Unfortunately, there seems to be little correlation between my favourite recipes and my readers’ favourite recipes. That’s why I think it’s important to emphasize my favourites again in a special post.
So let me make it perfectly clear – these recipes are all must tries. That means you’re crazy if you don’t try them and taste their deliciousness for yourself!
Also, I am very proud to state that only four of these recipes are from Canadian Living. Shocking!
Here’s my 10 favourite recipes from the last year!
1. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
- Mexican Meatloaves
More than any other recipe on this list, I will make this recipe over and over. I have already made it half a dozen times since discovering it not too long ago. I do things differently every time – I use different veggies and cook them different ways – and this is always my favourite dish. I crave it, and I’ve yet to find another quinoa recipe that even comes close. Definitely my very best recipe from 2011!
2. Jalapeno Cheese-Stuffed Hamburgers
Words cannot describe how positively mouth-watering these burgers are – and I’m not even a burger person! You would think they’d be difficult to make since they’re stuffed, but they’re so easy and so quick. Any other hamburger just won’t compare after trying these. This recipe will definitely be the go-to for many BBQ seasons to come!
Another recipe I have already made over and over in 2011. Moist and flavourful with a snap of heat, these meatloaves combine everything I love about ground beef, Mexican flavours and comfort food. If you’re having trouble finding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, check your biggest Loblaws or Superstore. The Asian aisle should have them. Stock up! They also keep in a Tupperware in the fridge or freezer for months. Don’t go too crazy with them though – they’re fiery!
4. Crab & Avocado Salad with Wasabi Dressing
- Crab and Avocado Salad with Wasabi Dressing
I can honestly say I have yet to eat a better salad in my life. Yes, that’s right – in my life. This is my go-to for any dinner party appetizer or salad course. It’s a Nigella Lawson recipe, and it’s one of her very best. The only problem is that you need to plan ahead – the avocados must be ripe and you need real canned crab which is expensive (I normally get mine from Costco). Technically this is cheating since I made this recipe for the first time in 2010, but I felt it was so good I had to include it in this list.
You just can’t beat ‘em. I challenge anyone to present me with a cheese biscuit recipe that even comes close. So call your grandma, call you aunts, call your in-laws… and bring it on!
I generally don’t enjoy cake. Or cupcakes. Or chocolate, for that matter. But this recipe totally changed that. I could eat three of these in one sitting. They are as moist and delicious as they are inventive and easy. And the cake part is diary free! Can’t beat that.
7. Chicken and Avocado Egg Rolls
Terribly unhealthy but devilishly good. This recipe was my introduction to Guy Fieri and his passion for full-flavour, full-fat, unapologetic foods. They’re a lot of work, but boy, are they worth it! We’ve already made them a few times and are certain to have them again. Yum!
- Chicken and Avocado Egg Rolls
If you know me or my blog at all, you’ll know Asian dishes are always my favourite. This is another Nigella Lawson recipe from her most recent cookbook Kitchen and it was incredible. It’s the kind of meal you want to make three nights in a row… and then eat leftovers for breakfast.
9. Inside-out Chicken Pot Pies
This recipe was passed on to me by my beautiful cousin Kelly from Chatelaine and quickly became a family favourite. She made it for her boyfriend (now her finacé), I made it for My Other Half, and then her big sister made it for my parents. By now, I’m pretty sure everyone in the family has had it and loved it. A refreshing twist on the classic recipe, this quick and easy meal is a crowd-pleaser!
10. Sweet and Spicy Cucumber Salad
Believe it or not, this is another Chatelaine recipe! I stumbled upon it when searching for easy sides for our housewarming barbeque. It’s something different to bring to a potluck and a nice change from the ordinary pasta salad or coleslaw. The best part? It’s even better as leftovers!
January 5, 2012
Favourited.