A brief overview of 2011 here on Food for My Family, as well as a look forward into what 2012 has in store for us.
As we head into the New Year, I thought I’d take a moment to look back on 2011. I’m always introspective at the start of a new year. I view January, with its blanket of snow and cold temperatures that cleanse and render the world immobile, like a blank canvas waiting for the artist to create a new world from raw materials. I’m excited to see what this year has in store for me as I make my way into previously uncharted waters and this space here transforms and melds as we go.
So, here are a few of the most popular posts from last year as I consider what color I’ll use for the base of the 2012 artwork that is yet to be. Welcome, 2012. It’s nice to see you.
It’s been quite the year. I wrote a cookbook (due out this spring from Harvard Common Press, so you’re bound to hear more about it in a few months), which kind of set the tone for the last half of the year, occupying my brain and my every waking moment for a while.
In March we talked crêpes and my lack of world traveling. The crêpes, however, stole the show. I can make them with or without the “proper” pan, and they’re worth the effort, every time.
We also welcome in a new addition to my friend Amanda‘s family. Baby Eddie was showered virtually from afar, and these macarons were my contribution to the showering.
Magnus got in on the action. He knows how it feels to be the youngest man in a family of four, so he wanted to make sure Eddie had some basic survival skills in place.
The summer saw the kids enjoying plenty of sunshine, fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden and a bit of watermelon sorbet for dessert, too.
While I’d like to think you’re all crazy for my salsa, I have a feeling this post did well based on the story more than anything else. Thank you all so much for your care and concern as we find a new normal with Kjell. It’s been such a blessing to us.
Finally, a pear pie I made for my husband wraps up some of the most popular posts for the year. This one was close to my heart, and I’m glad you all loved it as well.
I’m looking forward to what changes 2012 has in store for us. I’m planning on a few more interactive posts with the kids, plenty of recipes, the continuation of the Eat Well, Spend Less series and food. Of course there will be food.
Thank you all so much for continuing to read and be supportive here in my little corner of the internet. Without you, this is just a glorified journal of my experience with food. With you, it’s a community of people I couldn’t be happier to be associated with.
Here’s to a fantastic 2012. May it bring you continued happiness and joy.
What a fantastic wrap up……..2012 is going to be an incredible year for you Shaina! I just know it!!
Happy New year friend!! xoxoxoxoxo
Beautiful. Happy New Year – I so look forward to see you soon and often in 2012!
Beautiful and heartfelt. Looking forward to spending time with you guys this year
awesome wrap up. Always look forward to your posts!
I’m looking forward to the new year too, and hope to be able to see you again and spend some quality time visiting. I still owe you dinner. xoxoxo
I love this round up..so many beautiful and creative things!! I absolutely CANNOT WAIT for your cookbook…it will be full of fun and cuteness and I’m going to love it!!
I hope this year will include a visit..I’d love to see you again!! Happy 2012 Shaina!!
Happy New Year, Shaina!! I can’t wait to see your book!
The cookies the little kid holds is just great.
Which type of cookies are they, + Happy new year.
They are macarons, Aviran. There is a link just under the photo to the recipe. 🙂
All the best for 2012, Shaina. I can’t wait to see what this space holds in the new year!
Just discovering your blog and it sounds like just in time. 🙂 Looking forward to trying out some of these delicious recipes!
Glad to have you here! Thanks for visiting.
I loved this wrap up post, Shaina! How cool that you are publishing a cookbook! Looking forward to reading it and more of your eloquent posts in 2012.
What a beautifully written post Shaina – you have a lovely way of expressing yourself through your blog. May 2012 bring much success with your cookbook and health and well being for your family.
I continue to be wowed by your pie crimping skills and the watermelon sorbet slices was one of my favorite posts of yours this past year.
Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy 2012 and much success with your new cookbook. Lookign forward to visiting your blogs.
Feel blessed to have been a part o your year… and am SO excited for you in 2012!! You are sensational and going to take the cookbook world by storm!!!
Hi Shaina! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your blog and all your recipes this year. Hope 2012 is a wonderful year for you and your family. Thanks for sharing slices of your life with us. I will be recommending your cookbook to everyone! Blessings!
Happy new year to you and the family – I’m so glad we got to know each other in 2011 and I’m really looking forward to “hanging out” together online this year!
Happy New Year, Shaina!!!
Happy new year to you and your family!!! Looking forward to see more great recipe this year..Thanks for sharing with us..
Your pie crust crimping was a favourite of mine! Happy 2012, Shaina!
🙂
Valerie
I look forward to much more from you in 2012!
What a great year! congrats on your book! Happy NY! we hope to see you in 2012!
What a beautiful wrap up! Those crepes look delicious, I will have to add them to my 2012 “to try” list!
LOVE all of the wonderful food photography, and all of your beautiful recipes. Hope you had a lovely new years and that next year is even better 🙂
All the best to you and your lovely family my sweet friend! May it be full of promise, joy, adventure and especially loved ones.
Love this post, Shaina! I can’t wait to get my hands on your book! Happy New Year to you and yours!
What a year! I’m so excited for your cookbook and all the other wonderful things you’re going to bring in 2012!
2012 is going to be an incredible year for you! Excited to be along on your journey!
YAY for 2012! I still remember that watermelon sorbet post–what a revelation. Here’s to a year of fresh start and much memory making. 🙂
Such sweetness! Happy New Year!
Such a lovely year in food & family! I’m looking forward to 2012 – and your BOOK! Yay!
Mmm. What a delicious year! May 2012 bring you all good things. Also, congratulations on your cookbook — can’t wait to check it out.
Lovely stuff. Congratulations on your new book!
-Paulette 🙂
First time here! Beautiful photos…I look forward to seeing more in 2012!
A big congrats on your new book…Beautiful photos more post this year..Looking forward to buy this book..
I really appreciate you new cook book..Thank you for sharing beautiful photos..Looking forward to see more on you this year 2012..