Little Spice Jar’s Most Pinned Recipes of 2014: A Culinary Journey Through Your Pinterest Favorites
These are the top 10 most pinned recipes on Pinterest from Little Spice Jar in 2014. You guys have great taste!
Hello, wonderful food lovers! It’s me again, popping in on a Tuesday – a rare treat here on Little Spice Jar, but a delightful one as we approach the end of an incredible year. Can you believe 2014 is almost over? It feels like just yesterday we were setting new goals and trying out fresh recipes. Time truly flies when you’re having fun in the kitchen!
As we bid farewell to 2014 and eagerly anticipate the opportunities a brand new year brings, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the culinary journey we’ve shared. I’m not quite ready for ambitious New Year’s resolutions like giving up delicious desserts (let’s be real, that’s not happening!), but I am ready to celebrate the dishes that captured your hearts and taste buds the most this past year.
Today, we’re diving into the heart of what you, my amazing readers, loved most on Pinterest. This curated list represents the top 10 most pinned recipes from Little Spice Jar in 2014, showcasing your impeccable taste and favorite flavors. We’re counting down from number 10, saving the absolute best and most popular for a grand finale!
10. Italian Orzo Tomato Spinach Soup
Kicking off our countdown is a soup that truly embodies comfort and convenience. This Italian Orzo Tomato Spinach Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound flavors. Loaded with classic Italian notes – from robust tomatoes to fresh spinach and delicate orzo pasta – this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a true one-pot wonder, coming together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners or wholesome bagged lunches. What truly elevates this vegetarian-friendly soup is the irresistible aroma and depth of roasted garlic, transforming it into a warm, comforting embrace, especially on a super chilly day. It’s the kind of meal that nourishes both body and soul, proving that delicious and healthy can go hand-in-hand.
9. Gruyere, Mushroom, & Caramelized Onion Bites
Holy guacamole, this recipe is a star! It only made its debut in early December, yet it swiftly soared onto our top 10 most pinned list – a true testament to its irresistible appeal. These Gruyere, Mushroom, & Caramelized Onion Bites are miniature explosions of flavor, encased in flaky puff pastry. Imagine the rich, earthy taste of sautéed crimini mushrooms, perfectly balanced by the sweet, tangy notes of balsamic caramelized onions, all complemented by the nutty, smoky depth of applewood smoked Gruyere cheese. They are the quintessential appetizers, easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to sophisticated dinner parties. Consider them your secret weapon for upcoming celebrations, perhaps even New Year’s Eve festivities!
8. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Chicken
For those aiming for a healthier start to the new year, or simply craving a dish that’s both light and incredibly satisfying, this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Chicken is an absolute winner. This recipe is remarkably easy to assemble, featuring tender chicken and delicate orzo pasta tossed with vibrant, fresh Greek-inspired ingredients. The magic truly happens when it’s coated in a light, refreshing lemon-honey and herb vinaigrette, a dressing that’s bursting with bright, zesty, and savory flavors. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal, ideal for lunch prep or a light dinner, offering a nutritious and flavor-packed option that will keep you feeling energized and happy. This salad proves that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste!
7. Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels
As a self-proclaimed carb-lover, these Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels hold a very special place in my heart – and clearly, in yours too! This recipe brings the beloved taste of Auntie Anne’s pretzels right into your kitchen, ready in just a little over an hour. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, teaching you the foundational techniques to create not only the classic salted pretzels but also the sweet and comforting cinnamon sugar variety. However, my personal favorite, and arguably the most irresistible, is the savory garlic parmesan version. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, chewy pretzel dough with the pungent kick of garlic and the salty, umami notes of Parmesan cheese. They are an addictively good snack, perfect for game day, movie night, or just because you deserve a treat.
6. Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
When the weather turns chilly and gray, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, comforting soup to lift your spirits. Our Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup hit the spot for so many of you this year, earning its rightful place on this top 10 list. This soup is nothing short of liquid gold – a velvety smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying concoction that’s perfect for a cold, rainy day. Beyond its incredible taste, it’s packed with a generous amount of nutritious broccoli and other vegetables, ensuring you get a healthy boost with every spoonful. This hearty soup will warm you up from the inside out, offering a delicious escape from the cold. Many have even compared it favorably to popular chain versions, but I’ll let your taste buds be the ultimate judge!
5. French Honey Crullers
Moving into the top five, we find a dessert that proved to be utterly irresistible: our French Honey Crullers. These aren’t just any donuts; they are a masterpiece of light, airy, and doughy perfection, finished with a delicate, sweet glaze. Each cruller offers a unique texture that’s both slightly crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft within, making them absolutely addicting. It’s a recipe that inspires immediate cravings and repeat batches! I can personally attest to their allure, as my husband famously asked for a second batch while still devouring the first one I had just prepared – yes, they are *that* good. Perfect for a special breakfast, a delightful brunch, or an indulgent dessert, these French Honey Crullers are a true labor of love that rewards you with pure culinary bliss.
4. Jalapeno Lime Chicken Soup {Slow Cooker}
Taking a delightful twist on the traditional, our Jalapeno Lime Chicken Soup, made conveniently in a slow cooker, is a family favorite for a reason. This soup bursts with fresh, vibrant Mexican flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine the subtle heat of jalapeños, the bright zest of lime juice, the fresh aroma of cilantro, and the tangy kick of salsa verde, all simmered together to perfection. It’s also incredibly hearty and nutritious, packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich cannellini beans. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, sit back, relax, and let the magic happen. In just a few hours, you’ll be treated to the most flavorful, aromatic, and deeply satisfying soup, perfect for a cozy evening.
3. Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
This chicken dinner is not just good; it’s a verified winner, having been featured on BuzzFeed’s list of top best chicken breast recipes! Our Spinach Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast elevates an everyday meal into something truly special, yet it remains incredibly simple to prepare. Each tender chicken breast is generously stuffed with a creamy, flavorful mixture of fresh spinach and rich cream cheese. To add an irresistible crunch and golden finish, these delightful parcels are then coated with crispy panko Parmesan breadcrumbs, carefully rolled up, and baked to perfection. It’s a versatile dish that’s elegant enough for entertaining guests but easy enough to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Get ready for rave reviews with this impressive and delicious recipe!
2. Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes
As we near the pinnacle of our list, it’s no surprise to find a sweet treat that evokes the cozy essence of autumn: our Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes. These delectable little bites are bursting with the quintessential flavors of apple cider, making them my personal favorite fall indulgence. Once baked, they are lovingly rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, creating a symphony of sweet and spicy notes. This versatile recipe allows you to create either charming donut holes or full-sized donuts, and either way, you’re guaranteed super-moist, incredibly soft little pillows of deliciousness. And here’s the best part for those watching their intake: since they’re baked rather than fried, they’re a wonderfully waistline-friendly indulgence. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of these treats without any guilt!
And now, for the #1 most pinned recipe of 2014, the dish that captured the hearts (and Pinterest boards) of the most Little Spice Jar followers…
*drumroll please*
1. Homemade Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
And finally, the reigning champion of 2014’s most pinned recipes: our Homemade Minestrone Soup, expertly crafted in a slow cooker! I simply cannot express enough how much I adore this recipe, and it seems you do too. Even as I write this, I just received another glowing comment praising its deliciousness! This isn’t just any minestrone; it’s the easiest recipe you’ll find, and I confidently say it tastes a thousand times better than any restaurant version, including the famous Olive Garden’s. My version is brimming with wholesome, good-for-you vegetables like fresh spinach and tender zucchini, ensuring every spoonful is packed with nutrients. It’s also incredibly protein-packed with hearty red kidney beans and great northern beans, making it a truly satisfying and filling meal that will keep you full for hours. How perfect is this healthy, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful soup for kicking off a healthier, happier 2015? It’s the ultimate comfort food that truly nourishes.
A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for following along, trying my recipes, and especially for pinning your favorites! It is YOU, my incredible community, that made this list so gosh darn tasty and meaningful. Your enthusiasm and support inspire me every day. Let’s carry this culinary joy into the new year and make 2015 an even more delicious and successful year together!