One year ago today I began my little food adventure. I was working long hours and was feeling bored of the same recipes all the time and overwhelmed when it came to planning meals. I felt like I didn't have as much time to cook as I would like (then again, who does?) and I needed to do something about it. I decided to start cooking my way through my collection of cookbooks that I have amassed over the years. I had no idea when I started this little project how much fun it would be for us. I found that making a good meal was much more fun when I had planned out my entire week's menu and had all the groceries in the house at the beginning of the week. That's basically how my "Cookbook of the Week" posts began. I have tried more new recipes in the last year than I can possibly count. We have only repeated a handful of recipes, and I'd say that's pretty good considering my goal was to repeat as few recipes as possible in 2013. We've learned a lot this year. We've also eaten a lot this year. It's been great fun.
Read my first post here. (Don't judge! I'm just here to have fun. And I never thought I would have one single follower. Ever.)
As a thank you to my readers for taking the time to visit this little corner of cyberspace, I would like to offer up an apron to one of you as a symbol of my gratitude. I hand make all of the aprons in my shop, and I made this one especially for KitchenJoy's 1st Birthday. *Pearls not included. :)
Convertible Apron with Flower Pin
To Enter: Click below on the Rafflecopter link and follow the instructions provided. Winner will be announced on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2014. (Please type the answer to the question in the comments section below.)
Inside View of Apron: Buttons attach the top of the apron to the inside of the waistband. By unbuttoning the top, it can be removed and worn as a waist-length apron.
Flower Pin with Silver Button can be worn anywhere on the apron, or wear it with an outfit, or in your hair!
Kimmi Kay
Congratulations on one year of a successful and fun blog - I have enjoyed reading your posts and following your adventures Mandy! I, too, was personally challenged to start trying new recipes and ideas in the kitchen this past year, and have a not regretted that decision one bit! As you mentioned above, I found it was easier to keep trying new recipes when I prepped for the week ahead of time and had all the ingredients on hand before I even began a new food adventure. I thank you for the tasty ideas you have been sharing, as do all my recipe taste testers ;) The White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Brown Butter were a particular hit! I'm looking forward to seeing what new and exciting food forays the future will bring your way!
mandyjoy
Thanks Kimmi! I love following your adventures as well, and I'm with you on the White Choc. Macadamia Cookies. They're one of my favorites too. Thanks for reading!
Teresa
So I tried to leave you my most embarassing cooking moment..and somehow it wouldn't let me on the raffle. I have to tell you though :). When I was about 10 I made brownies for a family reunion. I wanted to "jazz them up" and so I added Ginger to the mix. In my head it made sense because I love gingerbread cookies and ginger snaps. I think I also may have added garlic powder...and reese's pieces...for good measure :)