2011.
You were an interesting year to say the least. I never say if a year is good or bad, as I am more of a shades of gray kind of gal, but this year was what they call in hockey a restructuring year.
There were highs and lows, with the lows being just as valuable as the highs. As my dad always told us (and still does) “you have to have the bad days in order to recognize the good ones”.
This year I amazed myself by turning my black thumb into a shade of green, growing a little farm out on my patio. And of course winning $1000 because people liked my farm best was pretty darn awesome. I still look at the photos and can’t believe I got stuff to grow…and grow well! Soil is the key.
The state of Washington decided I had jumped through enough of their hoops to give me a teaching certificate. Interestingly enough the tests I took apparently a lot of people don’t pass them (all the people sitting around me at both test were all retaking it). Many, like when taking the SAT, take a prep course. I didn’t study for either of them. Of course I didn’t study for the SAT either and some may argue that I did pretty well on that as well. 😀
I’ve interacted with someone who modeled for me everything I don’t want to be in a human being. And while some may say how is that a positive, it has helped me in more ways than you will ever know.
I continued to get the love of my ever sweet and loyal cocker spaniel. I would like to say the same for the bunny, but he really only loves me when it’s cold and he wants to snuggle and get warm. 😛
I discovered the joy and time suck that is Pinterest. Not only is it fun for me, it has brought many new people to the blog this year and I greatly appreciate that. So thank you to any and all who have ever pinned one of my recipes. And while I don’t blog to get readers (or to please them as some point out 😛 ), I do always enjoy knowing that people like what I am doing…most of the time.
But 2012 is knocking loudly at the door and I must think about what I would like to accomplish. As always my resolution is to gain 16 pounds. 🙂 Since I suck at keep resolutions that seems like a good one to not happen. 😀 But in all seriousness, this is my plan (well the food related stuff):
There has been much talk lately about some of us bloggers who have been around for a while not feeling the connection and community that the food blogger world once had. Now I am guilty of this myself. I used to read a lot more blogs than I do now, but back then I didn’t have three part time jobs in the mix. But I’m going to do my best to get around more and let people know I’m there and I care about what they are doing too.
I want to introduce some savory meals, mostly ones that are family friendly (if you don’t know why I’m doing family friendly, you should probably read my About Me page that was updated in August).
I want to go through my cookbooks and really figure out what ones I use. And if I’m not using them I really need to donate them. I’m pretty sure Confederate Cooking is on the top of my list to donate. 🙂 Not even sure how I ended up on that one.
And lastly to lighten up a little. The world will not end if I didn’t make the dinner rolls, just bought them instead. Just buy some good ones and be done with it. I know sometimes when you are the cook or the baker people expect grandiose things like that. Don’t let them or yourself put pressure on you. Time is a precious thing, if you have the time to make it and want to go for it but if you don’t have time to make your own pasta the world will not come to an end. Well it might, but it won’t be for that reason.
So here is to you my dear readers,
I wish nothing but good things (with a couple of not so great just so you can recognize when you do have it good). I wish you to realize that you are good enough and don’t let Pinterest think you are a bad mom for just making cupcakes for your two year olds birthday party instead of a themed extravaganza. Don’t make things harder on yourself, make them easier. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourselves.
Below are recipes from each month of the year. They were the ones I liked best (or what were making me hungry at the time when looking back). What about you? Did you make anything from my blog this year? If so, what was it and did you like it?
Oh, and one last thing…watch out 2012…I’m coming for you!!!
January 2011
Rasberry and Almond Bark Muffins
February 2011
Red Velvet Brownie Dipped Vanilla Double Stuffed Oreos
March 2011
It’s Not Swimsuit Season Yet Mini Cadbury Caramel Egg Fritters
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
Sweet Corn and Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream
July 2011
August 2011
Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bites
September 2011
Candy Corn Whipped Cream Frosting
October 2011
November 2011
Grape Jelly Purple Layer Happy Sprinkles Cake
December 2011
Jenny says
Happy 2012 Peabody!
Tere says
Long time reader, first time recipe maker. 😉 When my parents joined us for Christmas we made the chocolate & candy cane cookies. Omg!! I ate a very unhealthy amount of those cookies. Side note I had no instant coffee so I used an envelope of hot cocoa mix … I’m pretty sure had I followed the recipe exactly I would have fought my sweet mom for the other half of the cookies. Thanks Peabody, and have a happy, healthy and safe 2012.
I'm At Home Baking says
I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Rosa says
A gorgeous retrospective!
Wishing you only the best for 2012!
Cheers,
Rosa
Joanne says
I don’t comment much but I always always always read and always always always always drool. thanks so much for all the time and effort you always put into your posts and baked goods! It’s always awesome to come here. Happy new year!
Martha says
I made your Ghetto Bars, and they became an instant hit with my 19 yo son and his friends – and pretty much anyone else who ate them. Thanks for the inspiration in. 2011, looking forward to more in 2012!
Jo and Sue says
Happy 2012 to you and yours! I look forward to reading more of your blogs in the new year. So far I love love love what you have to share. Thank you. Reading your blog was what inspired my sister and I to start our blog. So, thank you again 🙂
Lauren says
Thanks for all your hard work this year Peabody! I found this blog by accident, and while I surf many food blogs, I have this one pinned as a permanent tab. I eagerly anticipate what you’ll say next and what fantastic pictures will appear. You have helped me receive high praise for the delicious things I have made. Here’s to the next great year, and many more.
Baking Soda says
Thanks for being there Peabody! Wishing you a happy healthy and fun 2012!
(yes I hear you on the Pinterest thing, the blogcommunity etc. ;-))
Rodzilla says
Your site has been a pretty good example of some groups of people taking the interwebz a little to seriously…also very entertaining 😀
Here is to a great 2012!
Jill says
Happy 2012!
annie says
Thank you for all the wonderful, funny and interesting stories along with the scrumptuous recipes. Hope 2012 is a year for good health, great wealth, and all things good as you are well-deserving of them.Cheers!
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat says
Happy New Year! Can’t wait to see what you come up with in 2012!
Mary says
Peabody, My all time favorite is Skibo Castle Ginger Crunch. While not very photographic it’s become “top 5” cookie recipe. Although the Barefoot Contessa inspired Brownie Tart is also outstanding. Wishing you a wonderful 2012. Looking forward to another year of humorous life narratives with great recipes.
Lynn says
Happy New Year, Pea! Very good goals for the coming year. I hope that 2012 has much more laughing, dancing, and joy and much less suckage than 2011. 🙂
page says
wow these all look so delicious!!!
page
Cara says
This is definitely one of the most delicious roundups I’ve seen! Wishing you much happiness and success in 2012 🙂
Allison says
This is a great round up! I had apparently missed some recipes, like the Neopolitan Cupcakes; but I’ve made it right by adding them to my to-bake list. Happy New Year!
Kristine says
Happy New Year, Peabody. I hope 2012 brings everything you wish for. I think my favorite recipe is the white chocolate Ginger cookies. I made them this year for Christmas and they are fantastic!
Erika says
Happy New Year Peabody!
MIA says
Looking over the pics from the last year reinforce how much I love your blog. I made your Quiche Lorraine a few times this past year. I also made 1 of your bread puddings several times. Your recipes are fabulous! Happy New Year!
Erin says
Happy New Year!!
KCatGU says
I am stoked to seem some savory meals from you Peabody.