I've rounded up the most popular posts published on The Rising Spoon in 2018! These recipes had the highest number of visitors and shares on social media in the past year, so if you haven't tried them yet...there's no better time than now.
Before I dive into 2018, it's time to acknowledge all my new and returning readers. YOU are the reason I keep doing this non-typical gig called food blogging.
That, and my desire to be my own boss so I'm not trapped in a 9-5 desk job I hate (that last part is important cause I still spend a lot of time at my own desk at home - LOL). And actually making a difference (even if it's just one person), not just lining someone else's pockets while my life ticks away.
I'm in a blunt mood today if you can't tell. ;)
The Rising Spoon is a one-gal show and I wear what often feels like a gazillion hats (writer, editor, photographer, recipe creator, videographer, food stylist, social media marketer, email marketer, etc.), but YOUR visits, comments, likes, shares, views, reviews, messages & emails fuel my passion for helpings others online and keeps me motivated to continue creating/sharing real food recipes, DIY crafts & natural living tips.
So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. <3
With that said, if you follow someone online who inspires, motivates or teaches you in any way (my fav person right now is Jenna Kutcher), reach out via a message on social media or shoot 'em an email to let them know you appreciate them.
It only takes a minute. I promise you there is a real person behind the screen & it will make their day/week/month to hear that what they're creating is providing value to you.
2018 was a crazy year for me.
I started reading Outlander in January and become totally obsessed with the book series & show (I'm currently on the 7th book right now and am watching the 4th season of the Starz TV show via Amazon Prime). Then in late spring, we moved out of our tiny apartment in Dallas and into a spacious house in Plano (it felt like a castle to me at first).
Things were going super well until I got the bombshell in mid-May that my dad had another stroke while he was out of town in Wisconsin (my lil' sis was actually out of the country at the time) & he was hospitalized there for many weeks before making the trip back to Kansas City.
The months following were very stressful. Lots of back & forth communication, managing relationships & information (all long-distance), and out-of-state traveling. It triggered a lot of anxiety in me, which contributed to some health problems in the fall, but fortunately, I'm now focused on self-care in this season of my life so things don't get out of control again.
Despite the stress & craziness, I'm thankful for all the extra time I've had with my family in the past six months. We all live in different states and don't see each other often so it's a blessing.
I'm also thankful for the help I've had in outsourcing some aspects of my blog (social media scheduling & recipe video creation) and that I make enough money (mostly via ads - that's how most bloggers pay the bills & put food on the table) to afford it. It sure takes some of the weight off my shoulders.
Confession: I honestly thought about deleting the 6 paragraphs above so I can maintain my typical positive vibe for y'all. But, I'm sure you can relate more to an unfiltered, life's not always perfect style than the curated perfectionism rampant online these days (especially on social media).
Needless to say, I'm ready for a fresh start in 2019!
My word for the year is movement. Moving my body on a daily basis (much needed), moving the needle further on my goals and passions, traveling, and more.
Note: If you're a new reader, check out my past "best of" round-ups to see what was popular then (some of them are still my all-time top posts).
Top 10 Most Popular Recipes On The Rising Spoon in 2018
Are you a new reader or want to catch up on posts you missed throughout the year? Here are the top ten most popular recipes from The Rising Spoon in 2018 (according to you guys)!
1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Gluten-Free) - Published January 27th
In hindsight, I should have named this recipe "Panera Creamy Tomato Soup Copy Cat" because it tastes JUST like their yummy soup but with a bit of extra basil added. This is my favorite soup to make all year long (summer included) and it took me a few years to perfect this version.
I always serve it with grilled cheese or cheese toast so it's extra cozy! Because it uses fire-roasted canned tomatoes you can make it on the fly anytime with simple pantry ingredients (sans the fresh basil) in about 45 minutes.
(Click Here to Save the Tomato Soup Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
In hindsight, I should have named this recipe "Panera Creamy Tomato Soup Copy Cat" because it tastes JUST like their yummy soup but with a bit of extra basil added. This is my favorite soup to make all year long (summer included) and it took me a few years to perfect this version.
I always serve it with grilled cheese or cheese toast so it's extra cozy! Because it uses fire-roasted canned tomatoes you can make it on the fly anytime with simple pantry ingredients (sans the fresh basil) in about 45 minutes.
(Click Here to Save the Tomato Soup Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
2. Chicken Hummus Naan Wraps - Published February 6th
This is hands down my favorite fast dinner meal. 15 minutes of prep + assembling and you're ready to chomp down on chewy naan bread stuffed with chicken, veggies, hummus, crumbled cheese & vinaigrette. So, so, so good.
BUT, it also works really well for lunch (if you put the dressing on the side) so it was recently included in these two recipe round-ups for folks prepping food to take to work: 19 Healthy and Tasty Grab-and-Go Lunches and 17 Healthy Make Ahead Work Lunch Ideas.
(Click Here to Save the Chicken Wrap Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
This is hands down my favorite fast dinner meal. 15 minutes of prep + assembling and you're ready to chomp down on chewy naan bread stuffed with chicken, veggies, hummus, crumbled cheese & vinaigrette. So, so, so good.
BUT, it also works really well for lunch (if you put the dressing on the side) so it was recently included in these two recipe round-ups for folks prepping food to take to work: 19 Healthy and Tasty Grab-and-Go Lunches and 17 Healthy Make Ahead Work Lunch Ideas.
(Click Here to Save the Chicken Wrap Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
3. Egg Roll in a Bowl (Paleo & Low-Carb) - Published March 13th
I thought I'd jump on the "crack slaw" bandwagon (a.k.a. egg roll in a bowl) and come up with my own version with even more veggies. In addition to shredded cabbage, ground pork & a quick stir-fry sauce, this uses bagged broccoli slaw for even more crunch & nutrition.
This is one of my go-to recipes for an easy, healthy & frugal weeknight dinner. Most of the stir-fry sauce ingredients will last months in your fridge so you can use it for many recipes.
Trader Joe's is a good place to buy the bagged veggies for cheap (although I often get mine at Central Market). I haven't gone to an Aldi since I've moved north, so that's probably another good budget-friendly option.
(Click Here to Save the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
I thought I'd jump on the "crack slaw" bandwagon (a.k.a. egg roll in a bowl) and come up with my own version with even more veggies. In addition to shredded cabbage, ground pork & a quick stir-fry sauce, this uses bagged broccoli slaw for even more crunch & nutrition.
This is one of my go-to recipes for an easy, healthy & frugal weeknight dinner. Most of the stir-fry sauce ingredients will last months in your fridge so you can use it for many recipes.
Trader Joe's is a good place to buy the bagged veggies for cheap (although I often get mine at Central Market). I haven't gone to an Aldi since I've moved north, so that's probably another good budget-friendly option.
(Click Here to Save the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
4. Beef & Chorizo Chili - Published April 18th
I made this back in March for my grandma's 90th birthday celebration and served it to her, my dad & his two best friends. Everyone loved it and it's definitely the best chili I've made in my life.
I've found over the years that many chili recipes have lackluster "secret ingredients" OR use MSG to make up for it (I consider that cheating). I gave up on chili for a while until I came up with this version which packs a TON of flavor from two specific ingredients -- Mexican chorizo & chiles en adobo sauce.
It's so good you don't need to bury it in tons of toppings (although I still do because cheese & sour cream are delicious). If you give it a try, please let me know what you think! :)
(Click Here to Save the Beef Chili Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
I made this back in March for my grandma's 90th birthday celebration and served it to her, my dad & his two best friends. Everyone loved it and it's definitely the best chili I've made in my life.
I've found over the years that many chili recipes have lackluster "secret ingredients" OR use MSG to make up for it (I consider that cheating). I gave up on chili for a while until I came up with this version which packs a TON of flavor from two specific ingredients -- Mexican chorizo & chiles en adobo sauce.
It's so good you don't need to bury it in tons of toppings (although I still do because cheese & sour cream are delicious). If you give it a try, please let me know what you think! :)
(Click Here to Save the Beef Chili Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
5. Savory Roasted Butternut Squash (Paleo, Vegan & Whole30) - Published October 7th
This is an oldie but goodie from 2012 that I rephotographed & republished this fall when I was in Breckenridge, Colorado visiting my sister. I've been using this recipe for years as a base for my roasted butternut squash soup but love it now for this autumn salad with candied pecans. It also makes a yummy side dish for breakfast or dinner and it'd be good on buddha bowls with some quinoa, too.
(Click Here to Save the Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
This is an oldie but goodie from 2012 that I rephotographed & republished this fall when I was in Breckenridge, Colorado visiting my sister. I've been using this recipe for years as a base for my roasted butternut squash soup but love it now for this autumn salad with candied pecans. It also makes a yummy side dish for breakfast or dinner and it'd be good on buddha bowls with some quinoa, too.
(Click Here to Save the Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
6. Chimichurri Sauce (Paleo, Vegan & Whole30) - Published May 14th
This sauce is truly good on ALL the things. Scrambled or fried eggs, roasted veggies, steak, chicken, pan-seared fish, sandwiches, salads (specifically this Panzanella salad --- I ate this a ton back in 2017) ...and all the other things I can't think of right now because I need more brain food (writing takes a lot out of you).
It's also REALLY GOOD for you! It's tangy & packed with fresh herbs like parsley & oregano that your body will love.
(Click Here to Save the Chimichurri Sauce Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
This sauce is truly good on ALL the things. Scrambled or fried eggs, roasted veggies, steak, chicken, pan-seared fish, sandwiches, salads (specifically this Panzanella salad --- I ate this a ton back in 2017) ...and all the other things I can't think of right now because I need more brain food (writing takes a lot out of you).
It's also REALLY GOOD for you! It's tangy & packed with fresh herbs like parsley & oregano that your body will love.
(Click Here to Save the Chimichurri Sauce Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
7. Overnight Steel Cut Oats (Gluten-Free with Dairy-Free Options) - Published June 3rd
This recipe was inspired by my obsession with Outlander! No big surprise there, eh? Parritch (Scottish oatmeal) is a recurring motif in the book series & show, so I started craving oats like crazy and had to come up with my own version.
Steel cut oats have a wonderful, hearty texture (they're not gloopy like rolled oats) so they're the perfect vessel for hot OR cold oatmeal with your favorite toppings. This is a great recipe to prep on a Sunday to eat all week long for healthy breakfasts.
(Click Here to Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
This recipe was inspired by my obsession with Outlander! No big surprise there, eh? Parritch (Scottish oatmeal) is a recurring motif in the book series & show, so I started craving oats like crazy and had to come up with my own version.
Steel cut oats have a wonderful, hearty texture (they're not gloopy like rolled oats) so they're the perfect vessel for hot OR cold oatmeal with your favorite toppings. This is a great recipe to prep on a Sunday to eat all week long for healthy breakfasts.
(Click Here to Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
8. Comfort Food Recipes & Self-Care Tips for Winter - Published March 6th
Self-care is so important to me these days, so I started a series that focuses on practices relating to the seasons and decided to include some seasonal comfort food recipes along with it.
Our bodies are happy when we eat with the seasons (it's typically cheaper & fresher that way, too) so this makes total sense to me to focus on warming, nourishing, comforting foods during the cold, dark months. I hope this round-up gives you some inspiration during the winter months!
(Click Here to Save the Winter Self Care & Comfort Food Recipe Round-Up to Pinterest For Later)
Self-care is so important to me these days, so I started a series that focuses on practices relating to the seasons and decided to include some seasonal comfort food recipes along with it.
Our bodies are happy when we eat with the seasons (it's typically cheaper & fresher that way, too) so this makes total sense to me to focus on warming, nourishing, comforting foods during the cold, dark months. I hope this round-up gives you some inspiration during the winter months!
(Click Here to Save the Winter Self Care & Comfort Food Recipe Round-Up to Pinterest For Later)
9. Rosemary, Orange & Thyme Sea Salt - Published December 2nd
This is one of the recipes I originally created for GLAMOUR magazine back in 2016 and I finally got around to sharing it on the blog. This uses ingredients that you can find all year long (even in winter) so it makes a wonderful homemade gift for a foodie in your life.
I love to sprinkle it on turkey, chicken, or potatoes before roasting but it also works as a finishing salt for all kinds of foods (fish would be especially good).
(Click Here to Save the Rosemary Flavored Sea Salt Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
10. Cabbage Roll Soup (Gluten-Free with Paleo & Low-Carb Option) - Published October 14th
I'm currently obsessed with tomato-based soups, so I had to take a crack at cabbage roll soup. I created this version specifically for my dad (who has type II diabetes). It has low-carb options with coconut sugar & cauliflower rice so it won't spike his blood sugar as much; however, I typically serve mine with white basmati rice (I add it directly to the bowl so the rice doesn't soak up all the broth). Either way, it's so hearty, warming, filling & delicious!
(Click Here to Save the Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
BONUS: Top 3 Most Popular Recipes On The Rising Spoon (2012-2018)
These are consistently my most popular and well-loved recipes year in and year out; however, you may have never seen them so I feel obligated to share so you don't miss out! I consistently get glowing feedback for these recipes, so I know your family will love them, too! :)
1. How to Cook the Perfect Steak in a Cast-Iron Skillet (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Low-Carb & Whole30)
2. Crock-Pot BBQ Ribs (10-Minute Prep - Easy to Make Low-Carb/Paleo/Whole30)
3. Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder (For Pulled Pork & Carnitas) (10-Minute Prep - Paleo, Low-Carb & Whole30)
Again, thank you so much for supporting The Rising Spoon. Cheers to 2019 and may your new year be filled with good health, peace, and abundance!
<3,
Elaina
PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. However, I ONLY recommend helpful products that I myself would use!
MEDICAL DISCLOSURE: The information included on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions expressed here are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own situation or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.
This is one of the recipes I originally created for GLAMOUR magazine back in 2016 and I finally got around to sharing it on the blog. This uses ingredients that you can find all year long (even in winter) so it makes a wonderful homemade gift for a foodie in your life.
I love to sprinkle it on turkey, chicken, or potatoes before roasting but it also works as a finishing salt for all kinds of foods (fish would be especially good).
(Click Here to Save the Rosemary Flavored Sea Salt Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
10. Cabbage Roll Soup (Gluten-Free with Paleo & Low-Carb Option) - Published October 14th
I'm currently obsessed with tomato-based soups, so I had to take a crack at cabbage roll soup. I created this version specifically for my dad (who has type II diabetes). It has low-carb options with coconut sugar & cauliflower rice so it won't spike his blood sugar as much; however, I typically serve mine with white basmati rice (I add it directly to the bowl so the rice doesn't soak up all the broth). Either way, it's so hearty, warming, filling & delicious!
(Click Here to Save the Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe to Pinterest For Later)
BONUS: Top 3 Most Popular Recipes On The Rising Spoon (2012-2018)
These are consistently my most popular and well-loved recipes year in and year out; however, you may have never seen them so I feel obligated to share so you don't miss out! I consistently get glowing feedback for these recipes, so I know your family will love them, too! :)
1. How to Cook the Perfect Steak in a Cast-Iron Skillet (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Low-Carb & Whole30)
2. Crock-Pot BBQ Ribs (10-Minute Prep - Easy to Make Low-Carb/Paleo/Whole30)
3. Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder (For Pulled Pork & Carnitas) (10-Minute Prep - Paleo, Low-Carb & Whole30)
Again, thank you so much for supporting The Rising Spoon. Cheers to 2019 and may your new year be filled with good health, peace, and abundance!
<3,
Elaina
PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. However, I ONLY recommend helpful products that I myself would use!
MEDICAL DISCLOSURE: The information included on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions expressed here are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own situation or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.
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