So hello to all who land here, and Happy New Year 2026, a little belated. This is my wrap-up from 2025. Does it seem like 2025 is already a lifetime away to all of you, or is it just me?
Anyway. I got a little distracted with all the current happenings, both in my personal life and nationwide, and this big post on My Site’s 15th Anniversary. I hope you’ll enjoy hearing about what’s been going on behind the scenes, but if you’re just here for the food, no shade ~ just hit the button below.
First of all, I spent quite a bit of time in Minnesota, and I always question my sanity when I visit in winter! Keep in mind, this was before the current (and ongoing) situation there with ICE.
Speaking of Ice, the pic of ice-covered trees in the moonlight was taken down south here. I can tell coz in Minnesota, the curbs are rounded, and in Georgia, they’re squared off. It was gorgeous, but any winter accumulation is no joke in the South, tho we take it in stride “up nord.”
I’ve been through a few misadventures this last year. I had several serious surgeries on my leg (I was still recovering from breaking it late 2023), then months of antibiotics, then two moves (I got scammed on the first – it cost me thousands). I’m still kicking myself for not having seen it sooner!
But now I have finally settled in a cute “Mother In-Law” apartment in a fabulous area, there are fun shops and trendy restaurants, and there is a lovely couple upstairs. I haven’t really put things together yet, but it’s happening slowly but surely. I’ve been cooking a bit, and last week I hung a picture…
With all that, there have been several times, to my shame, when I’ve had intrusive thoughts, kind of a PTSD I seem to be going through, and following these guys snap me right out of any lingering self-pity…Honestly, I get a little teary!
The Buddhist Monks on their Walk of Peace
Much as I hate to admit it, age is catching up with my body faster than I am comfortable with! I’m still a little taken aback by that! How do I know? Well, for one last week I ordered a recliner! Something I never thought I’d do.
And of course, when my Doc did my annual, she asked a bunch of intrusive questions, like am I worried about my memory? I told her no, of course. Then I couldn’t remember something she asked me about.
But like Trump, I remembered the five words I was told to remember (for what that’s worth!) Three of them were bath, book, and candle, which go hand in hand with one of my fave hobbies, lol!
Anyway, I am determined to ignore some of these signs for as long as I can, take my vitamins and supplements, and do my exercises and physical therapy. And keep working on my site here. If you keep visiting, that is. 🙂
Over the years, I’ve often shared Charlie Macksey’s images here, and this is what I choose for today. I think his book should be required reading for all, young and old!
From the Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Macksey
But, without further ado, here are my top 10 recipes of 2025, counting down to #1. Hope you enjoy!
10) These Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes were a request, and I added them to my site in 2020. They’ve been steadily gaining in popularity; this is the 3rd year in the top 10.
Just like Grandma made them – these layers of buttery, tender potatoes laced with thinly sliced onions, baked to a golden perfection, are pure nostalgia.
Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes
9) Doctoring Canned Baked Beans were in the top 10 from 2020 through 2022 and have made a surprise comeback, and were popular throughout the year (although especially in July.)
If ever baked beans could be glorious, these are the ones.
Doctoring Canned Baked Beans
8) Yanno That Old Lipton Onion Soup Pot Roast Recipe? I know you know it! It’s a classic I shared on a whim one cold, drizzly September day back in 2018. Guess what? It’s been sitting pretty in the top 10 ever since!
If there’s ever been a recipe that defines comfort food, this is it: tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, creamy potatoes and carrots, and the rich, savory gravy that steals the show.
That Old Lipton Onion Soup Pot Roast Recipe
7) First shared in 2019, Restaurant Style Mexican Ground Beef slowly grew in popularity and in 2024 broke through to the top ten! While I’ll never turn my nose up at classic American-style tacos (sometimes, I hafta have one), this richly seasoned, ridiculously easy beef is a game-changer.
Tuck it into tacos, roll it into burritos, or layer it into enchiladas—you won’t look back.
Restaurant Style Mexican Ground Beef
6) After my daughter ate at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, she couldn’t stop raving about their legendary potatoes – and I had to recreate them! Posted in 2018, Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin Copycat has been a top-shared recipe ever since.
These are a testament to simplicity and flavor—they’re quick to make (the method knocks about an hour off standard versions), and their cheesy goodness never fails to impress.
Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin Copycat = see how creamy!
5) DIY Dawn Powerwash Refill was a little something I tinkered with for a while, and then decided to post in August 2024. I didn’t think much of it.
Surprise! In a couple of short months, it hit my top 10 and stayed there all of 2025, and is still going strong. (I just mixed some up last night!)
Diy Dawn Powerwash refill
4) Old Fashioned Chipped Beef Dip is a true classic—it’s been making the rounds at potlucks, family gatherings, and even swanky cocktail parties for as long as I can remember. This creamy, salty, utterly addictive dip (or cheeseball, if that’s your style) can be served warm or cold, and trust me, it never goes out of fashion.
I shared it on my site in 2022, and now? It’s officially earned its spot in the top 10, proving that everything old is new again.
Old Fashioned Chipped Beef Dip
3) A personal favorite is the Original Fat Burning Cabbage Soup. First shared in 2017 (yes, yet another recipe from that year), its popularity surges every January. The shocker came in 2020 when it cracked the top 10 for the year, and it hasn’t budged since!
This recipe is a breeze to whip up, using everyday ingredients (budget-friendly alert!) to create a hearty batch with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a meal prep champion!
Original Fat Burning Cabbage Soup
2) I was so frustrated when I couldn’t locate the Classic Lipton’s Onion Soup Dip one day back in 2017 that I shared it here. (Search engines have come a long way since then!) In the meantime, who knew this tried and true recipe would hit my top 10 and stay steady for the last few years?
Creamy, cool, delish, and no effort- this is so much better than anything you can buy. Just stir together onion soup mix and sour cream, let it sit for a bit if you have the willpower, and serve!
French Onion Dip made with Home-Made Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix
1) I love how my post on Canned Refried Beans, Restaurant Style has taken on a life of its own! There’s plenty of room for improvement in a humble can of refried beans, and it’s been so much fun hearing everyone’s reactions—and their own creative twists—over on Pinterest. (Yes, Pinterest is still a thing!)
Originally posted in 2016, this simple little “recipe” shot into my Top 10 by 2017 and has held its spot ever since. Not bad for a can of beans, right?
How to doctor up canned refried beans
Knocked Off the Top 10:
Just one recipe, my French Onion Soup Burgers, has been knocked out of the top 10 this year. (The Dawn Powerwash pushed it out!) They’re still crazy good! Provolone Cheese, caramelized onions, and an onion bun to drive the flavor home.
French Onion Soup Burgers
Those burgers are joining the three recipes that dropped last year. My Steakhouse Mushrooms break all the rules and are golden brown deliciousness. Scottish Oatcake Pancakes are a longtime family favorite; I’ve been making them since the early ’80s. And my Easy, Cheesy Broccoli Skillet is broccoli literally swimming in cheese – NOT for the faint of heart!
Too Good to Be Missed:
I always like to end with a recipe that hasn’t had the love from you guys that I think it should have. (I am almost always fighting for the underdog!)
This year, I want to highlight Shaking Beef. It’s a lovely Vietnamese Salad, and it’s one of those recipes that’s so much more than what it seems.
Shaking Beef – Bò Lúc Lắc
The Best to You in the New Year:
So that’s a wrap for 2025, and here’s wishing the best to you and yours for the remainder of 2026. If nothing else, it promises to be a year of change.
I’m leaving you with the Serenity Prayer; it’s helped me through many tough times over the years.
Take care, all, thanks for visiting, and Happy New Year.
Mollie
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