My Favorites from 2013

Life is made up of moments – good, bad, and everything in between. My year was filled with all kinds of these moments, as I’m sure yours was. I have been known to spend this time of year filled with regret at things I didn’t do or accomplish, something that is especially true when it comes to my blog.

This year, though, that feeling was only a fleeting one. It was sneaking up on me, but then something happened. I made this 15 second video (using the Flipagram app) and realized just how many awesome things happened in 2013, both here on the blog and in my life. Seeing those moments flash by, well, I couldn’t feel anything but joy.

Just for fun, here are some of my favorite moments from 2013, in somewhat chronological order:

I made this chocolate cake with coffee buttercream for one of my best friends, right before her twin boys were born.

Surprised one of my best friends on her 30th birthday. We made these baked ranchero eggs together.

Celebrated Clara’s first birthday with a super fun party.

Things got personal in this post, and it meant (and still means) so much to me to be encouraged by all of you. When I start to feel down about my blog, I go back to this post and remind myself of how I felt when I wrote it.

I made these chocolate toffee crunch cupcakes, and they were my favorite cupcakes this year.

We attended Big Summer Potluck and got to see some of our favorite people. We gave our office a huge makeover and started an unplanned kitchen renovation (which I promise I’ll share more of very soon). We also made some killer recipes in 2013, and I can’t let this post end without sharing a few of our favorites with you.

White Pizza with Chicken and Herbs – This was my favorite pizza from this year, and quite possibly ever. On the same note, this homemade pizza dough is a staple in our house.

Chipotle Cheddar Biscuits with Honey Butter – These biscuits are a fun change from normal ones. With lots of smoky heat and a generous smear of honey butter, these biscuits are at the top of my list of favorite breakfast foods.

Southwest Pasta with Poblano Cream Sauce – This recipe spent years in my head before it finally became a successful reality. We make quite a bit of pasta, and this one is the best recipe I’ve ever created.

Cold Brew Coffee – I had to include this one since Eric and I basically live off of this stuff, even in the winter. You can open our fridge at almost any time and see a pitcher of this in there.

Pistachio Ice Cream with Chocolate Shavings – This is, hands down, the best ice cream I’ve ever made, and that’s saying a lot considering ice cream is my favorite dessert. If you decide to make only one thing from this list, it should be this. Really.

Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas – In a house where recipes rarely get repeated, you should know that we made this recipe at least five times in the span of a couple months. It’s incredibly versatile, simple and tasty.

Looking at this list, I’d say 2013 was a pretty fantastic year. I’m excited for what 2014 holds for me and for this blog. I’m so thankful for all of you – for reading, for motivating me, for opening up your kitchens to me, for sharing your love of food. I feel like we’re on a journey together, and it’s nice to have all of you with me. Thanks for tagging along.