Emily Bites 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards: Celebrate Our 5-Year Journey and Vote for Your Favorite Recipes!
Hello, cherished readers and welcome to the highly anticipated Emily Bites 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards! As a long-standing tradition, we cap off each year by inviting YOU, our incredible community, to cast your votes for the recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds over the past twelve months. This annual event isn’t just a personal highlight for me; it’s a vibrant celebration of the collective culinary journey we’ve shared, culminating in a “best of” list that serves as an invaluable guide for both seasoned followers and new visitors eager to discover the most beloved dishes from the Emily Bites kitchen. Your participation illuminates the path, helping everyone find those irresistible, lightened-up meals that truly resonate.
Five Years of Flavor: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Community
This month marks an incredibly special milestone for Emily Bites – our five-year blogiversary! It feels surreal to acknowledge that half a decade has passed since this humble blog began. On one hand, it seems like yesterday I was tentatively posting my first recipe, treating it as a fun, spare-time diversion. On the other, Emily Bites has woven itself so deeply into the fabric of my life that it’s hard to imagine a time without it. What started as a casual hobby has blossomed into a profound passion project, an absolute dream job, and truly one of my greatest loves. This transformation, this incredible journey, would simply not have been possible without you. Every single one of you who visits the blog, takes the time to read a post, leaves an encouraging comment, recreates my recipes in your own homes, and generously shares Emily Bites with friends and family – you are the heartbeat of this community.
From the depths of my heart, I extend an immense, profound THANK YOU. Your engagement, your stories, and your unwavering support mean the entire world to me. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your culinary creations shared on social media, or hearing how an Emily Bites recipe brought joy to your dinner table. Whether it’s tales of cooking with your children, successfully introducing a lightened-up meal to a skeptical spouse, or celebrating your personal weight loss achievements, your experiences continually motivate, inspire, and excite me. Each story brings a genuine smile to my face and reinforces the incredible connection we share. If you haven’t felt it before, please know now: I truly, deeply appreciate your presence here. Thank you for making Emily Bites what it is today.
Discovering Culinary Excellence: Why Your Vote Matters!
Beyond simply making me happy (though your votes genuinely feel like Christmas morning!), the Emily Bites Reader’s Choice Awards serve a crucial purpose. The winning recipes are meticulously compiled into a comprehensive “best of” post. This curated collection becomes an essential resource for new readers who are just discovering the blog, offering them a direct pathway to our most popular and highly-rated dishes. Imagine stepping into a new restaurant and instantly knowing which dishes are fan favorites – that’s the experience we create with these awards. By sharing your top picks, you help guide countless others to delicious, satisfying, and health-conscious recipes that have already proven their worth within our supportive community. It’s a wonderful way to give back and ensure that the best of Emily Bites is always easy to find and enjoy. So, don’t hesitate; your vote truly shapes the future culinary adventures of many!
Without further ado (because I could honestly gush about all of you forever), it’s time to channel your inner food critic and choose your absolute favorite recipes from the past year. I am genuinely excited to see which dishes emerge as the champions of 2015!
A Look Back: Past Reader’s Choice Award Winners
For those seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the culinary legends of yesteryear, I invite you to explore our archives of past Reader’s Choice Award Winners. These pages are filled with timeless favorites that have stood the test of time, showcasing the diverse and delicious repertoire that Emily Bites has cultivated over the years. Revisit the champions from: 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011!
How to Cast Your Vote: Simple Steps to Support Your Favorites
Participating in the Emily Bites 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards is incredibly straightforward. We have meticulously curated 12 distinct categories, each brimming with fantastic nominees from the past year. To register your vote, simply navigate to the comments section below. In your comment, list the numbers 1 through 12. Next to each number, please fill in the corresponding letter of your chosen recipe for that specific category. We understand that it’s highly unlikely for anyone to have tried a recipe from every single category, and that’s perfectly fine! Feel absolutely free to vote for any recipe that looks most appealing to you, even if you haven’t personally made it yet. Alternatively, if you prefer to leave certain categories blank because you haven’t found a standout, that option is also available. Your honest feedback is what truly counts!
Here’s a quick visual guide for what a sample vote should look like (the letters chosen here are purely arbitrary and for demonstration purposes):
- A
- C
- E
- B
(and so on for all 12 categories)
Now, without further delay, let’s unveil the incredible nominees for the Emily Bites 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards. Get ready to browse, remember, and make your delicious decisions!
1. Best Appetizer: Kick Off Your Meal with These Irresistible Starters
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a tasty snack, or looking for a light beginning to dinner, these appetizers from 2015 truly set the bar high. Which one was your go-to crowd-pleaser?
a) Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
b) BLT Dip
c) Caprese Tarts
d) Cheesy Apple Walnut Bruschetta
e) Chili Cheese Dip
f) Spicy Beef Taquitos
2. Best Breakfast Recipe: Start Your Day the Emily Bites Way
Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal, and these delightful recipes from 2015 certainly make it the most delicious. From comforting bakes to quick smoothies, which one brightened your mornings?
a) Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Singles
b) Bubble Up Breakfast Casserole
c) Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Quiche
d) Hummus and Feta Omelet
e) Banana Bread Smoothie
f) Silver Dollar Banana Pancakes
g) Spicy Sausage Pancake Bake
h) Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
i) Banana Chocolate Almond Smoothie
3. Best Salad: Fresh, Flavorful, and Fantastic Options
Salads on Emily Bites are never boring! These innovative and satisfying creations from 2015 prove that light and healthy can also be incredibly delicious. Which salad tossed its way into your heart?
a) Hummus Chicken Salad
b) Harvest Apple Salad
c) Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
d) Cheeseburger Salad
e) Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
4. Best Soup: Warm, Comforting Bowls for Every Season
Nothing beats a good bowl of soup, and 2015 brought us some truly exceptional recipes. From hearty stews to creamy delights, which soup became your ultimate comfort food?
a) Broccoli Cheddar Soup
b) Slow Cooker White Bean Soup
c) Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan Soup)
d) Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
5. Best Pasta Recipe: Noodle Nirvana in Every Bite
Pasta lovers, this category is for you! Emily Bites offered a fantastic array of pasta dishes in 2015, from cheesy skillets to comforting bakes. Which one was your favorite to twirl around your fork?
a) Cheesy Chicken Veggie Pasta Skillet
b) Pumpkin Alfredo Tortellini Skillet
c) Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups
d) Linguine with Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese
e) Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet
6. Best Muffin Tin Meal: Creative, Portion-Controlled Delights
The muffin tin is a secret weapon in the Emily Bites kitchen for creating perfectly portioned and incredibly fun meals. These 2015 recipes proved just how versatile this kitchen tool can be. Which muffin tin creation was your top pick?
a) Chicken Cordon Bleu Wonton Cupcakes
b) Reuben Wonton Cupcakes
c) Turkey Club Wonton Cupcakes
d) Pepperoni Pull-Apart Muffins
e) Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Wonton Cupcakes
7. Best Side Dish Recipe: The Perfect Companions to Any Main Course
Sometimes, the side dish steals the show! These fantastic recipes from 2015 demonstrated that supporting roles can be just as delicious and satisfying. Which side dish earned a permanent spot on your dinner table?
a) Garlic Thyme Roasted Carrots
b) Cheesy Broccoli Bake
c) Spinach and Parmesan Orzo
d) Chicken Fried Quinoa
e) Roasted Smashed Garlic Potatoes
f) Easy Garlic Knots
g) Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks
8. Best Casserole: Hearty, Homestyle, and Healthy Comfort Food
Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food, and 2015 saw some incredible lightened-up versions that delivered on flavor without compromise. Which one became your family’s favorite go-to weeknight meal?
a) Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
b) Beef Enchilada Quinoa Bake
c) Bubble Up Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
d) Chicken Chorizo Salsa Skillet
e) Cheesy Cajun Beef & Potato Bake
f) Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole
9. Best Meaty Main: Protein-Packed Dishes That Satisfy
From succulent chicken to flavorful beef and pork, these meaty main courses from 2015 offered delicious and substantial dinner options. Which one was the star of your dinner table?
a) Cream Cheese Stuffed Everything Chicken
b) Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce with Pork Tenderloin
c) Chicken Milanese with Spinach and Burst Tomatoes
d) Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken
e) Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flank Steak
10. Best Handheld: Portable Perfection for Any Occasion
Whether it’s for lunch, a casual dinner, or a game day snack, these handheld delights from 2015 made eating on the go (or just holding your meal!) a pure pleasure. Which one was your favorite to grab and enjoy?
a) Chinese Chicken Wrap
b) Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger Quesadilla
c) Black and Blue Burgers
d) Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwiches
e) Buffalo Chicken Pinwheel Wraps
f) Greek Snack Flats
g) Mexi-Burgers with Guacamole
h) Pizza Burger Sliders
11. Best Pizza: Creative Crusts and Toppings Galore
Pizza, in its many glorious forms, is always a winner! From inventive flatbreads to classic pockets, these 2015 recipes proved that healthy pizza can be incredibly satisfying. Which one was your top slice?
a) Spinach Artichoke Flatbreads
b) Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza
c) Chicken Pesto Flatbreads
d) Pizza Pockets (yes, it earns its spot here!)
12. Best Dessert: Sweet Endings That Are Guilt-Free and Delicious
Every great meal deserves a fantastic finale, and these Emily Bites desserts from 2015 offered just that – sweet treats that are as delightful as they are mindful. Which confection satisfied your sweet tooth the most?
a) Roasted Strawberry, Brie and Chocolate Mini Tarts
b) Cannoli Dip
c) Chocolate Drizzled Pretzels
d) Key Lime Cheesecake Cups
e) Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt Bites
f) Pumpkin Pie Pastry Pockets
g) Peach Crumble
h) Strawberry Cheesecake Pinwheels
Your Voice Shapes Our Future: Thank You for Voting!
Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to participate in the Emily Bites 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards. Your votes are more than just selections; they are a direct reflection of the dishes that have brought joy, flavor, and healthy eating into your lives. If you’re still on the fence about voting, please consider this a warm invitation to join in! Your input is invaluable, helping us to celebrate the past year’s successes and inspiring exciting new recipes for the future. We can’t wait to see which incredible recipes our community crowns as the very best of 2015. Happy voting, and thank you for being an integral part of the Emily Bites family!