11 Highlights from 2011

Au revoir 2011!

This has certainly been an eventful year for us – my sister got married, had a gorgeous baby boy, and we are going to have a baby of our own next year! As I sit writing this currently sipping tea in Vienna fantasizing about what pastry delicacy I am going to enjoy today (or maybe just a steaming luscious hot chocolate  and whipped cream?), it’s pretty cool to reflect on how fortunate I have been in 2011.   I’ve been able to travel a bit this year and see some amazing sights – Germany, Spain, France,  Italy and the Alps of Switzerland!

I’ve met some amazing people this year, some of whom I’ve only recently gotten the pleasure to know, and others who I feel like I’ve known forever and finally was able to meet in person.  The Gluten Free Ratio Rally started this year as well, and each month continues to inspire me at the amazing talent in the blogosphere as well as the potential for fabulous gluten free recipes.  I’ve become ever more passionate with photography, and hope that continues to grow as well.

This blog has seen some changes, some evolution, and also some new features.  I have kept a running list of Food Blog Conferences and Events for well over a year now- which I keep as consistently updated as I can.  If you have information of conferences, tutorials, workshops, etc. related to food and/or food photography, please let me know to help keep this as complete and up to date as possible.  I also have a static page linking to various Photography Tips and Tutorials that I have come across on the interwebs, as well as my own blogging series which I have titled Amateur’s Food Photography – for tips and tricks that I, the amateur, have learned over my time ever fascinated with food photography.

But enough about ramblings of my life and blog this  year, let’s look at some food! Below are my eleven favorite posts and recipes from 2011, in no particular order – Hope you have also had a great year, and wish you all the best for 2012

Mountaintop Rösti with Ham, Potatoes and Fried Egg

This naturally gluten free dish was inspired by our trip to Zermatt to see the Matthorn, where we sat at 3100m elevation enjoying rösti, one of the most popular foods in Switzerland – comfort food at its finest, best after hiking or skiing outside on a chilly breezy day.

Buttered Apricots and Goat Cheese

This isn’t much of a recipe exactly, but it sure was tasty – we had apricots up to our noses last Summer, and one of my favorite ways to prepare them was very simply with some butter and melted cheese. Also works well with apples, pears, peaches, plums… um yeah just about anything.

Plate to Page Workshop

Plate to Page was a lovely 3 day weekend in Germany where I met some of the most amazing people and had the time of my life cooking, photographing, and writing.  Definitely a weekend and friends I will never forget!

Basler Brunsli Cookies

I made these for Christmas, and while not very hard to convert to gluten free, were so enjoyable I may try to make them at other times during the year as well – Christmas in July party, perhaps?

Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi with Truffled Pesto

This was one of my first successful gluten free conversions by simply replacing regular flour with gluten free, but doing all the substitutions by weight. I was so excited to finally be able to make gnocchi well!

GF Tagliatelle with Smoked Salmon

Pasta is one of my favorite things make gluten free – it just takes a little practice, but opens up such a great variety of options – not to mention there is possibly nothing more satisfying than fresh made pasta.

Watermelon and Fennel Salad

Until this dish, I had never thought to make anything with watermelon before, I’d always just cut it up and eat it plain. Now, I know I will be seeking out new and fun recipes when they come into season again next year!

Ratio Rally – Mini Doughnut Cakes

I had to get a little inventive with this challenge, but I often find that’s what makes gluten free baking the most fun.

Herbed Tabbouleh for We Feed Back

At Plate to Page I met the lovely Ishay who organized a virtual dinner by bloggers to help raise awareness and contribute to the World Food Program, We Feed Back. I loved this tabbouleh recipe by Anissa Helou, with such a large contribution of herbs it is sure to be light and fresh.

Four Hour French Onion Soup

For remembering that not everything has to be “fast”, and that sometimes cooking for a long time brings out the best flavors.

Vegetarian Southwest Chickpea Salad

I loved this salad for being easy, cheap, flavorful, and naturally gluten free – enjoyed it many times since posting this

And I think that’s it – hope everyone had a great holiday season, and wonderful year, and looking forwarding to what 2012 will bring