10 Most Popular Recipes of 2016

In just over a month's time, this little space of the web will be celebrating its eighth anniversary. It's been so much fun sharing recipes with you, learning a little more about writing and photographing food as the years have gone by. I also love checking out which posts were your favorites each year, since it helps me decide what I should create more of the next year!

When I scoured my analytics to see which recipes that I shared in 2016 were the most popular, I thought it very cool that of the top 10, half of those were recipes that I created to accompany a work of fiction (like a movie or television show - no books in the top 10 slots this year). Since that's a pretty accurate representation of the recipes I love to create and share with you, it brought a huge smile to my face.

Paprika Roast Chicken over Mamaliga | Bram Stoker's Dracula

Welcome to the final installment of the All Vampire Book and a Movie Challenge for 2016. Our December challenge was what could probably be considered THE vampire story of vampire stories, Dracula. While there have been many retellings of Bram Stoker's tale, the movie we watched this month was the '92 Francis Ford Coppola version starring Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, and Winona Ryder.

The movie - Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992):

Oh, the movie...the dreaded movie. I'm just going to go ahead and say it—I hate this movie. I didn't like it the first time I saw it so many years ago, but decided to give it a chance after I'd finished the book. That just made me think even less of the over-sexed, over-boobed, bastardization of Bram Stoker's original work. I thought the acting was horrible (sorry Keanu, you're pretty and all, but) and the screenplay was so far off from the original story that I don't know how they could still get away with calling it "Bram Stoker's" Dracula.

Tortilla Española | Gilmore Girls

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday coffee klatch, where I discuss and create recipes inspired Gilmore Girls. Last time I talked about A Year in the Life, episode one (Winter), and today I'm talking, unsurprisingly, about episode two (Spring). So, without further ado, here are my thoughts. I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode in the comments below.

Recipes inspired by the movie Krampus | #FoodnFlix

I had a lot of fun hosting this month's edition of Food 'n Flix. When I chose Krampus as our movie, I thought it might create a bit of a buzz, and lead to differing opinions. But I also couldn't wait to see the inspiration and creativity of the submissions—and they definitely did not disappoint.

When I host an edition of Food 'n Flix during a month that contains a holiday, if possible, I try to choose a film that fits the theme. We've done a couple of classic Christmas movies in the past, like Elf, A Christmas Story, and Christmas in Connecticut, but we delved into the darker side this year with St. Nick's partner (and punisher of the naughty), Krampus.

Homemade Peppermint Mini Marshmallows | Krampus #FoodnFlix

It's December, and that means it's time for a Christmas edition of Food 'n Flix, where, along with a talented group of bloggers, I create a recipe inspired by a chosen film. Since I'm hosting this month, I created the challenge, asking everybody to create a recipe inspired by the 2015 horror-comedy, Krampus!

While the original legend is definitely pee-your-pants scary, I didn't personally think this PG-13 movie was scary at all. A bit dark and creepy in parts, but not scary. I actually own a copy and have seen it several times, the most recent time my 12 and 14 year olds watched it with me. While I did see my youngest jump once, they both agreed that while they'd never want to be face to face with the Krampus of lore, the movie  itself was just creepy. But hey, my kids grew up with Orcs and Dementors, so...

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Growing up in the Midwest, I've drunk my fair share of hot cocoa. I mean, there's nothing like coming in from a hard day of trudging up a snowy hill (after the fun sliding down part) over and over again, or building a snow fort, or having a snowball fight, to a mug of steaming chocolate. It's a winter time staple!

But the thing is, ours always came from a round, lined cardboard canister of Swiss Miss. Well no, sometimes we had the boxes with individual packets. And I won't lie, I always liked the kind with the crunchy, dehydrated marshmallows. Or, if somebody didn't get to the bag, we'd pile on soft mini marshmallows—and that was good, too.

Creamy Ham and Greens Noodle Soup | #Reames #HomemadeGoodness

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Reames®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Everybody has those certain triggers that spark up a feeling of nostalgia—sites, sounds, smells that transport them to another place, another time. For me, at this time of the year, when heavy snow blankets the world outside my window, it's the welcoming smell of a roast, a ham, or a bird cooking slowly in the kitchen.

Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup for High Tea | #AslansFeast

This month the Fandom Foodies are heading into the kitchen to create with the fantasy world of Narnia as inspiration. Narnia holds a special place in my heart because when my oldest son (now in college) was 7 or 8, just after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie came to theaters, we bought The Chronicles of Narnia (the complete chronicles in one big book).

Since he'd gone from being an only child for 4 1/2 years to having two siblings in short order, I was looking for a way to spend quality time with just him. So, every night, we sat down and, starting at the beginning, read The Chronicles of Narnia out loud for at least an hour every night. This was actually my first time reading it, as well, and both of us fell in love with C.S. Lewis's magical world, and our stolen hour together each night when we stepped hand-in-hand into the wardrobe.

(Almost) Nigella's Black Bean Soup

Although I'm the first to say that I make and eat soup year-round (there are so many great summer soups!), cold weather, snow and ice has hit us hard lately and I've been in even more of a "gimme soup" kind of mood lately. But that works well since I've also had a lot of bones and carcasses from roasted meats to use for making stock lately, as well.

Like a lot people, I love using ham stock or a ham bone to make rich, meaty black bean soup like this crockpot black bean soup. This version from Nigella Lawson is a bit of a break from the norm, though. It utilizes the broth, juices, and ham bone left over from making her Coca-Cola Ham, which results in a bean soup that is a little sweet and unexpected.

Giant Chocolate Chip Raisin Einkorn Cookies | #EinkornExperiment

I'm pretty excited to announce that this month kicks off a new project I'm embarking on with my friend Lora from Savoring Italy. Together we'll be experimenting in the kitchen with the oldest wheat known to scientists*—Einkorn.

We both have our reasons for wanting to learn more about this grain whose wild form has been traced back tens of thousands of years, mine being several. I'd read that einkorn was a nutritious grain that contained higher levels of protein and essential fatty acids, and that it was easier to digest than modern wheat. Since its nutrients are better absorbed, people wth gluten sensitivities are often able to consume einkorn without the belly and digestion issues (although it's not recommended for people with celiac disease or those who have allergies to wheat or gluten).

Tater Tot-cos | Gilmore Girls

It's coffee klatch Wednesday! Sorry I missed a couple of weeks, but life threw me a couple of curve balls recently. So, let's talk A Year in the Life. Although I've watched all four episodes a couple of times, I'm only going to discuss one episode at a time. Here we go!

Slow Cooker Ham Stock

If you're making a ham for the holidays (or anytime), don't throw away that bone before make a batch of ham stock. You could do it in a pot on the stove top, but if you have a slow cooker or crockpot, why not let it do all the work for you—set it and forget it!

Add the bone (I like leaving a little bit of meat attached) to the slow cooker insert along with a few veggies and herbs, plus water...then cover and leave it for at least 18 hours, but up to 24. Then you simply strain it and it's ready to use in soups, stews, and other comforting dishes to sustain you through the cold months.

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham

To be fair, this ham can be made any time of the year, but I think it fits the holidays perfectly with the red, tart lingonberry jam and the scent of allspice and cloves. The best part is that the ham itself cooks up nice and tender in the slow cooker, all by itself, freeing you up to do other things with that much coveted resource—time!

A jar of lingonberries, some honey, and a little bit of warming spice are mixed to make a beautiful and festive glaze. One thing that you might notice missing is whole cloves. While I adore clove-scented ham as much as the next person, I don't adore having to pluck picking them (and usually missing a few) of the cooked ham.

Caramel Shortbread Squares, guest post by author RaeAnne Thayne

Please help me welcome bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne to the blog today as part of the Winter Holiday Recipes (and reads!) event with TLC Book Tours. RaeAnne will be introducing her new release and sharing a recipe inspired by her latest Haven Point book. Plus, enter for a chance to win a baking-inspired prize pack further down in this post!

Join us in the kitchen with Krampus | #FoodnFlix in December

It's December and this month I'm excited to be hosting the current edition of the Food 'n Flix club right here on All Roads Lead to the Kitchen with my movie pick and challenge for those who wish to participate, the 2015 Christmas Comedy-Horror film, Krampus!

As folklore has it, in Germany, Austria, and many Central European states, St. Nicholas and Krampus were partners. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day the two would work together, St. Nicholas would fill the boots of the good children with fruits, sweets or other treats, and Krampus would kidnap the naughty children, often beating them, and drag them away from their homes.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Barbecue Turkey Meatballs + Instant Pot #Giveaway

Tis the season for parties and get-togethers, and today I'm joining The Redhead Baker and a handful of other bloggers to help Coleen celebrate her 5th blogging anniversary. Along with sharing recipes fit for a party or celebration, we also have a great giveaway (an Instant Pot + $50 Amazon card) - just scroll down to the giveaway widget to enter.

Cranberry Cobbler | Frankenstein

It's time for the November edition of the All Vampire Book and a Movie Challenge. I'll admit that I was a bit thrown for a loop when I heard that this month's assignment was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I'll admit that while I know the basic story of Frankenstein (I mean, who doesn't), I'd never actually read the book or seen this movie adaptation. And the whole "vampire" portion had me stumped.

Soft, Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls | A Gilmore Girls Thanksgiving Coffee Klatch

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I know that's generally reserved for the Christmas season, but as far as I'm concerned, it starts with Thanksgiving. I mean, I'm hip-deep in meal prep and dirty dishes today—and I'm happy about it. I plan and look forward to Thanksgiving dinner all year long.

But part of my permagrin has to do with the fact that in 48 hours, I'll be watching A Year in the Life on Netflix—which is what prompted the weekly Gilmore Girls coffee klatch in the first place! The past two months have just flown by. Since I'm not choosing random episodes to cook from and discuss, what better theme for the day than Thanksgiving?

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings | Love Literary Style

If I could describe Love Literary Style in a few short words, I'd say it is a fun, meta romantic comedy. Yes, I said meta. I rarely say meta, because for some reason it bothers me—I think because it was way overused in the last few years. But also because I don't think I completely understand how to use it properly. Although in this case, I'm pretty sure that I've gotten it right. That's just to say, that if I'm using the word, it's for a legit reason (and somehow, "legit" doesn't bother me).

This rom-com, written by Karen Gillespie, not only follows the traditional rom-com formula, it also explains that formula in the book, since one of the lead characters, Laurie Lee is a romance writer. Our other lead character, Aaron Mite, is a college professor who has spent the last 5 years writing his novel.

Oyster Stuffing (or Dressing) | Burnt #FoodnFlix

This month we've got a hardcore foodie movie as our Food 'n Flix inspiration. Burnt is the story of chef Adam Jones, who we learn fell from his perch into a world of alcohol and drugs. As the movie begins, he is finishing his self-imposed penance of shucking 1 million oysters at a little New Orleans bar, hidden away from the world he was once a part of.

He makes his way to London, where most of his former colleagues from his Paris glory days are now working and living. He barges his way into being the chef at the restaurant in a hotel owned by former friend (who has always had a crush on him, which Adam totally exploits) Tony's father, which Tony is now managing. He rips Helene away from her sous chef position at a restaurant owned by a friend, by convincing him to fire her, so she'd basically have to work for him. He taunts his rival Reece, at his restaurant, just to let him know that even though he is majorly successful, he (Adam) is setting up shop in town.

Pineapple Cranberry Chutney + Eat Like a Gilmore Cookbook Review

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to this week's edition of the Gilmore Girls coffee klatch! In anticipation of Netflix's Black Friday release date of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Chef Sarah Elizabeth and I have been binging and the discussing the original seven seasons and sharing recipes inspired by the show for almost 2 months now.

Since I binged like a champion, I've been done for a couple of weeks now. So, while I may have shared my thoughts on the series finale last week, my Wednesdays are reserved indefinitely for hanging with the girls. I'll pull ideas from random (and often seasonally appropriate) episodes and share other random Gilmore Girls inspired fun.

Green Beans with Sesame Dressing (Ingen no goma-ae) | #JapaneseHomeCooking

I used to believe that Japanese was somewhat of an elusive entity to me; it existed, but just beyond my realm of understanding. I've made a few Japanese recipes over the years, almost always something very basic. But here's the thing I've started to realize—Japanese cooking isn't as out of reach as it sometimes seems.

Like anything, a solid knowledge and skill base builds a foundation and unclouds vision. That's what (Iron) Chef Masaharu Morimoto offers up in his new cookbook, Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking. While admitting that this book does not, and could not, contain "every dish in the Japanese grandmother's repertoire", it does feature ones that he whip up in your kitchen if he could...his favorites.

Brown Butter Garam Masala Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Do you have a certain ingredient that you have to stock up on during the holiday season? For me, it's butter. Both my fridge and my freezer are piled high from October through December, and I still find myself dangerously low sometimes. While a fair share does go towards baking and sweets, I love the richness it adds to savory dishes.

Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Einkorn Porridge

Let's talk hot cereal for a moment. I grew up with Cream of Wheat, Malt-O-Meal, and oatmeal...and I liked them. Warm, comforting food that made a cold, midwestern morning a little more bearable. And the "new" microwavable oatmeal packets of the day? It was a toss-up between apple-cinnamon and maple brown sugar for which was my favorite.

Spiced Sour Cream Peach Pie | Gilmore Girls Coffee Klatch

So, last Wednesday came and went without a coffee klatch post (on my blog, but do check out Chef Sarah Elizabeth's coffee cake muffins and discussion). It was just a bit of a crazy with Halloween on Monday and my birthday on Thursday; most of the week I didn't even know what day it was. But I'm back today to discuss the final episode of Gilmore Girls.

Technically I finished the episode almost 2 weeks ago, but I've watched the episode over no less than 5 times since then. While there was some finality to it, there wasn't quite enough to leave me feeling satisfied. It felt a bit rushed—let's call it open-ended closure (a very fine oxymoron).

Sage and Shallot Roasted Turkey Breast with Apple Cider Gravy

I've mentioned before that I like to roast an extra turkey breast for Thanksgiving or Christmas so that I can guaranted we'll have leftovers, right? Right. Well, this one I actually made the day after Thanksgiving this year because we went to my mom's house and only came home with enough turkey for approximately one large sandwich.

Green Chile Piñon Burgers | In the Blue Hour

Today I'm kicking off a TLC Book Tour for Elizabeth Hall's new novel, In the Blue Hour. The majority of this story is set in beautiful (or so I imagine) Northern New Mexico. For somebody who doesn't like extreme heat, I've always entertained the idea of trying New Mexico on for size—especially after immersing myself in a book dripping with such inviting descriptions of the area.

Elise Brooks lost her husband 8 months ago when, driving her car, sailed off the edge of a cliff. She has been lost in grief and guilt every day since it happened, especially since she saw it happen in a dream almost a month in advance. Even knowing how in-tune Michael and that part of her family were with dreams and the spirit world, she never told him about her dream, because she didn't see him in the car. Now, she can't help blaming herself.

Camotes Enmielados (Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes) | #SheMadeEllaHace

Somehow it's been over a year since the last time Leslie and I got together in the kitchen for a round of She Made, Ella Hace. Life has this crazy way of passing by so quickly that you don't realize that you've missed spending time with someone until it hits you like a load of bricks, doesn't it? A lot has happened between then and now, but one really cool thing? Leslie wrote a cookbook! It's called Taqueria Tacos—if you're a taco lover (and who isn't), you should really get your hands on a copy ASAP.

Speaking of time and things missed, since today begins Día de Muertos, we are sharing a couple of traditional recipes that are often served on this day. Leslie made some Classic Café de Olla and I made Camotes Enmielados, or Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes.

Chili Cheeseburgers | Fright Night meets 'Salem's Lot

Welcome to another round of the All Vampire Book and a Movie Challenge! Our assignments this month were Fright Night (the original) and 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King. The connection between these two stories comes in the form of two young men who discover discover and try to fight the vampire(s) that is killing the people in their hometown. Coincidentally, both of their love interests are turned, though with different outcomes, and a once-empty house that is now occupied by a vampire.

Mrs. Lovett's Famous Meat Pies | Sweeney Todd

I have waited an entire month to share these little meat pies with you! Since the Fandom Foodies are celebrating the movies of Tim Burton this month, I knew that I wanted to feature a recipe inspired by the dark, tragic, macabre Sweeney Todd for this month's edition of #FridayPieDay.

I've been a major slacker on the Friday Pie Day front for the past couple of months (though I have shared a few pies on other days), but I think these little meat pies mostly make up for it.

Easy Beetlejuice Truffles | #FoodnFlix

This month's Food 'n Flix pick is the kooky 1988 Tim Burton flick, Beetlejuice! It's a perfect choice for Halloween month, which also happens to be the Fandom Foodies #Burtoween event, hosted by Carrie at Witchy Kitchen. Beetlejuice was released when I was in 7th grade and was my introduction to the dark and magical world of Tim Burton. I mean, aside from Pee Wee's Big Adventure, which I never even realized was TB until recently.

If, for some odd reason, you're not familiar with Beetlejuice, it's the story of Adam and Barbara Maitland, a young couple who dies after their car goes off of a bridge not too far from their home. At first, they don't realize that they've died, since they wind up back in their beloved home. That is, until they realize that nobody else can see them and they stumble upon the Handbook for the Recently Deceased in their attic.

Muffin Bottom Pudding Pie | Gilmore Girls Coffee Klatch

I can hardly believe it, but I only have ONE episode of Gilmore Girls left to watch. I could have watched the series premiere and included it in today's post—it's a mere 38:00 long. However, I wasn't quite ready to be finished, so I'm going to devote next week's coffee klatch to share my thoughts on the way things ended and my overall thoughts on the series.

Bloody Feetloaf (aka Halloween Meatloaf)

With Halloween less than a week away, I thought it would be fun to ask the other Progressive Eats bloggers if they'd join me in putting together a Halloween-inspired menu today. Cute and spooky, orange and black, maybe even kinda gross (that's me!)—I love all of the spirited menu inspiration that surrounds All Hallows' Eve!

Pumpkin Einkorn Muffins | Life After Coffee

Today I'm happy to be hosting a TLC book tours stop for the first novel by Virginia Franken. Centered around 30-something wife, mom, and coffee buyer Amy O'Hara, Life After Coffee delves into the somewhat taboo storyline of a working mom who actually enjoys her life. Amy has a hunky husband (Peter) who takes care of their two young children (Billy, 5 and Violet, 3) while she travels the world in 6-week stretches, sourcing the finest coffee beans and connecting with farmers and is happy to be the sole breadwinner in the family.

Her life tumbles down around her when her boss sells his company due to troubles in the coffee industry and she's left without a job. Peter is only too happy to immediately hand over the reigns so that he can finish the screenplay he's been working on for five years. Hilarity and hijinks ensue as Amy realizes that she really has no idea how to fill the parental role she's been thrust into.

For the Love of Butter Chicken

photo credit: Simi Jois

Words have always had a profound effect on me. Not just the ones that cut and tear, also the ones that build and inspire. For as long as I can remember, people have been asking me the question "why are you crying?". It used to embarrass me, as if I was doing something wrong. I'd apologize and say that I was an emotional person, until I realized that was nothing to apologize for. I am me.

A couple of years ago, in a room full of at least 100 people at a blogging conference, I found myself brought to tears (of the inspiring sort) listening to Monica Bhide's presentation. It wound up being my favorite portion of the entire conference, and I was so happy to have the chance to meet Monica and chat with her briefly later that day.

Ogling Eyes Breakfast | Gilmore Girls Coffee Klatch

I made myself slow down this week. Well, to be perfectly honest, I binged season 6 in a couple of days then made myself stop. I need a season to talk about next Wednesday! But never fear—even if I binge the whole final season this week, I'll fill up the following Wednesdays with more coffee talk and Gilmore Girl inspired recipes, quotes, and clips.

Actually, I'm looking all the way back to Season 1:Episode 19 for today's recipe. I've been craving pancakes something fierce since I haven't been able to press play for the past 5 days. I've been dreaming about Luke's. Or maybe it's just withdrawal. Either way, the mood called for a breakfast that would ogle me.

Easy Mixed Seafood Chowder

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Seafood Nutrition Partnership. All opinions are 100% mine.

Is there anything more comforting than enjoying a bowl of chowder on a cool, crisp day? I'm going to go ahead and answer that question. Nope, nothing is better. Especially if that chowder isn't only comforting, but also healthy, tasty, and best of all–quick and simple to make!

Roasted Carrot and Farro Salad

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Land O'Lakes, Inc. All opinions are my own.

Nothing puts a bounce in my step like the onset of fall. Cool, crisp days replace the oppressive heat, and a sense of renewal fills my body. Cool weather fruits and vegetables bejewel my little part of the Midwest with rich reds, oranges, and gold around every corner. College football, sweaters and sweatshirts, hayrides, the pumpkin patch, corn mazes...I could go on.

Ambrosia Salad | Edward Scissorhands #Burtoween

It's October, which means it's time for all things spooky and kookie. In that spirit, the Fandom Foodies group theme for the month is #Burtoween! Carrie at Witchy Kitchen is our host and she has invited everybody to participate in this spooktacular feast by creating recipes pulled from or inspired by Tim Burton films. Whether he wrote, directed, produced, or did the art work—they are fair game! For more info on how to participate, visit #Burtoween at Witchy Kitchen!

I'd been meaning to do a dish inspired by Edward Scissorhands for months, so this was the perfect opportunity for me to cross that off my list! I didn't go creepy (I know, boring), but who could resist the allure of a retro dish that is somewhat quirky? Not I.

Fried Marshmallow Pies | Gilmore Girls Coffee Klatch

I told myself that I was only going to watch one season of Gilmore Girls this week. But alas, I have no willpower when it comes to the town of Stars Hollow. I watched another two seasons, which means that I only have two seasons to go and am way ahead of schedule. I'll wind up kicking myself for it when I finish and have to wait too long for A Year in the Life.

But hey, what's a girl to do? Today I'll be recapping seasons four and five. Did I mention how much food there is in this show? Aside from coffee, which is a food group in and of itself, there's always inspiration to be found in Sookie and Luke's kitchens, Friday night dinners, and even movie nights.