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As 2011 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on this past year. A year that has had ups and downs. A year that has been exciting and full of surprise. A year growing closer to God. A year that has grown my blog. A year that I fell more in love with cooking healthy, and sometimes not so healthy meals. A year that I fell more in love with my boyfriend, Adam. A year that I realize just how lucky my family and I am when it comes to health.

As I look forward to 2012, I look forward to a year full of new experiences. A year full of unexpected surprises. A year full of traveling to new places. A year full of growing my relationship with God. A year full of growing my relationship with my boyfriend. A year full of new recipes. A year full of trying new things. A year full of making new memories with my family. It’s going to be a great one!

I decided it would be fun to see what the most popular recipes were in the LiveCookLove world. I had so much fun expanding my cooking horizons and I can’t wait to do more of it next year!

Without further ado, here are the top 5 recipes of 2011.

5.Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo This is a light version of one of my favorite pastas. You would never know the difference, either. Add some chicken on top and you have a well rounded meal with a fraction of the calories of the real thing! 

4. Sweet Potato Pillows Take a regular sweet potato, toss it in some olive oil, salt and pepper, roast low and slow and you have a sweet potato! I make these a few times a month, at least!

3. Homemade No Bake Oat Bars Ever since my mom and brother tasted these for the first time, they always ask me to make them again and again! It’s a no fail recipe that can be changed into a million different combinations to please your picky eaters. Did I mention its a healthy and delicious snack as well?

2. Roasted Tomato Orzo Pasta There is just nothing like your own tomato sauce on top of any pasta! This is a perfect quick and easy weeknight meal that feeds a crowd.

And now, the moment you have all been waiting for… the number ONE recipe on LiveCookLove this year is…………..

Baked Buffalo Style Chicken Tenders These are hands down, my favorite way to enjoy chicken tenders. They are spicy, but not too spicy. As the number 1 recipe on LiveCookLove, please give these a try!

A few recipes were close to the top 5, so I wanted to include them here too. Be sure to check out Carrot, Apple and Ginger Soup, Easy White Chicken Chili (one of Adam’s favorite meals ever), and Black Bean and Corn Salad.

I hope you had a wonderful year and are just as excited about 2012 as I am! Thanks for following along through my journey and I hope you will continue to do so next year. See ya in 2012!

Stephanie