The other day, I posted the most popular recipes from 2012 based on what you’ve viewed. Those include many of our favorites as well, however today, I am sharing our picks from 2012.  I did this last year, and the rule was that we just couldn’t choose any from the top 10 most popular recipes.     My intent was to select only twleve, but it was a challenge.  So we made it a baker’s dozen to ring in 2013.   Happy New Year!


Chunky Tortilla Soup with Black Beans – a delicious and healthy vegetarian (vegan) soup that is super easy to make.

Grandma’s Peanut Butter Bars – The peanut butter and chocolate combination is always a favorite. This is one of my favorite recipes passed down from my grandma, and also quite easy!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles – add pretzels to chocolate and peanut butter, and I’m a happy girl! These are not only delicious, they are easy to make and surprisingly a healthier option!

Baked Tortellini with Spinach – This pasta dish immediately became a regular feature in our dinner rotation. It’s simple, it’s healthy, and it’s tasty!

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches – Simplicity is a theme with everything I make, but these are equally delicious as they are easy!  Mike loves when I tell him these are on the menu for the week.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas – Sweet potatoes and black beans are two of my favorite foods…and are a wonderful combination in these enchiladas.

Herbed Goat Cheese Muffins – A savory, herb-y muffin filled with goat cheese – yum!

Lighter Cajun Chicken Pasta – A secret ingredient helped transform this dish into a lighter, healthier option.  Mike loves cajun anything, so was very excited over this dish!

Strawberry Banana Pancakes – The addition of banana to my strawberry pancakes made these an instant favorite. Adam asks me to make these often.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders – This buffalo chicken is awesome because it is not drenched in sauce and is made using ingredients that are on hand at all times.  Super easy!

Black Bean Brownies – The addition of black beans to brownies was such an intriguing concept to me with a very delicious outcome. It’s true…you really can’t tell there are black beans in there!

Easy Meatless Manicotti – We have been making this manicotti for years, and it’s just one of our classic favorites.   Leftovers make great lunches the next day.

Baked Chicken Fajitas – These are amazing. Just put everything in the pan and bake…can’t get any easier or tastier!

As we are nearing the end of 2012, it is time to look back at the most popular new recipes of the year ~ YOUR favorite recipes!

Over a year and a half since starting Alida’s Kitchen, it has been such a fun opportunity to share what goes on in our kitchen with you. My hope is to have inspired you to get in the kitchen, to try something new and/or different, to make something special for loved ones or simply to treat yourself.  I have so many recipes and ideas for 2013, including many delicious, healthy recipes to start the new year.  I am eager to start sharing them all with you.  In the meantime, let’s look back at the 10 most popular recipes from 2012 on Alida’s Kitchen!     

10.  Double Chocolate Chip Muffins – a low-fat chocolate muffin studded with chocolate chips and topped with chocolate chips…all under 200 calories! 

9.  Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – pumpkin cheesecake made on the lighter side in an easy-to-make bar.

8.  No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie – This pie takes 10 minutes to make (with ingredients easy to keep on hand at all times) and then is chilled to creamy perfection.

7.  Four Cheese Lasagna –  This lasagna is hands down one of our favorite dinners.  We make it for special occasions, and it is such a treat!  (Bonus – leftovers heat up extremely well)

6.  Carrot Cake Pancakes – Carrot cake in pancake form, these are awesome.  Adam loves these, Mike and I love these, and clearly you love these enough for them to take the #6 spot. 

5.  Pumpkin Banana Muffins – Since posting these, I can’t even count how many times I have made these muffins for Adam.  They are simple to make and a tasty breakfast (or any time) treat!

4.  Lighter Pretzel-Crusted Chicken – This chicken is as easy as it is tasty.  We always have the ingredients on hand, and it’s so quick to make. 

3.  Oven-Baked Sriracha Chicken – Spicy, Sriracha chicken baked in the oven.  Another easy, tasty household favorite. 

2.  Oreo Cookies and Cream Cupcakes – I admired this recipe for years and was so excited for an opportunity to make these cupcakes.  Truly the ultimate Oreo cupcake!

1.  Lighter Sesame Chicken – Who doesn’t love a light twist on a classic favorite…and so easy! Lighter Sesame Chicken is amazing and definitely suited for the #1 spot. 

Next I will be sharing our favorite recipes from 2012!