Aaaaaaaaaaaand HERE THEY ARE!
The top MAK and Her Cheese recipes posted in 2017 as decided by page views. I considered also doing a roundup of my personal top 10 favorites of the year, but that was WAY too challenging. You all make my job a thousand times easier–many thanks. Plus, I could not be more thrilled with the results! Perfectly balanced with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, dessert, and ALL the yummiest ingredients. Well done. 👏
This year has been wonderful and challenging and rewarding in so many ways: from undertaking a Neurobiological Sciences Major and declaring a Nutritional Sciences Minor, conquering my most difficult academic semester while gaining invaluable knowledge every step of the way, to adventuring through Italy learning more about Italian food and culture than I could ever imagine, to serving as an Honors Ambassador in our strongest year to date, achieving goals with my participants in my group fitness classes, and building numerous dear friendships.
And of course, the FOOD of 2017. It was a winning year, indeed. Even though the blog did not gain a huge number of posts (largely due to the time-consuming stuff listed above), I did hone in on quality of content–recipe reliability, photos, descriptions, and tips–and am continuously working to improve. That said, I would love your input moving into 2018! Comment or message me with feedback, ideas, and things you want to see more of: healthy treats, dinners, recipe roundups, on-the-go recipes, meal planning ideas? You decide!
Top 10 Recipes of 2017
10. Bacon Veggie Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata
Frittata is LIFE. I can’t even count the number of leftover frittatas (read half of the entire skillet) that got me through the most hectic weekdays this year. Definitely worthy of a top 10 spot.
9. Fudgy-Chewy Cocoa Brownies
These are without a doubt the BEST BROWNIES I’VE EVER MADE. EVER. They’re insanely rich, moist, and chocolatey (with a pretty impressive nutritional profile to boot).
8. Ultimate Soft Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Coconut Oil)
The name pretty much says it all…
7. Healthy Blueberry Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Pancakes
If I had to pick one ingredient that made the biggest impact on my cooking this year, it would probably be buttermilk. It’s magical, I tell you. Making the fluffiest pancakes and waffles, richest chocolate cake, most buttery crumbly cornbread, and tender muffins, buttermilk has started a revolution here at MAK and Her Cheese.
6. Chicken Caesar Salad with Corn, Avocado, and Pine Nuts
A huge break from tradition, I’ll admit. But this wholesome, quick, and uber-flavorful salad has become a regular in my lunch rotation. A must-try!
5. Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Zucchini Muffins
I’m obsessed! These are so tender and satisfying, with hints of sweet banana and dark chocolate. PERFECT for freezing, then toasting up for a quick, hassle-free breakfast or snack anytime!
4. Healthy Blueberry Muffins with Oats and Flax
Muffins were hot this year. And bursting blueberries. How can you resist? This is another ideal freezer recipe–just wake up, thaw in the microwave, slice and toast as you like, then slather with globs of nut butter (yes, chocolate nut butter is also acceptable 😉 ).
3. Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Honey Dijon Glaze
Get ready for a show-stopping, mouthwatering, 5-star-restaurant-worthy dinner made easily in your own kitchen! Tender (we’re talking no-knife-required tender) pork tenderloin with a simple crust of parmesan, garlic, breadcrumbs, Dijon, olive oil, and herbs. For a fun twist, sub finely chopped pecans for half of the breadcrumbs. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Blackened Scallops with Smoked Cheddar Corn Grits and Bacon
Another deceptively simple recipe that will BLOW YOU AWAY. Cajun-inspired spice blend, succulent jumbo sea scallops, creamy grits with juicy tender-crisp corn and smokey cheddar, and crisp bacon…and it all comes together in minutes.
1. Healthy One-Minute Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Finally, coming in at number one is THE MOST REVOLUTIONARY DESSERT OF MY LIFE. Honestly, I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results! The cake is 100% whole grain (whole wheat pastry flour working its magic), made with antioxidant-rich cacao powder, healthy oil, and lightened up with applesauce and monk fruit sweetener. But it tastes so decadent you’d never believe it was healthy! And did I mention it cooks in one minute in the microwave? Then there’s the frosting. The warm, chocolatey (also better-for-you) frosting. You just need 4 simple ingredients and ten seconds, and before you know it your face is stuck in the bowl trying to lap up every last streak.
As a disclaimer, I originally posted this recipe a couple years ago (and have been hooked ever since!); but I updated and revamped it in 2017, so I’m calling it fair game for this roundup. It was the top-viewed recipe this year, and it clearly belongs at the number one spot.
So what are you waiting for?
Again, please comment or message me about what you want to see on MAK and Her Cheese in 2018! Have a joyous New Year!