A Year of Flavor, Milestones, and Culinary Adventures: Simply Scratch’s 2011 Review
As another year gracefully draws to a close, it’s astonishing how quickly time seems to accelerate. It feels like just yesterday we were setting new goals, and now, here we are, reflecting on a truly remarkable 2011. This past year has been an extraordinary journey, filled with personal triumphs, heartwarming moments, and significant milestones for both my family and for Simply Scratch. It’s a privilege to share these cherished memories and express my profound gratitude to all of you who have been an integral part of this incredible experience.
Our year began with a beautiful celebration of love and commitment, as my wonderful husband and I marked our 10th wedding anniversary. A decade of partnership, laughter, and shared dreams – it was a moment to truly cherish and reflect on the strong foundation we’ve built together. Shortly after, our hearts swelled with joy as my best friend welcomed her precious baby boy, Alex, transforming her family of three into a bustling, loving foursome. These personal joys provided the perfect backdrop to an already eventful year.
On the culinary front, 2011 brought some truly exciting accolades that left me absolutely buzzing! One of the most incredible highlights was Simply Scratch being featured as the Blog of the Month on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. To have our passion for simple, wholesome cooking recognized by such an influential figure in the food world was an honor beyond words. It fueled our mission to inspire more people to get into their kitchens and enjoy the art of homemade meals. The icing on this already magnificent cake was the opportunity to become a Tasty Kitchen contributor. Being invited to share recipes alongside some of the most talented and respected food bloggers in the community was truly humbling and a fantastic platform to reach even more food enthusiasts. Every single one of these moments has been a testament to the hard work, passion, and, most importantly, the incredible support from our readers.
Exciting Horizons: What 2012 Holds for Simply Scratch
With such a fantastic year behind us, the excitement for 2012 is simply overflowing with possibilities! We’re not just looking forward to another year; we’re stepping into it with a renewed sense of purpose and a host of exciting plans. One of the biggest milestones on the horizon is our two-year bloggerversary. It’s a moment to pause and appreciate how far Simply Scratch has come, from a humble idea to a thriving community of food lovers. This journey has been an absolute joy, and I’m incredibly thankful for every reader who has joined us along the way.
To celebrate our growth and enhance your experience, we’re planning a complete blog re-design! Imagine a fresh, intuitive, and visually stunning new look that makes finding your favorite recipes even easier. We’re committed to making Simply Scratch a more user-friendly and inspiring space for all your culinary needs. But beyond the aesthetics, my greatest excitement lies in the promise of another whole year of delicious, innovative, and comforting recipes. We’ll be exploring new ingredients, perfecting classic dishes, and bringing you exciting twists that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Get ready for a continuous flow of culinary inspiration, from quick weeknight dinners to show-stopping desserts, and everything in between. While I’ll be ringing in the New Year under slightly unconventional circumstances, my heart remains full of gratitude and anticipation for the amazing year ahead. Before we officially step into 2012, I wanted to share a heartfelt tribute to the recipes that made 2011 truly special – our top “most viewed” and a few of my personal favorites.
Simply Scratch’s Most Loved Recipes of 2011: A Culinary Countdown!
It’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for! The drum roll, please… These are the recipes that captured your hearts, filled your kitchens with incredible aromas, and garnered the most views throughout 2011. Each one tells a story of flavor, comfort, and the joy of homemade cooking. Get ready to revisit some old favorites and perhaps discover a new signature dish!
Parmesan Garlic Bread
Forget the frozen stuff! This homemade Parmesan Garlic Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a revelation. With an astounding 727,018 views and still counting, it holds the undisputed title of Simply Scratch’s most popular recipe of 2011. Imagine a crusty baguette slathered with a rich, aromatic garlic-butter spread, generously topped with sharp Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden, bubbly, and incredibly fragrant. The aroma alone is enough to make mouths water! It’s the perfect companion to any pasta dish, a hearty soup, or simply enjoyed on its own as an irresistible snack. This bread truly proves that homemade is always better, delivering a depth of flavor and a satisfying texture that store-bought versions can only dream of. Prepare to elevate your bread game!
Bacon Potato Hash
What’s for breakfast? Our Bacon Potato Hash, of course! This isn’t just a morning meal; it’s an experience. Perfectly crispy potatoes are pan-fried with savory, rendered bacon, then tossed with aromatic onions and often a hint of bell pepper. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of textures—the crunch of the potato, the chewiness of the bacon, and the slight sweetness of the caramelized onions. It’s incredibly satisfying and versatile; serve it with a fried egg on top for a truly comforting start to your day, or even alongside a simple green salad for a light dinner. This recipe embodies the essence of hearty, wholesome comfort food, making it a consistent favorite among our readers looking for that perfect brunch dish or a fulfilling meal any time.
Peanut Butter M&M Pretzel Kisses
Salty, sweet… my life is complete! And yes, that definitely rhymed, just like the pure joy these Peanut Butter M&M Pretzel Kisses bring. This simple yet utterly addictive treat is a masterpiece of contrasts. You get the satisfying crunch and salty bite of a pretzel, topped with a gooey, melted Hershey’s Kiss, and then adorned with colorful M&M’s, all held together by a dollop of creamy peanut butter. It’s the ultimate no-bake dessert for parties, holidays, or just a sweet craving. Incredibly easy to make, even the kids can help, and they disappear almost as fast as you can make them. This recipe became an instant hit for its perfect balance of textures and flavors, proving that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable indulgences.
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Seriously, who doesn’t love a good Jalapeño Popper? Now, imagine all that spicy, creamy, cheesy goodness tucked inside a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich! This innovative creation takes everything you adore about the classic appetizer and transforms it into a hearty, irresistible meal. Cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and finely diced jalapeños are layered between slices of buttered bread, then grilled to golden perfection. The result is a sandwich that’s hot like fire (in the best way!), oozing with melted cheese, and packed with an incredible kick. This “sammie” was an absolute sensation, taking Foodgawker by storm and quickly becoming a fan favorite for those craving a comforting meal with an adventurous twist. It’s the ultimate comfort food fusion!
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Why settle for store-bought when you can make a Homemade Barbecue Sauce that’s truly “better than Sweet Baby Ray’s fo shizzle!” (as we like to say)? This recipe isn’t just a condiment; it’s a secret weapon in your culinary arsenal. Crafted with a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet notes, this sauce elevates any grilled meat, pulled pork, or chicken dish to new heights. Made with simple pantry staples, it comes together effortlessly, allowing you to customize the flavors to your preference – a little more heat, a touch more sweetness, or an extra smoky depth. Once you’ve tasted the rich, complex flavors of truly homemade barbecue sauce, you’ll never go back. It’s fantastic as a marinade, a basting sauce, or a dipping sauce for everything from fries to chicken nuggets.
Creamy Lemon and Chive Farfalle
For those who appreciate a touch of elegance in their weeknight meals, our Creamy Lemon and Chive Farfalle is an absolute dream. This “boozy” pasta dish (yes, a hint of white wine adds incredible depth!) is light yet wonderfully satisfying, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The zesty lemon cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, while fresh chives add a delicate oniony freshness. The bow-tie pasta (farfalle) perfectly cradles the silky sauce, making every forkful a delight. This recipe received special recognition and was even featured by The Pioneer Woman, a testament to its widespread appeal. It’s quick enough for a busy evening but sophisticated enough to impress guests, proving that gourmet flavors can be achieved with simplicity.
Italian Pasta Bake
When it comes to ultimate comfort food, our Italian Pasta Bake hits all the right notes. “Quick and easy… that’s what I’m talkin’ bout!” This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. Layers of perfectly cooked pasta are smothered in a rich, savory meat sauce (or a robust vegetarian marinara), generously topped with a melty blend of cheeses, and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel warm and satisfied from the inside out. The beauty of this bake lies in its simplicity and the ability to prepare it ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for nourishing your loved ones. It’s a timeless classic that always receives rave reviews.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Salty Pretzel Crust
Do I even need to comment on this one? The title truly says it all! Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a Salty Pretzel Crust are the epitome of sweet and savory indulgence. This recipe takes the beloved classic chocolate chip cookie and elevates it to an entirely new dimension. The buttery, chewy cookie bar is fantastic on its own, but the genius lies in the unexpected salty, crunchy pretzel crust beneath. This brilliant combination creates a textural symphony and a flavor explosion that makes these bars utterly irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying that intense dessert craving, they’re easy to cut, share, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash. Prepare for your taste buds to sing!
Banana Bread… A New Twist on an Old Recipe
Dear lord! This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s Banana Bread with a truly divine “New Twist on an Old Recipe.” We take ripe bananas and roast them before incorporating them into the batter, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a depth of flavor that’s simply unparalleled. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. A crunchy, buttery streusel topping adds a delightful contrast to the incredibly moist and tender bread, turning a beloved classic into an extraordinary treat. Perfect for breakfast, a comforting snack, or even a light dessert, this banana bread quickly became a standout for its elevated flavors and textures. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to intentionally let your bananas get extra brown!
Lemongrass Bars with Coconut Shortbread Crust
Feeling slightly famous after this one! Our Lemongrass Bars with Coconut Shortbread Crust brought a touch of exotic elegance to the Simply Scratch kitchen and garnered national attention, even being featured/linked by Bon Appétit on their online magazine. This sophisticated dessert is a symphony of unique flavors and textures. A delicate, buttery coconut shortbread crust provides the perfect base for a vibrant, zesty lemongrass filling, offering a refreshing citrusy note with a subtle, intriguing herbal undertone. It’s a dessert that’s both light and deeply flavorful, perfect for entertaining or when you want to impress with something truly special and unexpected. The unique blend of ingredients makes it an unforgettable treat, proving that sometimes stepping outside the box yields the most delightful results.
The Heart of Simply Scratch: Our Culinary Focus
Looking back at this incredible collection of reader favorites and personal bests, I think it’s safe to say that our community truly cherishes the comforting and delightful world of pasta, the rich versatility of cheese, and the pure joy found in perfectly baked goods. These categories consistently resonate, forming the delicious core of what Simply Scratch is all about – making everyday meals extraordinary and celebrating the simple pleasures of homemade food. From hearty main courses to irresistible desserts, our goal remains to bring you recipes that are approachable, incredibly flavorful, and designed to bring smiles to your table.
Wishing You a Happy and Delicious New Year!
As we bid farewell to 2011 and warmly welcome 2012, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your readership, comments, shares, and culinary adventures with Simply Scratch mean the world to me. Please remember to stay safe, cherish your loved ones, and have an absolute blast ringing in the New Year, wherever you may be. May the coming year be filled with happiness, health, and countless delicious moments shared around the table.
I love you all!
Happy New Year!!