The new year starts in just two days! I cannot believe how fast this year went by. I know you probably hear everyone say that, but this year was the first that went by in lightening speed. So many happy things happened this year for us — three of our best friends/family members had babies, another best friend got married, we got married, I started a new job, and we moved to a new city. 

My goal for 2017 is to slow down and better appreciate my days. Sometimes a whole week flies by and I don’t remember what I was doing for half of it. I want to live more intentionally, cut clutter/unnecessary things out of my life and focus on what I want to grow – relationship with my family and friends, my new husband, and making this blog into what I want it to be! 

I’ve got a lot in store for Zen & Spice in 2017 and I can’t wait to jump right in! Today, let’s take a look at the most popular recipes from 2016. 

HOW TO MAKE: SAUTEED GARLIC GREEN BEANS

Fresh or frozen green beans are transformed into a garlicky and tender side dish. Serve alongside Italian pasta dinners or a juicy steak. To make these sauteed green beans, you’ll only need 5 ingredients. 

How To Make: Sauteed Garlic Green Beans | Zen & Spice

HOW TO MAKE: SMOKED PAPRIKA & GARLIC ROASTED ZUCCHINI

Smoked paprika takes roasted zucchini to the next level! Tossed with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, this simple side dish of roasted zucchini goes with everything. 

How to Make: Smoked Paprika & Garlic Roasted Zucchini | Zen & Spice

BBQ CAULIFLOWER TOTS

Crispy, cheesy and full of barbecue flavor — these BBQ Cauliflower Tots make the perfect addition to any summer meal! 

BBQ Cauliflower Tots | Zen & Spice

CHEESY SAVORY STEEL CUT OATMEAL WITH AVOCADO & FRIED EGGS

Rethink your oatmeal– it’s time to come to the savory side! Be adventurous and try this savory steel cut oatmeal with cottage cheese, parmesan, sriracha, fried eggs and avocado slices. 

Cheesy Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal with Avocado & Fried Eggs | Zen & Spice

AVOCADO FETTUCCINE

A quick pasta sauce made of avocado, fresh basil, garlic, lemon and olive oil is the perfect way to bring the taste of summer to anytime of the year. Serve this avocado fettuccine for dinner with a side salad for a comforting, healthy meal!  

Avocado Fettuccine | Zen & Spice

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE SMOOTHIE

This chocolate raspberry cheesecake smoothie tastes indulgent, but is actually good for you! Packed with protein, fiber, and delicious chocolate flavor. Get your daily dose of cocoa flavanols!

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Smoothie | Zen & Spice

DAD’S CHICKEN POT PIE

Warm up with one of my family’s favorite dishes: chicken pot pie! Flaky, golden biscuit pieces top a savory chicken and veggie filling, including carrots, potatoes, sweet peas zucchini. All baked in a creamy and smooth white sauce. 

Warm up with one of my family's favorite dishes: chicken pot pie! Flaky, golden biscuit pieces top a savory chicken and veggie filling, including carrots, potatoes, sweet peas zucchini. All baked in a creamy and smooth white sauce.

SMOKY POLENTA FRIES WITH BBQ KETCHUP

Crispy baked polenta fries, tossed in garlic and smoked paprika and served with a tangy barbecue sauce. These polenta fries are the perfect snack, or to serve alongside your fav burger!

Smoky Polenta Fries with BBQ Ketchup | Zen & Spice

RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE BARS

As delicious as they are eye-appealing, these raspberry chocolate cheesecake bars will be a hit at any of your holiday meals this year! 

Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bars | Zen & Spice

THAI CURRY RAMEN NOODLE SOUP

Craving Thai food? Look no further! Try this ramen noodle soup that’s been majorly upgraded– with red curry, garlic, ginger, a savory coconut milk broth, with butternut squash cubes and baby spinach

Thai Curry Ramen Noodle Soup | Zen & Spice

SWEET CHILI SOBA NOODLES

Perfect for a take-to-work lunch, these sweet chili soba noodles are protein and fiber packed. Prep all the ingredients ahead of time and keep the noodles, veggies, and sauce separate in your fridge. Toss together in a small tupperware and pack for lunch! 

Sweet Chili Soba Noodles | Zen & Spice

5-MINUTE MISO SOUP FOR ONE

On a cold winter day, a nice bowl of brothy soup can be the best thing to warm you from the inside out! This miso soup can be thrown together in less than 5 minutes– the only cooking required is a little sauteing and heating up in a pot. This miso soup contains baby spinach, tofu cubes, and shiitake mushrooms to create substance. 

5-Minute Miso Soup for One | Zen & Spice