I know it seems like everyone and their mother is listing their top 10 posts from last year. Maybe I should have tried to be more unique and steered away from that. Maybe for a change of pace I could’ve listed last year’s least popular posts.
But I love reading about different blog’s greatest hits, so I hope you don’t mind as I join the foray.
Some of these are from 2010, but since they made it into the top 5 posts year, I think they deserve some recognition.
2011’s Top 5 Posts on The Cheapskate Cook
5. The Grocery Master (Part 2): The Plan
During The Grocery Master Series I broke down a planning and shopping strategy that has literally helped me save hundreds of dollars on groceries each year. The most popular post in this series featured menu planning, which is in my opinion one of the most important aspects of becoming a grocery master.
4. Frugal Entertaining: Make-Your-Own-Pizza Party
One of our favorite party foods, and one of the most frugal without looking cheap… depending on how you plan it. We volunteer with a program that lets us host international students for dinner several times a year, and we always serve this.
3. Very-Little-Bother Bread: An Update & Tips
I’ve been using this recipe for years and my mom used it before me. The reason? It’s ridiculously versatile. In this post I explain how to make it with white flour or whole wheat and use various sweeteners. In my book, this bread is second only to Soaked Whole Wheat Bread.
2. Would You Like a Menu?
Apparently menu planning is trendy. Here’s the very first post I ever wrote on the subject.
And for the most popular….
1. Instead of Granola Bars
There’s so much to love about Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites, I’m not surprised they made the most popular post last year. Not too expensive, but dairy-free, wheat-free, refined sugar-free, gluten-free (if you purchase gluten-free oats), and free of any weird ingredients you can only buy online or at hole-in-the-wall health food stores.
However, they’re so customizable that if you wanted you might find a way to include those obscure purchases.
I’ve been itching to make these guys all week, but a nasty virus prevented us sick coughy people from venturing to the store for ingredients. So I’ll dream about them instead and plan ways to make new flavors and variations to show you guys.
Thanks for a great year, you guys. You’ve been a huge inspiration and have keep me accountable in so many ways. Here’s to you!
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What subjects and posts would you like to see this year? I’m open to ideas and ready to rock.
Cheers,
4 comments
Jan
01/09/2012 at 5:27 AM (UTC -6)
Hehe…I LOVE the top 10 posts
They make it easy to see something that may have been missed!
Steph
01/10/2012 at 8:57 AM (UTC -6)
Glad I’m not the only one who looks forward to these kind of posts!
Athena
01/09/2012 at 8:00 AM (UTC -6)
Of these posts, the Very Little Bother Bread is my favorite! It really is a great recipe. I use the sponge method with my whole wheat flour (you inspired me to start grinding my own flour). I modified it just a tad to add 2-3 Tbs of raisin concentrate (soak 1C raisins in 2C water for an hour and blend, store in refrigerator for up to 2 months) to the dough. I got that from another recipe and they said that it’s really great to help the yeast develop or something. Anyway, I think it helps the texture even more. I also let the sponge proof for 4 hours.
Though, I haven’t tried the no-bake bites… Those look delicous and i’ve been meaning to try them. I’m always looking for healthy snacks I can whip up quickly and give to my family. You always have yummy, and practical recipes. Your lentil shepards pie has become a regular in our house. Though, my husband gets cranky when he doesn’t get meat in his dinners, so sometimes I add leftover chicken to appease him.
Steph
01/10/2012 at 8:55 AM (UTC -6)
Glad you like it! I’ve already made it several times this year. Good call on the raisin concentrate, and I’m so glad you’ve been able to dive into grinding your own wheat!