Dear readers, we’re almost there. The final minute of 2016 will be here in less than a day. In the meantime, I wanted to take a fun look back at Maine Course in 2016 — specifically, what recipes were most loved.
This unscientific look back was made using Google Analytics to determine the most read posts. I have to think the tasty food has something to do with that, right?
Without further ado …
10. Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Wings for Two
In January, these tasty chicken wings appeared on Maine Course. The small-batch recipe makes only enough for two people. With a dry spice rub that flavors the meat while it cooks in the slow cooker, and a hoisin-based glaze that gives it a rich Asian flavor on the outside, these wings are tasty football-watching food.
RECIPE: Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Wings for Two
9. Pico De Gallo Chicken Skillet
This recipe dates back to March. Warm and piquant, this easy chicken dish cookes in a single skillet — seasoned chicken topped with a quick and easy pico de gallo. Simple dishes like this can make an ordinary dinner feel so special.
RECIPE: Pico De Gallo Chicken Skillet
8. Wild Blueberry Muffin Tops
For those who agree with the old Seinfeld bit about muffin tops being the very best part of the muffin, this recipe is just for the tops. Tender, moist and no waste! Take that, Elaine.
RECIPE: Wild Blueberry Muffin Tops
7. Better than the Box Macaroni and Cheese
Forget the box. Making macaroni and cheese at home, on the stovetop, is easy, fast and results in a dish that’s just so tasty. Yes, you could try this. And psst! If you were at the Maine Cheese Festival in October, this is the recipe I demonstrated.
RECIPE: Better than the Box Macaroni and Cheese
6. Aglio e Olio
This is classic Italian pasta. Olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, a little parmesan … it’s so simple and yet so delicious too. Is there any wonder why readers loved this recipe?
RECIPE: Aglio e Olio
5. Cinnamon Zucchini Bread
I cherish zucchini in the summer because it makes some amazing quick breads and cakes. And this Cinnamon Zucchini Bread? It’s a favorite for me — and readers too! Plus, this is the recipe that my farmer cousin says is just like his mom’s zucchini bread, which I take as the highest of praise.
RECIPE: Cinnamon Zucchini Bread
4. Fluffy Strawberry Muffins
Soft muffins, dotted with dried strawberries and topped with coarse sugar, are a delight in mornings. Glad you thought so too.
RECIPE: Fluffy Strawberry Muffins
3. Oil and Vinegar Coleslaw
A riff on a classic, this refreshing salad is super for summer dinners, picnics, parties and more.
RECIPE: Oil and Vinegar Coleslaw
2. Small Batch Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
This is my present favorite summer jam — perfect for biscuits, toast, sandwiches and so much more. I hope you’ll give it a try during strawberry season.
RECIPE: Small Batch Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
1. Blueberry Oatmeal Crumb Cake
No need to wait for summer for this tasty, lightly sweetened, breakfast cake. It uses frozen blueberries — preferably ones from your local farmers market — for the fruit. With a springy, moist texture, this crumb cake is quick and easy to make, requires little effort, and uses only two bowls (and a pan). So … try it!
RECIPE: Blueberry Oatmeal Crumb Cake