Unveiling the Best of 2017: Top Recipes, Our New Home, and a Personal Blog Update

Happy Friday, dear friends! As we reflect on the past year, I’m thrilled to finally share some of the most beloved recipes that graced our tables and delighted your taste buds in 2017. Looking back at the list, I was genuinely surprised by a few of the top contenders, especially the reigning cookie champion. Can you guess which one? Here’s a hint: it features raisins! Who would have thought so many of you share a love for those chewy little gems?

Before we dive into the delicious world of top-rated recipes, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you on a more personal level and share a little about what’s been happening behind the scenes. You might have noticed a quieter presence on the blog these past few weeks, and for that, I apologize. Typically, I tend to keep my personal life separate from the blog, primarily because I’ve always felt my day-to-day adventures weren’t quite exciting enough to warrant a spotlight. #justkeepingitreal, right?

However, I’ve had a change of heart. I want to build a deeper connection with all of you who follow along, and that means occasionally pulling back the curtain a bit. Because, believe it or not, I do have a life beyond the mixing bowls and oven timers!

I know, shocking, isn’t it?

A Year of New Beginnings: From Packing Boxes to Dream Kitchens

So, what exactly has kept me so occupied? Well, the early part of last year kicked off an incredibly busy period. My husband, Josh, and I embarked on a monumental journey: we sold our old house, moved out, painstakingly built a brand-new home from the ground up, and then moved in again. All of this unfolded within an astonishing 11-month span. Once we finally settled into our new abode, the sheer exhaustion of it all prompted me to hit the pause button. I decided to indulge in a much-needed break and simply relax for a few weeks, which explains the recent quiet spell here on the blog.

To say that last year was merely “exhausting” would truly be an understatement. It was a whirlwind of decisions, packing, coordinating, and managing endless details. Yet, amidst the chaos, it also stands out as one of the most rewarding and best years of my life. We’re still getting fully situated and have a bit more decorating to do (send help, please, for interior design inspiration!), but I’m planning a dedicated post about our new home in a couple of months. For now, I simply couldn’t resist sharing a little sneak peek of my absolute favorite part of our new space.

And if you immediately guessed the kitchen, you, my friend, know me too well!

This photo was snapped just before we officially moved in, but the excitement was already palpable. As a dedicated baker and food blogger, having ample counter space and, perhaps most importantly, TWO ovens, feels like a dream come true. For nearly four years, I’ve been creating and testing recipes with just a single oven, often juggling multiple baking sheets or waiting for one batch to finish before starting another. The addition of double ovens will undoubtedly revolutionize my baking process, allowing for more efficiency and creativity. You can’t quite see them in this particular shot, but they are actually two separate single ovens strategically placed on the other side of our spacious kitchen island.

Alright, enough about my newfound kitchen bliss! Let’s get to the main event: the recipes that captivated your hearts (and stomachs!) and made it to the very top of our list in 2017!

The Most Loved Recipes of 2017: A Culinary Countdown

Top Breakfast Recipe: Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal

Kicking off our list is this incredibly comforting and wholesome breakfast option. It’s easy to see why the Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal became a fan favorite. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with juicy blueberries, all baked into a hearty oat base, it’s the perfect way to start your day. This recipe offers a wonderful blend of convenience and deliciousness, making it ideal for meal prepping or a relaxed weekend brunch. Its warm, inviting aroma and satisfying texture make it a perennial classic.

Top Bar Recipe: Classic Lemon Bars

For those who adore a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, the Classic Lemon Bars were an undeniable hit. Featuring a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust topped with a vibrant, zesty lemon filling, these bars are a testament to simple elegance. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, yet they deliver a sophisticated flavor that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal desserts. It’s no surprise they topped the list for bars – their bright flavor is utterly irresistible.

Top Cookie Recipe: Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

And now for the big surprise: our top cookie of 2017 was none other than the Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! I truly never anticipated such a widespread love for raisins, but this recipe clearly struck a chord. What makes these cookies stand out is their incredible texture – perfectly soft and delightfully chewy, loaded with hearty oats and those surprisingly popular plump raisins. They embody a comforting, nostalgic flavor that many grew up with, proving that sometimes, the classics truly are the best.

Top Cake/Cupcake Recipe: Vanilla Cupcakes

Sometimes, simplicity triumphs, and that’s precisely the case with our top cake/cupcake recipe: the humble yet magnificent Vanilla Cupcakes. This recipe provides the perfect foundational base – moist, tender, and bursting with pure vanilla flavor. They’re incredibly versatile, serving as a blank canvas for any frosting or decoration you can imagine. Whether for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat, these classic cupcakes prove that a well-executed basic recipe is truly indispensable in any baker’s repertoire.

Top No-Bake Recipe: No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

When the weather heats up or you just need a quick dessert, no-bake recipes are a true lifesaver. Our No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake captured the hearts of many, and it’s easy to see why. This decadent dessert combines the iconic crunch of Oreo cookies with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling, all without ever needing to turn on your oven. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and utterly irresistible, making it a perfect choice for entertaining or a satisfying weeknight treat.

Top Pie Recipe: Homemade Pumpkin Pie

No list of top recipes would be complete without a classic pie, and our Homemade Pumpkin Pie proudly took the top spot in its category. This recipe embodies the cozy flavors of autumn and holiday gatherings. With its perfectly spiced, silky smooth pumpkin filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, it delivers pure nostalgic comfort in every slice. It’s a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion, proving its enduring popularity year after year.

Beyond the Top 7: More Irresistible Reader Favorites

While the previous recipes claimed the top spots, a few other incredible creations also made it into our overall top 10 for 2017, and I simply must highlight them because they are absolute personal favorites!

Grandma’s Bread Pudding

This recipe holds a very special place in my heart, and my husband spent quite a long time convincing me to share it. We absolutely adore Grandma’s Bread Pudding in our home. I’ll admit, bread pudding isn’t the easiest or most visually appealing dish to photograph, but the flavor is so profoundly good that I knew I had to share this culinary gem. I was genuinely surprised and incredibly happy that this comforting, homely dish ended up being one of my top 5 recipes for the entire year! It fills me with immense joy to know that such a cherished family recipe has resonated with so many of you.

Classic No-Bake Cookies

These delightful treats secured a spot in the top 3 recipes of 2017 overall! They were just *barely* edged out of the coveted top cookie spot by my beloved oatmeal raisin cookies. I was, once again, pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of people who share my love for no-bake cookies. They are truly one of my all-time favorite easy desserts, combining rich peanut butter, hearty oats, and decadent cocoa powder into a quick, satisfying bite. Their ease of preparation and nostalgic flavor make them a perennial favorite.

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

Last, but certainly not least, our Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce once again made it into the top 10 this year. This delectable creation truly is like liquid gold – incredibly rich, perfectly balanced with a hint of salt, and unbelievably versatile. Whether drizzled over ice cream, enhancing a cake, or enjoyed straight from the spoon, its luxurious flavor makes it an essential staple in any dessert lover’s kitchen. Its consistent popularity proves that a truly exceptional homemade condiment can be just as beloved as any baked good.

Thank You!

Before I wrap things up, I absolutely must take a moment to extend my deepest, most heartfelt thanks to YOU. I genuinely cannot express how much I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to read my emails, sends me messages, leaves a comment on a recipe, or lets me know when you’ve tried one of my creations. Your engagement, encouragement, and feedback are the lifeblood of this blog. It’s an incredibly wonderful and fulfilling feeling to be able to share my recipes and my profound love for baking with such an amazing community.

This blog, this creative outlet, would simply not exist without your continued support and enthusiasm. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this journey, for inspiring me, and for making this space a vibrant and cherished community. I look forward to sharing many more delicious recipes and personal moments with you in the years to come. ♥

2017’s Culinary Standouts