Happy New Year, everyone!
The turn of the year is a perfect moment to reset and make simple, sustainable changes. After the holidays many of us feel like we overindulged a little — extra cookies, too many cupcakes, and maybe less time for exercise than we intended. That’s perfectly normal. Today is a fresh start.
This year my goals are practical: get to the gym more consistently and get better organized at home, starting with decluttering my overflowing cookbook shelf. If you love cookbooks too, I’m running a small cookbook giveaway on Skinny Bits that ends this Friday — a good chance to swap or downsize gently used titles and make room for the year ahead.
To kick things off, I put together a list of family-favorite recipes I posted in 2011 that I still turn to regularly. They’re reliable, crowd-pleasing, and many are lightened-up versions of classic comfort dishes. These recipes are here because my family loves them—because good food makes busy weeknights easier and weekend meals more memorable.
My Family Favorites From 2011
Bananas Foster Topped Overnight French Toast
A brunch favorite that’s indulgent without being complicated. Overnight prep makes mornings effortless, and a hint of caramelized banana brings a special touch for weekend breakfasts or holiday brunches.
Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Cheese
These stuffed chicken rolls are elegant enough for company but simple to prepare. The zucchini adds moisture and a lightness that balances the cheese, making it a family-friendly main that doubles as a great weeknight dinner.
Steak and Cheese Sandwiches with Onions and Mushrooms
A satisfying comfort sandwich that’s ideal for feeding hungry teens or for a casual, hearty meal. Sauteed onions and mushrooms add savory depth while melting cheese pulls everything together.
Carne Bistec (Colombian Steak with Onions and Tomatoes)
A bright, flavorful steak dish with simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for family dinners when you want bold, homey flavors without a lot of fuss.
Crock Pot Pernil (Puerto Rican Pulled Pork)
Slow-cooked and tender, this pulled pork is one of my husband’s favorites. Using the crock pot makes it effortless and ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for sandwiches and tacos.
Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup
A hearty, nourishing soup that combines earthy shiitake mushrooms and chewy wild rice. It’s comforting on a chilly evening and makes excellent leftovers.
Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
A lighter pasta option that still delivers robust flavor. The chicken sausage keeps it lean, while broccoli rabe adds a pleasant, slightly bitter contrast and a boost of greens.
Arroz Con Pollo, Lightened Up
A classic one-pot meal reworked to be lighter without losing any of the comforting, savory flavors. Great for busy nights when you want fewer dishes and plenty of taste.
Zesty Lime Shrimp with Avocado Salad
Refreshing and bright, this salad is perfect for warmer days or as a light main. The lime adds zing, and avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats for a balanced plate.
Swedish Meatballs
A family-friendly favorite, these meatballs are mildly seasoned and comforting. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike and work well served over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe
Simple, quick, and perfect for picky eaters. This straightforward combination of pasta and broccoli is an easy way to get greens on the plate and satisfy small appetites.
Sofrito Chicken Stew
A budget-friendly, flavorful stew that uses a base of traditional sofrito. It’s an economical, comforting dish that stretches well and makes a great freezer meal.
Whether you’re aiming to eat lighter, organize your kitchen, or simply get back to routines that make life easier, these recipes are a great place to start. They’ve stood the test of family dinners and busy schedules—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Enjoy the new year, and be kind to yourself as you make small, lasting changes.