The Hits and Misses of 2022

What’s that strange looking contraption? It’s a Hit-and-Miss Engine. Conceived in the late 19th century, the Hit ‘N’ Miss was produced by a number of companies from the 1890s through the 1940s. What does this combustion engine have to do with recipes? Nothing. I just like it.

Can we talk a moment before taking a leisurely stroll down “memory lane”? I’ve been talking with you via this blog since 2018. It’s been fun, and that’s really why I do it. In 2020, with the world shut down, readership soared. But then again, that was to be expected. People were stuck at home. Many were looking for new ways to put food on the table. After all restaurants were closed and vacations canceled. It was in this shelter in place existence that visitors spiked. When readership dropped back down again in 2021, that was no surprise. The world was opening up again, and we were venturing out. Since then I’ve noticed a decline in readership that is below “pandemic” levels. Hubby pointed out that I have woven our Catholic Faith and Christian views into many of the posts. Some people may be turned off by this. If I seem to lecture, that was never my intention. I love my faith, and it excites me to be able to share. Faith is a part of me, and God speaks to me through my Catholic Walk. We are all called to walk a particular path, each in our own way. I won’t apologize for mine, just as I don’t believe others should apologize for theirs. Faith and family traditions inspire me. To that I must be true. If it means people walk away, that’s okay. For those who stuck around, thanks.

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In the past I’ve share my most popular or most viewed recipes of the prior year in a recap post. Once I even shared those recipes that somehow missed their mark. This year, with all the ups and downs of recent times, I thought it might be fun to put last year’s most viewed and least viewed recipes side by side.

For the most viewed, I wish to say thank you. I’m so pleased you liked the share. As for the least viewed, maybe they were missed the first time around. If so, maybe the recipe is worth a second look. But then again, maybe not. Enjoy!

January Hit: Sunday Supper Lasagna
January Miss: Taco Bell Inspired Spicy Quesadilla

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February Hit: Weekday Romance in Three Courses (Lobster Spaghetti)
February Miss: Sausage Bagel Pizza

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March Hit: Soup It Forward (Turkey Club Panini with Tomato Basil Soup)
March Miss: Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Supper

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April Hit: Palm Sunday Supper (Citrus Roast Chicken Supper)
April Miss: Green Chile Tortilla Chicken Casserole

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May Hit: Chicken in White Wine
May Miss: Ode to a Daydream Fantasy (Beef Wellington)

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June Hit: Spicy Shrimp Ramen
June Miss: Polish Sausage Skillet Supper

July Hit: Grand Marnier Custard French Toast
July Miss: National Chili Dog Day (Tortilla Wrapped Chili Dogs)

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August Hit: A Beautiful Tuscan Feast (Skillet Chicken Marsala Supper)
August Miss: Mesquite-Rubbed Smoked Tri-Tip (And BBQ Sandwiches)

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September Hit: Hatch Chili Tacos
September Miss: Feast of the Nativity of Mary (French Onion Pork Chops)

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October Hit: National Pasta Day Made Easy (Pesto Pasta Chicken)
October Miss: Beautiful Grilled Tri-Tip Kabobs

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November Hit: Dance with Caramel Apple Spice Cake
November Miss: Our Lady of Beauraing and Giving (Lemon Supreme Pie)

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December Hit: Warm Banana Bread
December Miss: Saint Lucia’s Braided Bread

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2022 Hit: Big Bang Spaghetti (February 3, 2022)
2022 Miss: Skillet-Roasted Rosemary Potatoes (November 12, 2022)

It’s interesting to note that while Big Bang Spaghetti ended the year as the most viewed recipe of 2022, it was only the 4th most viewed new recipe in February, when it first appeared. In all fairness Valentine’s Day trumps everything else in February and rightfully so.