If you woke up this morning on the floor, covered in confetti and silly string (it happens — no judgment), and you’re now trying to scrape it off your new kitchen tiles or hardwood floors, here’s a tip from experience: get a butter knife, get on your knees, and start scraping. It works. Maybe not elegantly, but it works.
Maybe you woke up in someone else’s apartment. Or house. Or car. Or sidewalk. And maybe you have no idea who you are, what your name is, or where you parked your car. If that’s the case, you almost certainly have no idea what year it is.
So let me tell you:
2011 — baby, yeah. Said in my most Austin Powers-like voice.
Coincidentally, this also marks the second birthday of Eats Well With Others. Two years ago today I resolved to start a blog, and I did. What started as a simple intention has grown into something far greater than I imagined. I’m amazed every day that this is something I created.
Over the past year I’ve grown a lot as a cook and baker. I began developing original recipes, baked all my own bread, entered several recipe contests (and won a few — thanks to you!), learned to make pasta from scratch, and was even featured on the POM website. I was invited to a POM-sponsored dinner at 11 Madison Park and built a wonderful relationship with the folks at Marx Foods.
None of this would be possible without you. You are my inspiration and the reason I keep coming back. Thank you for reading, for encouraging me, and for lifting me up when I need it. Blogging has introduced me to many amazing friends and made this experience incredibly rewarding.
Before I reveal my top posts of 2010, a few resolutions: you already know about my personal goal to get back my rock-star body — that’s a neurotic-Joanne resolution, not a blog resolution. Last year my blog resolution was to bake all our bread and not buy a single loaf, and I stuck to it. Never again will a store-bought Pepperidge Farm or Arnold’s loaf enter this house. Amen.
This year I want to push myself creatively, so my goal is to develop at least two recipes each month — from scratch, from the depths of my imagination. Who knows what I have stored up there? I’m a little afraid and very excited. You should be, too.
Happy New Year’s Day — here’s to a wonderful and delicious 2011!
Now, onto the top 10 posts of 2010.
These keftedes with Greek cinnamon-scented tomato sauce were the first recipe I made from Michael Symon’s Live to Cook. They kickstarted my love affair with his cooking. I’ve served this sauce many times, and it always earns moans and satisfied sighs.
Tofu can be controversial, but this braised tofu in caramel sauce I made for Regional Recipes: VIETNAM converts skeptics. The sweet-and-salty glaze is addictive — you might not even realize you’re eating soy.
This zucchini-sausage pizza surprised me. It’s simple but fantastic, and I’ll be making it again once summer squash return to markets.
I love bread in many forms, but these pretzel rolls were my favorite yeasted recipe this year. They taste like mall pretzels, and I’m already imagining them rolled in cinnamon sugar next time.
I’m not usually a fan of raw summer squash, so finishing an entire batch of this zucchini crudo in a day says a lot. Another gem from Live to Cook, I could eat this every day and not get tired of it.
This fig and ricotta pizza with a maple-balsamic reduction was inspired by something I tried at Au Bon Pain. Why pay when you can make it better at home?
These caramel macchiato cupcakes left me speechless. Part of my caffeine-themed Project Food Blog dinner party, they were the best cupcakes I made all year — and I made a lot.
I’m especially proud of this Thai winter squash and sweet potato pot pie. It’s one of my earliest and most successful original recipes for Eats Well With Others — comforting, flavorful, and perfect for warming the soul.
These pumpkin ravioli with sage and roasted hazelnuts were among the prettiest dishes I made all year. The filling — pumpkin with balsamic and Parmesan — pairs beautifully with toasted hazelnuts, aniseed garnish, and a browned butter sauce.
Last but not least is this beef and beer chili, a classic recipe everyone should know. It includes Guinness, so you already know it’s a winner.
Go make a cup of coffee and nurse that hangover. I’ll be back on Monday with a nutritious, delicious recipe to kick off a healthier 2011.