I love the end of a year. Starting new is so refreshing and given that most American’s commit to some sort of health-related resolution, it’s an exciting time for us healthy food bloggers. It’s our time to show you that eating healthy can be SO GOOD that you’ll actually enjoy making healthy eating a lifestyle, not just a January ritual.
The most important thing to remember about a healthy lifestyle is that it’s all about balance. It’s not about deprivation, leaving sugar in the past, and omitting all things on the sinful side from your diet. Nope, it’s not about that at all. Stick around, you’ll see.
But for today, a recap of 2012. I absolutely love these posts that showcase the best of the past year. From over 300 posts in 2012, these are our Top 12 Recipes of 2012!
Most Popular Post: S’mores Brownies. I don’t know how a boxed brownie could turn into a recipe gone viral, but this was, by far, the most pinned recipe on my blog this past year! No doubt, these were killer and suuuuper easy!
Best Breakfast: Meyer Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal. What is it about Meyer lemons? They’re out of this world and together with blueberries, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better combination. While I love all things breakfast, this one takes the gold medal.
Carb Lover’s Choice: Bacon Ranch Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes. Bacon…ranch…pasta. This recipe really needs no introduction. My favorite part is that this is even better leftover.
Favorite Soup: Lasagna Soup. What an epic concept, huh? I can take no credit, but this lightened up version is killer — even without the cheesy goodness. We make this at the hospital in the cafeteria and people LOVE it…always a hit! Bump up the crushed red pepper and use spicy Italian turkey sausage for added kick!
Best Chicken Dish: Walnut and Rosemary Oven-Fried Chicken. I’m not sure why this dish didn’t receive gobs of raves, but I was truly blown away by this recipe. So much flavor!
A Special Occasion Sweet Treat: Biscoff Cookie Truffles. Heaven. Biscoff is so rich and buttery these are worthy of a special occasion.
3rd Annual Chili Conest Winner: Sweet Georgia Brown Chili. This chili won this year’s chili contest. It was sweet, savory, and the depth of flavors was unmatched. The chocolate in this chili really does make it one-of-a-kind!
Biggest Surprise of 2012: Creamy Radish Dip. Who knew? I used my CSA veggies and Google to come up with a recipe so simple and yet so very worthy of real estate on the top 12 of 2012 post. Believe it. Plus, it’s healthy to boot!
My Favorite Sweet Treat: Oreo Cheesecake Cookies. The bomb…yes, even if you don’t like cream cheese.
Mr. Prevention’s (Not-so-Healthy) Pick of 2012: Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. Deep dish pizza is no quick meal, but it sure is called for from time-to-time. Pizza is the key to Mr. Prevention’s heart and without a doubt, this was his top pick of 2012. Not healthy, but sooooo good!
Summer’s Best Recipe: Summer Barley Risotto. I made this for my in-laws when they were in town over the summer and I was blown away with how flavorful it was. When summer’s sweet corn is abundant in a few months (okay, half a year…), think of this recipe!
Worthy of the Extra Mile: Veggie Enchiladas. I had no idea veggie enchiladas could be so good. This recipe may mark the point in time where I realized that I LOVE vegetarian meals. This isn’t a quick meal, but it’s worthy of the extra mile!
Be sure to check out the Recipe Index for a full selection of recipes with accompanying “grades”.
Looking forward to a healthy and delicious 2013!
Be well,
Yum! I bookmarked and forgot about the Lasagna Soup so thanks for the reminder! I really need to try that!
This is such a fantastic collection of recipes…thanks for sharing! Those veggie enchiladas, lasagna soup and BISCOFF TRUFFLES are a must make! Happy New Year!
These all look great but that oatmeal is calling to me. I posted my top 12 today too- come see if you have a minute.
Looking very delish ! thanks for sharing !
You have had an amazing year, and how you were able to pull off 300 blog posts, with a move, buying a house, job changes, it’s amazeballs!
And I am glad that you finally made the lasagna soup – I don’t make the cheezy goodness either, and it’s find without it – it was a big hit at my Christmas dinner – I made it for our first course!
Happy New Year Nicole! Looking forward to what you’ll bring in 2013! 😀
Ok, you’re killing me with the pizza post! A great year in food for you! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
Those are definitely some great recipes! It’s easy to see why you have a cookbook now! Happy New Year!
OH YUM! Such a delicious year!
I am with Mr Prevetion, that deep dish pizza looks fabulous!!!!! 🙂
What an amazing round-up of 2012!! What a yummy year it was…can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!!
Lasagna soup and the walnut-rosemary oven friend chicken are my favorites, too! 🙂
I need to try that baked oatmeal – I think my kids would love it, too!
Oh my gosh your round up is amazing. The s;mores are doing me in. And I somehow missed that chili and now need to make it asap. It looks like perfection in a bowl. Happy New Year!
Oh that chili looks so good! your pictures are making my mouth water! Happy new year to you!
I want it all!! 🙂 Happy new year! So glad we are friends and that we saw each other not only in 2011 but in 2012, too!! xoxo!
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Aww! You’re too sweet! I hope 2013, as well! 🙂
I’m a sucker for anything blueberry…can’t wait to try the blueberry baked oatmeal!
I agree with 10 out of 12 ….No thanks on the creamy radish dip or the summer barley risotto…All others are Mr. P approved.
I’ve been loving these roundups. All of yours look awesome! Although this post is reminding me of all the recipes of yours that I’ve wanted to try but haven’t gotten around to 🙁 I have to try so many of your recipes this coming year. By the way, my hubby is a big fan of those coconut oil chocolate chip cookies you posted – even more than just regular chocolate chips cookies 😀