If you woke up this morning on the floor, covered in confetti and silly string (trust me. It happens. No judgment. And if you need help cleaning it now that it has been stepped on and is indelibly stuck to your pretty new kitchen tiles or hardwood floors. My advice is to get a butter knife, get on your knees, and get scraping. Experience, it makes you wiser.) In someone else’s apartment. Or house. Or car. Or. Sidewalk.
And you have no idea who you are, what your name is, and where you parked your car. Then you most certainly have no idea what year it is.
So I shall tell you.
2011 baby YEAH. Said in my most Austin Powers-like voice.
Which also, not so coincidentally, means that it is the SECOND birthday of Eats Well With Others! Yes, it’s true. Two years ago today, my resolution was to start a blog. And I did. And it has grown into something so much more than I could have ever expected it to. Such that I am constantly amazed. Every day. That this is something I created.
In the past year, I have grown a lot as a chef and baker. I have started to create some of my own recipes, baked all my own bread, entered numerous recipe contests (and won a few thanks to all of YOU!), learned how to make my own pasta, and was even featured on the POM website! I was also offered some amazing opportunities, including being invited to attend a POM-sponsored dinner at 11 Madison Park and developing a great relationship with the wonderful folks over at Marxfoods!
When it all comes down to it, though, none of this would be possible without all of you. You guys are my inspiration. You are what keeps me coming back for more. So thank you for being there when I need you and for picking me up when I feel down. I have made so many amazing friends through the blogosphere and you all have made this experience so so precious.
So before I delve into my top 10 posts of 2010, it’s time for resolutions! So you already know about my resolution to regain my rock star body in 2011 but that’s a neurotic-Joanne resolution and not an Eats Well With Others resolution. Last year, my resolution was to bake all my own bread and not buy a single loaf…and I stuck to it! And I am happy to say that never again will another loaf of Pepperidge Farm or Arnold’s enter this house. Amen.
This year, since I want to really push myself creatively, my goal is to create at least two recipes each month. From scratch. From the depths of my imagination. Who knows what I have stored back there? I’m a little afraid. And excited. You should be too.
Alright, I hope you all have a fabulous New Year’s Day and here’s to a wonderful and delicious 2011!
Now. Onto the top 10!
These keftedes with Greek cinnamon-scented tomato sauce were the first recipe I made from Michael Symon’s Live to Cook. (And thus began my love affair with my bald. Adorable. Tragically and thoroughly imaginary husband.) Since then, I’ve served this tomato sauce quite a few times at quite a few venues and it’s always met with moans and sighs.
Tofu is always a semi-controversial dish but this braised tofu in caramel sauce that I made for Regional Recipes: VIETNAM will convert any non-tofu lovers. I’m sure of it. The sweet-and-salty sauce is so incredibly addictive that you won’t even realize you’re eating soy!
This zucchini-sausage pizza surprised me on a whole lot of levels because it is so simple. And yet, so fantastic. I will definitely be making it again once summer squash are back in season.
I love bread in just about any form, but these pretzel rolls were my favorite yeasted recipe from this year. They taste exactly like the pretzels you can get at the mall and in their next incarnation I am SO rolling them in cinnamon sugar. Heaven help me.
I am NOT a fan of raw summer squash and so the fact that I ate the ENTIRE batch of this zucchini crudo in one day is a testament to how delicious it is. Another winner from Live to Cook, I’m pretty sure I could eat this every day for at least a month and not tire of it. Maybe THAT should be my new diet plan…
This fig and ricotta pizza with a maple-balsamic reduction was one that I developed after eating something similar at Au Bon Pain. But you know, why pay for a dish that you can make even BETTER at home?
Oh these caramel macchiato cupcakes. They render me speechless. They were a part of my caffeine-infused Project Food Blog dinner party and were, by far, the best cupcakes that I made this year. And I made a LOT of cupcakes.
I am SO proud of this Thai winter squash and sweet potato pot pie because it is one of the first and most successful Eats Well With Others originals. And it’s delicious. Make it and warm your soul.
These pumpkin ravioli with sage and roasted hazelnuts were definitely some of the prettiest things I made this year. The filling is a non traditional pumpkin-balsamic vinegar-parmesan cheese mixture which pairs wonderful with the anisettes sprinkled on top and the browned butter sauce that they are drowning in. Glorious.
Last but not least, is this beef and beer chili, a recipe that every man, woman and child should know and love and cherish. And it has Guinness in it. So you already know it’s a winner.
Alright, go have a cup of coffee and nurse that hangover! I’ll be back on Monday with a delicious and nutritious recipe to kick off 2011’s return to health!
Happy new year Joanne! and congratulations on two years of blogging – no – of wonderful heartfelt delicious blogging! I have bookmarked many of your recipes and even made a botched attempt at your pumpkin pizza dough (the inspiration was yours but the fault was mine for not having enough of the ingredients) and I love seeing your top ten – look forward to many more wonderful posts this year!
what a great year filled with delicious food- I can’t wait to see what you come up with next! Happy New Year!
Congratulations on your blogiversary! I hope you had a nice New Year’s Eve:)
Happy 2 years to your blog:-) So glad I met you and found your blog this year!!
Happy New Year, Joanne! This is a great recap and it has been great knowing you through your blog in 2010!
Happy blogiversary, Joanne. Keep the great posts coming. I like your take on keftedes. Will have to try them!
Nisrine
Happy second blogiversary, Joanne! I’m so glad you’re in the blog world – I need my Joanne-fix often 🙂 I’m impressed by your goals, and I can’t WAIT for your new recipes, mmmmmm! I don’t know which of your top tens is my favorite, but I have to say that I’ve always loved your pretzel rolls.
Happy New Year, Joanne!
Happy New Year, Joanne. Nice to see you summarize the top-10. Will continue follow ur blog in 2011 to see more delicious food coming up next.
Yep, we pretty much started at the same time. And the rest is history.
I, however, am still afraid of yeast, and POM is now beating down my door. But who’s keeping score…
We played Wii with friends for New Year’s Eve and were in bed by 10. I know. We’re wild and crazy over here. Happy New Year, J! Let’s rock this food thing!
POM is NOT beating down my door. Sticky fingers, there…
Happy New Year and Happy Second Blogiversary!!! It’s been so wonderful getting to know you this past year (thanks to some morels) and I hope I get to meet you in 2011!
Happy New Year, Joanne! As successful as 2010 was for you, I wish you more in 2011. You have set some lofty goals and I am sure you will be able to meet them all. I can’t wait to see what you make!!
Happy Anniversary and Happy New Year Joanne! I am so impressed that you make all your own bread – my Mom and I have been discussing just this very thing all week as we churned out loaf after loaf of bread with the bread machine. I’m inspired to do the same! Have another great year, sweetie! xoxo
Happy New Year Joanne!!
I have no doubt that you will amaze us all with your recipe creations in the next year – and of course your rock star bod
Love reading all the recaps of 2010 and seeing all the recipes that were so delicious looking, one of my resolutions is make more stuff I read on blogs.
2011 is gonna be amazing!!
If only I could have woken up in a stupor with unknown possibilities of my circumstances, but alas my night was filled with board games and morning with shooing my husband’s elbow out of my face and trying to figure out how to eat healthy when I see cookies & cupcakes every day!!
Happy New Year! Loved these recipes & more, congrats on all of the achievements last year!
Happy, happy, happy–new year, blogaiversary and good luck on that clean up! I’m looking forward to all your recipes and wit this year.
Happy 1/1/11!!!!!
Best,
Bonnie
Happy New Year. All of it looks mouth watering and delicious. You have a way with food girl!
Happy blogaversary !! Love your reoundup of meals…especially the Guinness. Just amade beef and Guinness pie recently…can’t go wrogn with that stuff!
I am committted to a healthier yaer of eating for me and my family. Will be visiting you often.
I so have to check out that winter vegetable sweet potato pot pie! That looks amazing! So do the summer squash recipes! Aw heck, they all look amazing. Thank you for all your breathtaking photos that cause me to drool just a bit each day! 🙂
Happy New Year, Joanne. I’m really looking forward to what you’ll conjure up for us this coming year. I love to visit here for the banter and the food. I hope you and your blog will be with us for years to come. I also hope the new year brings you all measure of good things. Blessings…Mary
Happy 2nd Anniversary of your blog and Happy New Year. I have thoroughly enjoyed following your blog this past year and look forward to seeing what you cook up in the new one.
Happy New Year & Blog Anniversary Sweetie..I love reading your posts for a hearty laugh.Keep the recipes coming!Take care!
hooray for two years of fantastic blogging! have a wonderful day, my dear! SO happy to have “met” you this year 🙂
xo Alison
Happy 2nd Anniversary. You have the most amazing blog!!! I just started being a faithful follower a few months ago. Thanks for the Top 10 so I can catch up on some I missed.
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy blogaversary Joanne ! The past years were so much fun browsing and enjoying your stories and recipes.
Happy Blogiversary, Joanne! Love coming here to read funny, whacky you!
I can’t believe I haven’t discovered your blog until just now! You have so many creative and unique recipes. I think I like the caramel machiato cupcakes the best! Have a happy new year!
I almost just typed my email password into where it says “URL” to fill out the comment box. Fail. It’s a good thing the only time I’m really out past 2 am is on New Years Eve.
Happy New Year!! Can’t wait to see what awesome recipes you dive into this year. I am really glad we have connected through our blogs. I enjoy your posts and comments 🙂
Well Joannne I have looked forward to your culinary journey through 2010 and the promise of all that inspires me from your kitchen in 2011.Happy New Year!!!
happy 2 years!!!!! mine is coming up too 🙂 we should have a 2 year party involving rainbow cookies and men 🙂 haha let’s do it! love you girl and have a happy new year!
Congrats Joanne! Two years is a big deal. What a wonderful year you have had (and delicious). I can’t wait to read about the year ahead with you.
Joanne, Happy Blogiversary and Happy New Year also! Looking forward to another year of your great dishes!
Rock star body is kind of vague….I mean have you seen some of those aging rockers on Celebrity Fit Club? lol
Happy New Years AND Happy Blogivesary! (my two year anniversary is tomorrow! You beat me by one day.)
Happy New year!! And I’m so trying that caramel tofu. It looks amazing.
mmmm, thanks for the reminders! I definitely had a bunch of these bookmarked already and I am pretty sure that chili will be getting made very soon!
Awesome spread. happy new and happy blog anniversary to you. Wishing you and family a happy and prosperous new year. Looking forwards more delicious recipe from you.
happy birthday to your wonderful blog, your a star in the food blogging community and happy new year
Rebecca
Happy new year and blogiversary. Congrats on a delicious year.
Really excited about your 2011 resolution! Definitely know you’ll come up with some amazing dishes! Happy New Year!
such a great idea to make two new original dishes per month. it is something i am trying to do more too. 🙂 love your top ten posts! i missed tons of good stuff since ive started following, i will have to go back and check out lots of these recipes! hny!!!
Happy Blogiversary! And New Year 🙂 2010 was the year I discovered and fell in love with your blog! Can’t wait to see what amazingness you come up with in 2011!
Sues
daaamn joanne, this has been a delicious year. wanna cook for me, since you’re like my kitchen hero and stuff. i’ll play a soundtrack of only beatles hits. deal?
Happy blogiversary and happy new year to you. I’ve loved reading your blog over this last year and “getting to know you” at little. Out of the many stunning creations that you come up with on an almost daily basis, how you ever managed to choose a “top ten” is beyond me, but everyone of these is undoubtedly a winner. Actually I already had several of these bookmarked to try, so thanks for prompting me to give them a whirl. Looking forward to lots more from you in 2011 🙂
Sue xo
I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging 2 years and you’re so good at it!
happy new year and blog anniversary!!! What a way to end the year-with a bang! cant wait for more great things from u joanne!
Hooray to you on your 2nd blogiversary! Isn’t it amazing how much you can learn about food in 2 years? I’ve been thinking about resolutions for my blog as well and I love your idea to create 2 original recipes each month. I’m looking forward to them.
You have some yummy recipes in this roundup and I can’t say I’m surprised to see some of Symon’s included. I ran out of time to recap my top ten, but Symon’s recipes would have probably dominated the list.
Happy New Year!
Everything looks fantastic and Happy Anniversary to you 🙂 Wishing you a very amazing 2011!
You are awesome girl. And, a rock star body is not all it’s cracked (ha ha)up to be. Sam Choy has an apron for sale in the entry at his restaurants, that reads “Never trust a skinny chef.” Go for that 2 original recipes goal.
Happy Anniversary! (and New Year!!)
Joanne, happy blog anniversary and happy new year! What a great collection of great recipes you have hear. I could spend a year checking out them all, and love every minute of it! You always have great stories to go with it! Looking forward to many more!
Happy New Year. I’m so pleased to have discovered your blog. I LOVE the recipes but especially the photos. You are an inspiration!
mmmm, i remember all of these, delicious! HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! that’s so great, i’m glad you started a blog!
Happy Two Years, Sweetie! I’ve been with you every step of the way, and it’s been fun!
Happy New Year and Happy 2nd Anniversary, sweetie! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for Eats Well With Others, and I’m definitely excited to see your new recipes. Love the round-up, especially the pretzel rolls…mmm, I remember salivating over those before! 🙂
Happy New Year!! I think my favorite post was the caramel macchiato cupcakes, oh Heaven! We will definitely hang out more this year. That should be our resolution for 2011!! Talk soon, xo
Happy happy new year and blog birthday! For she’s a jolly good fellow!
Happy 2011, Joanne! I am very happy to have met you through the blogosphere. I can’t wait to try out some of your recipes–especially your zucchini-infused ones. I love me some zucchini for sure. And now I’m nostalgic for the summer.
And happy blogiversary! That’s a pretty nice milestone to have.
Happy blogiversary, happy new year! and cheers to more good food!
Congrats !!wow two years that’s amazing, I am sure you will wow us with your new creations!!
sweetlife
great list,
Happiest of New Year’s, dear Joanne! What joy you bring into my life each day with your posts that make me laugh out loud. 🙂 Thank you for being you, for taking time every day to share your life with so many. 🙂 Big hug!!
Happy Blogiversary Joanne. My New Year’s resolutions are all food related too. I do believe you’ve inspired me to add “create two new recipes a month” . Like it. You take wonderful photos Joanne. Happy New Year
Looks like you’ve had a great year and much to our benefit! 🙂 Love all your recipes and appreciate this recap for the things I missed throughout the year. Happy 2011!
Happy second anniversary Joanne. Your blog is full of joy, humor and great food. I am very happy to have met you and be part of your blog followers . I always enjoy your good stories and beautiful meals you make. I wish you to continue like this during 2011 and also to find yourself your Price of Charm.
What a gorgeous array of recipes! I bookmarked all the ones I wanted to try and there were at least four. (I’m still thinking about those cupcakes.) Happy anniversary!
2 years???? Happy blogversary to you! Can you believe how fast the time flies??? Congrats on the milestone and keep ’em coming… love your recipes and your wry humor and wonderful writing!!!
Happy New Year, Joanne ~ Love the top 10 list ~ Lookinf forward to following your blog in 2011 and seeing all your new recipes!
Happy new year! And blogiversary. Great roundup!
Your blog continues to inspire me and I love hearing your stories – here’s to a great 2011!!
Happy anniversary and continued joy and success in the kitchen and blogging!
Is it possible that a woman as young as you can be the idol of a woman as old as me? Yes, Joanne, you’re a rock star. Happy New Year and Happy 2nd Anniversary! Enjoy. I see big things in your future.
Happy 2 Year Anniversary Joanne!!
Buon Anno!!
Happy 2nd Blogoversary!! I’ve so enjoyed reading your posts, and learning more about your love affair with Michael Symon. You really need to write him and inform him of your blog– he would LOVE IT. I love your top 10, esp the cinnamon-scented sauce and the cupcakes 🙂 Keep it up, girl!!
That’s quite the lineup! Every one looks amazing!
Happy Blogoversary!
Happy Anniversary Joanne, so glad you’re in the (blog)world!
Happy Anniversary!! It’s been such a fun year; I’ve enjoyed all your new creative recipes!
Happy two years anniversary (can’t believe it has only been two years!)
Awesome! Happy 2 years! I LOVE that you never buy bread, that’s is so great and something I amgoing to try and cut back on this year using you as my inspiration! Thanks my dear XOXO
Congratulations on your 2nd blogversarry 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful 2011 🙂
Congratulations and wish you and your Blog a long and happy presence in the culinary world.. What a lovely array of wonderful dishes.
Have a great n prosperous 2011!!
US Masala
Sounds like a great resolution to me…and one you’ll be able to keep!! Happy New year and happy blogoversary 🙂
Happy new Year my dear blogging friend!
9 out of 10 of these dishes look amazing (stop the tofu insanity), but drop that chili off any day!
It is always such a treat to read your blog. Not just the amazing food and photos, but you really know how to spin a tail.
As always, looking forward to 2011 with you
Dave
Happy Blogiversary! Good luck with your resolution… I’m sure you’ll create some amazing recipes. Happy 2012!
Happy New Year, Joanne! And happy blog-day!
Happy Bloggiversary to you!!!! I can not wait to see what you cook up this year girlfriend! Your top pics of 2010 are all good choices but if I had to pick one it would be the pumpkin ravioli. When I saw that one it immediately went on my recipe bucket list. I can’t wait to make those and maybe I’ll eat em all myself.
Happy Blogiversary! I hate raw zucchini too … so I may need to look into that recipe.
what a delicious year! happy new year 🙂 and i just picked up some tofu, so i’m off to revist that recipe 🙂
Happy New Year and Happy Blogiversary!! I can’t wait for more of your original recipes 🙂
Those cupcakes look to die for!! Happy new year to you and yours from Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Happy 2 years, Joanne, and here’s for many more! I look forward to your original creations, while I stumble over to your archives to try out your favourites. 🙂
Happy 2 years of blogging and here’s to many more delicious posts Joanne!
Happy New Year…and happy blog birthday! I’m so glad that I found you and your wonderful blog this year. You always amaze me with your creativity, your humor and your kindness. I can’t wait to see the recipes you come up with this year. What a great challenge! I hope you had a lovely weekend. Please have a happy and joyous week!
you’ve done good, joanne. more than good–you’ve done extraordinary. keep it up–your words amuse me and your food hungers me, and i appreciate that!
So glad I met you this year! AND this is a very impressive top ten! I wish you pumpkin pizza was on here..but I guess limiting to 10 is hard
Happy New Year to you, gorgeous one.
Happy second blogoversary, Joanne!! You are one of the most prolific bloggers I know. And your food is fabulous, fun and creative. So impressive.
I can’t wait to see what you invent in the new year.
Happy Anniversary!
Wow, those are some fabulous dishes. I am so very hungry now..
I clicked through to your blog from Amy’s comments on her top 10 post and I’ve been tooling around and laughing my ass off ever since. Here’s to a new year of new recipes to drool over and new followers!
Congrats on 2 years! I’m super excited about your resolution to create 2 original recipes every month. I’m sure you will surpass even your own wildest dreams. =) I’m also wildly in love with the looks of that cinnamon-scented tomato sauce. I sense a menu plan for next week shaping up . . .
Happy Blogiversary! You didn’t buy ONE loaf of bread? I’m impressed 🙂 That pretzel bread sounds good, I’m going to take a look at the recipe. Happy New Year, Joanne!
Happy Blogiversary! And thanks for your wonderful recipes and constant inspiration! Looking forward to much more in the new year!
what a great thing you’ve got going on thurrrr. as i read this i’m thinking about how much i can’t wait to crack into the chocolate bar in my freezer hahaha whoopsies!
Great post, and congrats on two tears of blogging! Can’t wait to read more in 2011 🙂
Happy Blog anniversary to you!!!
Happy anniversary to you and your fabulous blog! 😉
103 comments!!! WHOO HOO to you!!! The pumpkin ravioli won my heart! Beautiful pic and happy anniversary. Blogs are like that, aren’t they. YOo start one and pretty soon it is leading you!
Happy Happy 2011.
🙂
valerie
Jo , ur 2010 has rocked , but i believe ur best days are yet to come, this will be the best year of ur life , and the next better:-)
Oh for me all ur posts were fantastic , u jus get better , but these sure do rock!
U not only chose the best of the best , but make it even better !
Ur already extremely creative so can imagine what we can look totally forward to this year!
Oh , ur fantastic, not one loaf of bread whole year?Whoaaaa, well i sure first went on about how difficult it is to find the yeast ,and then when i have some very good yeast im barely making bread the way i should:-)
Thannxx for the pingsss:-)
And a brite Sunshine year to u again with lods and lods of hugs ,love and kisses:-)
Happy Blogiversary and Happy New Year Joanne! You’ve done an amazing job with the blog. Everything looks so tasty and delicious!
You’re making me hungry. Good thing I am t – 15 minutes away from my zone bar action (and the gym.)
You know I’m a huge fan, and I can’t wait to see what your creative palette comes up with.
Very behind on reading posts with travel this week but Happy Blogiversary!
🙂 Here’s to many more years.
I love your round up–it is making my mouth water–you cooked some truly amazing dishes this year!
Happy blog birthday and happy new year!! I will take a serving of each of those dishes – they all look so good!!!