Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes of 2022: A Delicious Year in Review from An Affair From The Heart
As the year draws to a close, there’s nothing I enjoy more than reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared and celebrating the recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds the most. It’s truly fascinating to observe how culinary trends and personal preferences evolve over time, and this annual tradition allows us to see which dishes resonated with you, my cherished readers. Curious to discover which recipes stole the spotlight and became your ultimate favorites in 2022? Join me as we embark on this delightful look back at a year filled with flavor, family, and fantastic memories!
A Year of Culinary Delights: An Affair From The Heart’s Top 10 Recipes of 2022
Welcome to my much-anticipated annual year-in-review post! As I reflect on 2022, it’s clear that many of your long-standing favorites continued to shine, while a host of new creations also found their way into your kitchens and onto your dinner tables. After the whirlwind of the past few years, 2022 brought a comforting sense of normalcy, allowing for more gatherings, travel, and, of course, delicious food experiences. It’s been a truly rewarding year, and I’m excited to share all the highlights with you.
My 2022: A Personal Look Back and Memorable Moments
One of the biggest joys of 2022 was the return of “normal” travel, and I embraced it wholeheartedly! My adventures took me to beautiful San Diego, offered two refreshing trips to the sunny beaches of Florida, and twice to the stunning landscapes of Colorado. On one of those Colorado trips, I had the immense pleasure of finally checking Red Rocks Amphitheatre off my bucket list – an absolutely breathtaking venue! Capping off the year’s travels, I enjoyed a long-awaited reunion with my dear blogger besties just outside Atlanta, a cherished time of connection and creativity.
Beyond travel, 2022 was a fantastic year for live music. I saw some truly incredible concerts and felt so lucky to experience my favorite artists perform live once again. The energy of a live show is simply unmatched, and I’m already thrilled to have tickets secured for more exciting concerts in the upcoming year. There’s something so special about sharing those musical moments.
Family Blessings and New Chapters
Without a doubt, the most profound blessing of 2022 was welcoming our first grandchild into the world on the auspicious date of 2-22-22! Becoming a grandma has been an absolute joy that words can barely capture. I knew it would be wonderful, but I had no idea just how deeply I would fall in love with this little guy. He truly is the light of our lives, and I suspect he thinks his grandma is pretty special too! And the excitement doesn’t stop there – our family is expanding even further, with two more precious babies joining us in 2023. My heart is overflowing with elation at the thought of more little ones to cuddle and cherish!
On another note, we successfully navigated our first year as “empty nesters.” While it’s been an adjustment, I’m still perfecting the art of cooking for two. It’s a challenge I’m happily tackling, learning to scale down recipes without sacrificing flavor.
Embracing Lakeside Living: Calling Northern Iowa Home Part-Time
While Nebraska will always be my home state and the origin of many of my recipes, I’ve now proudly added Northern Iowa to my definition of “home.” Living lakeside has truly been a dream come true, offering a peaceful retreat and endless inspiration. I adore the charming small-town atmosphere of our Iowa home and relish its beauty through every season. It’s just as breathtaking when the lake is iced over in winter, offering serene, frosty views, as it is in the summer, watching vibrant sunsets from the middle of the shimmering water.
Even my beloved fur babies have embraced the lake life. It’s a constant adventure for them, filled with exciting wildlife sightings, invigorating walks along the shore, and joyful boat rides. This new environment continually sparks fresh ideas for recipes and lifestyle content, allowing me to share an even broader range of experiences with you.
An Affair From The Heart: A Year of Growth and Inspiration
This past year was incredibly productive for An Affair From The Heart! I had the pleasure of publishing an impressive 151 new recipes, bringing fresh flavors and exciting culinary adventures directly to your screens. In addition to creating new content, I’ve also been dedicated to revisiting and revamping older posts, ensuring those timeless classics remain updated, vibrant, and accessible to everyone. Your enjoyment of these revised favorites truly makes all the effort worthwhile. Did you know that my site now boasts over 1100 recipes? That’s a treasure trove of culinary inspiration!
Remember, whenever you’re searching for that perfect dish, whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, make sure to utilize the convenient search bar on my site. Chances are, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t forget to bookmark An Affair From The Heart for easy access to your favorite recipes!
And if you ever find yourself unable to locate a specific recipe, or if there’s something new you’d love to see, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I genuinely love hearing from you. Send me a message here on the blog or connect with me on social media, and let me know what recipes you’re hoping to see more of in 2023. Your ideas and feedback are invaluable!
A Dream Come True: Featured in Omaha Magazine
A Personal Milestone: Recognition in Omaha Magazine
One of my biggest personal and professional aspirations since launching my business was to have my work featured in a magazine. Last year, I had my first taste of this dream, and in 2022, it happened again, even bigger! I was incredibly honored to be featured in Omaha Magazine’s highly anticipated annual Food Issue! This recognition was a monumental moment for me, truly checking off a major item on my bucket list. The thrill and pride I felt when the issue came out in June have kept me on cloud nine ever since. It’s a testament to years of hard work and passion, and I’m so grateful for this incredible opportunity.
Your Most Loved: The Top 10 Recipes of 2022 – Readers’ Favorites!
Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Are you ready to see if your go-to recipe made it into the coveted top 10 list of 2022? I’m incredibly eager to hear which of these phenomenal dishes you’ve already tried and, more importantly, which ones you’ll be adding to your “must-make” list for the coming year. Let’s dive into the delicious countdown of An Affair From The Heart’s most popular recipes!
Let’s Count Down An Affair from the Heart’s Top 10 Recipes of 2022!
Number 10:
Coming in at number 10, the Smoked Pork Loin proved to be a resounding success! This recipe involves marinating the pork loin and then cooking it low and slow on a pellet Traeger grill, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and tender piece of pork. The beautiful smoke ring is a testament to its perfect preparation. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe that yields impressive results, making it ideal for a special meal or a flavorful Sunday dinner. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes. If you haven’t experienced the magic of smoked pork loin, now is the time to try this reader-favorite!
Number 9:
Claiming the 9th spot are these irresistible Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs. This incredibly simple recipe transforms country-style pork ribs into fall-off-the-bone tender perfection. Cooked slowly in the distinct sweetness of Dr. Pepper, they are then finished in the oven to achieve a beautifully caramelized BBQ sauce. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity – it requires just three key ingredients, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you crave delicious BBQ without all the fuss. The unique flavor profile, combining savory pork with the sweet, tangy notes of Dr. Pepper, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Number 8:
At number 8, we have a seasonal sensation that’s beloved year-round: Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze. This delightful coffee cake boasts a moist, tender crumb infused with warming pumpkin and fragrant spices, complemented by crunchy walnuts. But the real star is the decadent spiced brown butter glaze, which adds a nutty, sweet finish that’s simply heavenly. It’s the quintessential treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, especially as the crisp air of fall sets in, though its comforting flavors are welcome any time of year. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.
Number 7:
Shaken, not stirred, our Number 7 recipe is the sophisticated and ever-popular Dirty Vodka Martini (aka The Dirty Bird). This classic cocktail remains a favorite for its elegant simplicity and bold flavor. Crafted with a generous splash of olive brine, this traditional dirty vodka martini is shaken to perfection and served up, typically garnished with delectable stuffed green olives. It’s a timeless choice that embodies refinement and taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day, this recipe ensures you can create the perfect dirty martini every single time, making you feel like a master mixologist in your own home.
Number 6:
Holding strong at Number 6, Dill Pickle Dip continues its reign as a beloved classic! If you’re a fan of those addictive dill pickle wraps made with cream cheese and dried beef, then this dip is an absolute dream come true. It captures all the tangy, savory, and creamy goodness of the wraps in an easy-to-serve dip format. This recipe has been a consistent resident in my top 10 list since the very first year it was posted, a true testament to its irresistible appeal. Fun fact: this dip has generated so much traffic at times that it actually “broke” my website twice! Its popularity is undeniable, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering or simply as a delightful snack.
Number 5:
Slipping into the 5th spot, Beef & Noodles remains a quintessential comfort food that truly warms the soul. This recipe features tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked to perfection, then tossed with thick, hearty egg noodles in a rich, savory beef gravy. It’s my Mom’s old-fashioned recipe, evoking memories of cozy family dinners and pure, unadulterated comfort. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying meal. Want to elevate this classic to an entirely new level? Consider making your own Homemade Egg Noodles! While not the only way to enjoy this delicious dish, it certainly adds an extra layer of love and flavor that makes it even more special.
Number 4:
The 4th most popular recipe of 2022 is the sensationally satisfying Texas Trash Dip! Wondering what makes it “trash”? It’s simply bursting with so many incredible flavors that it’s almost too good to be true! This creamy, warm bean dip is loaded with robust ingredients and generously topped with all sorts of ooey-gooey, melted cheese, then baked until it’s perfectly bubbly and dippable. It’s incredibly addictive and makes an ideal appetizer for game day, parties, or even a cozy night in. I confess, I’ve often made a meal out of this dip – it’s that satisfying! Seriously, once you try this flavorful, cheesy concoction, you’ll understand why it’s a constant reader favorite. What more could you possibly need?
Number 3:
Securing the bronze medal at Number 3 is my legendary Award-Winning Crack Dip! The name says it all – this dip is deliciously addictive, and for good reason. It’s a creamy, flavor-packed delight with a subtle kick of heat from jalapeños, and a vibrant freshness from MexiCorn and green onions. Every scoop offers a burst of savory goodness that’s simply irresistible. This dip is an absolute sensation at every party, consistently being the first dish to disappear. It truly is “award-winning” for a reason, having earned its accolades and a devoted following. If you’re looking for a dip that will impress and disappear quickly, this is your recipe!
Number 2:
Just barely missing the top spot, our Number 2 recipe is a game-changer: How to Make a Can of Refried Beans Taste Like a Restaurant’s. This incredibly clever and simple hack shows you how to transform ordinary canned refried beans into a rich, flavorful side dish that rivals those served at your favorite Mexican restaurant. With just two simple, accessible add-ins, you can elevate the taste and texture of canned beans in a matter of minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, taco Tuesdays, or whenever you want to bring an authentic touch of Mexican cuisine to your home without the extra effort. This recipe proves that sometimes, the simplest adjustments yield the most delicious results!
Drum Roll Please…
And now, the moment of truth! It’s time to unveil the most popular, most cherished, and most made recipe of 2022. The recipe that captured the hearts and palates of An Affair From The Heart’s readers more than any other throughout the year…
Number 1:
The undisputed champion, the Number 1 recipe of 2022, is the incredible Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball! This immensely popular recipe provides a step-by-step guide to recreating Starbucks’ famous cold fighter super tea right in your own kitchen. Known for its tremendously soothing qualities, this tea is an absolute lifesaver during cold and flu season, offering comfort and warmth when you need it most. Why brave the drive-thru lines and pay premium prices when you can whip up this beloved Starbucks favorite at home with ease? It’s simple, effective, and incredibly comforting – clearly a winning combination for my readers!
Pin Your Favorites: Save the Top 10 Recipes of 2022!
Before you go, I’d be absolutely delighted if you would take a moment to pin these top 10 recipes! Saving them to your Pinterest boards ensures you’ll have easy access to these reader-favorite dishes whenever inspiration strikes. Better yet, try some of them out and let me know what you think! Shoot me a message directly, or better yet, tag me on social media when you share your delicious creations. There’s nothing I love more than seeing photos of what you’ve made and hearing about your culinary successes. Your engagement truly brightens my day!
From the Bottom of My Grateful Heart, Thank You!
To each and every one of you who takes the time to read my posts, leave comments, and most importantly, make my recipes – thank you. Your continued support means the world to me. It is a profound honor that you choose my recipes amidst the countless options available online, and I am truly thankful to be a part of your family meals, your celebrations, and your everyday culinary adventures, year after year. Your trust and enthusiasm fuel my passion for creating and sharing. I’m already buzzing with excitement to bring you many more delicious recipes and memorable moments in 2023!
See ya in 2023! 
Past Year’s Top 10 Recipes: A Journey Through Culinary Trends
Curious to delve deeper into the culinary history of An Affair From The Heart and see how tastes have shifted over the years? While my blog officially began in March 2011, this wonderful tradition of sharing my Top 10 recipes didn’t start until 2015. It’s fascinating to observe the evolution of popular dishes from one year to the next. If you’d like to explore the past favorites, you can find them here:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015 Sweet / 2015 Savory