Revisiting 2013: An Oregon Cottage’s Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes & Preserving Essentials

As we reflect on the start of a new year, we hope your New Year’s celebration was filled with joy and perhaps some quiet reflection, much like ours. Today marks a special occasion as we delve into the most cherished culinary creations and essential preserving techniques that captivated our community in 2013. This carefully curated list of the top 10 recipes and preserving how-tos from An Oregon Cottage isn’t just a collection of popular dishes; it’s a testament to your collective preferences and a fascinating insight into what truly resonated with home cooks and food preservers.

Our ranking is based purely on the number of views each recipe received, making this truly a list voted on by you, our wonderful readers. This method offers invaluable feedback, guiding us as we plan future content and continue to share practical, delicious, and wholesome ideas for your kitchen and pantry. Knowing what you love helps us create more of what matters most to you, fostering a vibrant community focused on sustainable living, from-scratch cooking, and smart preserving methods.

Just like our 2013 Top 10 DIY & Gardening Posts, this culinary countdown begins with number 10 and progresses to reveal the undisputed top-viewed recipe of the year. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below – did your personal favorite make the cut, or is there a beloved gem you feel was overlooked? Join us as we celebrate a year of delicious food and clever kitchen hacks!

An Oregon Cottage’s Top 10 Recipes & Preserving of 2013:

10. Easy Slow Cooker Honey Baked Beans

Kicking off our list at number 10 are the Easy Slow Cooker Honey Baked Beans. This recipe proved to be a resounding favorite, likely due to its simplicity and the comforting, hearty results it delivers. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner, these beans offer a sweet and savory depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. The slow cooker method makes it incredibly hands-off, allowing busy home cooks to prepare a delicious side dish with minimal effort. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian main, these honey-kissed beans are a timeless classic that brings warmth and flavor to any meal, making them a staple in many households.

9. Classic Cream Cheese Mints Updated with Dark Chocolate

Coming in at number 9, these Classic Cream Cheese Mints updated with rich dark chocolate offer a delightful twist on a beloved confection. These elegant, melt-in-your-mouth treats are surprisingly simple to make, requiring no baking and just a few ingredients. Their popularity undoubtedly stems from their versatility – perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The addition of dark chocolate elevates their flavor profile, adding a sophisticated bitterness that beautifully balances the sweet, creamy mint. This recipe showcases how a small enhancement can transform a traditional favorite into something truly special and memorable for any occasion.

8. The BEST Cinnamon Rolls Ever. Really.

When a recipe claims to be “The BEST Cinnamon Rolls Ever,” it sets high expectations, and this one clearly delivered, landing at number 8. These cinnamon rolls are renowned for their incredibly soft, fluffy texture, generous swirls of spiced cinnamon sugar, and decadent cream cheese frosting. Their widespread appeal lies in the pursuit of bakery-quality treats right in one’s own kitchen, a desire many home bakers share. The satisfaction of pulling warm, fragrant cinnamon rolls from the oven on a weekend morning is unmatched, making this recipe a go-to for special breakfasts, brunches, and comforting indulgences. It embodies the joy of scratch baking and the reward of truly exceptional results.

7. Triple Chocolate Cake with Crispy Bark Topping

For serious chocolate enthusiasts, the Triple Chocolate Cake with Crispy Bark Topping, at number 7, was an undeniable hit. This recipe promises an indulgent experience, layering rich chocolate cake with luscious frosting and a unique crispy chocolate bark for added texture and visual appeal. Its popularity speaks to the universal love for chocolate desserts, particularly those that go above and beyond in flavor and presentation. This cake is perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply satisfying a deep chocolate craving. It demonstrates that homemade desserts can be as spectacular and sophisticated as any professional creation, bringing gourmet quality into the home kitchen.

6. Healthier Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

Achieving a desirable balance between indulgence and health, the Healthier Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Balls secured the 6th spot. This recipe appeals to those seeking a treat that satisfies sweet cravings without the guilt often associated with traditional desserts. By incorporating dark chocolate and focusing on wholesome ingredients, it offers a more nutritious alternative to classic peanut butter confections. The crispy texture adds an exciting dimension, making these balls enjoyable for both kids and adults. Their no-bake nature and ease of preparation contribute to their popularity, making them an ideal snack or dessert for everyday enjoyment or healthier party spreads.

5. Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes at AOC

At number 5, the collection of Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes clearly struck a chord with readers dedicated to fresh, wholesome eating. Moving away from store-bought dressings, which often contain excessive sugar, unhealthy oils, and artificial ingredients, this guide empowers home cooks to create vibrant, flavorful dressings from scratch. The popularity of this post highlights a growing awareness of ingredient quality and a desire for greater control over what goes into our food. From creamy options to zesty vinaigrettes, these recipes offer simple ways to elevate any salad, making healthy eating more appealing and enjoyable. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their culinary skills and improve their diet.

4. All About Blueberries

Securing the 4th spot, the comprehensive guide “All About Blueberries” demonstrates a strong interest in fruit preservation and utilization. This detailed resource goes beyond just recipes, offering invaluable tips on freezing, drying, and canning blueberries, alongside ideas for enjoying them fresh. Its popularity underscores the seasonal nature of home cooking and the desire to make the most of abundant produce. For gardeners with a bounty of blueberries or those who purchase them in bulk, this guide provides practical methods to extend their shelf life and enjoy their nutritional benefits year-round. It’s a fantastic example of An Oregon Cottage’s commitment to empowering readers with practical, self-sufficient skills.

3. Quick and Easy Pickled Jalapenos

The demand for robust flavors and simple preserving techniques is evident with the Quick and Easy Pickled Jalapenos landing at number 3. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves a bit of spice and tang in their dishes. Its “quick and easy” promise is undoubtedly a major draw, allowing home cooks to preserve fresh jalapenos with minimal fuss, ensuring a steady supply of these zesty peppers. Perfect for adding a kick to tacos, nachos, sandwiches, or salads, homemade pickled jalapenos surpass their store-bought counterparts in freshness and flavor. This guide highlights the joy of quick canning and the satisfaction of having homemade condiments on hand.

2. Garlic & Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Just missing the top spot but proving incredibly popular, the Garlic & Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes are a testament to the enduring appeal of comforting, flavorful side dishes. This recipe elevates classic mashed potatoes with the pungent warmth of garlic and the creamy tang of sour cream, transforming a simple staple into something truly extraordinary. Its high ranking suggests that readers are always on the lookout for ways to enhance everyday meals with gourmet touches that are still achievable at home. Whether served alongside a holiday roast or a weeknight chicken dinner, these mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, embodying the heart and soul of homemade comfort food.

And the #1 Recipe from 2013 is…

1. How to Freeze Snap Peas Without Blanching

The undisputed champion of 2013, “How to Freeze Snap Peas Without Blanching,” highlights a clear preference for efficient and time-saving food preservation methods. This brilliant guide resonated deeply with home gardeners and those who love fresh produce, offering a revolutionary technique to preserve the vibrant flavor and crisp texture of snap peas (and snow peas) without the traditional step of blanching. The popularity of this post underscores a widespread desire for simplified, yet effective, approaches to storing seasonal harvests. It saves valuable time and effort, making it easier than ever to enjoy garden-fresh goodness long after the growing season has ended. This ingenious method truly embodies the practical, resourceful spirit of An Oregon Cottage, demonstrating that smart preserving doesn’t have to be complicated to be successful. It’s a testament to the power of sharing practical knowledge that makes a real difference in the home kitchen.

Thank you for joining us on this delicious journey through An Oregon Cottage’s most popular recipes and preserving tips of 2013. Your engagement and enthusiasm are what make this community thrive, and we look forward to continuing to share inspiring ideas for your home and kitchen. Here’s to many more years of cooking, creating, and preserving together!