Thursday, December 31, 2009

Best of 2009

Well, I am going to be honest with you all. I thought I was done with posts for 2009, but I couldn't let this year go by without posting some of my favorite recipes from this past year. Overall in life, the year was not so great, but blog-wise it was freaking FANTASTIC.

I celebrated my first year of blogging with a fabulous cake. Just because I mostly cook for myself, doesn't mean I don't take the time to enjoy delicious treats. Look how cute this mini slice of Perfect Party Cake is.

Perfect Party Cake Slice

One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to purchase an ice cream maker and come up with fabulous flavors. Each one I tried was equally amazing, but I really loved the tart richness of this simple buttermilk ice cream. I can't wait to make it again...after I try many more flavors of course!

Buttermilk Ice Cream

Another ice cream favorite was combining my favorite Girl Scout cookie into a frozen concoction. Need I say more??

Samoas Ice Cream

I absolutely loved grabbing souvlaki late at night when I got to go to Greece a couple of years ago. Life was made much easier when I realized I could create it at home and so easily as well!

Pork Souvlaki

Strawberries are my favorite fruit and lucky for me I live in Southern California where they are plentiful and wonderful year round. I especially love using them in desserts such as the ever so simple, but oh so amazing buttermilk cake that made the blog rounds earlier this year.

Strawberry Buttermilk Cake Slice

I also love creating desserts with a combination of sweet and savory. This galette with a savory thyme crust and a sweet and tart lemon curd made even more perfect with local Gaviota strawberries was to die for!

Strawberry Galette Slice

How much more can be said about one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I have ever made and had?!

Grilled Cheese with Bacon and a Fried Egg

One of the best things of the past year was having several opportunities to meet other food bloggers. I had such a blast with everyone and I am so looking forward to many more fun times with everyone!!!!

Christina Nastassia Esi and Sonja

Food-wise it has been such a fun year, I am so excited to see what this new year and decade have in store. I hope you all enjoy a fun and safe New Years eve night and cheers for what is next to come!

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17 comments:

Mother Rimmy said...

I love your pictures. All you food looks so delicious!

The Food Librarian said...

Happy Happy New Year Esi! It was great to meet you and we have to do that again! And for #10in10 I promise I'm going to use the trampoline more :) Wishing you a great 2010!!!! - mary

Janet said...

Love this recap! I know I'll be making some of these in '10! (Doesn't '10 sound weird!?)

Alicia Foodycat said...

I'm another one who hasn't had a great year personally, but a very good food year! All the best for 2010!

Diana said...

Wait a second... I know that buttermilk cake! :)

Great round-up! You are still making me green with envy over that Samoa's ice cream!

Happy New Year!

Elle said...

What a beautiful and delicious year! Here's to many more--Happy New Year!

vanillasugarblog said...

oh that samoa ice cream...girl I'm telling ya.
happy new year darling! I hope you have a fabulous 2010.

The Wind Attack said...

So much dessert in one post! Easy to tell it was a great year for food for you. I wish you a delicious 2010!

kellypea said...

A great list of yummy food. I could go for one of those grilled cheese sandwiches right now. Hope your New Year is full of opportunity and good fortune!

Reeni said...

Happy New Year Esi!

Fresh Local and Best said...

This is a great round-up. What a wonderful year it's been.
Wishes for happiness and blessings in the coming year.

Lisa said...

Esi, this entry is making me so hungry, I'm thinking about grilling up a sammie right now, like the one pictured. YUM! That said, I'm looking forward to all of your 2010 baking and cooking, and wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year! :)

Karen said...

Everything looks wonderful! I'm especially intrigued by the galette... such an interesting combination of flavors. Going to take a peek at the recipe *and* the one for the grilled cheese sammich!

Mari @ Once Upon a Plate said...

Esi, your blog is SO beautiful! Absolutely lovely. Today is my first visit and I'll be back often.

Happy New Year!

Esi said...

Happy new year everyone!! Thank you all for visiting and making life so delicious!

Kerstin said...

Mmm, everything looks fabulous! Happy New Year Esi!

LisaNewton said...

Wow, these look great. Congratulation on your first year of blogging.

Here's to another year!!