Wow, so 2011 went by fast, right? As I was scrolling through the recipes from this year I couldn’t believe that I made some of these in 2011, they feel like ages ago!
People often ask me what *my* favorite recipes are, so I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorites from this year. Sure, I like everything that I post, but there are just some recipes that really make me say “WOW,” some recipes that I’m just dying to make again. I tried to make it a list of ten, but that was pretty much impossible, so you get 20 instead.
If you haven’t tried any Budget Bytes recipes yet, this list is a great place to start.
So, here they are, in chronological order:
1. Cinnamon Raisin Bread
This easy, almost no-knead cinnamon raisin bread is super easy and had me starting every day with a smile. A slice or two toasted with some peanut butter made for a quick, delicious, and filling breakfast. And it’s got way less sugar than store bought cinnamon raisin bread.
2. Quick Curried Chickpeas
This dish is also a reader favorite. It’s super easy and quick to make, packed with flavor, and gets four stars for health. If you need an easy side dish for dinner, try this.
3. Chipotle Raspberry BBQ Chicken
Mmmmm, sweet, tangy, spicy, and juicy thighs. What more could one ask for? Oh, you want them to be easy too? Okay, you got it.
Not only is this a reader favorite, but it also won second place in a recipe contest run by the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission! And from what I hear, kids like ’em too!
5. Peanut Soba Stir Fry
This one has been kind of hit and miss with readers but I absolutely adored it! It was fast, easy, only required a few ingredients, and is packed with vegetables. I literally couldn’t keep out of it. I kept going back for more.
6. Oven Roasted Corn
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of corn, but this totally changed my mind. Roasting the corn made the flavor deep and sweet and keeping the husks on during roasting kept all of the juices locked inside. The honey chili butter wasn’t so bad either ;)
Every. Single. Time. I see this photo I want to eat it. Everything about this was delicious. Everything. I don’t know what else I can say.
8. Salsa Poached Eggs
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, savory breakfasts in particular. Eggs are one of my top 3 favorite foods and preparing them this way is just like icing on the cake. So much flavor! I’d eat it every day if I could.
9. Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
Simplicity at its best. This pasta salad is light, fresh, and the perfect side dish to just about anything.
10. Sloppy Joes Plus
Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky… I’m so sneaky. I hid some lentils in
this homemade sloppy joe mix for added fiber and nutrients and it’s so delicious, you’d never know!
11. Taco Chicken Bowls
This recipe practically sparked a frenzy on pinterest, and for good reason. It’s one of those recipes that is nearly fool-proof and so delicious that your whole family will love it. I love it every bit as much as all of you do.
12. Yellow Jasmine Rice
Smells are a big thing for me and I think the scent of this rice is absolutely intoxicating… and the flavor definitely lives up to the powerful scent. Best rice I’ve ever eaten. Hands down.
13. (not)Refried Beans
You might have to be a bean fan to appreciate this one, but seriously, it’s GOOD. Every time I make this I find myself standing over the slow cooker just shoveling it into my mouth. Sorry, I know you didn’t need that mental image.
14. Oatmeal Molasses Bread
This bread recipe may not be as easy as all of the no-knead recipes, but all of the work is very worth it. It’s sweet, rich, and hearty. You can not buy bread like this in the store. No sir.
15. Vinaigrette Slaw with Feta
I’m afraid of eating raw cabbage because it can be so cruel to me… but this slaw is so good that I’ll come runnin’ for it anyway! It’s delish!
16. Teriyaki Salmon w/ Sriracha Mayo
Sure, anything with sriracha is fantastic, but this teriyaki salmon was hella good! And simple. If you need to impress some guests, make this!
17. Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal
Do I even need to explain this one? Tastes like you’re eating dessert for breakfast but it’s totally delicious. Life is good. The end.
Yum, yum, yum! I loved this! Tons of textures and flavors all in one place. Eat it as a sandwich, over a bed of greens, or just straight. It’s good no matter how you spin it.
19. Easy Egg Drop Soup
If you need a serious soother for a bad winter cold, this soup is the ticket. Plus, it’s so easy that you can actually fix it yourself when you’re sick! This is my new go-to comfort food.
20. Cumin Lime Chickpeas
If you’re like me and you live for super potent flavors, you’ll love this. It’s light and fresh but very colorful, thanks to the tangy lime juice, fresh cilantro, and spicy red onions. Plus, it gets better every day as it has time to marinate in the fridge.
So there they are, my top 20 recipes from 2011. But you know what I liked even better? Getting to know all of you. Budget Bytes wouldn’t exists without such a wonderful group of readers. I don’t consider you just onlookers, but active participants in this adventure. Thank you for being there, for sharing your ideas and experiences, and just being wonderful in general. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
