As another year gracefully closes, melting into the past like a fleeting dream, I find myself once again immersed in the annual ritual of reflection. It truly feels as though 2016 arrived and departed in the blink of an eye, yet as I sift through the digital memories captured on my phone – a mosaic of moments from the past 365 days – an overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over me. Every year, without fail, this process reaffirms how incredibly blessed I am for the journey I was given: the triumphs, the trials, and yes, even the moments of intense stress. 2016, in particular, encompassed all of these and much, much more, shaping a year of profound personal and professional growth.
Professional Milestones: A Return to My Culinary Roots
Professionally, 2016 marked a vibrant return to the world of blogging, a re-engagement that felt incredibly exhilarating and fulfilling. My journey had taken a slight detour since I left my full-time job at the end of 2013, immediately diving into the ambitious project of writing a cookbook proposal. Securing that cookbook deal in mid-2014 launched me into an intense period of writing, cooking, photographing, and editing, culminating in the whirlwind of travel and promotion for my debut cookbook before its official release in November 2015. After such a demanding schedule, stepping back into my kitchen to create and share recipes at my own pace, in my comfiest clothes, felt like a homecoming. This space, my blog, is truly where my passion for creating, cooking, and photographing delicious recipes thrives. It’s a sanctuary where culinary ideas come to life, allowing me to connect with you, my incredible readers.
This year also saw a significant enhancement in my kitchen skills. I finally conquered the mysteries of the slow cooker, learning to utilize it correctly – a personal triumph! With this newfound confidence, and setting aside the slower summer months, I was able to post recipes more frequently and consistently than ever before. This achievement feels particularly significant given the delightful chaos of managing two active children and their myriad activities. Despite the constant juggle, my commitment to delivering fresh, inspiring content remained unwavering.
I proudly published 145 new recipe posts in 2016. While I’m not entirely sure if that qualifies as a monumental number in the blogging world, it certainly represents a tremendous amount of dedication and effort. This count also doesn’t include the numerous older recipes that received a complete overhaul with updated photography and refined content, ensuring their continued relevance and appeal. These revitalized posts, along with the new creations, showcase a year of culinary exploration and growth on Simply Scratch. Below, I’m thrilled to share some of my absolute favorite recipes from 2016, highlighting the diverse flavors and cooking styles we embraced together.
Highlighting 2016’s Most Loved Recipes
From comforting classics to exotic new flavors, 2016 was a delicious year filled with innovative and satisfying recipes. Each dish represents a moment of inspiration, a culinary experiment, or a cherished family meal shared with you. I hope you’ve enjoyed cooking and sharing them as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them.
Kickstarting the year with a comforting classic, my Easy Butter Chicken quickly became a reader favorite, perfect for cozy evenings. Following its success, we ventured into vibrant Asian-inspired dishes with the incredibly flavorful Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls, offering a fresh take on weeknight dinners. For those seeking something hearty and luxurious, the Braised Beef Short Ribs in an Herb Wine Sauce proved to be an indulgent delight. We also put a fresh spin on a beloved sandwich with the vibrant and crisp B.L.A.T. Salad, a perfect light meal. And for a taste of Irish tradition, my Irish Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onion Gravy offered hearty comfort.
Embracing vibrant flavors and healthy eating, the Turmeric Roasted Carrots with Lemon Tahini Dressing quickly became a standout side dish. Springtime brought lighter fare like the elegant Grilled Chicken Bruschetta, perfect for entertaining. The much-acclaimed Best Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Creamy Greek Dressing offered a taste of the Mediterranean, while my authentic Shish Tawook, paired with its essential counterpart, the Lebanese Garlic Sauce, transported us to Middle Eastern culinary delights. For a cozy and aromatic meal, the Roasted Tomato Curry Soup with Shrimp was a flavorful hit. As autumn approached, we celebrated classic comfort with Homemade Apple Pie and explored plant-based goodness with the hearty Tandoori Roasted Chickpea & Squash Buddha Bowl.
Continuing our global culinary adventure, the savory Braised Korean Pork Tacos quickly became a fan favorite. For pizza night, my White Pizza with Bacon, Artichokes and Balsamic Drizzle offered a sophisticated twist. Weeknights were made easier and more delicious with the Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken, a true lifesaver. As the holidays approached, we celebrated with festive sips like the Cranberry Moscow Mules and unique appetizers such as the vibrant Avocado Beet Hummus Toast. Dessert took a warm and spicy turn with the comforting Chai Pumpkin Pie, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
For hearty game day fare or a cozy winter meal, the Turkey Taco Beer Chili became an instant classic. And to warm us from the inside out during the colder months, my authentic Masala Chai (Tea) provided a comforting embrace.
As the year drew to a close, we indulged in rich flavors like the quick and easy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet. The festive season inspired delightful treats such as the homemade Peppermint Candy Cane Ice Cream, perfect for holiday gatherings. For a soul-warming dish, the Italian Sausage White Bean Soup offered hearty comfort. And for an irresistible appetizer, the Caramelized Shallot and Blue Cheese Dip was a true crowd-pleaser.
Rounding out the year with a sweet, comforting classic, my recipe for Easy No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls made holiday mornings and cozy weekends extra special, proving that deliciousness doesn’t always require a long proofing time.
A Digital Scare and Renewed Appreciation
Beyond the culinary adventures, 2016 presented a significant challenge. In September, on my actual birthday, my site was shockingly hacked and completely wiped from the internet. The sheer panic and despair that set in as I grappled with the possibility of losing years of hard work – countless hours spent creating recipes, writing stories, sharing memories, and capturing life events – was overwhelming. I still have no idea how my password was compromised, but the experience was a brutal wake-up call. Fortunately, an alert reader, whom I truly consider an angel, noticed the issue and messaged me immediately. Thanks to swift action, and some very early morning hours, my blog was restored without the loss of any precious recipes or content. The gratitude I felt was immeasurable.
While awaiting restoration, the thought of everything being gone made me realize just how deeply I cherished Simply Scratch. Perhaps I had taken it for granted, but this incident ignited an overwhelming appreciation for what I do. It underscored my profound love for food blogging and reinforced my commitment to it. I vowed then and there never to let my guard down again, implementing more robust security measures. Although the hack did cause a temporary dip in my Google ranking, it only fueled my determination to work harder, smarter, and bounce back stronger than ever.
Igniting Inspiration: The Better Blog Retreat
Just when I needed it most, October brought an incredible opportunity: a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, to attend the Better Blog Retreat, hosted by the brilliant Maria and Heidi. This retreat was a pivotal experience, providing exactly the intellectual and emotional recharge I desperately needed. There, I had the privilege of connecting with a remarkable group of incredibly smart, talented, and profoundly inspiring women – true boss ladies of the blogging world. The lineup included Jamielyn of I Heart Naptime, Liz of Floating Kitchen, Amanda of Heartbeet Kitchen, Jessica of How Sweet Eats, Gina of Skinnytaste, Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod, Jocelyn of Grandbaby Cakes, Heidi of FoodieCrush, Erin of Well Plated, Lindsay of Pinch of Yum, and Deb of Taste and Tell.
Each of these women generously shared a wealth of knowledge across a vast array of topics, from advanced SEO strategies and innovative content creation to photography techniques and community engagement. Being surrounded by such an accomplished group, I felt like a sponge, eagerly soaking in every word, every insight. It’s truly amazing how a group of women, strangers just days before, can spend three intensive days together, sharing, learning, and collaborating, and emerge not just as colleagues, but as genuine friends. The camaraderie and support were palpable and deeply moving.
A huge thank you also goes out to the wonderful sponsors who made the retreat even more deliciously special: Resorts West, Deer Valley, Kroger and Smiths Grocery, Lindt, General Mills Cereal, Lorissa’s Kitchen, and Stacy’s Pita. Their contributions added an extra layer of enjoyment and indulgence to an already incredible experience.
I left that retreat more determined, inspired, and invigorated than ever before. While it may sound clichéd, it’s profoundly true. I gained invaluable knowledge, not only pertaining specifically to my blog and the broader blogging landscape but also on a personal level. The retreat helped me crystallize a major game plan, offering a clear vision of what I want to achieve. I am absolutely committed to pursuing these ambitious goals in 2017, ready to embark on the next exciting chapter for Simply Scratch.
Life Beyond the Blog: Cherished Personal Moments
Shifting gears from the professional realm, let’s dive into what truly made 2016 special: the moments that unfolded behind the blog, in my personal life. The stunning photograph above captures my absolute favorite moment of 2016. I snapped it with my cell phone on our beautiful Michigan lake during one of Pat and my fishing trips. Michigan sunsets have always held a special place in my heart, and I have dozens upon dozens of them captured. This particular image, now framed as an 8×10, holds a unique magic and deep affection for me.
It probably comes as no surprise, but 2016 was undoubtedly our busiest year yet as a family. With two children actively involved in sports year-round – sometimes one child in two sports, or both children in one – coupled with their bustling social lives, football games, and after-school activities, my role as chauffeur often felt like a second full-time job. The constant shuttling to practices, games, and friends’ houses was a never-ending cycle, but one filled with immense joy as I watched my girls grow and thrive.
But beyond the endless driving, cooking, and dishwashing, I assure you, I did manage to squeeze in other activities! Here are some of the personal and family highlights that truly defined 2016 for us, weaving a rich tapestry of memories and growth:
Family Fun, Adventures, and Achievements
2016 will forever be remembered as the year of Snapchat filters! The sheer creativity and hilarity of the new filters brought so much laughter into our lives. I genuinely loved them all, with the exception of the “old lady” filter – that one worked a little too well on me, which was eerily amusing!
My husband, Pat, spent a significant amount of time hunting this year, a passion that truly brings him peace and happiness. In the spring, he successfully harvested a beautiful turkey, a testament to his skill and patience. Later in the fall, he made the deliberate choice to pass on several spikes and bucks, holding out for a majestic buck he affectionately nicknamed “The Monster.” While “The Monster” eluded him this year, I have no doubt he’ll encounter him next season! Pat enthusiastically recounted his best hunting year ever, filled with incredible wildlife sightings, numerous deer, and even the rare spectacle of two bucks fighting directly under his tree stand. Having known Pat since he was 15, I’ve always understood that being outdoors, immersed in nature and the pursuit of the hunt, is truly his happy place.
In April, during a casual lunch outing, Pat and I made a spontaneous stop at a nearby Barnes & Noble. Walking through the aisles, we had the incredible thrill of spotting my cookbook proudly displayed on the shelf. ON THE SHELF! That feeling of seeing my creation in physical stores never, ever gets old. Each time, it reignites an immense sense of pride for that book and the journey it represents.
Our daughters, Haileigh and Malloree, continued to impress us with their athletic prowess. In the spring, Haileigh, with her incredible talent and dedication, successfully made her high school Varsity softball team – a significant achievement! Over the summer, she continued honing her skills with travel softball, while Malloree enjoyed her final year of parks and recreation softball, with Pat proudly coaching her team. By the end of summer, Malloree also successfully tried out and made a travel softball team (Go Venom!), showcasing her growing passion and skill. Both of my girls truly embody the spirit of badasses, both on and off the field!
A memorable highlight for the girls was their very first concert experience in early August. Tickets to see 5 Seconds of Summer were Malloree’s big Christmas gift from us, and the excitement leading up to it was contagious. It was an absolute blast, a truly unforgettable night filled with music, laughter, and pure joy for them.
August also brought a delightful surprise for me: Pat whisked me away to Las Vegas for our anniversary! What made this trip so incredibly special was that it was our first time traveling together, just the two of us, in 21 years of being a couple. We essentially grew up together as teenagers, had our children in our early twenties, and our entire focus had been on raising our girls. This long-overdue trip felt like a second honeymoon, a much-needed escape where we could simply be us. We spent one glorious afternoon by the pool, explored the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, and indulged in some truly AMAZING food – In-N-Out Burger, I’m talking about you! When we weren’t savoring delicious meals, we discovered a shared love for gambling. I had no idea I enjoyed it so much! And I’m not referring to the slots; I loved the tables. With Pat by my side, I won my first of several blackjacks, confirming we make a fantastic team. I still carry that first winning blackjack chip in my wallet for good luck, a cherished memento of our incredible adventure and rediscovered connection.
Haileigh turned 15 in August, and her special gift from us was tickets to see Shawn Mendes live at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Her reaction made her life, and ours, complete! This summer also marked the triumphant end of her travel softball years, with her team proudly becoming division champions. As school resumed, the excitement continued with homecoming. Haileigh made the sophomore homecoming court, which was incredibly cool to see her waving from a float in our town parade. Pat and I were filled with pride walking with her during halftime at the homecoming game. She continued her stellar academic performance, consistently earning straight A’s and maintaining her high standards. Then, shortly after Thanksgiving, Haileigh was inducted into her high school’s Spanish National Honors Society! This girl continually makes me immensely proud, excelling in every endeavor she undertakes.
Malloree celebrated her 12th birthday this past October, a milestone I admittedly found a bit challenging to accept – time truly flies! For her special day, we enjoyed a traditional visit to a nearby cider mill for fresh apple cider and warm doughnuts. I then prepared her absolute favorite dinner, manicotti (a recipe proudly featured in my cookbook!), followed by her requested chocolate mug cake for dessert. Malloree also made her 7th-grade volleyball team, and it was such a joy to watch her compete in a sport other than softball. Her coach, who also coaches the high school JV team, had a strict rule: no underhand serves (a rule I fully support!). This meant the girls had to learn to serve overhand. Despite Malloree being a petite young girl, the smallest on her team, her determination was fierce. She relentlessly practiced her overhand serve, and by golly, she achieved it! She was one of only about four girls on her team of eleven who could successfully serve overhand. This experience profoundly taught her a valuable life lesson: if you want something badly enough and are willing to put in the hard work, you absolutely can achieve it, regardless of any perceived limitations.
In other news, I believe I’ve finally overcome my fear of flying, a significant personal victory! I also happily rediscovered my love for reading, devouring some truly amazing books in 2016. And, I may, sort of, kind of, possibly like watching football now. *Shhh, please don’t tell anyone, it’s our little secret!
Embracing the Future: Gratitude and Goals for 2017
All in all, 2016 was a wonderfully enriching year for our family. We are profoundly grateful for each other, for a warm roof over our heads, and for our continued health. As always, I eagerly anticipate the dawn of a new year, viewing it as a fresh start, a clean slate upon which to set new goals and aspirations. I am incredibly excited to see what new accomplishments await us in 2017 and look forward to the day I sit down once more to write the next “Year In Review.” And no, I’m certainly not rushing it!
Of course, none of these cherished moments, professional successes, or personal growth would be possible without you, my incredible community. It is because of all of you who stop by to read this blog, try out the recipes, and then share them with your loved ones, that I am able to live this dream. My decision to resign from my full-time job to wholeheartedly pursue this blogging career remains one I unequivocally do not regret. This is my dream job, my true passion, and as I embark on my seventh year of blogging, I can honestly say I love it just as much, if not more, than I did in that very first year. Your support fuels my creativity and makes this journey so incredibly rewarding.
I sincerely hope each and every one of you has a truly remarkable New Year. May 2017 be your best year yet, overflowing with love, joy, renewed purpose, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food!
XoXo!
~Laurie
For those curious to delve deeper into Simply Scratch’s history and past reflections, you’re welcome to explore my previous “Year In Review” posts:
- 2015: A Year of Growth and New Adventures
- 2014: The Cookbook Journey Begins
- 2013: Embracing New Paths and Creative Endeavors
- 2012: Building a Culinary Community
- 2011: The Early Days of Simply Scratch
- 2010: Kicking Off My Blogging Journey