2012 Recap – My favorites and yours too!
I can’t believe what a year 2012 was. I started it out by starting a new job, organizing another Food Blog Forum, going to Portland a few times, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Boston, Orange County, CA twice, Seattle and then this past summer, I got laid off. I didn’t know where that would take me but it’s been a fun ride since then with trips to Idaho, Detroit, KOHLER, Wisconsin, Vermont and Hershey, PA. Let’s just say, I have logged many frequent flier miles.
I have to say, I of course loved the food I have enjoyed on the trips but it’s all of the people I have met. From the food bloggers, farmers, employees, awesome PR reps, I have met some amazing people in my travels. I have also met many random people (I chat everyone up at airports and on planes) including a former Marine who used to guard ambassadors at our embassies abroad and a gentleman who works for a company that helps cities revitalize their downtowns and countless many other inspiring people. I get energized when I meet people who are so passionate about what they do. There are so many “ordinary” people who are making a huge difference in their communities every day. And I don’t say ordinary lightly…these are people just like you and me.
Other highlights include: the little kitchen getting a little makeover, taping a video at Hershey’s Kitchens, making a video with one of my best friends and starting my five things series!
I feel very fortunate to be doing what I love and I want to thank each and everyone one of you who visits The Little Kitchen. Before I get all weepy on you, let’s start by sharing mine and my family’s favorites.
Curtis’ favorite
Garlic Beef Broccoli Cauliflower Stir Fry
My family’s favorite
White Chocolate Toffee Crunch Cookies
Most comforting
Three Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
Brings a smile to my face when I make them
Easy Yeast Rolls
(this recipe totally makes me smile because it makes me think of my older sister who introduced me to this recipe and my Mom who is obsessed with yeast rolls bread.)
Pumped my fist in the air when I got this recipe right
Zucchini GratinQuicky & easy favorite
Quick Tofu Ramen Noodle SoupSo easy, why did it take me so long to try to make them?
White Wine and Olive Oil Steamed Mussels
Favorite drink
Avocado SmoothieFavorite pasta
Spaghetti with Pesto TrapaneseAnd I had to share with you the top recipes according to Google Analytics – which means, your favorites!
1. Cheesesteaks 2. The Best Chocolate Cake Ever with Pudding Frosting 3. Nutella Milkshakes 4. White Almond Sour Cream Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting 5. Loaded Baked Potato Soup 6. BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 7. Zucchini Gratin 8. Brown Butter Funfetti Sugar Cookies 9. Totchos
Happy New Year!! And don’t forget to check out the many ongoing giveaways I have going on…it’s my little way of saying thank you to all of you!
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Hi, my name is Julie and I love to share the cooking and baking adventures from my little kitchen. Cooking and baking is in my blood, thanks to my Mom! 
Americone Dream Blondie Sandwiches
Florida Seafood Pasta in a White Wine Sauce
Recipe Girl Cookbook & KitchenAid Blender Giveaway
Gorgonzola Smashed Potatoes
Tempura Shrimp & Vegetables
Braised Beef Short Ribs with Tortelloni in a Marsala Cream Sauce (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Chicken & Biscuit Waffles from Breakfast for Dinner
Candy Stuffed Brownie Bites
Spiedies
The Best Chocolate Cake Ever with Pudding Frosting
kitchen newsletter:
I’ve never made scalloped potatoes but I want to!
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I’ve made the cheesesteaks and they are awesome!
Here’s to a great 2013 Julie!
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wooo your recipes look very nice! Can’t wait to read more in this new year!
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It all looks so yummy!
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I want a slice (or two!) of ‘The Best Chocolate Cake Ever with Pudding Frosting’.
STAT! WOW!
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OK, now I’m really hungry. The food all looks amazing! I hope 2013 is as fun of a year for you as 2012 was (with out job issues of course).
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I have to try that avocado smoothie!
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It sounds like you had SUCH an amazing year! I hope this year is even better! &All of those look SO yummy!
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Looks like you have had a pretty amazing year Julie!!! I am so excited to see how you take the world by storm in 2013. Be blessed!
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Happy New Year Julie! Wishing you well and love seeing what you’ve been up to this year.
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Yum. I love posts like this. It lets me see any great recipes I missed. I will be trying the mussels.
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Everything looks delicious, I would not know where to begin!
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Awww…I just love your 2012 recap sweetheart. I’m so thankful that I was able to see you more than once in 2012. xoxo
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It certainly was an exciting year for you. I love all of the recipes and everything looks delicious! It’s funny because we had homemade mussels for the first time tonight:) Thanks for sharing and best wishes and continued success in 2013!
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you did a LOT this past year!
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Julie,
What a beautiful post! I love how you’ve shared your favorites and our favorites. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy 2013. Hope to see you soon!
Christine
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Here’s to a Happy & Healthy 2013! Your recipes and photos are always inspiring, as are you! I love reading about your adventures and how passionate you are about what you do.
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All wonderful recipes. Wishing you a fabulous 2013!
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Everything looks so great!
New fan here… I came from Rachel Cooks blog. I love your site and can’t wait to browse through your recipes more!
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It sounds like you’ve had a really interesting and fun year! And those cheesesteaks! I’m in awe that you got them all wrinkly and slightly wet like they should be. Love your method of wrapping them up!
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Everything looks really good. I have a few written down to try. Thanks
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