Vote for Your Favorites: The Annual Emily Bites Reader’s Choice Awards 2021!
Hello, wonderful friends and food enthusiasts! As the year draws to a close, bringing with it the festive glow of the holiday season, it also marks the most anticipated tradition on Emily Bites: the annual Reader’s Choice Awards! This is more than just a vote; it’s a celebration of delicious, lightened-up comfort food and the incredible community we’ve built together. Every year, I eagerly invite you, my cherished readers, to cast your vote for your absolute favorite recipes from the past twelve months. The excitement of tallying your choices, reading your insightful comments, and discovering which dishes truly stole your hearts is, without a doubt, my favorite part of running this blog.
The anticipation I feel as your votes start to roll in is akin to opening a special gift. Despite years of overwhelming participation, a tiny part of me always worries if anyone will vote this time – a silly thought, I know, because you always show up with incredible enthusiasm! Each submission brightens my day and reaffirms the passion we share for flavorful, healthy eating. Once all the votes are counted, I love to cap off the year with a comprehensive “Best of” post, proudly showcasing all the winning recipes. This special compilation serves multiple purposes: it helps our seasoned readers revisit forgotten gems or discover new favorites they might have missed, and perhaps most importantly, it offers a perfect starting point for first-time visitors to explore the most popular and beloved recipes on Emily Bites as they embark on their own healthy eating journey in the new year.
I sincerely hope that throughout this past year, you’ve had the chance to whip up some truly tasty and lightened-up comfort food recipes in your kitchens. My goal is always to provide dishes that are both satisfying and mindful of your health goals. If you don’t spot some of your all-time favorites among this year’s nominees, it’s likely because they were featured in previous years’ contests. Don’t worry, timeless deliciousness never fades! Many of these past winners remain staples and highly popular recipes on the blog even today. You can explore the rich history of Emily Bites culinary excellence and find endless inspiration by checking out our previous Reader’s Choice Award winners:
2020 Winners,
2019 Winners,
2018 Winners,
2017 Winners,
2016 Winners,
2015 Winners,
2014 Winners,
2013 Winners,
2012 Winners and
2011 Winners.
Celebrating Eleven Years of Emily Bites: A Journey Fueled by You
This Christmas Eve marks an incredible milestone: ELEVEN years of blogging here at Emily Bites. It’s truly mind-boggling to think it’s been that long, yet I can barely recall a time when creating and sharing delicious recipes wasn’t an integral part of my daily life. What initially began as a simple, fun hobby has organically blossomed over the years, transforming into my deepest passion project and, remarkably, my dream job. This extraordinary journey, however, would have been utterly impossible without each and every one of you.
Your unwavering support is the very foundation of Emily Bites. It’s your enthusiasm for cooking along with me, your engaging comments on posts, your shares with friends and family, and your active participation in our vibrant community that make this blog what it is today. I cannot adequately express the depth of my gratitude for your presence here, for allowing me to pursue something I love more than anything else. Your encouragement is a constant source of motivation and inspiration. Thank you for meticulously cooking my healthy recipes and sharing your beautiful photos on Instagram, sparking joy in my feed every day. Thank you for watching and sharing my recipe videos on Facebook, helping new friends discover the joy of lightened-up eating. Thank you for opening up and sharing your personal stories with me through comments and emails – whether it’s telling me how much you, your kids, or even your notoriously picky husband adored a new dish, or sharing incredible weight loss journey successes that truly touch my heart. Each interaction means the world to me and invariably brings a smile to my face. Your comments, emails, social media shares, and your continued support are the driving force behind Emily Bites. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Your Voice Matters: How to Cast Your Vote for the Best Recipes of 2021
As I mentioned, I always feel a little flutter of nerves, hoping that everyone will participate. So, if you’re even slightly on the fence about voting, please, please do! I understand it takes a few moments of your time, but your input is invaluable, and it means an incredible amount to me to see which recipes resonated most with you. Your vote helps shape the future content of Emily Bites and highlights the dishes that truly made a difference in your kitchens. Without further ado, it’s time to choose your favorite recipes from the fantastic array we shared in 2021. I am genuinely excited to see what amazing dishes you pick!
Here’s how the voting will work:
We have carefully curated 11 distinct categories, each brimming with delicious contenders from the past year. To cast your vote, simply leave a comment below this post. In your comment, list the numbers 1 through 11, and next to each number, fill in the letter corresponding to your choice for the winning recipe in that specific category. I understand that not everyone will have had the opportunity to try a recipe from every single category, and that’s perfectly fine! Feel free to vote for whichever recipe looks most appealing to you, even if you haven’t made it yet. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to leave some categories blank, that works too. There are absolutely no firm rules here – just choose your favorites and have fun with it! Here’s a quick example of what a sample vote should look like (the letters are chosen arbitrarily for illustration purposes):
- A
- C
- E
- B
- (etc.)
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for… the nominees for the Emily Bites Reader’s Choice Awards 2021!
The Nominees for Emily Bites Reader’s Choice Awards 2021
1. Best Breakfast Recipe
Start your day the delicious and healthy way! These breakfast recipes prove that nutritious can also be incredibly satisfying, whether you prefer savory quiches or convenient make-ahead options.
a) Bacon Broccoli Quiche
b) Feta Tomato Mini Frittatas
c) Make-Ahead Berry Yogurt Parfaits
d) Breakfast Tostadas
e) Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burritos
2. Best Muffin Recipe
Perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a delightful treat, our muffin recipes blend wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavors. Which one rises to the top for you?
a) Morning Glory Muffins
b) Chocolate Mocha Baked Oatmeal Singles
c) Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
3. Best Appetizer Recipe
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty pre-dinner bite, these appetizers are sure to impress without adding unnecessary calories. Vote for your favorite crowd-pleaser!
a) Chicken Taco Tortilla Pinwheels
b) Basil Hummus
c) Loaded Guacamole
d) Crab Rangoon
4. Best Chicken Bites
Small in size, mighty in flavor! These chicken bite recipes are perfect as an appetizer, a component of a larger meal, or a satisfying snack. Which one has you coming back for more?
a) Nashville Hot Chicken Bites
b) Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites
c) Everything Chicken Bites with Cream Cheese Yogurt Dip
5. Best Poultry Recipe
From succulent chicken breasts to flavorful ground turkey creations, these poultry recipes are main course champions. Discover healthy chicken dishes and creative turkey meals that are perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
a) Crispy Onion Dip Chicken
b) Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Chicken
c) Mexican Street Corn Chicken
d) Orange Ground Turkey
e) Crispy Chicken Parmesan
f) Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
6. Best Pasta Recipe
Who says pasta can’t be part of a healthy lifestyle? These one-pot wonders and comforting pasta dishes prove that you can enjoy hearty, satisfying meals without the guilt. Cast your vote for the best lightened pasta recipe!
a) One-Pot Chicken Florentine Mac and Cheese
b) One-Pot Meatballs and Macaroni
c) Ricotta and Spinach Pasta with Chicken
d) One-Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese
7. Best Sandwich or Handheld Recipe
From substantial subs to refreshing small bites, these handheld recipes are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Which one has earned its place as your go-to?
a) Beef and Turkey Meatball Subs
b) Hot Turkey Sandwich with Gravy
c) Italian Sausage Bread
d) Cucumber Sandwiches
e) Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers
f) Caprese Sandwich
8. Best Soup Recipe
Warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful, these soup recipes are perfect for chilly evenings or light lunches. Which hearty bowl stole your heart this year?
a) Lasagna Soup
b) Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham
c) Pasta Fagioli Soup
9. Best Salad Recipe
Fresh, vibrant, and packed with goodness, our salad recipes are far from boring. From superfood powerhouses to classic favorites, choose your top pick for a light and delicious meal.
a) Superfood Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
b) Caprese Pasta Salad
c) Cobb Salad
d) Buffalo Chicken Salad
10. Best Side Dish Recipe
Elevate any meal with these incredible side dishes that are both flavorful and health-conscious. From comforting potatoes to classic casseroles, pick your favorite accompaniment!
a) Air Fryer Cajun Potatoes
b) Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes
c) Green Bean Casserole
11. Best Dessert Recipe
Indulge your sweet tooth the smart way with these delightful, lightened-up dessert recipes. Perfect for satisfying cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals. Which sweet treat was your favorite?
a) Mixed Berry Pie
b) Stovetop Cinnamon Apples
c) Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups
Thank You for Being an Amazing Part of Our Community!
Thank you so incredibly much in advance for taking the time to cast your vote! Your participation truly enriches this annual tradition and helps shine a spotlight on the recipes that mean the most to our community. I eagerly await seeing which healthy, delicious, and easy recipes will be crowned as the favorites of 2021. You truly are the best readers a blogger could ask for!