Our 10 Favorite Recipes from 2022

As we reflect on another incredible year, I’m filled with immense gratitude for each and every one of you who joined me on this culinary journey throughout 2022. It truly was a fantastic year, marked by delicious discoveries, cherished family moments, and a vibrant community of food lovers. Your enthusiasm and support are the driving force behind everything I create here, and I feel incredibly blessed to share my passion for cooking with you all.

To celebrate our shared love for great food, I’m excited to present the most popular recipes of 2022 – the dishes that captured your attention and graced your tables the most. This collection features everything from comforting everyday meals to exotic flavors and irresistible treats. Some of these top performers, like our beloved Ginger Drink and the delightful Chin Chin, might surprise you with their immense popularity, proving that simple joys and traditional delights often resonate the deepest. Let’s take a flavorful trip down memory lane and savor the dishes that made 2022 so memorable!

Beyond the kitchen, 2022 was also a year of wonderful personal milestones and enriching family adventures. We embarked on exciting family trips to vibrant cities like Nashville, Tennessee, explored the serene beauty of Lake Havasu, Arizona, and soaked in the unique culture of Austin, Texas. Each destination brought new sights, sounds, and most importantly, new culinary experiences. Trying diverse foods on these trips was an incredible way to broaden our horizons and gather fresh inspiration for future recipes, which I always love bringing back to my kitchen and sharing with you.

On the home front, my little one took her very first steps, transforming into a lively toddler seemingly overnight. It’s truly amazing how quickly time flies and how many precious memories we create along the way. These moments, both big and small, fuel my passion for creating comforting, delicious meals that bring families together. Sharing my love for cooking and seeing your positive responses truly makes this journey worthwhile. So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for being an integral part of the Precious Core community.

The Most Loved: Top Ten Recipes of 2022

Here, by popular demand and based on your incredible engagement, are the top ten recipes of 2022! This diverse list showcases everything from light and flavorful seafood to hearty chicken dishes and irresistible, crowd-pleasing snacks. Get ready to dive into the most viewed and cherished recipes of the year.

1. Pan Seared Tilapia

Our Pan Seared Tilapia recipe consistently reigns supreme, not only here on the blog but also on my YouTube Channel. It’s a testament to how a simple, healthy ingredient like tilapia can be transformed into an extraordinarily flavorful and quick meal. This recipe proves that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to create something truly delicious and satisfying for your family.

What makes this Pan Seared Tilapia so popular? It’s likely its incredible simplicity combined with a burst of fresh flavors. Tilapia is a lean, white fish that cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Our recipe elevates it with minimal ingredients, ensuring a tender, flaky texture and a delectable golden crust. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lime, a side of steamed vegetables, or fluffy rice for a complete and wholesome meal. Its adaptability and quick preparation time make it a go-to for many readers seeking healthy and delicious dinner solutions.

2. African Chicken Stew

This heartwarming African Chicken Stew recipe, a cherished dish from my childhood, has resonated deeply with our community. It’s adored both on the blog and has garnered significant attention on YouTube, proving that authentic, soulful flavors truly transcend geographical boundaries. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home and tradition that brings comfort to every spoonful.

The secret to this African Chicken Stew’s enduring popularity lies in its robust flavor profile and incredible versatility. Made with tender chicken, a rich tomato base, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s substantial enough to be a standalone meal, especially when served with traditional African staples, yet elegant enough for special gatherings. Many readers appreciate its depth of flavor and how it introduces them to the rich culinary heritage of Africa in an accessible and delicious way. It’s truly a hug in a bowl!

3. Egusi Soup

Egusi Soup is undeniably one of my absolute favorite soups to prepare and enjoy. Its unique texture and incredibly rich flavor make it a true culinary delight, especially when served alongside fufu. You might have even seen viral videos of people relishing Egusi Soup on TikTok, showcasing its growing global appeal and the captivating experience of enjoying this traditional African staple.

This Nigerian Egusi Soup is celebrated for its distinctive use of ground melon seeds (egusi), which give it a nutty flavor and thick, satisfying consistency. It’s often prepared with a variety of meats, fish, and leafy greens, making it a highly nutritious and fulfilling meal. Its cultural significance and robust flavors make it a favorite for many seeking authentic African cuisine. If you’re looking to explore new culinary horizons, this soup offers an exciting and deeply flavorful experience that’s both comforting and exotic.

4. Perfect Plain Cake

The Perfect Plain Cake holds a special place in my heart as it was the very first cake I ever baked. To this day, it remains one of my most cherished recipes to both prepare and savor. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, making it a timeless classic that brings joy with every slice. This humble cake truly embodies the essence of homemade comfort.

Despite its modest name, this Plain Cake is anything but ordinary. Its delicate crumb, buttery flavor, and subtle sweetness make it incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a simple afternoon tea, a birthday celebration, or as a canvas for your favorite frosting and decorations. Many readers appreciate its foolproof nature and the nostalgic comfort it provides. It’s a foundational baking recipe that every home baker should have in their repertoire, offering endless possibilities for customization and pure, unadulterated enjoyment.

5. Jollof Rice With Chicken

Jollof Rice is undoubtedly an iconic and beloved rice dish that everyone should master. This flavorful chicken and rice combination is a staple across West Africa, perfect for any occasion, from casual everyday dinners to grand festive celebrations. Its rich aroma and vibrant taste make it an instant crowd-pleaser and a truly essential recipe for any kitchen.

The allure of Jollof Rice with Chicken lies in its distinctive smoky flavor, achieved through a vibrant tomato and pepper base. Each grain of rice is infused with rich spices, making it incredibly aromatic and delicious. When paired with tender, well-seasoned chicken, it becomes a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Its popularity highlights the beauty of one-pot meals that are both convenient and packed with incredible flavor, making it a frequent request in many households.

6. African Dinner Recipes

This comprehensive collection of African Dinner Recipes has proven to be a treasure trove for many of you. The post features a remarkable array of 20 distinct dinner recipes, drawing inspiration from various regions across the African continent. It’s a truly rich and educational resource, offering a diverse culinary journey for anyone eager to explore the incredible flavors and traditions of African cuisine.

The appeal of this roundup is clear: it provides an expansive and accessible entry point into the vast world of African cuisine. From the spicy notes of West African stews to the aromatic flavors of North African tagines, this collection offers something for every palate. It’s perfect for those looking to diversify their dinner rotation, host a themed dinner party, or simply learn more about the culinary traditions of Africa. Its comprehensive nature makes it an invaluable guide for anyone eager to experience new and exciting dishes.

7. Chicken in White Sauce

You simply cannot surpass the comforting indulgence of a perfectly creamy chicken dinner, and our Chicken in White Sauce recipe consistently proves this point. This dish has remained a steadfast favorite year after year, cherished for its rich flavors and incredible ability to transform a simple chicken breast into a truly luxurious meal. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of classic comfort food done exceptionally well.

This Chicken in White Sauce is celebrated for its irresistible creaminess and the harmonious blend of garlic and butter that infuses every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly quick to put together, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. Serve it over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Its consistent popularity underscores the universal love for rich, comforting, and effortlessly elegant chicken dishes.

8. Ginger Drink

The Ginger Drink, a vibrant and invigorating beverage, has a special place in my memories, as my mother often prepared this ginger tea for my siblings and me throughout our childhood. It fills me with immense joy to see that this homemade remedy and delicious drink is now being enjoyed and appreciated by so many others in our community, sharing a taste of my past with your present.

The high ranking of this Ginger Drink might be one of the “shocking ones” mentioned earlier, but it speaks volumes about its undeniable appeal. Beyond its comforting warmth and spicy kick, ginger is renowned for its health benefits, including boosting immunity and aiding digestion. This drink is a simple yet powerful concoction that’s perfect for a pick-me-up, a soothing bedtime beverage, or a natural remedy. Its growing popularity reflects a desire for natural, wholesome drinks that are both delicious and beneficial, reminding us that sometimes the simplest recipes offer the greatest rewards.

9. Banana Fritters

These Banana Fritters offer a truly fantastic and incredibly delicious solution for utilizing those perfectly overripe bananas that often sit on your counter. Be warned, though: they are highly addictive! Once you try these sweet, fluffy bites, you’ll find yourself intentionally letting bananas ripen just to whip up another batch of these irresistible treats.

Banana Fritters are a beloved snack or breakfast item globally, and our recipe highlights their simple charm. The magic happens when overripe bananas lend their natural sweetness and moisture, creating fritters that are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. They are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are a fantastic way to prevent food waste. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of cinnamon, these fritters are a delightful treat that consistently garners rave reviews from our readers.

10. Chin Chin

For any Cameroonian household, Christmas simply isn’t complete without a generous supply of homemade Chin Chin. This classic, crunchy snack is a festive essential, and our recipe has consistently delivered perfect results year after year. It’s a cherished tradition that brings families together and fills homes with the irresistible aroma of holiday cheer and deliciousness.

Chin Chin, a sweet, fried pastry, is another one of those “shocking” popular recipes that consistently makes our top ten. Its addictive crunch and subtly sweet, almost cake-like flavor make it an irresistible snack. While traditionally associated with holidays in West Africa, its simplicity and delightful taste mean it can be enjoyed year-round. This recipe’s popularity underscores the joy of traditional snacks and their ability to evoke nostalgia and create new happy memories for those trying it for the first time.

My Personal Favorite Recipes of 2022

While the top ten represent your favorites, I also have a few personal standout recipes from 2022 that I absolutely fell in love with. These dishes brought immense joy to my kitchen and my family, and I’m thrilled to share why they captured my heart this past year. Perhaps they’ll become your new favorites too!

11. Marry Me Chicken

The name itself is hilarious and captivating, but the flavor of this Marry Me Chicken is no laughing matter – it’s profoundly delicious! This dish tastes as if it’s been expertly prepared in a high-end restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly simple to create at home. It truly lives up to its playful name, offering a culinary experience that might just win hearts.

Marry Me Chicken became a sensation for a reason, and I quickly understood why it earned its name. The combination of juicy chicken breast in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce is simply divine. It’s rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort. This dish quickly became a staple in my home for those nights when I wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that elegance and ease can perfectly coexist.

12. Garlic Butter Rolls

Honestly, these Garlic Butter Rolls are so incredibly flavorful that I almost don’t want to go back to making normal dinner rolls anymore! The addition of savory garlic and rich butter elevates a simple roll into something truly extraordinary. They are an absolute game-changer for any meal, offering a burst of flavor that perfectly complements any dish.

As a bread lover, these Garlic Butter Rolls were a revelation. They take the comforting warmth of homemade rolls and infuse it with the irresistible aroma and taste of garlic butter. The result is a soft, fluffy roll with a golden crust, perfect for soaking up gravies, accompanying a hearty stew, or simply enjoying on its own. The ease of a single rise further cemented its place as a personal favorite, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated baking processes. These rolls are truly a highlight for any meal.

13. Baked Turkey Drumsticks

These Baked Turkey Drumsticks are a revelation! They’re incredibly juicy, impressively huge, and absolutely loaded with flavor. This recipe turns humble turkey drumsticks into an insanely delicious and satisfying meal that feels special enough for any occasion, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a testament to how proper seasoning and baking can elevate poultry to new heights.

When it comes to flavorful poultry, these Baked Turkey Drumsticks became an instant hit in my kitchen. Often overlooked for breast meat, drumsticks offer incredible flavor and juiciness when prepared correctly. Our recipe uses a blend of herbs and spices that penetrates deep into the meat, creating a tender and incredibly aromatic dish. It’s a fantastic option for a smaller holiday gathering or a hearty family dinner, providing all the deliciousness of turkey without the fuss of roasting a whole bird. The rich, savory flavors make it a truly satisfying and unforgettable meal.

14. Lemon Shortbread Cookies

I already have a deep affection for classic shortbread cookies, with their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. But introduce lemon into the mix, and you’ve elevated shortbread to an entirely new level of deliciousness! These Lemon Shortbread Cookies combine a beloved classic with a bright, zesty twist, creating an irresistible treat that’s both familiar and exciting.

These Lemon Shortbread Cookies quickly became a personal baking triumph. The bright, tangy zest of lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent. They are incredibly tender, with that characteristic shortbread crumble, and the lemon adds an unexpected sophistication. Perfect for gifting, serving with coffee or tea, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat, they’re a testament to how a simple flavor addition can transform a classic into something truly extraordinary and utterly unforgettable.

15. Lemon Butter Tilapia

Listen closely: any dish elevated by garlic butter or lemon butter is undeniably the future of deliciousness. This Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe is a perfect example of how to take a humble and often understated fish like tilapia and transform it into a dish of absolute greatness. It’s a simple yet profoundly flavorful preparation that guarantees rave reviews.

Following the success of Pan Seared Tilapia, my exploration into Lemon Butter Tilapia was a natural and delightful progression. This recipe truly takes humble tilapia and transforms it into a gourmet experience. The fish is seared to flaky perfection, then bathed in a rich, tangy, and aromatic lemon butter sauce that makes every bite burst with flavor. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a stellar choice for a healthy and impressive weeknight meal. This dish perfectly embodies my philosophy of making simple ingredients shine, proving that with the right techniques and flavors, ordinary can become extraordinary.

Bonus Culinary Inspirations: If you’re constantly seeking new meal ideas for your family, be sure to explore these fantastic collections! Our Easy Dinner Recipes For Family is brimming with practical and delicious options for everyday meals, while the 20 African Dinner Recipes To Try post offers a rich dive into diverse and flavorful African cuisine, providing endless inspiration for your next kitchen adventure.

I genuinely love hearing from you! Which Precious Core recipes did you try and love in 2022? Or perhaps you’ve already discovered some new favorites in 2023? Please share your culinary experiences and thoughts in the comments section below. Your feedback and stories are what make this community so special and vibrant.

As we step further into the new year, I wish you God’s abundant blessings and success in 2023! May your year be generously filled with an abundance of tasty food, countless good memories, and joyous laughter shared with loved ones. Happy New Year, my dear friends! Here’s to more delicious moments and inspiring culinary adventures together.