Top 20 Skinny Recipes For 2011

Whew, the Holidays are almost behind us, I can finally exhale and slow down for the next few days and reflect about what a great year it has been for Skinnytaste and myself in 2011.

When I started this blog back in 2008, it was just a hobby that I really enjoyed. Never in my dreams would I have imagined what was to come.

In March of 2011, I left my full time job and career in the city which allowed me to give my 100% to Skinnytaste and spend more quality time with my baby. It was scary and exciting at the same time, but I wouldn 't change a thing!

And to my surprise, Skinnytaste even won some awards this year! I was so honored to win the SHAPE Magazine Best Healthy Eating Blogs 2011 and the Kitchn's The Homies: Best Home Cooking Blog for 2011 . But of course, none of this would have happened without you, and for that I am humbly grateful.

So now it's time to do my yearly round up of your favorite recipes for 2011. I asked all of you on facebook and twitter to share your favorite recipes from 2011, and I narrowed it down to these top 20, in no particular order... Thanks for all your feedback!! Hope you enjoy the recipes I have planned for 2012!!


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Arroz Congri (Cuban Rice and Black Beans)

The aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking this Cuban rice dish will make you want to pump up the salsa music and grab a mojito!

Rice and black beans cook together in this flavorful dish, which gives the rice it's black color. In addition it's cooked with peppers, onions, garlic, cumin and bay leaf. Not only is the dish delicious, it's also high in fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, it's low fat, vegan, and gluten-free. Win win!!

This is very filling thanks to the beans. You cans enjoy this as a vegetarian main dish with a salad, or great as a side dish with steak, chicken or pork. Try this with Chicken Sabroso or Slow Cooked Pernil, you won't be sorry!

I ate this with an avocado papaya salad (recipe coming) and I was thoroughly satisfied, I didn't miss the meat!

White rice is typically used in this dish, I've never had it with brown rice but I'm sure it would be delicious for those of you who prefer brown - you may have to adjust the liquid and cooking time. You can of course use your own cooked beans from dried beans if you prefer not to used canned. This recipe does not recommend you drain the beans, the liquid is what gives the rice the black color. For those of you who must drain the beans, be sure to fill the can back with water so it won't be too dry.

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Quick and Delicioso Cuban Style Black Beans

Get your Latin groove on with these Cuban inspired black beans, loaded with mucho sabor (lots of flavor)! Easy to make and ready in twenty minutes, but don't let that fool you, there is plenty of flavor in these beans. Low fat, super high in fiber, vegan, gluten free, inexpensive and delicioso!

I love to mix and match Latin dishes from different Central and South American countries to create dishes with Latin fusion. Try this with some of my Latin favorites such as Cilantro Lime Rice,  Barbacoa Beef, Sweet Barbacoa Pork, Mexican Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas, Slow Cooked Pernil, and Chicken Ropa Vieja, to name a few.

So pump up the salsa music and get cooking!!

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Slow Cooked Sweet Barbacoa Pork

Sweet Barbacoa Pork over Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Beans

Sweet and spicy slow cooked pork sweetened with brown sugar, cola, chipotle chilies, green chilies, cumin and spices. Delicious over cilantro lime rice and black beans.

This was a recipe request to make over Cafe Rio's sweet pork recipe, only problem is I've never eaten at Cafe Rio. After reading dozens of copycat recipes, I came up with my own lightened up version, which was a huge hit in my home. We had enough for several meals, and made a burrito bowl out of the leftovers with cilantro lime rice, black beans (recipe coming soon), pico de gallo, lettuce, avocado and a little low fat cheese. But this was also great served over rice.

Sweet Pork Burrito Bowl

The crock pot is parked on my counter lately, it's so helpful on the days I have to go in to work. What can beat coming home from work and smelling dinner just about ready!

Since the marinade gets tossed after it cooks, I wasn't sure how to calculate, so I counted half the sugar and cola from the marinade just to be sure. Adjust the heat to your liking, this is medium heat, if you like it hot, add more chilies, if you prefer it mild, use less. Enjoy!

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Top 20 Skinny Recipes from 2010

At the end of each year, I have a bit of "down time" to reflect on the past twelve months and think about the new year ahead. What a busy year this has been for me!

During these past 12 months my oldest daughter traveled to Europe, got a part-time job, went college hunting and got acceptance letters! I can't tell you how proud she makes me watching her mature into a young lady. And as this was all happening, my newborn, who just turned one experienced huge milestones each month, from cooing, to crawling, eating solids, standing, talking and now just about walking.

And somehow through this all, I managed to find the time to continue posting recipes. I just want to express how grateful and humbly thankful I am for the support of all of you, who faithfully follow my blog, leave comments, share your recipes, and spread the word. You all keep me motivated to do what I do.

I asked my facebook and twitter followers to share their favorite recipes from 2010, and the response was overwhelming so I narrowed it down to 20. Here they are in no particular order...

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