It is now the year 2011. I’m once again having to correct myself, erasing the 0 and replacing it with a 1 each time I write the date, which I suppose is to be expected. As people of the modern world, it’s a small but noticeable change in our daily habits, causing us to pause briefly and remember that time is passing; maybe also nudging us into a momentary state of reflection. I often wonder how many January assignments I’ve turned in with the wrong date on them, and I laugh. I wish there was a way to keep track of that.
This week, I’ve passed some of the time baking and cooking and most of the time eating delicious food, which really isn’t unusual, however I’ve noticed a slight change in my pace. Just as with the week leading up to Christmas, the week leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with parties, gatherings and lavish meals. What changes is my relative level of busyness. I’m not spending hours in various shops, I’m not trying to produce batches upon batches of cookies to tie with a bow and give away, and I’m not dividing my time as much between friends and visiting relatives. I’m moving more slowly, enjoying each moment, relaxing more. If you ask me, the week after Christmas is the perfect time to have a casual party or embark on a low-key trip.
I do have a new recipe I’ve been wanting to share with you, a delicious cake that I brought with me to one of these after-Christmas parties, however it needs a few more tweaks before I’m comfortable posting it here. Until then, I thought it would be fitting to spend some time in reflection. As I’m sure it has been for most of you, 2010 was incredibly busy, challenging, and educating for me. What follows is a collection of my favorite recipes, photos, and moments from the past year, summarizing the changes I have been through and the things I’ve learned along the way. I hope you enjoy it!
January, one year ago: I came across an opportunity that seemed way too good to be true, but wholeheartedly went for it anyway. I landed a dream internship in the city and became even more immersed in the wonderful world of food, writing, and social media. Everything I hoped it would be and more, I am still in disbelief. In March, The Chocolate Fig was born and my journey here thus began. Read my very first entry here.
In April, I had tons of fun experimenting with different ingredients. The recipe for the above bundt cake, using Baileys Irish Cream, can be found here. I also tried baking with tea, to much success. See my account of it here.
August: The beginning of my most challenging college semester to date. My schedule was packed, I was struggling with time management and feeling quite overwhelmed. Because of this, many of the recipes I shared here were quick breads, muffins and other speedy breakfast ideas. One of my favorites, in particular, can be found here. Also in August, before the rush set in, I ate quite a few luscious salads, made my own almond milk, and had a mild obsession with apples.
In September, Project Food Blog (hosted by Foodbuzz) began and I was faced with the extremely challenging task of balancing schoolwork, part-time jobs, family and completing one contest entry each week. Needless to say, the experience was wonderfully fulfilling. I tried catfish for the first time and cooked an authentic Egyptian meal. My favorite challenge was the Luxury Dinner Party. You can find the entry here.
November: Thanksgiving meant not that I stuck with the tried-and-trues. Rather, I risked the fulness of our spread with new and interesting additions. Luckily, our meal was every bit as decadent as it should be.
Finally, in December, my first food article was published in our local newspaper, I celebrated an important milestone, and The Chocolate Fig got a little makeover.
And now it is an early day in January, time to begin it all again. I could never have guessed what the past year would bring me, just as I have no idea what 2011 has in store. I am optimistic and excited. I am so grateful for so much in my life, but through this blog in particular, I have grown as a person, a writer and a cook. I am also able to record and look back on many of the most memorable moments in my life. It's been a special year. To my friends and family, thanks for reading. To the wonderfully talented individuals I’ve cyber-met through this little endeavor, thank you for the endless inspiration.
Here’s to a nourished year ahead!