My Favorite Real Food Recipes from 2016

As we get ready to enjoy Christmas and New Years, I thought it would be fun to reflect on 2016 through the eyes of Live Simply. Last week, I shared my favorite do-it-yourself projects (cleaning and body-care) from 2016. This week, we’re going to chat about my favorite (real food) recipes.

Today’s post is the last post on Live Simply until 2017. We’re currently traveling, and will be until the first week of January. While I’m away, Rachel, Live Simply’s Administrative Assistant, will be interacting with the comments on the blog.

 

Grandma’s Famous No-Bake Buckeyes

This is my grandma’s famous recipe. A recipe that’s been passed down in my family. A recipe that I enjoyed as a child, and one that I plan to continue making and enjoying with my kids.

Cowboy Cookies: A Gift in a Jar

We made this simple gift for just about everyone this Christmas. The kids loved measuring, weighing, and banging the jars on the counter to compact the ingredients. And the recipients absolutely loved the healthier ingredients and thoughtful packaging.

Naturally-Sweetened Crispy Rice Treats

In 2016, my favorite childhood dessert (or snack…hey, the ’80s weren’t exactly known for healthy food ;)) got a real food makeover. This recipe combines honey, nut butter, and a one-ingredient puffed rice. Yum!

“Miracle” Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe came together after a late-night cookie craving. I absolutely love the simplicity of this recipe: almond flour, honey, butter, eggs, vanilla, and a starch.

Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are so easy to toss together and bake on a busy weeknight.

Honey-Cinnamon Baked Pears

This recipe may be prepared and served for both breakfast and dessert. I absolutely love serving the pears with yogurt for a sweet breakfast treat.

Naturally-Sweetened Multi-Grain Banana Bread

This year, I fell in love with mixing flours to create baked goods. This banana bread uses spelt and einkorn flour, both of which are ancient grains, to create a moist snacking bread. Piper voted this bread his favorite recipe from 2016. Good call, Piper!

Busy Morning Almond-Oat Pancakes

This recipe has become my go-to recipe for pancakes. I make this recipe at least twice a month, and I usually double the recipe to store the extra in the freezer.

One-Bowl Spiced Applesauce Oat Muffins

My kids are obsessed with these muffins. In fact, Piper asks me to make these muffins at least once a month.

Quick and Simple Fall Vegetable Soup

Don’t let the basic ingredients in this soup fool you. This soup is packed full of flavor, and immune-loving broth and veggies. I love to prep this soup on the weekend to enjoy all week long.

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is the perfect creamy soup to serve with a grilled cheese on a cold night.

Quick and Easy Marinated Chicken Gyros

Yep, another simple meal! This is one of my favorite dinner meals on my meal plan rotation.

Kid-Friendly Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce

If you’re looking to up your spaghetti sauce game, then add this recipe to your meal plan in 2017. It’s been a huge winner with my kids (all three of them ;)).

Chipotle Blue Cheese Burgers with Mushrooms and Onions

This, my friend, is my absolute favorite recipe on the blog. I’m a HUGE fan of burgers, and this burger is an absolute flavor dream.

Buttery Oven-Roasted Vegetables

I make a sheet pan of roasted vegetables every Sunday to enjoy for breakfast and lunch throughout the week.

How to Make Creamy Cashew Milk

This is another staple recipe in my kitchen. I make cashew or almond milk once a week to use in smoothies, coffee, or overnight oats.

Do you have a favorite food recipe from 2016? Is there anything you’d like to see on Live Simply in 2017?