First off, I’d like to begin by wishing every single one of you a very Happy New Year… and apologize for my stupid RSS Feed who apparently decided to let me down for one of my most important post of the year, the one where I wish all you guys a Merry Christmas and thank you for your much appreciated support. Apparently, that one never got picked up and never was delivered to your individual inboxes…

Hmpft! Guess that’s just a continuation of how 2017 went down for me… with my luck, you’ll probably end up getting it somewhere in February, right on time for Valentine’s Day!

All joking aside, I hear that 2017 has been a pretty brutal year for a lot of people, so I shouldn’t take it personal… something in the stars, maybe? Well, hopefully 2018 will be a much better year for all of us who have a bone to pick with 2017, and if 2017 was good to you, well, may 2018 be even better! May it be filled with all kinds of smiles, and happiness, and love, and sunshine, and health, and FOOD, and everything that your heart desires.

Now, to be completely honest, I had initially decided to take 2 whole weeks of vacation time, away from my computer; but it seems like I just can’t stay away from you all for that long. Sooo, while I’m here, I thought I would take the opportunity to review my recipes of 2017 (at least it wasn’t so bad food-wise) and share 12 of my favorites with you…

I hope you agree with my selection! 


Oven Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

This is quite simply the easiest, most delicious Butternut Squash Soup ever! It'll undoubtedly become a Fall favorite for you and yours!

Quite simply the easiest, most delicious Butternut Squash Soup ever! Made with my famous Oven Roasted Butternut Squash, the soup practically makes itself! And wait until you get a taste of it… I’ve no doubt that it’ll end up on your list of favorites, too


Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup by Sonia! The Healthy Foodie | Recipe on thehealthyfoodie.com

If you can’t decide between Cream of Chicken and Chicken Noodle Soup, why choose at all when you can get the best of both worlds with this rich and creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. And it would be just as good with leftover turkey, you know… just sayin’!


Pineapple Chicken

Quick and easy to make, good for you and better than take out. There's nothing not to like about this Pineapple Chicken!

This was a recipe that I had originally created 7 years ago, when I’d just started blogging, and decided to revisit in 2017. Don’t know what took me so long… This Pineapple Chicken not only is delicious, it’s also super quick and easy to make, super good for you and so much better than take out. Definitely worthy of this spot!

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This seemingly indulgent dish is in fact so good for you, I just know it’ll win a regular spot on your menu! Loads of shredded chicken, corn kernels, black beans, grated cheese and flour tortillas drenched in a spicy enchilada sauce; let me tell you, healthy eating has never tasted so good. Even the kids will LOVE it!


Asian Style Creamy Peanut Chicken

If you're in the mood for a little bit of Asian food tonight, this Asian style Creamy Peanut Chicken is sure to hit the spot. Much better than take out too!

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Asian food! There’s no reason not to indulge when you can keep things as healthy as they are tasty! Especially not when you can get the food on your table faster than the delivery guy ever could!


Garlic and Carrot Braised Beef

This magnificent dish was inspired by my excellent tattoo artist during one of our [numerous] inking sessions… Without him, I’d have never ever thought of braising meat in carrot juice. Quite frankly, I think this was the discovery of the year! This was by far my favorite braised beef recipe of all times!


Maple Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Maple Balsamic Pork Tenderloin by Sonia! The Healthy Foodie | Recipe on thehealthyfoodie.com

Perfectly tender, tasty and juicy, this Maple Balsamic Pork Tenderloin is extremely versatile and easy to make, but would be just as fantastic served on a weeknight as it would be on special occasions… like say… New Year’s, perhaps?


Salisbury Steak Meatballs

For a girl who’s not all that into meatballs, I sure made a lot of them in 2017. I even had a thing going where I would post a meatball recipe every Friday. This Salisbury Steak version was by far my favorite. They’re so crazy tasty, so moist and tender, so unbelievably pretty but mostly, so insanely delicious, I just know that the whole family will instantly fall heads over heel for them!


Ginger Garlic Grilled Salmon

Ginger Garlic Grilled Salmon | The Healthy Foodie

Salmon is by far my favorite fish, and with this recipe, I discovered my favorite way of cooking it! I simply sear the fillets skin side down in a scorching hot pan, so the skin has a chance to get really dark and crispy, just the way I like it. Then, I transfer the pan right under the broiler until the top of the fillets is all nice and beautiful and golden brown. Perfect results!


Lemon Garlic Shrimp Foil Packets

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Foil Packets with Green Beans and Sun Dried Tomatoes by Sonia! The Healthy Foodie | Recipe on thehealthyfoodie.com 

Shrimp has got to be the ultimate, quickest and easiest yet craziest deliciousest food there is out there! And trust me, it doesn’t get any better than these Foil Packets…


Grain Free Granola

Grain Free Granola by Sonia! The Healthy Foodie | Recipe on thehealthyfoodie.com

This Grain Free Granola Recipe was a true gamble, a very bold experience that I did, and it turned out absolutely incredible! I’d probably call it my favorite realization of 2017. Totally worth a try, I guarantee it! It’ll simply blow your mind!


Gluten Free Cherry Almond Cake

Since giving free reign of the kitchen to My Evil Twin, I hadn’t created too many healthy desserts…  After this one came to life, though, I realized that I’d forgotten just how honestly good healthier treats could be! I’m telling you, despite being completely free of guilt, gluten or refined sugar, this Cherry Almond Cake is so unbelievably delicious, it’ll have everyone completely fooled, including you!

Dare give it a try!