Let’s hold hands and reminisce a bit about 2012.

On a personal level, this was a year of many ups and downs (as many are) but overall a year that has made me a better person and even more grateful for the many big and small blessings that I have in my life. I am determined to make 2103 an even better year-full of more opportunity, prosperity and happiness. I hope and wish for good health and will continue to do my part to live a healthy lifestyle every day.

What that means to me is a lifestyle where health and wellness are a priority. Where actions speak louder than words. Where every single choice counts. And, where there is room for the occasional indulgence. I believe in 80/20 or even 90/10 and have never had long-term success when I approached food and exercise with too rigid of a mindset.

I think you see that here with my recipes, sometimes Vegan, a lot of Vegetarian, not too much dairy, occasional animal products. Tons of Vegetables and always, clean, organic ingredients. I continue to learn and grow in the kitchen and am excited about what is coming up next. I hope you will stick around and continue on this journey with me!

Now, let’s go back in time a bit. I went through my editorial calendar and picked one recipe (it was hard!) from each month of 2012 as my favorite. I’ll tell you a little bit about why above each photo…

{click on the photo for the recipe}

{JANUARY}

Collard greens are considered good luck to eat on New Years Day so if you don’t have them on your menu, here is a Vegetarian version that is not only easy as anything but so delicious. I make this recipe at least one time a month if not more and you better believe I will be making them on Tuesday. You can never have too much Good Luck!

weight watchers collard greens recipe

{FEBRUARY}

In my book, unless you are a Vegetarian, there is no good reason not to know how to perfectly roast a chicken. This is a skill every home cook should master. My Foolproof Roast Chicken recipe will save many a dinner party or family dinners. Roasting a whole chicken is economical, makes your house smell fantastic and one of the most versatile main courses out there.

Foolproof Roasted Chicken

{MARCH}

While we are talking about Chicken, you HAVE to make my Oven-Fried Chicken. This recipe is a game changer. Make this ASAP!

Weight Watchers Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

{APRIL}

I love anything with Old Bay and opt for Shrimp as often as I can afford to buy them. Such a great low-fat source of protein and low on Points Plus! Thinking back to this Old Bay Peel N’ Eat Shrimp makes me think of how happy my husband was when he finally tasted this dish after years of not being able to eat Shrimp. That alone makes this my April pick!

Weight Watchers Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

{MAY}

Cucumber Salad is something I never get sick of. Whether it’s the old-fashioned dill kind or a spicy Thai cucumber salad, I love them all. This Miso Cucumber Salad became a quick favorite and I have made it so many times, it didn’t feel right NOT to pick it as my May choice!

Weight Watchers Cucumber Salad Recipe

{JUNE}

Roasting a whole cauliflower is such a fun kitchen adventure! It makes such a great presentation and everyone loves picking away at it. It’s hard not to love that your family is fighting over crispy vegetables bits so it’s a winner every time in my book. Plus, you can tweak this and do a zillion different spice blends if Indian isn’t your thing. Seeing this photo is a funny reminder that June in the Pacific Northwest is still so cool, you can turn your oven on for over an hour to roast some vegetables. Yeah, probably better to try this in the Winter, Spring and Fall most other places. LOL!

Weight Watchers Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

{JULY}

A staple around here. If you are still paying for someone else to mix you up bulk ingredients, print this off and make your own Muesli. It is soooo much cheaper, easy and you can store it in the freezer so you only have to make it once in a while!

Weight Watchers Muesli Recipe

{AUGUST}

This is the perfect dish to make when you want to impress somebody and don’t have a lot of time in the kitchen. While I picked this as my August recipe and it is an awesome Summer recipe because you can grill the steak, I make this year-round and happily broil the steak indoors. When serving in the cooler months, it is wonderful of this Creamy Mashed Cauliflower.

Weight Watchers Bloody Mary Steak Recipe

{SEPTEMBER}

Something is seriously wrong that it took me until September to pick a soup recipe as a favorite! Who am I? At least it is this Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup. You guys, I love this soup! I must have made 25 Hot and Sour Soup recipes before adapting this one. Having this in my back pocket makes me so happy. If you love Chinese Food but hate MSG and all the other crappy ingredients that are often found in take out, you need to get on this. Add Shrimp, Chicken or keep it Vegetarian. I’ve tried it a bunch of different ways and as long as I stick to this base recipe, it is good!

Weight Watchers Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

{OCTOBER}

When it comes to party food, there is nothing like a dish that is easy to make, transports like a champ and impresses everyone to make you the perfect party guest. If you love cheese, you will flip for this. I look for any excuse to make this – it’s even on our New Year’s Eve menu tonight! October was a tough month to choose from but at the end of the day, the Cheese won. Moderation right?

Weight Watchers Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe

{NOVEMBER}

I grew up eating lasagna. It was something I always looked forward to and found very comforting. Until I plugged the ingredients into the Points Plus calculator. Ouch. I haven’t made an old-fashioned lasagna in a long time. In fact, I think the last time was when I was pregnant. This recipe was inspired by my love for that familiar dish but built upon the foundation that you can have healthy comfort food without going overboard – you just have to get creative!

Weight Watchers Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe

{DECEMBER}

Man, I love me some cabbage but this is hands-down my absolute favorite cabbage preparation. I have been scooping up organic cabbages whenever I can, roasted trays of cabbage steaks and watching them disappear.  As I said in the post, this will convert those who are on the fence about cabbage. These steaks would also make a great base for a hearty, vegetarian platter!

Weight Watchers Roasted Cabbage Recipe

{MY eBOOK — THINK VEGETABLES FIRST}

Reminiscing about 2012 wouldn’t be complete if i didn’t mention my new eBook — Think  Vegetables First.
 
I just released it the week before Christmas, so if you missed it, please check out the Book Page to learn more and pick up a copy by clicking here or on the Book Image below.
 
 
The Book is designed to give you 12 weeks of creative vegetable side dishes so that you can Think Vegetables First all Winter!
Weight Watchers Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

As a good friend said to me the other day, I wish you health, prosperity and peace for the coming year. Happy New Year Everyone and see you in 2013!!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Alyssa

Related Recipes:

Coconut Curry Soup with Shrimp (30)Coconut-Curry Soup with Shrimp IMG_5170Miso Cucumber Salad Healthy One Pot Dinners from www.everydaymaven.com15 {Lightened Up} One Pot Dinners