Most Popular Recipes on Cookin' Canuck

After more than two and half years of writing, photographing and posting recipes on Cookin' Canuck, I have built a mental list of my favorite recipes. As I was scrolling through my blog statistics the other day (something many bloggers do with an obsessive kind of regularity...you know who you are...I'm right there with you), I became curious about YOUR favorite recipes and posts.

It thrills me to my core whenever someone leaves a comment or emails me to tell me that they made one of my recipes for their family or friends. Sometimes they made the recipe "as is" and loved it, and other times they made adjustments to suit their families' taste buds. Either way, it means that people are in the kitchen, cooking for their loved ones and breaking bread together. That makes me inordinately happy.

It was no surprise to me that a couple of Nutella desserts appeared on the list. That chocolate hazelnut spread is like a siren's call in the kitchen. What surprised and tickled me was that the top recipe was one of my family's favorite healthy meals, one that is packed with fiber, lean protein, vitamins and flavor - oh, the flavor! Yes, healthy food can be so, so good.

So, forgive me for this indulgent post and thank you for letting me take a little stroll down my recipe memory lane. Most of all, thank you for your loyal readership. I appreciate each and every one of you - to the core. I hope you find some new favorites on this list.

#1 Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa
We make this recipe every couple of weeks in our house. It's hearty, satisfying and darn healthy.

#2 Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Molasses Chili Marinade
My husband would be happy to drink this sauce if no one was watching. It stands up to the tri-tip steak beautifully and the leftovers are great in wraps packed with brown rice and grilled vegetables.

#3 Chocolate Nutella Fudge with Sea Salt
Nutella and fudge. Need I say more?

#4 Nutella & Sea Salt Stuffed Sugar Cookies
I took our favorite, tender sugar cookies and stuffed them with a dollop of Nutella. You won't be able to stop eating these babies.

#5 Family Crockpot Applesauce
There's a reason why this recipe has been a favorite of my husband's family for years and years. It's wonderful on its own and even better when spooned over vanilla ice cream.

#6 Reese's Peanut Butter Cup & Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
This recipe made an appearance on my blog in the early days and has withstood the test of time. The bars are creamy, sweet and filled with the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

#7 Tortellini Soup with Balsamic Caramelized Onions & Mushrooms
This was one of those recipes that was born from necessity. With a supply of tortellini in the freezer and some mushrooms that needed to be used up, this soup came together easily and surprised us with its hearty flavors.

#8 Baked Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
Without a doubt, this is one of my family's favorite recipes. We often serve these over brown rice, accompanied by some stir-fried vegetables. However, they can also be the star of a cocktail party when served as little bites.

#9 Canellini Bean Vegetarian "Meatballs" with Tomato Sauce
I'll be honest. The reaction to this vegetarian meal surprised the heck out of me, but it makes sense now. After all, why should vegetarians have to miss out on the meatball fun?

#10 Twice-Baked Sweet Potato with Chipotle Pecan Streusel
This side dish is always a hit at the Thanksgiving, but there is no reason why it should be relegated to holiday table. Sweet and spicy, its flavors have converted the most ardent sweet potato naysayers.

#11 Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Herbed Goat Cheese & Kalamata Olives
I have been known to eat these rolls for lunch, but they are wonderful appetizers at the fanciest dinner party or the most casual backyard barbecue.