Wow. 2010 was a bit of a whirlwind and difficult year for the hubs and I. We’ve had a lot of stress and a few life setbacks, but we’re hoping 2011 brings new and wonderful experiences!
2010 also saw me combining my food and fitness blogs into this new format, Kelly Be Well. I am excited about the changed and feel like this is a blog where I can grow and feel less…hmm..restricted? about what I post.
Luckily a rough year didn’t affect our ability to eat well! 
Here are the top-ranking recipes from 2010’s cooking adventures (as chosen by DH and I!)
Breakfast
Waffles of Insane Greatness (WIG)
These are now a regular on our “special Sunday breakfast” options list! The batter needs to sit for 30 minutes, but that time will whizz by, so don’t let it keep you from trying them! These waffles have a delicious, light vanilla/buttermilk flavor, and they crisp up perfectly in the waffle maker. I generally don’t keep buttermilk on hand, and often substitute 1% milk+1tbsp lemon juice (let side 5 minutes to ‘curdle’)with much success.
Sides
We’ve used these new-to-us sides more times than I can count. They are flavorful, delicious, and they added some much-needed variety to our side dish repertoire!
This is now my go-to mexican rice recipe. I love the flavors, and it comes together quickly from items I always have on hand! Perfect!
A light, flavorful rice dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken and pork! This one takes a little more time, but I find as long as I plan for it, I can still make it on a weeknight! It re-heats well too, so don’t be afraid to make it in advance and just microwave it on the day you serve 🙂
Dinner
A great, comforting Italian meal that comes together very quickly, but still gives you the delicious flavor of a lasagna! Great weeknight dish, and reheats well!
I don’t generally make Asian dishes at home because – frankly – they’re just never as good as they are from the restaurant. There. I said it.
But this recipe? It’s better than the fried rice I get at a restaurant! It’s a fantastic weeknight meal – you can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and then everything comes together very quickly!
We serve this as a main dish, but I guess it could be a side, too 🙂
A tasty, versatile, Mexican shredded pork recipe! And it’s a crockpot recipe, to boot! You could probably also use the same flavors on chicken and it would be divine.
Fish Tacos with Baja Cream Sauce
DH spent two years in California for graduate school and neither one of us ever discovered the beauty of the fish taco….but we have now! This recipe is quick, easy, and the baja cream sauce adds a special touch!
I had never had this dish, though heard about it from many people. The recipe I ended up making was perfect. It’s delicious, and can be assembled a few days in advance, and re-heats well to boot! Plus, c’mon – who doesn’t like mashed potatoes, beef, and gravy?
DH stated this was “the best new recipe of 2010” the first time we had it! LOL I’d never had a white chili, but this one is delicious and flavorful without being too spicy for most folks. Perfect combination of creamy and spicy! If you want to stretch your soup, or make it a little more filling, I have served it with brown rice with much success.
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe came from a co-worker, and it’s the best version of this soup I’ve had to date. I also love that it’s a crockpot recipe which means it’s ready when I get home!
Best mexican shredded beef ever, and another crockpot recipe. We served it as chimichangas, but it has a wide variety of uses!
Desserts
Amazing Double Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
I am a vanilla lover through-and-through, so I chose this recipe for my birthday treat in February. I made them in cupcake form to share with friends at a party. There were – hands down – the best vanilla bean cupcakes I’ve ever had. Delish!
My family has made this as a light, summer dessert for many years, and it made a comeback on our table and at our picnics this past summer! Light, easy, refreshing, and a great way to incorporate fresh, ripe summer fruits!
Looking for more “Best Of”?
What were YOUR “Best Of’s” for 2010?
