases the ten most beloved recipes that captivated your hearts and taste buds throughout 2016. It’s a fabulous mix of both irresistible sweet treats and comforting savory dishes, truly reflecting the diverse palates of our incredible community. From speedy desserts that come together in minutes to hearty dinners perfect for a chilly evening, these are the recipes that our readers returned to again and again. We sincerely hope you find a new favorite – or perhaps rediscover an old one – and give them all a try!
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Compiling this annual list is genuinely one of my favorite tasks of the entire year! There’s an undeniable joy in looking back and celebrating the recipes that resonated most deeply with you, my wonderful readers. It’s a beautifully simple, yet incredibly insightful, process: I delve into our analytics, specifically Google page views, to determine which recipes garnered the most attention and then rank them from one to ten. It’s a true reflection of what captured your interest and what you brought into your kitchens. Every year brings its own set of delightful surprises. Some of my personal favorites proudly made the cut, proving that great taste is universally appreciated! And then, there are always a few beloved dishes that I anticipated seeing on the list but didn’t quite make the top spots. It just goes to show that sometimes, even I can guess wrong!
Your engagement and feedback are invaluable to me. If you’ve had the pleasure of trying any of these top recipes, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Which ones did you make? More importantly, which recipe from 2016 was your ultimate favorite, regardless of whether it landed in our top ten? Your insights are incredibly helpful and genuinely shape the direction of Mom On Timeout, guiding me on what kind of recipes to create and share with you all in the coming year. This list isn’t just a countdown; it’s a testament to our shared love for delicious, homemade food. These are my most popular recipes from 2016 – a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Your taste truly is exceptional!
As we welcome new beginnings, I extend my warmest wishes for a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. May your kitchens be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of delicious food!
Mom On Timeout’s Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2016
Get ready to explore the best of the best from 2016! Each recipe is a testament to flavor, simplicity, and the joy of home cooking.
#10 Three Minute Easter Fluff
Kicking off our countdown at number ten is the incredibly easy, dump-and-go, one-bowl Three Minute Easter Fluff. This delightful dessert salad isn’t just the perfect vibrant addition to your Easter festivities; it’s truly a year-round treat! Its light, airy texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, enjoyed by adults and children alike. The beautiful pastel colors inherent in this fluff also make it an ideal choice for baby showers, bridal brunches, or any celebration where a touch of sweetness and charm is desired. Imagine a creamy, fruity concoction that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor and visual appeal. This recipe epitomizes effortless entertaining, proving that extraordinary desserts don’t have to be complicated. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something magical.
#9 Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
At number nine, we address a common kitchen dilemma: ripe bananas! In my culinary philosophy, throwing out perfectly good ripe bananas is an absolute no-no. Instead of letting them go to waste, transform them into something truly spectacular! These Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy, and bursting with the classic combination of sweet banana and rich chocolate chips, they are simply impossible to resist. Each bite offers a comforting taste of home, making them perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a delightful treat with your morning coffee. This recipe is not just about using up ingredients; it’s about creating moments of pure indulgence and ensuring that every banana finds its delicious destiny.
#8 Practically Perfect Peppermint Fudge
Earning its spot at number eight is a holiday favorite that transcends seasonal boundaries: Practically Perfect Peppermint Fudge! What makes this fudge so universally adored? Its incredible simplicity and speed. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and a mere five minutes of your time, you can create this stunningly pretty and wonderfully festive treat. The cool, refreshing burst of peppermint perfectly complements the rich, creamy fudge, making it an ideal gift, a delightful addition to any dessert table, or a simple indulgence for yourself. Whether you’re preparing for the festive season or simply craving a minty chocolate fix, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. It’s fudge made easy, ensuring you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
#7 Triple Chocolate Turtle Fudge
Sliding into the seventh position is a truly decadent creation that promises to satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings: our Triple Chocolate Turtle Fudge. This isn’t just any fudge; it’s a masterpiece featuring a luxurious blend of three distinct types of chocolate, expertly combined with a rich, ooey-gooey caramel center that is absolutely impossible to resist. Each square is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate to the soft, luscious caramel. Garnished with pecans (the classic turtle candy element), this fudge is not only a fantastic treat for your own household but also makes for an incredibly impressive and thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or for special occasions. Prepare to be amazed by its depth of flavor and irresistible charm.
#6 No Bake Snickers Crunch Bars
Coming in strong at number six, these No Bake Snickers Crunch Bars are sure to become a cherished new favorite in your dessert collection. Imagine the iconic flavors of a Snickers bar elevated with an irresistible crunchy twist, all without ever needing to turn on your oven! These bars are a dream come true for anyone who loves layers of chocolate perfectly mingled with crunchy Cocoa Pebbles, rich and dreamy nougat, and luscious, gooey caramel. The combination is simply divine and unbelievably addictive. This recipe makes a generous batch, making it absolutely perfect for sharing. Be sure to invite friends and family over, or bring them to your next potluck or party, because these bars are designed for enjoyment amongst loved ones. They’re a guaranteed hit for any gathering!
#5 Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans
Breaking into the top five, we have a savory sensation that embodies pure comfort: Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans. This is the quintessential recipe for those brisk autumn evenings or chilly winter days when you crave something deeply warming and satisfying. This hearty dish is crafted with a robust blend of three different types of beans, slow-cooked to perfection with rich molasses, crispy bacon, and savory kielbasa. The result is a wonderfully smoky, slightly sweet, and incredibly flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
#4 Cheesy Kielbasa, Rice and Broccoli Skillet
Securing its well-deserved spot at number four, the Cheesy Kielbasa, Rice and Broccoli Skillet is about to become your family’s new favorite dinner obsession! This brilliant skillet recipe is the answer to busy weeknights, offering incredible flavor with remarkable speed and minimal cleanup. Everything comes together in a single pan, making cooking and washing up an absolute breeze. Loaded with savory kielbasa, tender rice, vibrant broccoli, and an generous amount of melty cheese, every forkful is bursting with comforting, wholesome goodness. It’s a perfectly balanced meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. Expect this dinner recipe to be requested again and again, cementing its place as a quick, delicious, and fuss-free solution for any night of the week.
#3 No Fail Jell-O Divinity
Soaring into the top three, our easy No Fail Jell-O Divinity recipe is a truly enchanting confection that is sure to delight the child in everyone! This recipe transforms traditional divinity into a playful, vibrant, and utterly delicious treat. With its whimsical, pretty pastel colors, it stands out as an absolutely essential and eye-catching dessert for your Easter holiday table, adding a touch of sweetness and cheer. Beyond Easter, these delightful candies are also a lovely and elegant choice for baby showers, bringing a gentle burst of color and flavor to any celebration. Its “no fail” promise means even those new to candy making can achieve perfect results every time, making it a stress-free yet impressive addition to your repertoire.
#2 The Best Chicken Marinade
Holding the coveted second spot, you can officially stop your search for the ultimate chicken marinade – because this is it: The Best Chicken Marinade recipe ever! This incredibly easy-to-make marinade is poised to become your absolute favorite go-to for perfectly flavorful and tender chicken, every single time. What makes it so exceptional? It’s expertly crafted to infuse your chicken with an incredible depth of flavor while simultaneously ensuring it remains unbelievably moist and outrageously delicious. Whether you’re grilling, baking, pan-frying, or slow-cooking, this marinade will elevate your chicken dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Don’t just take our word for it – try it today and experience the difference a truly great marinade can make to your meals!
#1 Four-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies
And now, for the reigning champion of 2016, our most beloved recipe of the year: the sensational Almond Joy Cookies! If you are a fan of coconut, then prepare yourself, because you are in for an absolute treat. These cookies are a marvel of simplicity and flavor, requiring just four basic ingredients to create pure bliss. The best part? You don’t even need a mixer, and there’s no tedious beating or chilling involved. Simply mix them up, drop them onto a baking sheet, and pop them into the oven – it’s that incredibly EASY! The result is a batch of ooey-gooey, fabulously soft, and intensely flavorful cookies that perfectly capture the essence of your favorite Almond Joy candy bar. This recipe truly proves that sometimes, the simplest things are the most extraordinary. Prepare to fall head over heels for these irresistible cookies!
As we wrap up this delightful look back at 2016’s most cherished recipes, I sincerely hope you’ve discovered a hidden gem you meant to try, or perhaps more than one! It’s been an incredible year of shared cooking and eating, and I’m immensely grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm. May the upcoming year bring us all the very best – more delicious meals, cherished moments in the kitchen, and countless reasons to gather around the table. Here’s to many more culinary adventures together!
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