Reflecting on an Unforgettable 2012 and Embracing the Culinary Adventures of 2013
The year 2012 proved to be an extraordinary journey, marked by incredible highs, relentless activity, immense joy, and moments of sheer exhilaration. As the founder of Simply Scratch, I navigated a comprehensive blog redesign, a monumental task that ultimately propelled our platform to new heights. Beyond the digital realm, my family embarked on a new chapter, settling into a beautiful new home that quickly became a haven for creativity and connection. It was also the year I wholeheartedly embraced the vibrant world of Instagram, discovering a new visual medium to share my culinary passion. And, of course, no year would be complete without a memorable baking triumph, which in 2012, came in the form of a perfectly executed red velvet cake.
A true highlight for Simply Scratch was the incredible recognition from Huffington Post, who distinguished us as one of their Top Ten Food Blogs for both October and November. This astounding acknowledgment fueled my passion and reaffirmed the hard work and dedication poured into every recipe and post. Throughout the year, I joyfully created countless delicious messes in the kitchen, tackled my fair share of dishes, and savored every single moment of the creative process. It was a period of immense personal and professional growth, laying a strong foundation for the years to come.
Beyond the blog, 2012 was rich with unforgettable family moments. I watched with an overwhelming sense of pride as my oldest daughter pitched in her very first softball games, showcasing budding talent and determination. The culmination of her season saw her accepting an award for most strikeouts, a moment that swelled my heart with joy. Equally moving was a parent-teacher conference for our youngest daughter at her new school. My husband and I sat, a giant lump forming in our throats, as her teachers described her as a truly gifted writer, one of the most exceptional they had encountered in all their years of teaching. These precious moments, celebrating the achievements and unique talents of my children, are truly priceless and underscore the rich tapestry of life we built in 2012.
Anticipating the Culinary Horizons: What Awaits in 2013?
As I step into my fourth year of blogging, a delightful sense of giddiness washes over me, brimming with excitement for what 2013 will undoubtedly bring. The possibilities feel endless, and my imagination runs wild with visions of new culinary creations, innovative recipes, and engaging content for Simply Scratch. What exciting new food trends will I explore? What fresh ingredients will inspire my next masterpieces? I eagerly anticipate delving into new cooking techniques and sharing even more delicious, accessible recipes with our growing community.
More than just food, I also dream of strengthening the bonds within the vibrant food blogging community. I look forward to finally meeting some of the incredible women who inspire me daily and who have become virtual friends through our shared passion for food. Jessica, Rachel, Lauren, Megan, Cassie, and Bev – I’m talking to you! The prospect of connecting in person, sharing stories, and collaborating on culinary adventures is incredibly exciting. I’m open to whatever the new year has in store, ready to embrace every challenge and celebrate every success. Bring it on, 2013!
Now, as we stand on the cusp of a new beginning, let’s take a moment to celebrate the fantastic year that has passed and usher in an even more fabulous year ahead… and what better way to do that than with an array of delectable food!
Kick Off the New Year with Flavor: The Ultimate Guide to Game Day Appetizers
It might sound amusing, but I actually had to ask my husband if football was on New Year’s Day. Yes, that’s just how deeply immersed I am in the world of sports. While I can certainly get caught up in the excitement when, say, the Tigers make it to the World Series, my sporting knowledge generally doesn’t extend much further. However, I know for a fact that a massive number of people relish the tradition of gathering, snacking, and watching football games on New Year’s Day.
So, even though I might not be able to tell you which teams are playing whom on Tuesday, or even confidently distinguish between college and NFL games (because, let’s be honest, I really have no clue), I can certainly be your trusted guide in the most important department: food! Since delicious food is universally appreciated, regardless of who’s scoring touchdowns, I’m here to ensure your New Year’s Day celebrations are overflowing with irresistible appetizers. Sound cool?
To help you prepare for a festive start to 2013, I’ve compiled a list of my ‘Top 2012’ appetizers. These are some of my most popular recipes from Simply Scratch and cherished finds from my favorite food blogs, perfect for any gathering!
Bacon & Gorgonzola Guacamole
Elevate your classic guacamole with the rich, smoky crispness of bacon and the pungent, creamy notes of Gorgonzola cheese. This unexpected combination creates a dip that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for impressing guests at any New Year’s gathering. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for a truly irresistible start to the festivities.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Chili Butter
These elegant yet surprisingly simple appetizers are a showstopper. Succulent scallops are wrapped in crispy bacon and drizzled with a vibrant chili butter, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. They’re quick to prepare but taste incredibly gourmet, making them ideal for a special occasion like New Year’s Day.
Brie Toasts with Basil, Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins
Delicate and bursting with flavor, these brie toasts are a symphony of textures and tastes. Creamy brie melts over crisp toast, complemented by the fresh aroma of basil, the buttery crunch of pine nuts, and the subtle sweetness of golden raisins. They offer a sophisticated, vegetarian-friendly option that is sure to delight discerning palates.
Beer Battered Mini Corn Dogs with Chipotle Ketchup
Take a classic fairground favorite and elevate it with a crispy, flavorful beer batter and a spicy chipotle ketchup. These mini corn dogs are incredibly fun and satisfying, appealing to both kids and adults. They make for fantastic game day fare, adding a touch of nostalgic comfort food with a gourmet twist to your New Year’s spread.
Baked Chili Cheese Fries
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these baked chili cheese fries. Crispy fries smothered in savory chili and gooey melted cheese are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Baking them instead of frying offers a slightly lighter take without sacrificing any of the decadent flavor, making them an ideal hearty snack for any festive gathering.
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas
These vibrant and flavorful quesadillas offer a fantastic vegetarian option. The combination of earthy black beans and sweet potatoes, spiced just right, creates a filling that’s both nutritious and incredibly delicious. They’re easy to make in batches and can be cut into small wedges, perfect for sharing and dipping at your New Year’s celebration.
Cantaloupe Bruschetta with Balsamic of Modena Glaze
For a refreshing and unexpected appetizer, try this delightful cantaloupe bruschetta. Sweet, juicy cantaloupe pairs beautifully with a rich balsamic glaze, offering a sophisticated blend of flavors on a crisp toast base. It’s a light and bright option that provides a wonderful contrast to richer, savory party foods, perfect for a balanced spread.
Caramelized Onion Spinach Dip {Reduced Guilt!}
Indulge in a creamy, savory spinach dip without all the guilt! This recipe features sweet, deeply caramelized onions folded into a flavorful spinach base, creating an irresistible dip that’s lighter but still incredibly satisfying. Serve it warm with crusty bread, pita chips, or an assortment of fresh vegetables for a popular party snack.
Homemade Kettle Chips with Onion Dill Dip
There’s nothing quite like the crunch and flavor of homemade kettle chips, especially when paired with a creamy, fresh onion dill dip. Making your own allows for perfect seasoning and an unbeatable texture that store-bought chips can’t match. This classic combination is a guaranteed hit for any casual gathering, offering simple, satisfying deliciousness.
Rainbow Pizza and Truffle Fries with a Wine Dipping Sauce
For a truly festive and vibrant spread, consider this creative duo. The rainbow pizza brings a burst of color and fresh flavors, while the truffle fries add an earthy, gourmet touch. Paired with a unique wine dipping sauce, this combination offers a playful yet sophisticated take on classic party foods, perfect for a New Year’s Eve or Day celebration.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
No party spread is complete without a stellar chicken wing recipe! These spicy garlic chicken wings are bursting with robust flavor and boast a perfectly crisp exterior. The heat is beautifully balanced by a cool, creamy blue cheese dip, making them utterly addictive. They’re a quintessential game day snack, sure to be devoured quickly by all your guests.
Sweet and Tangy Balls
These delightful sweet and tangy “balls” (often referring to meatballs or similar savory bites) are incredibly versatile and always a hit. Their unique flavor profile, combining sweetness with a piquant tang, makes them a memorable appetizer. They’re excellent served warm, perhaps with toothpicks for easy snacking, and are ideal for a bustling party environment.
Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Tater Tots
Upgrade the humble tater tot into a sophisticated appetizer with this creative recipe. Sweet potato tots are infused with the creamy, tangy goodness of goat cheese, offering a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. They’re wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a gourmet yet approachable snack for your guests.
White Pizza Dip
Capture all the deliciousness of white pizza in an easy-to-share dip! This creamy, cheesy, garlic-infused dip is utterly irresistible, perfect for scooping with warm breadsticks, pita, or even hearty chips. It’s a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful appetizer that will disappear quickly from your New Year’s party table, satisfying everyone’s pizza cravings.
Cheers to a New Year Filled with Flavor and Joy!
As we welcome 2013, I wish you a year filled with happiness, success, and plenty of delicious food. May your celebrations be memorable, your gatherings warm, and your tables bountiful. Remember to eat well, drink responsibly, and most importantly, cherish the moments shared with loved ones. Here’s to a fantastic start to the new year!
Xo
~L