In a few days I’ll have to remind myself to write 2011 on my checks. Yes, I’m old school. Still writing checks… But really? Another year under our belts? Yep. Another year of adding gray hairs – little bastards. But also more laugh lines. I like those.
Another year watching my kids grow up and amaze me. Another year of being referred to as “The Beagle People” by our neighbors. Another year of nobody in my family liking artichokes except me.
Another year of seeing my circle of foodie friends increase. They make me hungry. They inspire me. They keep me laughing.
And another year with all of you. This little blog of mine would be nothing without my readers. I love you all so much. Your comments here, your comments on Facebook, your privately sent e-mails. It brightens my days like you wouldn’t believe. And all you lurkers, who never say a peep, but keep reading and keep cooking…I appreciate you too. Immensely.
For everyone who wasn’t paying attention. Or needs reminding. Or is coming by for their first time. Here’s a small bite of our year in food. The delish, the yummy, and the scrumptious.
The most popular recipe posts (based on page views)
Apple Crumble Squares • Balsamic Lemon Chicken (for the 2nd year!) • Thai Chicken Curry Wraps • Mint Oreo Truffle Balls
The most clicked on recipe posts (from search engine keywords)
Cranberry Chicken • Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos • Southwestern Salad • Easy Chickpea Curry
A few of my own personal favorites – Pasta
Asian Style Noodles with Clams • Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Artichokes and Cream • Simple Sesame Noodles • Creamy Lemon Fusili
A few of my own personal favorites – This, That, and The Other
Thai Chicken Curry Wraps • Southwestern Sloppy Joes • BBQ Deviled Eggs • Creamy Asparagus Soup
A few of my own personal favorites – Dessert
Mini Donut Muffins • Mini Chocolate Zucchini Cakes • Butterscotch Spice Cake • Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies
A few of my own personal favorites – Fun Videos
Mango Splitter Parody • I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream • Amy’s Favorite OXO Things • T’was The Night Before A Very Culinary Christmas
My heart and belly are stuffed, but there’s always room for more. Here we come 2011. Look out!
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Stephanie – :D Who knows why people come into our lives when they do. I don’t question it. I just enjoy it. You’re awesome.
Ethan – Ain’t nothing cheesy about that. I feel the same way. Thanks for popping over with your well wishes. You’re a gem, Ethan.
It`s cheesy, but it was great `meeting`you in 2010. Happy new year to you! and p.s. I like artichokes too:)
What a year it’s been! I’m so happy to have “met” you, and can’t wait to spend another year drooling over your recipes!
Joanne – Next to Melissa from Alosha’s Kitchen, I think you and I have been together the longest. Since I hosted PPN 2 years ago and your submission post made me pee myself laughing. And it’s pretty much been like that ever since. Your holiday card is sitting on my desk…and the only one I saved. Love you doll. Can’t wait to hang out.
Velva – Indeed. It really is incredible. I’m convinced that it’s easy to make friends when you share a love for food. And bring cookies along. Thank you Velva for your sweet words. They mean a lot. Happy New Year to you!
Lisa – You, my dear, are a gem. Talk about favorites. If you stopped blogging, I would cry. I would seriously cry. And eat my weight in chocolate just to mask the pain. Your recipes, your pictures, your stories, your quips about John and the kids – it was kismet. (Well, actually it was Melissa, but let’s not split hairs.) Thank you for joining me on this wild ride. And making it so much fun. Love you too.
I can’t believe that a year ago I didn’t know you or had never visited Very Culinary. What a difference a year makes. You are one of my favorite bloggers and I’m lucky enough now to call you a friend. You always inspire me with your delicious posts and make me laugh with your wonderful sense of humor.
What I cherish the most about blogging is meeting and connecting with people like you. I’m looking forward to everything that comes outta that lovely little head of yours in 2011. So glad you are part of my little world. Love you girl.
Isn’t blogging wonderful? I had no idea when I started blogging the world that I would discover. I am amazed everyday. I am also glad that I have discovered your blog, and look forward to all of your posts in the new year.
Cheers.
velva
Oh Amy my love. The blogosphere would not be nearly as fun without you in it. You never fail to brighten my day and for that I am eternally grateful.
here’s to a beautiful 2011! (In which we shall actually finally get to meet each other IN PERSON. Are you afraid? You should be afraid. I’m a handful.)
Oh and I think I need those oreo truffles. Now.
Rachel – I know. Everyone’s lists are so mouth watering. Yours in no exception…love the Fried Mashed Potatoes and Taco Bites. As if my list of recipes to try wasn’t already long enough.
Jenn – Thanks, Jenn! I remember you were interested in those when I first posted. They have become a standard in my house.
Mom – I know you can’t keep up. It’s okay. Imagine how hard it is for me with all the food blogs *I* follow.
Dad – Ah, thanks Dad. I learn from the best :D… the truffle ball would only be a well-rounded meal to Bill Cosby if they were made from chocolate pudding.
Paul – thanks for being my guinea pig all year long, Babe. Love you.
A very yummy 365 days.
Your photography even makes artichokes appetizing even though we all know they’re big furry thistle thingies.
That said, and being true to form, I immediate went to the Mint Oreo Truffle Balls. They encompass a well-rounded meal, at least according to Bill Cosby.
Meanwhile, you’ve misunderstood your neighbors: I distinctly heard them call you “Those Bagel People.” Be glad you don’t own Munsterlanders. They’d be calling you “Herman” and “Lily” not that there’s anything wrong with that.
The review reminded me of how good the recipes were that I got around to making, but also those that are still on my “to make” list. I’ll get around to them eventually…hopefully.
Happy New Year to all.
great roundup! I have to agree, those Thai chicken curry wraps are awesome!
I keep saying this but these lists are pure torture!! lol I did my own and that was hard enough. So much yumminess all at once. Nice list! :)
Melissa – I have a similar list…and go over mine on Saturdays. Few of yours are left untouched. That chicken is such a hit – two years in a row now. Betcha it makes the favorites next year too. Happy New Year to you. Love you!
Astrid – Hi there! Love when you come on over. My sister turned me onto those Sloppy Joes from Cuisine at Home. Such a great find. And the spice cake? Oh lord…if you read the original post, I don’t need to say anything further. Thanks for spending the year with me, Astrid :D
Lo – Ditto! As with many of the awesome recipes I stumble on, you are also a fantastic discovery. You, Peef, and Burp! have been such a highlight for me this year. Here’s to the love and food continuing in 2011.
So glad to have spent the year with you, Amy. So much inspiration going on here… and I’m looking forward to spending 2011 with you as well.
Thanks to you my kitchen is well stocked with OXO gadgets, and my life is filled with a little bit more happy! Many thanks.
I love recap posts, and I love seeing all of your great amazing foods. The southwestern sloppy joes look amazing. I actually have a love for sloppy joes. I think it is just bread soaked up in delicious stuff.
The butterscotch spice cake looks amazing, too.
I have this list – not as long as one might think, but long enough – called “to make” that I go through every Friday so that I can meal plan. And on it, under the heading “lunches for me” are your Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Artichokes and Cream and Creamy Lemon Fusili. I promise I will get to them!!
I’m also selfishly happy to see the chicken on your most popular posts. That stuff rocks.
Happy New Year, you wonderful blogger and friend, you. Here’s to 2011, another year full of great posts from Very Culinary. ?
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