Hi guys! Goodness gracious, I've missed you! It feels like AGES since I last posted (and it has been!). Life dealt me a few twists and turns during the past week, so I had to put blogging on the back burner for awhile.
But I'm back, and ready to share an extra special post with you!
Why is it so special?
For three reasons:
Reason 1: This is my 100th post! Woo!!
It truly has been a truly incredible journey getting here — from what started as a challenging goal to find a healthy balance between food and fitness 11 months ago, to what it is now, 100 posts later, an evolving collection of favorite foodie finds, photographs and everyday-life stories . Starting this blog is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Most importantly: I am SO grateful for all you, for encouraging me along the way, for inspiring me to be the healthiest person I can be, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. There's NO way I'd be where I am today without you! <3
In lieu of this mini milestone, I'd like to share a few things I've learned from blogging:
1. When in doubt, always throw several extra containers of peanut butter (or any nut butter for that matter) into your grocery cart. I've gone through more peanut butter this past year than I thought physically possible! :-p
2. There is a point at which I get tired of baking. It takes awhile, but last week I think I hit it (see below.)
3. Real friends will not think it's strange when they show up for dinner and you spend 5-10 minutes photographing a plate of food before taking a bite. (and insisting that they allow you to photograph their food as well)
4. I really need to learn to make half recipes of things, especially cookies. When 48 cookies are sitting on a kitchen counter that only two people use, things can get a little out of control.
Flourless peanut butter cookie alert!
5. When in doubt, be as open and honest as possible. Vulnerability is scary, but putting "yourself out there" gives others an opportunity to lend a hand. (thank you!)
Reason #2 this post is special: Last Tuesday our world lost an incredible lady--a woman who is the source of my passion for cooking and all things culinary.
In other words, she was, in a way, the reason this blog exists. This post, my 100th post, is dedicated to her.
Gramma was a renowned cook--famous in Berkeley, CA for the beautiful dinner parties she'd throw and for her warm hospitality. Anyone was welcome to stop in anytime; she was always prepared with coffee, tea (accompanied by sugar cubes, of course...I used to eat them plain!) and a choice of at least three types of cookies.:-)
But she was so much more than a hospitable housewife. She was humble but headstrong, gracious but gregarious, cheerful and charitable. She was a feisty sports fan, and attended every Cal (Berkeley) football and basketball game well into her late 80s (she liked to yell at the refs!).
She was, simply put, pretty fantastic.
When I found out Gramma had passed last Tuesday, at the age of 91, I did the only thing I could imagine doing: I baked.
Baking is therapy.
I baked not just anything, but three of my favorite "Gramma recipes."
Fudge Pie
SUPER moist, super delicious.
Pecan Kisses
pecans + meringue = fluffy sugar heaven
Sampling the meringue batter mmmhmm
Heath Crunch Cake
I baked all afternoon and all night...
And after hours of measuring, mixing and tasting and tons of tears, a smile re-emerged on my face.
Gramma, I'm going to miss you tremendously, but knowing that your legacy lives on through me, gives me comfort and tremendous joy. <3
And finally...
Reason # 3 this post is special: GIVEAWAY! <---Because YOU all are special!
As a way of celebrating my 100th post, and saying thank you to you, my readers, I'm giving away a few of my favorite foodie items.
In the stash:
1 box of 479 Degrees Organic White Cheddar + Black Truffle Popcorn (the best popcorn ever)
2 chickling salt n' pepper shakers (how cute will these look on an a spring table?!)
Dunkin Donuts Strawberry Shortcake coffee (I first saw this on Katie's blog! She's right--SO good!)
Zing bars (Chocolate Coconut and Peanut Butter Chocolate)
Luna Bars (my very favorite flavor: White Chocolate Macadamia)
Larabars (my two faves: Peanut Butter Cookie and Coconut Cream Pie)
Newman's Own Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey's Coconut Creme Kisses
Archer Farms strawberry slices (freeze dried--so good on Greek yogurt!)
Scott's Loaded Granola Bar (Berry Flavor)
Archer Farms Cinnamon Vanilla Nut coffee
These are all products I LOVE, and I'm excited to share them with you!!
***To enter, please leave a comment telling me about your favorite family recipe (even better if it comes from your grandma!).***
Additional entries:
1. Follow me on Twitter! (and leave a comment)
2. Add me to your blogroll! (and leave a comment)
This giveaway is open to ALL READERS (US, Canada, UK...the entire world)! :-)
Good luck!!
p.s. I have another giveaway coming soon, so be on the lookout!
p.p.s. I'll be answering your "ask me anything" questions VERY soon!
HUGS!!
