Nutmeg Nanny’s Top 20 Most Loved Recipes of 2013: A Culinary Journey in Review

Welcome to a vibrant new year! As we step into 2014, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible culinary journey we shared throughout 2013. Last year was a truly exceptional one for Nutmeg Nanny, filled with countless delicious creations, shared moments, and a growing community of food lovers. We explored a vast array of flavors, from comforting classics to exciting new twists, and every dish was crafted with passion and a desire to inspire your kitchen adventures.

Today, we’re celebrating the stars of the show: Nutmeg Nanny’s Top 20 Recipes of 2013, as chosen by you, our wonderful readers! This compilation is a testament to the diverse palates and adventurous spirits of our community. It’s an eclectic mix that showcases everything from decadent no-bake Oreo marshmallow cheesecake to the perfectly crispy baked buffalo chicken wings. Each recipe on this list tells a story of flavor, creativity, and the joy of home cooking that resonated deeply with so many of you.

Scrolling through these fan favorites, you’ll rediscover old comforts and perhaps find new inspiration for your meal plans. This collection is more than just a list; it’s a vibrant snapshot of the culinary trends and cravings that defined our year together. We are incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm, your comments, and your willingness to try new things. Your engagement makes Nutmeg Nanny a thriving hub for delicious ideas.

Looking ahead, we’re brimming with excitement for what 2014 will bring. We’re eager to continue sharing fresh, innovative recipes and expand our repertoire even further. As always, your input is invaluable. Is there a particular dish you’ve been dreaming of? More dessert indulgence? Hearty main courses? Refreshing cocktails? Whatever your cravings may be, please share them with us. While we can’t promise to tackle every single request, we absolutely love hearing what inspires your taste buds and helps shape our future culinary explorations. Let’s make 2014 an even more delicious year!

20) Homemade Almond Milk

Kicking off our countdown at number 20 is a staple for many health-conscious kitchens: Homemade Almond Milk. This recipe was a hit for its simplicity and the superior flavor it offers compared to store-bought versions. Perfect for those seeking dairy-free alternatives or simply wanting to control their ingredients, this fresh and creamy almond milk is versatile enough for smoothies, coffee, cereals, or enjoyed simply on its own.

19) Andouille Chili Dogs

For those who crave bold flavors and a touch of heat, the Andouille Chili Dogs claimed the 19th spot. This recipe takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with the smoky, spicy kick of Andouille sausage. Topped with a rich, savory chili, these dogs are a game-day favorite or a perfect indulgent meal for a cozy night in. They truly hit the spot for anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful dish.

18) Raspberry Vanilla Rice Pudding

A timeless dessert that provides ultimate comfort, our Raspberry Vanilla Rice Pudding captured the hearts of many at number 18. This creamy, dreamy pudding is infused with fragrant vanilla and brightened by the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any season, evoking nostalgic memories while offering a sophisticated flavor profile. A truly comforting and satisfying dessert experience.

17) Dairy-Free Roasted Strawberry Shake

Number 17 on our list brought a refreshing, guilt-free indulgence: the Dairy-Free Roasted Strawberry Shake. Roasting the strawberries intensifies their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor, resulting in a shake that’s incredibly vibrant and satisfying without any dairy. This recipe proved to be a fantastic option for a healthy breakfast, a post-workout treat, or a light and flavorful dessert, making it a popular choice for many.

16) Cream of Roasted Asparagus Soup

When asparagus is in season, there’s nothing quite like celebrating its fresh, earthy flavor. Our Cream of Roasted Asparagus Soup, ranking 16th, beautifully captures the essence of this beloved vegetable. Roasting the asparagus beforehand adds a depth of flavor that a regular boiled soup simply can’t achieve, resulting in a rich, velvety, and elegant soup that’s perfect as a starter or a light meal. It’s a sophisticated take on a classic.

15) Chai Vanilla Creamer

For those who love to elevate their morning coffee or tea, the Homemade Chai Vanilla Creamer at number 15 was a game-changer. Infused with warm chai spices and a hint of sweet vanilla, this creamer transforms an ordinary beverage into an extraordinary experience. Making it at home means you can customize the sweetness and spice level, ensuring a perfect, aromatic start to your day every time. It’s a simple luxury worth trying.

14) Bananas Foster Milkshake

An indulgent treat that brought a taste of New Orleans to your glass, the Bananas Foster Milkshake secured the 14th spot. This decadent shake takes all the classic flavors of the beloved dessert—caramelized bananas, a hint of rum, and vanilla ice cream—and blends them into a thick, creamy, and utterly irresistible beverage. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or whenever you need a truly luxurious sweet escape.

13) Crispy Roast Pork

For a satisfying and impressive main course, our Crispy Roast Pork recipe earned its place at number 13. Achieving that coveted, crackling skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside is an art, and this recipe delivers every time. It’s a fantastic option for a Sunday dinner, holiday feast, or any occasion that calls for a truly flavorful and memorable centerpiece dish. The perfect balance of textures made it a reader favorite.

12) Spinach Artichoke Bread

A truly irresistible appetizer, the Spinach Artichoke Bread came in at number 12. This recipe combines the beloved flavors of creamy spinach and artichoke dip with a golden, crusty bread, creating a pull-apart delight that’s perfect for sharing. It’s an ideal dish for parties, gatherings, or simply as a comforting snack. The rich, cheesy, and savory combination proved to be a consistent crowd-pleaser throughout the year.

11) Mango Margarita Boozesicle

Taking us to the sunshine and warmth of summer, the Mango Margarita Boozesicle landed at number 11. This ingenious recipe transforms the vibrant flavors of a mango margarita into a fun, frozen adult treat. Perfect for poolside parties, barbecues, or simply cooling down on a hot day, these boozesicles offer a delicious and playful way to enjoy your favorite cocktail. They were a definitive hit for summer entertaining.

10) Nutella Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Fudge

Entering the top 10 with a bang is the utterly irresistible Nutella Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Fudge. This no-bake masterpiece combines three beloved treats into one incredibly decadent dessert. The creamy Nutella, rich peanut butter, and comforting cookie dough come together in a fudge that’s impossible to resist. It’s a perfect indulgent treat for parties, gifts, or whenever a serious sweet craving strikes.

9) No-Bake Oreo Marshmallow Cheesecake

Proving that delicious desserts don’t always require an oven, our No-Bake Oreo Marshmallow Cheesecake secured the 9th spot. This recipe is a dream come true for cheesecake lovers who appreciate ease and indulgence. Featuring a crunchy Oreo crust, a light and fluffy marshmallow-infused cream cheese filling, it’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dessert that consistently impresses with minimal effort.

8) Cauliflower Cheddar Beer Soup

Combining unexpected ingredients for a truly comforting experience, the Cauliflower Cheddar Beer Soup ranked 8th. This unique soup blends the subtle earthiness of cauliflower with sharp cheddar cheese and the malty notes of beer, creating a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying bowl. It’s an ideal recipe for chilly evenings, offering warmth and a surprising depth of flavor that makes it stand out from traditional soups.

7) Baked Garlic Buffalo Wings

Game day enthusiasts and wing lovers rejoiced for our Baked Garlic Buffalo Wings, landing at number 7. This recipe offers all the crispy, spicy, and garlicky goodness of classic buffalo wings but with the healthier benefit of being baked, not fried. The result is a perfectly golden-brown wing with a tender interior, drenched in a flavorful sauce. They’re a guaranteed hit for any gathering or a satisfying meal on their own.

6) Amish Peanut Butter Pie

A truly beloved classic, the Amish Peanut Butter Pie took the 6th spot, captivating hearts with its simple yet profound deliciousness. This pie features a rich, creamy, and sweet peanut butter filling, often nestled in a flaky crust. It’s a comforting dessert that brings a taste of tradition and nostalgia, reminding many of homemade goodness. Easy to make and universally loved, it’s no wonder this pie was a top performer.

5) Cuban Sandwich

Making its mark as a hearty and flavorful lunch option, the Cuban Sandwich earned the 5th spot. This iconic pressed sandwich is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crusty bread. Grilled to perfection until golden and crisp, it offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. This recipe brought the vibrant tastes of Cuba straight to your kitchen.

4) Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

For a fresh, light, and healthy meal, our Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad was a standout at number 4. This recipe swaps traditional mayonnaise for creamy Greek yogurt, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying chicken salad bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over a bed of greens, offering a versatile and nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner. Its health benefits combined with great taste made it a true winner.

3) Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese

Claiming the impressive 3rd spot is the ingenious Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese. This recipe ingeniously merges two iconic comfort foods into one epic sandwich. The savory, thinly sliced steak and melted cheese of a Philly cheesesteak meet the buttery, crispy perfection of grilled cheese. It’s a decadent, satisfying, and utterly delicious creation that offers the best of both worlds, making it a highly sought-after recipe.

2) Vitamix Hot Chocolate

As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of hot chocolate, and our Vitamix Hot Chocolate seized the 2nd position. This recipe highlights the power of a high-speed blender to create an incredibly smooth, frothy, and rich hot chocolate in minutes. It’s a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, delivering a velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor that became a staple for many on chilly days.

1) Greek Chicken Burgers

And the crown for Nutmeg Nanny’s most popular recipe of 2013 goes to the extraordinary Greek Chicken Burgers! This recipe captured the hearts and taste buds of our readers with its vibrant, fresh flavors and healthier take on a classic burger. Infused with Mediterranean herbs, feta cheese, and often served with a cool tzatziki sauce, these burgers are incredibly juicy, flavorful, and satisfying. They embody a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and gourmet taste, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and exciting. It’s no surprise this flavorful and versatile dish became the ultimate fan favorite of the year!