To every single one of you, thank you. Your presence here, engaging with my recipes and stories, truly means the world to me. It’s an incredible privilege to share my passion for food and cooking with such a wonderful community, and I am deeply grateful for your continuous support, feedback, and inspiration. Whether you’re a long-time follower who has been cooking alongside me since the very beginning, or a new discovery just finding delicious inspiration on the blog today, your readership is cherished.
A heartfelt thank you once more to everyone who participated in my 3rd Annual Reader’s Choice Awards! This annual tradition is a highlight, allowing us to celebrate the recipes that resonated most with you throughout the year. Your votes make this event truly special, reflecting the dishes that have become staples in your kitchens and favorites on your tables. I’m absolutely thrilled to have you all as readers, and your participation makes this blog a vibrant, interactive space for food lovers.
Just a few days ago, on Christmas Eve, we celebrated my 3-year “blogiversary”! It feels surreal to have been on this culinary journey for three whole years. Time has flown by incredibly fast, filled with countless cooking experiments, photographic endeavors, and the joy of connecting with you, my amazing readers. Reflecting on this milestone, I’m reminded of why I started this blog: a simple love for creating and sharing delicious, lightened-up recipes. While the numbers aren’t the sole driving force behind my passion, it’s always fun and humbling to look back and see how much this community has grown and how far the blog has come. This year, the growth has been nothing short of phenomenal:
- **Three years** of dedicated recipe creation and sharing.
- **286 unique posts**, each crafted with care and passion.
- **Over 10,100,000 page views** (according to Google Analytics), a testament to your incredible engagement.
- **22,089 Facebook fans**, building a lively community on social media.
- **25,264 Pinterest followers**, sharing inspiration across the web.
- **1,849 Twitter followers**, connecting with foodies in real-time.
- And now, you can also **follow me on Instagram** for even more culinary glimpses and daily inspiration!
I genuinely cannot express my gratitude enough. It truly overwhelms me to know that so many of you read my blog, eagerly try out the recipes I post, and consistently offer such thoughtful feedback, uplifting encouragement, and endless inspiration. Your comments and messages fuel my creativity and motivate me to keep developing new and exciting dishes. THANK YOU for being such an integral part of this incredible journey!
I am equally thankful that so many of you dedicated your time to cast votes for your favorite recipes from the past year. It was genuinely exciting for me to delve into the results and discover which dishes captured your hearts and taste buds the most! The wait is over, and the highly anticipated results are presented below. For each category, I’ve proudly featured a picture of the winning recipe, followed by the deserving runner-up. And just for fun, I’ve also included my own personal pick, which, of course, didn’t influence the official standings.
Curious to see who topped the charts in previous years? You can explore the delicious history by checking out the 2012 winners and the 2011 winners! It’s also quite amusing for me to look back and witness the evolution of my food photography over the years – a journey I’m still on, constantly striving to improve (though I acknowledge I still have a lot to learn!).
Without further ado, let’s unveil the champions of your 2013 Reader’s Choice Awards. Prepare for some seriously delicious inspiration!
1. Best Appetizer Recipe: Pizza Logs
Appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, setting the stage for any meal or gathering. This year’s winner truly highlights a classic comfort food in a fun, shareable format.
The **Pizza Logs** captured hearts with their irresistible combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and crispy shell, making them an instant party favorite.
Runner Up: It was a tight race, with a delicious tie between Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, offering a perfect sweet and savory crunch, and Chicken Egg Rolls, delivering a flavorful Asian-inspired bite.
Emily’s Pick: I’m always a bit torn when it comes to appetizers, but I have to go with the Pizza Logs. They are incredibly easy to make and undeniably delicious – a true winner in my book!
2. Best Dip Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Dips are the life of any party, offering an easy way to enjoy a variety of flavors with your favorite dippers. This year’s winner proves that classic combinations never go out of style.
The **Spinach Artichoke Dip** reigns supreme, a rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying classic that always disappears fast.
Runner Up: The fresh and vibrant Caprese Dip, inspired by the beloved Italian salad, offered a lighter, yet equally flavorful alternative.
Emily’s Pick: My personal favorite this year has to be the Beefy Enchilada Dip. I seriously could not stop eating it – it’s that addictive!
3. Best Breakfast Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Singles
Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and your choices for the best breakfast recipe highlight both convenience and comforting flavors.
The **Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Singles** took the top spot, offering a wholesome, delicious, and perfectly portioned start to any day.
Runner Up: The light and fluffy Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes provided a zesty and delightful option for a weekend brunch.
Emily’s Pick: I’m absolutely picking the Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes this year – my love for lemon is undeniable, and these were truly exceptional!
4. Best Dessert Recipe: Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Desserts are the sweet culmination of any meal, and this category always brings out the most tempting contenders. This year’s winner perfectly balances richness and comforting flavors.
The classic **Carrot Cake Cupcakes** triumphed, proving that their spiced flavor and creamy frosting are a timeless delight.
Runner Up: The innovative Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cups offered a delightful, easy-to-make twist on a beloved Italian dessert.
Emily’s Pick: Oh, choosing just one is incredibly difficult (this is exactly why I rely on your votes!). But if I had to, it’s a toss-up between the bright Cherry Cheesecake Cups and the rich Dark Chocolate Orange Cupcakes. The cannoli cups are definitely a close contender too!
5. Best Soup Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice
Soups offer the ultimate comfort, whether it’s a chilly evening or a need for a nourishing meal. This category’s winner is a testament to the power of a warm, satisfying bowl.
The incredibly comforting **Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup** was crowned the best, offering a hearty and flavorful experience.
Runner Up: The fun and filling Spaghetti & Meatball Soup was a close second, bringing a beloved pasta dish into a new, slurpable form.
Emily’s Pick: This was by far the most challenging category for me, as every single soup recipe this year was truly amazing. If I’m absolutely pressed to choose, I suppose I will go with the Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, but it’s an incredibly tough decision!
6. Best Pasta Recipe: Spicy Sausage Pasta
Pasta dishes are a go-to for many, offering versatility and deliciousness in countless forms. Your top choice perfectly blends heat and savory flavors for an unforgettable meal.
The flavorful **Spicy Sausage Pasta** took home the award, delighting palates with its perfect kick and robust taste.
Runner Up: The creative Mexican Lasagna Roll-Ups almost clinched the win, losing by just one single vote, showcasing their unique and appealing fusion of flavors!
Emily’s Pick: My heart belongs to the comforting and utterly delicious Spaghetti Pie – a truly unique and satisfying pasta dish.
7. Best Slow Cooker Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
Slow cooker recipes are beloved for their convenience and ability to deliver tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. This year’s winner is a prime example of global flavors made easy.
The exotic **Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken** emerged as the favorite, bringing vibrant Asian flavors to your dinner table with ease.
Runner Up: The irresistible Slow Cooker Sweet & Tangy Chicken was actually tied for first place, requiring me to cast the tie-breaking vote! Its delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes makes it a consistent hit.
Emily’s Pick: I have to choose the utterly delicious Slow Cooker Meatballs & Marinara – meatballs are hands-down my favorite food, and this recipe delivers perfection every time.
8. Best Side Dish Recipe: Oven Fries
Side dishes often complete a meal, adding texture, flavor, and balance. This year’s winner proves that simple, well-executed sides can steal the show.
The perfectly crispy **Oven Fries** were voted the best side, offering a healthier yet equally satisfying alternative to their fried counterparts.
Runner Up: The versatile and flavorful Zucchini Casserole, packed with fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness, proved to be another crowd-pleaser.
Emily’s Pick: Without a doubt, my pick is the Zucchini Casserole – I simply adore this stuff! It’s comforting, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy vegetables.
9. Best Chicken Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken is a staple protein for many, prized for its versatility and ability to absorb a myriad of flavors. Your top choice features a bold and exciting twist on a classic.
The fiery and flavorful **Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas** dominated this category, blending two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish.
Runner Up: The crunchy and kid-friendly Pretzel Coated Chicken Nuggets offered a fun and delicious alternative, perfect for family dinners.
Emily’s Pick: This is impossible! I really can’t choose between the incredible Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas and the vibrant Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. I give up on trying to pick just one!
10. Best “American” Recipe: Deep Dish Sloppy Joe Casserole
American comfort food is all about hearty, satisfying dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. This year’s winner is a perfect example of a classic elevated into a comforting casserole.
The innovative **Deep Dish Sloppy Joe Casserole** earned top honors, transforming a childhood favorite into a delicious, family-friendly bake.
Runner Up: The charming Pizza Cups, offering individual portions of pizza goodness, were a strong contender, perfect for quick meals or appetizers.
Emily’s Pick: This one’s easy! My personal favorite from this category is undeniably the Deep Dish Sloppy Joe Casserole – it’s a pure comfort food delight.
11. Best “Ethnic-Inspired” Recipe: Enchilada Wonton “Cupcakes”
Exploring global flavors is one of the joys of cooking, and our “Ethnic-Inspired” category celebrates dishes that bring international tastes to your home kitchen. This year’s winner showcases a fun and creative twist on Mexican cuisine.
The clever **Enchilada Wonton “Cupcakes”** stole the show, offering a miniature, easy-to-eat version of a beloved Mexican dish.
Runner Up: The quick and flavorful Chicken Enchilada Skillet was a close runner-up, providing a hearty and convenient one-pan meal with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
Emily’s Pick: My absolute favorite in this category is the vibrant Thai Chicken Pizza – that irresistible PB2 sauce truly makes it a standout!
Congratulations to all the winners and a huge thank you to everyone who voted! You truly have fantastic taste, and I’m so glad you’re willing to make these tough decisions so I don’t have to. It’s been a truly remarkable year of culinary adventures, and these awards are a fantastic way to cap it off, celebrating the recipes that brought the most joy to your kitchens.
Thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you for continuing to read my blog, for trying my recipes, and for constantly inspiring and encouraging me with your wonderful comments and feedback. Your engagement makes this journey incredibly rewarding. I wish you all a truly happy, healthy, and delicious 2014, and I sincerely hope you’ll stay tuned for even more innovative, lightened-up recipes and exciting culinary content in the new year!