Happy New Year!

By Kath Dedon

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Wow! I just got a notice from WordPress wishing me a Happy Anniversary! I guess that’s right. I started this little blog 7 years ago today. 🙂

So going into my 8th year, here are the 8 recipes that got the most buzz from you. Just click on the names of the recipes and you’ll be taken back to the original blog posts for the recipes.

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Faux Potato Salad

I was so skeptical of this one, but it is really good. I love it when I serve it to family and friends for the first time. They are usually amazed and go back for seconds.

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Superb Black Bean Dip and How to Cook Black Beans in the Slow Cooker

Learning how easy it is to cook black beans in the slow cooker was a revelation. And Laura’s Superb Black Bean Dip is a wonderfully balanced combination of flavors.

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Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Pork Roast with Mojo Sauce

This was another slow cooker recipe that is great for entertaining. The flavorful Mojo Sauce takes it over-the-top.

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Small Batch Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sometimes you just need a few good chocolate chip cookies. This recipe, adapted from one from America’s Test Kitchen, couldn’t be easier. You don’t even need a mixer. Just stir everything together in a bowl and bake 12 – 14 delicious cookies.

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Instant Pot Kalua Pork

I just got a 6-quart Instant Pot last month and I am in love. The Kalua Pork was the first thing I made in the pot and it made me a total convert to modern electric pressure cooking.  What’s not to love about having fabulous Kalua Pork in about 3 hours instead of having to wait 10 – 12 hours? It’s so easy-peasy!

(If you don’t have an Instant Pot, here’s a link for a slow cooker version from Nom Nom Paleo’s Michelle Tam: Slow Cooker Kalua Pig.)

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Turmeric Chicken with Sumac and Lime

This is definitely a new favorite in our permanent rotation. Turmeric Chicken is so easy; it’s a perfect quick weeknight dish. And it’s so flavorful! We love it.

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Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice

Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice was so good that it makes a terrific vegan meal on its own. Pair it with the Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Pork Roast with Mojo Sauce and you have a real Cuban feast!

Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Even if you don’t need to eat gluten-free, you probably know at least one person who avoids gluten. These Gluten Free Lemon Bars are a terrific treat for all. No one will miss the gluten.

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So these are the ones that got the most buzz. They are also probably my favorites of the year, too. I know they’ll be popping up on the menu in 2017 and beyond at Chez Dedon! If you try any of them I’d love it if you let me know how you like them!

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The best of 2016 for me? That would be Carrie and Rhett’s wedding! It was a joyous weekend celebrated with friends and family!

(Photo by Luzco Photography)

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(Photo by Luzco Photography)………………..(Flowers by Terra Bella Flowers)

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Happy New Year!! ❤

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