Best of 2011--The Savory

What a fun year I've had in the kitchen.  I feel like this year was a year when I really came into my own in the kitchen.  I tackled some recipes that I might not have tried even a year ago and I became more familiar with ingredients I hadn't really used before.  And thanks to that, I made some pretty tasty food.  Food that is delicious and comforting and, above all, perfect for sharing with those you love.  Food like the following recipes--my favorite savory dishes of 2011.

 

 Chipotle Chicken Tostada Bites--You guys certainly responded to this one.  It quickly became not just one of this year's most popular posts, but one of my blog's most popular recipes overall. 

 

 Orange-Tequila Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Beans--This dish looks fancy but couldn't be much easier to make.  It's great for company or for making you and your family feel little more special. 

 Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup--I've really been enjoying my Meatless Monday posts, in large part to recipes like this one.  With just this soup, great bread, and some fancy cheese, a favorite childhood meal becomes perfectly comforting for a grown up.

 Goat Cheese and Strawberry Grilled Cheese--Do you see a trend?  Yep.  We really love our grilled cheese sandwiches around here.  This one was a big winner with a decidedly summery twist.

 Zucchini Boats--Another perfect summer recipe.  I don't know about all of you, but I can never seem to get my fill of zucchini during the summer months.

 Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken--What could be simpler than putting all your ingredients in the crock and letting the slow cooker do the work?  Nothing.  And when the result tastes like this dish, there's noting not to love.

 Slow Cooker Asian Pork Shoulder--Another winner for the slow cooker.  The flavors were spot on for what I wanted.  Just make some rice for the side and dinner is ready!

 Tex-Mex Meatloaf with Chipotle Glaze--If you're one of those people who say they hate meatloaf, I beg you to give this one a try.  The flavor is completely different from any meatloaf I've ever had.  M and I both loved it.

Chicken with Tomato-Herb Pan Sauce--I saw this recipe in one of my favorite food magazines and on a few of my friends blogs.  That was all the impetus I needed to give it a shot.  It only took one bite to know I definitely wasn't sorry.

 Roast Pork with port Jus and Chipotle-Glazed Apples--I made this meal to show my husband just how much I loved him.  The flavor was absolutely incredible and I was quite surprised at how easy this meal was.  I'd say it was my absolute favorite of 2011.