The holidays are finally behind us and I can take a deep breath. As the year draws to a close, I’m enjoying a few quiet days to reflect on what a transformative year 2011 has been for Skinnytaste and for me personally. This site began as a small hobby in 2008 and, over the years, it grew into a community devoted to healthy, flavorful home cooking.
In March 2011 I made a life-changing decision: I left my full-time job in the city to devote myself fully to Skinnytaste and to spend more time with my baby. It was both frightening and exhilarating to take that leap, but it allowed me to focus 100% on creating recipes, improving content, and connecting with readers. Looking back, I wouldn’t change that choice.
This year also brought unexpected recognition. I was honored to be named among SHAPE Magazine’s Best Healthy Eating Blogs of 2011 and to receive The Kitchn’s “The Homies” award for Best Home Cooking Blog of 2011. Those accolades were humbling, and they reminded me how much this project has grown—and how much it means to have your support.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who visits the site, makes recipes, leaves comments, and shares feedback. Your engagement continues to shape the direction of Skinnytaste. To find out which recipes resonated most with readers in 2011, I asked for your favorites on Facebook and Twitter. You responded enthusiastically, and after reviewing your votes and comments I compiled this list of the top twenty recipes of the year. These selections reflect the most-loved healthy, family-friendly dishes that readers cooked repeatedly and recommended to friends.
Below you’ll find the Top 20 Skinny Recipes for 2011. This list includes comforting soups, lighter takes on classic comfort food, flavorful weeknight dinners, and sweet treats made with healthier ingredients. Each recipe is designed to be accessible, easy to prepare, and focused on flavor without excess calories—perfect for anyone looking for nutritious, delicious meals.
Top 20 Skinny Recipes For 2011
- Chicken Rollatini with Spinach alla Parmigiana
- Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Baked Potato Soup
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Coconut Chicken Salad with Warm Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
- Chicken and Mushrooms in Garlic White Wine Sauce
- Pollo in Potacchio
- Crock Pot Sweet Barbacoa Pork
- Crock Pot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
- Asian Peanut Noodles with Chicken
- Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage, Peppers and Escarole
- Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
- Thai Green Curry Coconut Shrimp with Basil
- Carne Guisada (Latin Beef Stew)
- Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting
- Easy Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
- Pineapple Bliss Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
- Low Fat Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Thank you to everyone who cooked, shared, and voted this year. Your continued support inspires new ideas and keeps this site focused on healthy, approachable recipes for busy lives. I’m already planning recipes for 2012 that will continue to prioritize flavor, simplicity, and better-for-you ingredients. I hope you enjoy making these favorites at home—please keep sending feedback and photos of what you make. Here’s to a delicious and healthy new year full of great meals!