The Best Recipes of 2015 + What’s Ahead

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This has been a really exciting year for Natasha’s Kitchen. We welcomed a tiny new member to our family and added over 100 new recipes to the blog. Thank you so much for following along, sharing our recipes and even writing in to share your own! Your encouragement and support have made this blogging “job” of mine nothing short of a dream job. Some days it’s exhausting but it is a labor of love. I enjoy reading each and every one of your comments and it’s so rewarding to hear that my recipes have blessed your families. I am so grateful for you, my friends. Read on to see which recipes were the reader favorites this year!

2015 Recap:

• Baby D was born and became one of our official taste testers :).
• We had over 18,000,000 people visit our blog in 2015. What, say what?! (totally overwhelmed and so thankful)
• NK is now on Snapchat (username: natashaskitchen) #uncensored! ha ha
• You’ve made #natashaskitchen a popular hashtag on Instagram. Thank you!
• New blog design to make your experience on our blog mow betta.
• Our is almost as popular as Rachel Ray. Sike! I kid, I kid (Does anyone say “sike” anymore?) But it is getting exciting!

For 2016 we’re planning:

• More videos and we’re so excited about it! ( to be the first to see them)
• More of what you’ve been asking for (slow cooka, chickn’, family-friendly, quick…).

On to the most popular recipes on Natasha’s Kitchen for 2015. Some of these are even the most popular on the internet (like the world!). Here’s a countdown of reader favorites (based on google analytics and your reviews):

#20: Raspberry Pretzel Jello (5.0 out of 5 stars, 45 reviews)

Crazy thing is, I posted this one in 2011 (you can tell by the random use of a tulip as a prop in the background). It’s been a reader favorite ever since. An oldie but a goodie.

#19: California Rolls Recipe (5.0 out of 5 stars, 14 reviews)

I could eat my weight in these.

#18: Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting (4.6 out of 5 stars, 10 reviews)

Silky smooth and surprisingly easy to make. And it pipes beautifully on cakes and cupcakes!

#17: Baked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes (4.8 out of 5 stars, 19 reviews)

Just 4 ingredients! Easy, delicious and family friendly.

#16: Roasted Pork Tenderloin (4.9 out of 5 stars, 11 reviews)

Pork tenderloin is an inexpensive cut of meat and when prepared correctly, it’s juicy and absolutely delicious! This is also one of our family’s favorite recipes. No lengthy prep or marinating required!

#15: Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce (4.9 out of 5 stars, 48 reviews)

The light cream sauce on this pasta tastes gourmet and best of all, it’s easy to make!

#14: Sweet and Sour Chicken (4.8 out of 5 stars, 35 reviews)

This one satisfies even the fiercest takeout cravings. Just take a gander at it!

#13: Classic Borscht (4.8 out of 5 stars, 56 reviews)

I was so happy to see this one on the list. I love Ukrainian and Russian food to the core. I grew up on this delicious stuff! This recipe is well loved by anyone who is familiar with borscht; Ukrainian or not! You know what else is awesome – my borscht with meat was a close second to this in popularity!

#12: Oven Roasted Baby Red Potatoes (4.9 out of 5 stars, 18 reviews)

These are so simple and flavorful. A must try!

#11: Baklava (4.9 out of 5 stars, 30 reviews)

This honey baklava is flaky, crisp and tender and I love that it isn’t overly sweet. It’s way better than any store-bought version and this recipe has so many wonderful reviews from readers!

#10: Spinach and Artichoke Dip (5.0 out of 5 stars, 20 reviews)

Instructions: Add everything to the pot, heat and stir. #easy. My co-worker shared this with me when I was working as a nurse. This was also the very first recipe video I’ve ever filmed. I want to crawl under the table every time I watch it but it does make me laugh.

#9: Perfect Chocolate Ganache (4.8 out of 5 stars, 30 reviews)

Silky silky silky smooth and only 2 ingredients! That’s my kind of recipe! This ganache is perfect for pouring over a cake.

#8: Creamy Chicken and Rice (4.8 out of 5 stars, 113 reviews)

Three words: One-Pot-Meal! The flavors of this recipe are mmmmwaaa!

#7: Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes (4.6 out of 5 stars, 169 reviews)

Our go-to cupcake recipe, and apparently it’s the same for many of you! Be sure to make it with this cupcake frosting.

#6: Oven Baked Potato Wedges (4.9 out of 5 stars, 41 reviews)

I know you want to dunk one of those in dat der ketchup. Oh look I just helped you figure out what you’re making for the superbowl. You’re welcome ;).

#5: Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta (4.8 out of 5 stars, 64 reviews)

This one’s done in under 30 minutes. I get a little weak in the knees when I see a mountain of pasta in a creamy sauce studded with shrimp. Mmm.

#4: Chicken and Mushroom Casserole (4.8 out of 5 stars, 72 reviews)

How am I not surprised?! This casserole is seriously delicious. Lots of swooning, marriage proposals (seriously!) and happy kids over this recipe. A favorite for parties/potlucks/family dinners.

#3: Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon (4.9 out 5 stars, 129 reviews)

We can’t get enough of this salmon. It’s been in the top 3 for the second year in a row! Rave reviews; always.

#2: Chicken Broccoli & Mushroom Stir Fry (4.9 out of 5 stars, 60 reviews)

So easy and delicious. You’ll feel good about serving this to your family instead of takeout because it’s loaded with broccoli and made with real chicken breast.

#1: Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad (4.9 out of 5 stars, 47 reviews)

This salad is what we call a home run. I love everything about it. It’s simple to make. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers. it tastes just as good the next day!

Q: What are some of your favorites this year?