Disclaimer: I started writing this post 6 months ago, but clearly got distracted. That’s SO not like me….
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One year (and a half) ago, I posted my very first entry. I’m ashamed to link to some of those first posts because the pictures are atrocious and look like they were taken by an 8-year-old, like this one. But, everyone starts somewhere, and 186 posts later, I like to think I’ve come a long way.
You might like this blog because you find some great recipes that you actually want to try (which makes me very happy!), but I can guarantee that this blog has probably done me more good than you. And I’m not talking money, because let’s just say that I can’t survive on $12.00 a month in ad revenue. Having a growing reader base has challenged me both as a cook and a writer. A good food/cooking blog has to stand apart from the tens of thousands of others out there. It needs to capture its readers’ interest, and either be a fantastic read, or inspire people to try a recipe.
My goal has been to provide recipes that are a bit different than the average person would try on their own, and yet not so complicated that it makes someone run fast in the other direction. I like to think of it as being “simple gourmet”. Restaurant quality food made right in your own kitchen.
So what have I been up to the last year and a half? Well let’s start at the beginning shall we?
Asian Lettuce Wraps – Yep, that was the only picture I took. A very small, very blurry picture of the packaging for the lettuce. But really, the dish is fabulous. If you like lettuce wraps, you should give it a shot. And one of these days I’ll update the picture. ;)
Cheddar Zucchini Fritters – If you want a good laugh at what the recipe was supposed to look like, you should check this out. Fail!
Caramel Fudge Skor Cake – Yes, it’s as sinful as it sounds.
Twix Bars – Oh my. I can’t make these for our family or I just end up eating them all myself. Shortbread, caramel and chocolate anyone? Yes please.
Homemade Bread – A staple in our house.
Best Brownies – Hubby would have a hard time deciding between these and chocolate chip cookies. But these usually win.
Cream Cheese Penguins – Not because these taste overly great. But they’re so darn cute as a garnish!
Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes with Chocolate “Buttercream” – You would never know these were vegan.
Classic Spinach Dip – So easy, so delicious.
Oven Baked Panko Zucchini Fries – Zucchini is in season right now, and this recipe is a great way to use it up!
Garlic Butter and Cashew Broccoli – The yummiest way to eat broccoli, hands down.
Homemade Bagels – Any kind of homemade bread is better, right?
Balsamic Braised Chicken – An easy, company-worthy chicken dish.
White Chocolate Brownies – Just like the ones Moxie’s serves.
Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles– My newest favorite side dish.
Butter Tarts – A Canadian delicacy.
Balsamic Onion Thyme Tart – An amazingly simple (but so gourmet) appetizer!
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries – The perfect gluten-free dessert.
Quinoa Bites– A delicious and healthy appetizer….you know, to counteract the cheesecake strawberries.
So that, ladies and gentleman, is a snapshot of the past 18 months. My, how time flies. Next week I’m heading to Portland, Oregon for IFBC 2012 (International Food Blogger’s Conference), with my good friend Megan from The Gluten Free Vegan.
I’ll be blogging live from the event, bragging about all the fabulous food I get to sample! Try not to get too jealous. ;)
As always, thanks for reading!
xoxo
Jacquelyn
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