“It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.” – Betty White

Reflecting on 2021: A Year of Growth, Flavor, and Home Transformations

Embracing the Journey: My Twelfth Annual Review

As we welcome 2022, I find myself penning my twelfth annual year-in-review post – a cherished tradition that has become an invaluable chronicle of my life. For those new to this space, each year begins with a comprehensive recap of the past 365 days, meticulously documented with words and photographs. It’s more than just a summary; it’s a personal time capsule, allowing me to revisit the significant milestones, celebrate the triumphs, and reflect on the trials and tribulations that shape our journey. Over the years, these posts have become an indispensable chronological journal, providing a clear perspective on how much has unfolded and how far we’ve come.

The year 2021, in particular, was characterized by a wonderfully low-key and peaceful rhythm. My husband, Pat, and I channeled much of our energy into a series of fulfilling home projects – activities that truly bring me joy and a deep sense of accomplishment. Beyond our home, we also savored several local getaways, both by ourselves and with our dearest friends, embracing the beauty and tranquility close to home. It was undeniably a year that felt significantly better than its predecessor, brimming with memorable moments that I am eager to share with you all.

A Culinary Year in Review: From Hobby to Full-Time Passion

But First, Food: A Blogger’s Dedication

I’ve declared it countless times, and I’ll happily reiterate: I absolutely adore my job. What began as a simple creative outlet – a space to share my passion for cooking and baking – unexpectedly blossomed into a thriving full-time business. The entire process, from conceptualizing and rigorously testing new recipes to meticulously styling and editing each photograph, is a labor of love. And, of course, the ultimate reward is the delightful experience of tasting the creations – unequivocally the *best* part of this culinary journey. In 2021, my commitment to fresh content saw the publication of 127 brand-new recipes. Additionally, I took the time to meticulously update over 20 older recipes, refreshing them with stunning new photos and more precise, user-friendly instructions. While this number might be slightly less than the previous year’s prolific output, it reflects a period of dedicated behind-the-scenes work on several exciting new ventures. Without a doubt, it was another incredibly successful and fulfilling year for the blog, proving that quality and strategic growth often outweigh sheer volume.

Below, I’m excited to share a selection of my personal favorites from 2021. While many bloggers often rely solely on Google Analytics to identify the year’s most popular posts, I believe in offering a blend of both what the analytics highlight and what truly captured our hearts in the kitchen. After all, while Google offers valuable data, it doesn’t always capture the unique charm or personal connection we feel with certain dishes.

Our Favorite Recipes of 2021

Our Focaccia Pizza Supreme is a true masterpiece of flavor and texture. This deep-dish delight starts with a fluffy, homemade focaccia base, generously topped with savory pizza sauce, a trio of rich meats, a blend of exquisite cheeses, and an abundant medley of our favorite vibrant vegetable toppings. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and an explosion of taste. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe proudly serves 8, making it ideal for family gatherings or game nights.

These Morning Glory Muffins are a testament to wholesome goodness, packed with a vibrant array of nutritious ingredients. They’re an excellent choice for a quick breakfast on the go, a delightful addition to lunchboxes, or a satisfying sweet treat after dinner. The best part? They’re freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy them anytime! This recipe yields a generous batch of 21 muffins, ensuring you have plenty to share or savor throughout the week.

Drawing inspiration from the viral baked feta pasta that famously caused a feta shortage in Finland, our Baked Feta Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes is a remarkably simple yet incredibly delicious vegetarian dish. Sweet cherry tomatoes and a block of creamy feta cheese are baked until tender and golden, then mixed with fresh garlic, perfectly cooked pasta, and aromatic fresh basil to create a luxurious, creamy sauce. This pasta dish is practically foolproof, making it accessible for even the most novice cooks. It effortlessly serves 4 to 6 people in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

For a refreshing and elegant meal, our Strawberry Goat Cheese Spring Salad is an ideal choice. This light and fresh salad features a vibrant bed of spring greens, generously topped with juicy, ripe strawberries, tangy crumbled goat cheese, creamy sliced avocado, perfectly grilled chicken, and crunchy candied pecans. It’s all brought together with a delicate drizzle of a simple raspberry walnut vinaigrette, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. This recipe provides 4 individual entree salads, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

These Carrot Cake Cupcakes are incredibly moist and bursting with rich flavor. We’ve elevated the classic carrot cake recipe with a thoughtful blend of six different spices, the subtle richness of coconut oil, and a touch of pure vanilla extract. As if that weren’t enough, each cupcake is crowned with a simple yet utterly delectable brown butter cream cheese frosting, adding an irresistible finish. This recipe yields 12 delightful cupcakes, perfect for sharing or indulging.

Inspired by the beloved flavors of sushi, this Spicy Salmon Maki Bowl offers all the deliciousness deconstructed into a fabulous, healthy, and wholesome meal. Each bowl features fluffy sushi rice, a zippy and fresh cabbage slaw, creamy sliced avocado, cool crisp cucumbers, and perfectly broiled marinated salmon. It’s all sprinkled with crushed nori, toasted sesame seeds, a crunchy panko topping, and generously drizzled with an incredible homemade spicy mayo. This recipe serves 4 and is also an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.

Our Spicy Pasta alla Vodka is a truly indulgent experience – a lusciously creamy and cheesy tomato sauce, elegantly spiked with vodka, and finished with a delightful spicy kick that awakens the palate. This comforting dish serves 2 generous portions for a cozy dinner or can be stretched to 4 smaller servings, making it versatile for various meal sizes.

Elevate your celebrations, especially for occasions like Cinco de Mayo, with our vibrant Spicy Jalapeño Margarita! My preferred method involves muddling fresh jalapeño slices to release their fiery essence, then shaking it vigorously with premium tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and a hint of vanilla syrup for a unique twist. This recipe is crafted to serve 2, but its simplicity means it can be effortlessly doubled or even quadrupled for larger gatherings.

This Pesto Pasta Salad is the epitome of a crowd-pleasing side dish – simple, light, and bursting with fresh flavors. It features perfectly cooked pasta, tender roasted asparagus, sweet cherry tomatoes, delicate fresh pearl mozzarella, and crunchy toasted pine nuts, all generously tossed in a vibrant homemade basil pesto. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a fresh accompaniment to any meal.

Our Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Pie Bars are delightfully easy to make and utterly delicious! A luscious, jammy blueberry filling, subtly sweetened with maple syrup, is nestled between two comforting layers of a buttery, wholesome oatmeal crumb mixture. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet fruit and satisfying texture. Depending on how you slice them, this recipe yields 9 to 16 irresistible bars, ideal for dessert or a sweet snack.

This Chicken Souvlaki with Grilled Vegetables recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, bringing vibrant Greek flavors to your table. A simple yet aromatic Greek marinade is divided, generously coating cubed chicken breasts and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. The marinated chicken is then threaded onto metal skewers, while the vegetables are cooked to perfection in a metal grill basket. Serve this deliciously healthy and satisfying meal with a side of Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf for a complete and authentic experience. This recipe comfortably serves 4.

Our Spicy Salmon Burgers are both simple to make and incredibly rich in flavor. Each burger patty is crafted with ginger and garlic-infused salmon, creating a wonderfully aromatic base. They are then piled high with tangy pickled cucumber, creamy spicy mayo, ripe avocado slices, and crisp shredded cabbage, all tucked between a perfectly toasted brioche bun. This recipe serves 4, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

This Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful, straightforward dish that perfectly balances sweet and peppery notes. It’s generously loaded with tender pieces of chicken and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection. Served over fluffy rice, this meal is not only healthy and satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight option. This recipe yields 4 generous entree portions, ensuring everyone gets a hearty serving.

Indulge in the sheer delight of our No-Churn Heavenly Hash Ice Cream – it’s an absolutely incredible, chocolatey, and nutty treat! This rich, decadent chocolate ice cream is studded throughout with crunchy roasted almonds, delightful mini chocolate chips, and luscious, creamy marshmallow ribbons, creating a perfect symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful. Best of all, no ice cream maker is required!

Our Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili is a wonderfully hearty and flavorful dish, brimming with aromatic spices, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome beans. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and sweet potatoes are seasoned with a comforting blend of warm spices, then simmered in a rich pumpkin and fire-roasted tomato sauce. This robust meatless chili recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, yielding 10 generous 1-cup portions, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters are a simple, utterly delicious, and absolute must-have for the fall season! These cinnamon-spiced fritters are generously studded with tender, sweet Honeycrisp and tart Granny Smith apples, creating a perfect balance of fruit and spice. Each fritter is then lovingly finished with an incredible brown butter glaze, adding a nutty, sweet sheen. This recipe makes 10 delightful apple fritters, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

These Cinnamon Roasted Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes offer a quick, impressive, and incredibly delicious side dish. Tender sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, then coated in a sticky, sweet cinnamon and subtly spicy glaze, creating an irresistible combination of flavors. This dish yields 6 servings and can be prepared in approximately 40 minutes, making it a fantastic addition to any meal, especially during cooler months.

Our Black Magic Sangria is a captivating, dark, moody, and boldly flavored alcoholic beverage. Slices of dark plums, ripe blackberries, and luscious grapes are allowed to soak in a rich dark red wine, which is then blended with aromatic vanilla brandy and sweetened with a homemade brown sugar simple syrup. This enchanting drink is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a unique cocktail.

Prepare to be enchanted by our Black Velvet Cupcakes! These striking cupcakes feature a light and tangy buttermilk cake with a hint of deep black cocoa, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. Each cupcake is generously frosted with a rich, decadent black cream cheese frosting that adds a dramatic visual appeal and an unforgettable taste. This impressive recipe yields 24 cupcakes, perfect for parties or special events.

These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate delicious and decadent sweet treat. In this recipe, a simple, tender yeasted dough is generously spread with softened butter, sprinkled with a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture, and then carefully rolled into a log. Sliced and baked until golden perfection, these warm, fluffy rolls are then topped with a generous amount of luscious homemade cream cheese icing. This recipe yields 12 large, incredibly satisfying cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Mel’s Cheesy Potatoes are a beloved classic side dish that our family simply adores. This comforting casserole features a rich, creamy, and cheesy potato base, generously topped with buttery crushed cornflakes. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, this dish offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, serving 10 to 12 people with ease.

Our Pumpkin Pecan Pie Brownies are a truly rich and decadent treat, perfect for the fall season. These fudgy brownies are swirled with moist, spiced pumpkin, offering a delightful seasonal twist. They are then crowned with a sticky-sweet pecan pie topping, adding a layer of irresistible crunch and flavor. This recipe yields 9 incredible squares, each one a perfect blend of autumnal indulgence.

This Creamy Tomato Parmesan Tortellini Soup is a remarkably simple, comforting, and flavorful one-pot meal. It features tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich broth of crushed tomatoes, infused with the savory depth of Parmesan cheese, vibrant fresh spinach, and aromatic basil. This wholesome soup is perfect for a cozy evening and generously serves 6 with hearty 1-1/2 cup portions.

Our Eggnog Cheesecake is the quintessential holiday dessert, bringing festive cheer to any celebration! It boasts a perfectly spiced nutmeg vanilla wafer cookie crust, which cradles a rich and decadent eggnog cheesecake filling. The masterpiece is then topped with a cloud of homemade eggnog whipped cream and dusted with a final sprinkle of fresh nutmeg, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. This show-stopping dessert proudly serves 12 to 16 people.

Jalapeño Popper Dip is a sensational baked appetizer that delivers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. This irresistible dip combines rich cream cheese, zesty jalapeño peppers, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese, all topped with a crispy jalapeño crumb mixture. Baked until wonderfully warm and golden, it’s best served with your favorite corn chips for scooping. This recipe is designed to serve 10, making it an ideal choice for game days or party spreads.

Home Sweet Home: Our 2021 Project Log

The spring and summer months of 2021 were particularly productive for Pat and me as we enthusiastically tackled a number of significant home renovation projects. Many of these endeavors were collaborative efforts, while others were undertaken individually, yet all shared a common goal: to refresh and enhance our living spaces. A primary motivation was to have many of these projects completed before Malloree’s graduation party the following summer, ensuring our home was perfectly prepared for the celebration. The satisfaction of transforming our surroundings, both inside and out, made these months incredibly rewarding.

The Office Transformation: A Space Reimagined

One of the most significant projects, and a long-standing aspiration of mine, was the complete remodel of my home office, which I finally undertook in early spring. Seizing the opportunity when Pat was away turkey hunting for three consecutive weekends, I meticulously planned and bravely embarked on this substantial transformation. As the “before” image clearly shows, my office was a bustling hub of activity, filled with an overflowing collection of blogging dishes and a jumble of mismatched office furniture. The first, and arguably most crucial, step was a thorough decluttering; I went through every single item in the room, making difficult but necessary decisions to either discard or donate to The Salvation Army. I am immensely grateful that Pat was able to assist with disassembling the old furniture upon his return, which was a definite necessity for the next phase of the remodel.

With the room completely cleared, I meticulously painted the walls and all the trim in a sophisticated shade called “Caviar,” a Sherwin Williams color that we had custom-matched to Valspar paint at Lowe’s, our preferred brand. Once the new furniture was delivered and assembled, I intentionally brought back only a select few of my favorite dishes, pots, and plants, ensuring the space remained clean and uncluttered. The vast majority of my blogging props and accessories now reside on impressive floor-to-ceiling shelving that Pat expertly built for me in a dedicated storage room in our basement, keeping my main workspace serene and focused.

An additional detail that took weeks but proved incredibly worthwhile was painting the French doors to perfectly match the newly painted walls, creating a seamless and cohesive look. Since these photographs were taken, I’ve had the pleasure of rearranging a few decorative elements and hanging some artwork. However, I’m still patiently searching for the perfect piece to adorn the wall behind my desk. Despite this small ongoing quest, I absolutely adore this cozy, revitalized space; it has become a true sanctuary for creativity and work.

Outdoor Upgrades: Shed, Driveway, and Garden

Pat had his own ambitious list of outdoor projects, notably the long-overdue update of our backyard shed. It had certainly seen better days, showing clear signs of wear and tear after years of serving its purpose.

With his characteristic determination, Pat re-shingled the roof, meticulously built sturdy new doors, and then, on what felt like the hottest day of summer (naturally!), we worked together to paint it, completely transforming its appearance and extending its lifespan.

Ensuring the shed was updated was a priority for Pat, as he wanted it complete before the installation of our new driveway – another project that was significantly overdue and would greatly enhance our home’s curb appeal.

The new driveway was a game-changer! We opted to have it widened considerably and extended all the way to the newly refreshed shed, finally saying goodbye to the old, uneven pavers. During the installation, we also had the foresight to run Finn’s invisible fence underneath the new surface, ensuring a clean aesthetic and practical solution for his outdoor safety. It’s now incredibly smooth and a pleasure to drive on, making a noticeable difference to our daily routine.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, I undertook my own significant outdoor project: tackling a particularly overgrown section of our flower beds. I pulled out what felt like a thousand tiger lilies from this single area – I truly regret not capturing a proper “before” shot, as this whole section had become a major eyesore.

Once the arduous weeding was complete, I made a joyful sprint to Bordine’s nursery, where I carefully selected an array of vibrant and colorful flowers to plant. Following this, Pat and I worked together to lay down an impressive 32 bags of mulch, creating a neat and polished look. As someone who historically disliked weeding, I’ve truly grown to love it. I’ve discovered that gardening, much like cooking, is not only immensely fun but also incredibly therapeutic, offering a peaceful escape and a tangible sense of accomplishment.

Family Adventures and Milestones

Haileigh’s Academic & Social Growth

Haileigh capped off her sophomore year of college with truly incredible grades, a testament to her dedication and intelligence. She then spent the entire summer working diligently as a cashier, gaining valuable experience, before embarking on an exciting new chapter: moving into her first apartment near campus. Her roommates, thankfully, are the same wonderful friends she shared her first two years with in the CMU dorms, ensuring a smooth and joyful transition. This fall, she took on a challenging academic load with 18 credits and proudly made the President’s List, further highlighting her outstanding commitment to her studies. Beyond her coursework, Haileigh also embraced a new clinical role as a writing coach for elementary students, visiting classrooms twice a week to assist young learners with their writing processes, strategies, and revisions, making a real impact on their early education.

When she wasn’t immersed in her classes or clinical work, Haileigh fully embraced the vibrant social life of college. She spent quality time with her roommates and neighbors, engaging in classic college activities like cheering at football games and attending lively parties. She is truly living her best life, balancing academic excellence with memorable social experiences.

Malloree’s Senior Year Journey

Malloree concluded her junior year with grace and transitioned into her final, pivotal year as a high school senior! With this exciting new phase came a bittersweet realization: the beginning of many “lasts.” For instance, she performed at her final high school football game, attended her last homecoming dance, and participated in her last parade with her beloved dance team. These moments were undoubtedly emotional, a mix of pride and poignant farewells. Looking ahead, Malloree has clear aspirations, planning to attend college to pursue her dream of becoming a dental hygienist, a path that we know she will excel in.

When she’s not immersed in her dance commitments or enjoying coffee with friends, Malloree cherishes quality time with her wonderful boyfriend, Caleb. I truly believe they have some of the most adventurous and thoughtful dates – from a breathtaking helicopter ride over Detroit to cheering on their favorite team at Michigan football games. Caleb even took Mal skiing for her very first time, creating an unforgettable experience! He also surprised her by showing up at her fall senior photoshoot, a sweet gesture that captured their inseparable bond. Their connection is truly something special to witness.

During the summer, Malloree, her sister, her best friend Kylee (whom I affectionately call “my daughter from another mother”), and I embarked on a memorable trip to the picturesque west side of the Michigan “mitten.” There, we met up with the talented Lauren of Lauren Elaine Photography, who captured some truly amazing senior photos. The remainder of our trip was a delightful blend of exploring local eateries, indulging in a bit of shopping, and witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the lake. It was truly the best girls’ trip, filled with laughter, cherished memories, and beautiful scenery.

When the girls were little, we made it a tradition to visit Lake Michigan every summer, creating countless cherished memories. So, on this trip, we decided to try and recreate a photo from those early days. Needless to say, while the recreation wasn’t an exact replica, the attempt itself brought us so much laughter and joy. It’s a sweet reminder of how much they’ve grown and the enduring bonds we share. ❤️

Finn: Our Beloved Four-Legged Family Member

I think it’s a universal truth among our family that Finn is, without a doubt, the brightest and most endlessly entertaining part of our lives. His presence brings a unique kind of joy that fills our home.

He truly is the sweetest boy, constantly making us laugh with his many silly faces and playful antics. Finn has such a distinct personality, absolutely adores playing fetch, and is, without question, the absolute best snuggler a family could ask for, always eager for a cuddle.

This summer, Finn underwent a minor procedure to have a rogue porcupine quill removed from his shoulder – an injury he had sustained the previous year. But true to his resilient spirit, this didn’t slow him down one bit. Just a month later, he was back in action, energetically running through fields and proudly putting up pheasants for Pat during their hunting trip in South Dakota, demonstrating his incredible recovery and unwavering zest for life.

Adventures with Friends: The Charlevoix Getaway

Undoubtedly, the highlight of our summer – and quite possibly our entire year – was a long, wonderfully relaxing weekend spent with our dear friends, Mike and Heidi, at their beautiful place near Charlevoix. We indulged in the most delicious food, engaged in spirited games of spaseball (yes, that’s spelled correctly and is as fun as it sounds! 😜), enjoyed refreshing drinks around a crackling fire every single night, and even had the magical experience of witnessing a meteor shower. On our second to last day, we embarked on a scenic hike, and despite Pat unfortunately stepping wrong and fracturing his ankle, the overall experience was still incredibly positive and filled with joy. That very evening, remarkably, he still managed to rally, join us for dinner, enjoy a stroll downtown Charlevoix, and even get some ice cream. What an incredibly resilient spirit!

Cherished Moments and Future Hopes

As I reflect on the entirety of the past year, I genuinely feel a profound sense of accomplishment, believing that we truly made the most of those 365 days. From engaging in lively plans and exciting adventures to cherishing the quiet, tender moments at home, Pat and I consciously strive to soak up and appreciate every special instant shared with our cherished friends and beloved family. It’s a continuous effort to be present and grateful for the rich tapestry of life we are building together.

With that heartfelt sentiment, from my family to you and yours, we extend our warmest wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2022. May the coming year bring you an abundance of peace, profound love, boundless joy, and endless laughter. Here’s to making new memories and embracing all the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead!

Want to Read My Past Year in Review Posts? Here Are the Last 11 Years:

2020: A Year in Review

2019: A Year in Review

2018: A Year in Review

2017: A Year in Review

2016: A Year in Review

2015: A Year in Review

2014: A Year in Review

2013: A Year in Review

2012: Bring It On 2013

2011: A Year in Review

2010: A Year in Review