Nutmeg Nanny’s Most Loved Recipes of 2017: A Culinary Journey Through Your Favorites

As the curtain closes on another remarkable year, we at Nutmeg Nanny find ourselves reflecting on a truly delicious journey. 2017 was a year brimming with incredible flavors, exciting culinary adventures, and, most importantly, the joy of sharing our passion for food with you, our amazing readers. It’s almost 2018, and we’re buzzing with excitement for the new recipes and ideas we have simmering for you. Rest assured, if you have any cravings or recipe requests, our inbox is always open, but we’re confident you’ll adore what’s coming!

Before we dive headfirst into the new year with fresh, innovative dishes (mark your calendars for January 2nd for the first new recipe!), we want to take a moment to celebrate the culinary triumphs of the past year. This special roundup is dedicated to the stars of 2017 – the recipes that captured your hearts, filled your kitchens with delightful aromas, and became your go-to meals and treats. These are the top recipes of 2017, chosen by you, our fantastic community.

The Heart Behind Nutmeg Nanny: A Decade of Delicious Dedication

My journey with Nutmeg Nanny began almost nine years ago, and honestly, finding my true calling in life has been an adventure. I’ve always been a bit “spastic” in terms of career paths, but blogging, and especially sharing these recipes with you, is the first thing that has truly resonated with my soul. There are days, of course, when the stresses of running a food blog feel overwhelming, and I question if it’s all worth it. But deep down, I always come back to the undeniable truth: this is where I belong. Your engagement, your comments, and the photos of your delicious creations are what fuel my passion and make every single moment worthwhile. Without each and every one of you, this incredible journey wouldn’t be possible.

I am profoundly grateful for the time you invest in reading my blog, for trying my recipes, and for making them a part of your family’s meals. Your support means the world to me, and it inspires me to continue bringing you innovative, delicious, and approachable recipes. Thank you for being such an integral part of the Nutmeg Nanny family. I eagerly anticipate another year of culinary creativity and look forward to filling your 2018 with even more deliciousness!

Your Most Loved Recipes of 2017: A Culinary Showcase

Get ready to rediscover the fan favorites that dominated your kitchens and our blog in 2017. From creamy, spicy pasta dishes to comforting sheet pan dinners and delightful desserts, these are the recipes you couldn’t get enough of!

1. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

This Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo truly reigned supreme all year long, and it’s easy to see why. You, our dear readers, have a serious love affair with creamy, spicy pasta, and this recipe delivers on all fronts! It’s not just delicious; it’s a revelation. Say goodbye to those mediocre jarred sauces, because once you experience how simple and incredibly flavorful it is to create your own rich, zesty sauce from scratch, there’s no turning back. The perfect blend of tender shrimp, al dente fettuccine, a luscious cream sauce, and that signature kick from Cajun spices, elevated by a whisper of smoky andouille sausage, makes this dish an absolute showstopper. If you haven’t embarked on this culinary adventure yet, consider this your urgent invitation – you won’t regret it!

2. Hearty Southwest Taco Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Right now, I have a magnificent spaghetti squash perched on my counter, destined for this absolutely phenomenal Southwest Taco Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a brilliant way to enjoy robust, taco-inspired flavors while embracing a healthier, vegetable-packed alternative to traditional taco shells. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight solution, and its vibrant flavors of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a generous topping of spicy pepper jack cheese guarantee it’s a total crowd-pleaser. This dish exemplifies wholesome comfort food at its finest – satisfying, flavorful, and wonderfully nourishing.

3. Zesty Chicken Avocado Cilantro Lime Soup

When the craving for soup strikes, my ideal bowl is usually brothy, infused with a touch of spice, and bursting with the bright, invigorating flavor of lime. This Chicken Avocado Cilantro Lime Soup encapsulates every single one of those desires and more! It’s a quick-fix wonder, coming together in just 35 minutes, thanks to the clever use of rotisserie chicken. Packed with a medley of colorful vegetables, warming spices, and finished with creamy, cool Hass avocado and fresh cilantro, it’s a symphony of textures and tastes. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace, perfect for chasing away the chill and satisfying your soul.

4. Easy Slow Cooker Honey Soy Sriracha Pulled Chicken

My slow cooker is a year-round MVP in my kitchen, and this Slow Cooker Honey Soy Sriracha Pulled Chicken consistently proves why. It’s a testament to how effortlessly you can create an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal effort. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few hours of slow cooking, you get tender, shredded chicken infused with a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy, and spicy sriracha. This versatile dish is fantastic piled high on a soft bun for a delicious sandwich, served over fluffy rice for a complete meal, or even enjoyed straight from the slow cooker for a wholesome, protein-rich option. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that simplifies meal prep without sacrificing taste.

5. Unique Apple Butter Onion Chicken Burgers

Having collaborated with Musselman’s for several years, I’ve discovered the incredible versatility of apple butter in savory dishes, and your enthusiastic response to these recipes has been heartwarming. This Apple Butter Onion Chicken Burger is not only one of my absolute personal favorites but clearly one of yours too! These aren’t your average chicken burgers. They’re infused with the subtle sweetness of apple butter, creating a unique and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Paired perfectly with creamy smoked Gouda cheese and luscious homemade apple butter caramelized onions, these burgers are a gourmet twist on a classic. They’re ideal for game days, summer grilling, or any occasion where you want to impress with a burger that truly stands out.

6. Effortless Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Chicken and Mushrooms

I am an absolute evangelist for a good sheet pan meal, and this Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Chicken and Mushrooms is nothing short of spectacular. The beauty of this dish lies in its sheer simplicity and incredible flavor payoff. In under 45 minutes, and all on a single pan, you can create a wholesome, robust meal that both parents and children will adore. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs and tender baby portabella mushrooms are roasted to perfection with bright lemon and garlic. While it might not win any beauty contests straight out of the oven, a final drizzle of that vibrant, herb-packed garlic parsley sauce transforms it into a true culinary masterpiece. Trust me, this easy, flavorful, and minimal-cleanup dish needs to be on your dinner rotation ASAP!

7. Flavorful Sheet Pan Moroccan Chicken and Potatoes

It seems your love for convenient and delicious sheet pan meals runs as deep as mine! This Sheet Pan Moroccan Chicken and Potatoes is another shining example of how a single pan can yield a complete, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner. This dish transports your taste buds to Morocco with its aromatic blend of spices, succulent chicken, and tender potatoes. The addition of sweet dried apricots and plump golden raisins provides a delightful contrast, while a fresh sprinkling of cilantro and crunchy pistachios adds layers of texture and freshness. Requiring just 45-50 minutes of roasting, it’s a fuss-free way to enjoy an exotic, vibrant meal any night of the week.

8. Game-Day Ready Baked Supreme Pizza Sliders

These Baked Supreme Pizza Sliders were a spur-of-the-moment creation that I am incredibly thankful for! They are essentially your favorite loaded supreme pizza, miniaturized and baked to perfection on soft, fluffy potato rolls. Each slider is packed with savory marinara sauce, spicy Italian sausage, classic pepperoni, earthy mushrooms, crisp green peppers, sweet onions, and an abundance of gooey mozzarella cheese. These sliders are an absolute dream for football Sundays, casual gatherings, or any occasion where you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing snack or meal. They’re so delicious and satisfying, they’re bound to impress even the most discerning palates and picky eaters!

9. Summer Essential Sweet Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

When the weather warms up, you’ll find me at the grill, and these Sweet Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs are hands down one of my favorite summertime essentials. This recipe is a testament to the power of a good marinade: tender chicken thighs are bathed in a vibrant blend of brown sugar, savory soy sauce, creamy coconut milk, and a carefully selected mix of flavorful spices. The result? Perfectly grilled chicken that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with an irresistible sweet and savory glaze. I make them at least twice a month during grilling season, and I’d happily eat them every single week! They are simple, consistently delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.

10. Indulgent Peanut Butter Nutella Rice Krispie Treats

And finally, to cap off our delicious roundup, we have these truly exceptional Peanut Butter Nutella Rice Krispie Treats. Forget everything you thought you knew about classic Rice Krispie treats; these are in a league of their own. They are extra-large, incredibly marshmallowy, and packed with a decadent combination of creamy peanut butter and rich Nutella – a match made in dessert heaven! The best part? These irresistible treats come together in a mere 20 minutes, making them the perfect solution for a quick craving or an impromptu gathering. To top them off, a generous drizzle of dark chocolate elevates them to a truly gourmet experience. These treats are pure joy in every bite!

Looking Ahead: More Deliciousness in 2018!

What a year 2017 has been, thanks to all these amazing recipes and your unwavering support! Reconnecting with these fan favorites reminds us of the incredible culinary journey we’ve shared. We hope this roundup inspires you to revisit some of these beloved dishes or discover new favorites you might have missed.

As we eagerly step into 2018, the Nutmeg Nanny kitchen is already bustling with new ideas, exciting ingredients, and innovative recipes designed to bring even more joy and flavor to your home. We’re committed to continuing our tradition of creating simple, delicious, and inspiring food that makes cooking a delight, not a chore. Thank you once again for being the heart of our community. Stay tuned for fresh inspiration, culinary tips, and, of course, many more delectable recipes from Nutmeg Nanny. Here’s to a year of even more cooking, sharing, and savoring every delicious moment!