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!
Sheila says
Everything looks really good. I have a few written down to try. Thanks
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
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!
Rachael {SimplyFreshCooking} says
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! 🙂 🙂
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
All wonderful recipes. Wishing you a fabulous 2013!
Sydney @ Crepes of Wrath says
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.
Christine (Cook the Story) says
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
Maryann says
you did a LOT this past year!
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
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!
Shari | Tickled Red says
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
[email protected] says
Everything looks delicious, I would not know where to begin!
Rachel says
Yum. I love posts like this. It lets me see any great recipes I missed. I will be trying the mussels.
Jeanette says
Happy New Year Julie! Wishing you well and love seeing what you’ve been up to this year.
Amanda says
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!
Shell Fruscione says
It sounds like you had SUCH an amazing year! I hope this year is even better! &All of those look SO yummy!
Anne says
I have to try that avocado smoothie!
Elizabeth Atwood says
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).
Laura (GotChocolate) says
I want a slice (or two!) of ‘The Best Chocolate Cake Ever with Pudding Frosting’.
STAT! WOW! 😀
Katy says
It all looks so yummy!
Mumseword says
wooo your recipes look very nice! Can’t wait to read more in this new year!
Katie says
I’ve made the cheesesteaks and they are awesome!
Here’s to a great 2013 Julie!
nicole @nicky_olea says
I’ve never made scalloped potatoes but I want to!
suzi king says
Cant wait to try all of your recipes julie they look amazing ! Happy New Year and may you have a wonderful 2013 !
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
What an amazing round-up! I want to make it all, starting with that avocado smoothie!
Jennifer H says
mmm these look yummy!
Erika @ The Hopeless Housewife says
Great year in food! I want to try that zucchini gratin soon.
[email protected] says
I have GOT to try that zucchini gratin! Everything looks fabulous.
Carolyn says
Definitely a wild ride of a year for you! I need to make that zucchini gratin ASAP.
Diane {Created by Diane} says
WOW what a year you have had. I hope our paths cross soon 🙂 Love your recap and I’m looking forward to what you’ll whip up this year!
Katie says
You did have quite the 202 my friend. I’m so glad we got to spend more time together last year and can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for you!
Katie | GoodLife Eats says
I want to try that cake with the pudding frosting. It is calling me! Happy New Year 🙂
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
What a journey in 2012. Im glad you made it through and I cant wait to read more of your stories in 2013. Glad to know you, Julie. Happy New Year!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Wow – you really made the most of your year & my how many lovely places you’ve traveled.
Kelly Stilwell says
Your blog is such an inspiration! Now I have some new recipes to try, too! Thank you. Happy New Year!
Alicia @ Alicia Carlson Photography says
Congrats on a great year, Julie!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
What a year for you my friend. You powered through! And what an amazing array of memories, friends, trips, and beautiful food. Those easy yeast rolls are calling my name right now and so are the brown butter funfetti cookies! WOW! You go girl. So glad I found The Little Kitchen!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
Wow, the miles you traveled in 2012! I am so happy to know that we’ll both be putting on some miles in 2013 to actually meet, yay! Happy New Year, Julie! 🙂
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I must have missed that Garlic Beef Broccoli Cauliflower Stir Fry the first time around. Looks delicious!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
I wasn’t exactly faithful to the recipe, but the cheesesteaks were one of my favorite posts of yours too! 😀 Next I need to make that zucchini gratin! I’m so glad that you were able to take the disappointment of losing your job and turn it into such a great opportunity. I know that 2013 is going to be your year!
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes says
Love it! My favorite is the gratin that scored a fist pump! Fist pump for an awesome 2012 and an even better 2013, Julie!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
You have had such an amazing year!!! These recipes all look absolutely amazing too. Cheers to a great 2013 ahead! 🙂
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
It’s such a well rounded finale!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
What a great year it’s been for you!! I lost my job in 2011 and it ended up being the best thing to ever happen to me.
Robyn | Add a Pinch says
Goodness gracious, Julie! You’ve had quite a year. I wish you a 2013 filled with nothing but great things. xoxo
Aggie says
What a year!!! I’m so proud of all you’ve overcome (the job thing) and wish you all things good in 2013!! What a delicious and fun year!
Kathryn says
Happy new year Julie, it’s been quite a year for you and I hope 2013 brings you even more happiness and good things!
Elizabeth says
so many yummy recipes from the year!!
Kim says
Happy New Year to you, Julie! Looks like you’ve had quite the amazing year yourself. Let’s meet the next time you swing through Orange County, CA. 🙂
Cheers to a great 2013!
[K]
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
What an amazing year you have had! So many great opportunities, and places you have visited. Everything looks amazing! I am not sure where to start, but that pasta looks delicious!
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
My favorites this year are definitely a toss up – totchos or cheesesteaks! I can’t wait to see where your travels take you in the year ahead and what tasty dishes you come up with!
Vera says
Happy new year! In 2012, I found my way to your blog 🙂
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
Your Totchos are my favorite! Happy New Year and wishing you the best in 2o13!
Leslie says
Lots of great things in 2012 for you. I bet 2013 is going to be even better!!!!! Delicious round up!
Nichol says
You have traveled so much! Sorry about getting laid off, that is always so stressful. I could honestly eat my laptop screen right now. Your food photography is brilliant. I could really go for a Nutella Milkshake yum. Welcome 2013 I am going to be visiting often!!
Stephanie @ henry happened says
I can’t wait to make your best ever chocolate cake – it looks amazing! And I’m with you on mussels – when I finally made them I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Happy New Year!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
You had such a fabulous year! All the best in 2013 🙂
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
What a year you had!! I hope I get to see you this year! Can’t wait to see what 2013 brings for you.
Kelly Senyei (Just a Taste) says
What a tasty year it’s been on The Little Kitchen! Wishing you a very Happy New Year, Julie!
Cat Davis says
You’ve made some amazing recipes — can’t wait to see what 2013 brings. I’m trying to stay away from baking for the time being but I’m not sure how long that will last.
Karly says
I just bought all the ingredients for the Philly Cheesesteaks at the store this morning! Can. Not. Wait.
Lindsay says
2012 sure had its ups and downs, but it was truly a great year. Here’s to 2013 being even better!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Wow it has been a delicious year!! Love looking back at your recipes – cheers to a successful 2013!