When I started this blog at the end of 2007, I wasn’t a cook or a baker. In fact, I remember calling Shane’s mom (or was it mine?) earlier in the year to ask for clarification about what a clove of garlic was and how I should peel it. Yes, we’ve certainly come a long way since then. Initially, I looked at this blog as a way to keep a record of the recipes I tried but over the past two years, it’s become so much more than that. These posts have documented the growth in my cooking and baking skills and, to a lesser extent, in my photography. More importantly, though, this blog has introduced me to some really fantastic people! I find constant inspiration in the comments you leave, the baking groups we participate in together, the Twitter bake-alongs you suggest – really, I could go on and on. Instead, I’ll just say thank you and wish you a healthy and happy 2010!
To celebrate my second blogiversary and to show my appreciation to my readers, I’m hosting my very first giveaway here on Tracey’s Culinary Adventures! I’m giving away one copy of The America’s Test Kitchen Family Baking Book. I received this book for Christmas last year and it’s one of my favorites – chock full of recipes and tips and plenty of color photos.
To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling me whether you make New Year’s resolutions for yourself. If so, feel free to share your resolutions for 2010 – I’d love to hear them. I don’t typically make resolutions but I’ve been pondering a few as this year comes to a close. One entry per person, comments will close on Monday, January 4 at 11:59 pm EST. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to US residents (my apologies to my international readers). One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, January 6. Good luck!
So happy you started your blog. You are one of my favorite hits of the day, on the blogs and on Twitter. You already know my New Year’s Resolution: Not to buy anything new for myself for one year. (This does not include food or “replacement items,” such as pantyhose, make-up, etc. Justsoyouknow that I am not completely nuts and all.) Happy New Year, Dear Friend!
I never make New Year’s resolutions. I’d forget them a month later!
Happy New Year and Happy Blogiversary!
A baking book! I love it!
I definitely start the year with a few resolutions. And while some get away from me, I try to maintain at least one or two. This past year I decided on a pretty difficult resolution and I am extremely happy to say that I accomplished it even though I had doubts. Although it’s about time for the new year to start, i’m still thinking over what my resolutions will be for this year. Best of luck to you if you decide to make some!
Happy New Year and Congratulations on the Blogiversary!
My resolution is – “everything in moderations”. Eating, spending money, exercise. (one step at a time!)
Well, I think it’s fate, Tracey. I just happen to be watching an old taped ATK that I had on my DVR right now. No joke. So you’ll need to just pick me because of that. And because I’m the first to reply.
And really, just wanted to stop and say Happy New Year! And love your blog!
Happy Blogoversary, Tracey! I never fail to get inspired by your posts. I usually make a vague resolution to eat healthier/exercise more. Maybe THIS year it will stick…
Happy blog anniversary and happy new year π
Cool… I like free books. As for the resolution question… I stopped a few years ago because I never followed them anyways.
Congratulations on your blogiversary! I love the clove of garlic story and I love your delicious recipes and great pictures! My goal for the new year is to find some new vegetables I like and eat healthier! Happy New Year!
Thanks for the giveaway! Like you, I tend not to make New Years resolutions, but I have been thinking about a few this year.
yes, i make them, but i’m not very good at keeping them…or i accomplish them and then fall back behind. boo.
happy blogiversary!
My resolution seems to be the same every year. Lose weight and get in shape! Hard to do while baking all the time, though! Happy New Year!
My new year’s resolution is pretty simple, to learn some French. So I can read some French cookbook. Happy new year.
I think about New Year’s resolutions… does that count? As always, my goal is to make nutritious meals for my family, with lots of yummy treats in between, and plenty of exercise to work off those delicious treats.
I don’t make resolutions, because I never seem to keep them very long! Thanks for the chance.
sphinxcw at aol dot com
Wow!! Two years. And it is a great blog. Have used several of your recipes since we started Tweeting. It’s been really nice getting to know you.
Only one resolution this year – become a more adverturous cook.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Friend!!
Happy Blogiversary! My resolution is to read more. I love reading, but rarely make the time. I have so many books I have purchased and never even started. So I think my goal will be to read at least one book every two weeks.
Happy New Year! I make them every year, whether I keep them, that is all together different.
Congrats on 2 years, have been following you for the last year!
My resolution is to pay off our credit card and car this year, so that we can start trying for a family!
Happy Blogiversary!
I use to make resolutions in the past and never followed through with any of them, so this year, I have made none.
I love your blog!! Yes I do make New Years Resolutions. I am going to post more on my blog this year, 2 or 3 posts a week. I will also be more diligent in making menus. My 5 daughters and I like to e-mail our weekly menus to each other, share recipes, ideas and mostly encouragement.
Happy Blogiversary!!!
I don’t usually make new year’s resolutions because I seem to break them after about two months!!
Thank you for all your yummy posts!!
No, I don’t make resolutions. Happy New Year and I look forward to baking with you in the new year.
New Year’s resolutions..not really. I just look forward to the new year with great hope and expectations. I’m blessed to have each day.
Congrats on your blogiversary! So glad I discovered your blog and I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2010. I usually don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, but I do want to lose the weight I have gained baking this holiday!!
New to your blog thanks to my mom, Cindy. Can’t want to join your adventures!
I am procrastinating my new years resolutions…although they will likely have something to do with a few extra pounds, a few unorganized corners in the house, and a few needed dollars!
Hello! I am new to your awesome blog…I have spent the last 20 mintues scrolling through your delicious posts!
I do make resolutions, and this year I am going to make an effort to live more in the moment with my kiddos…even if it just means more stories and horsey rides! I also want to be completely diligent about making a weekly dinner menu and sticking with it!
I never make resolutions. I’m not sure why…I guess I just never felt the need!
Happy Blogiversary!!
I definitely make New Year’s resolutions.
I don’t make resolutions…too much pressure! But this year I would like to try more diverse recipes, we’ll see how that goes!
My new year resolution is to try at least 1 new recipe each week!
Happy new year!
Congrats on 2 years of excellence, Tracey! Your cooking, baking and photography have all been top notch in the 6 months or so that I’ve been following your blog. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you here and on Twitter. Can’t wait to see what the next year brings!!
I don’t make resolutions as much as I do goals. This year’s will be related to my newish exercise routine and my need for more sleep! Last year I had some cooking/baking goals. I didn’t accomplish all of them, but I’m most excited about learning to bake bread last year.
I too started my blog as a way to document what I was making – like an online journal. But I really wish I could improve my photography – you always inspire me with your photos!
I don’t believe in making resolutions, they’re too easy to break. Instead, I look for ways to become a better person every day.
Happy New Year!
first of all, Jan. 6th is my bday, so what a great present that would be!!~~second, love your blog!~~and as for the resolutions, i make the same ones every year~~lose weight, save money, blah blah blah~~but this year, i plan to actually DO THEM!!!!
Happy Blogiversary!
My resolution is to get my post labels in order! π
Happy New Year, Tracey! I had no idea that we started blogging so close to the same time. I’ve been thinking about getting that book for a while, but other things have been higher on my list. Wouldn’t mind winning a copy, though. =) As for resolutions–no, I don’t make them.
What a great giveaway! Isn’t it fun to look back and see the progress you’ve made since you started?
I am making some resolutions, but not any that are so far from things I already do. I didn’t want to disappoint myself, so I set some that should be daily things I am doing anyway.
Hope you had a great race today!
Resolutions? Completely debt free this year…. It’ll be tight, but worth it!
Ciao Tracey !! Of course I don’t partecipate but wanted to wish you a great year !
I don’t generally make New Year’s resolutions, because the new year is just a date on a calendar, the same as any other date. I feel that I can resolve to do something at any time–it doesn’t have to be at the new year!
I really enjoy your blog, Tracey, even though I don’t comment often π Happy baking!
Happy New Year! I always set goals at the start of the new year…and during the year. It is good to refocus every now and again:)
Congrats on your 2nd blogiversary! I’m just coming up on 1 year of blogging in January… and so excited! I’m not a big fan of New Years Resolutions… I prefer to set goals and re-evaluate them throughout the year. Some of my current goals for this year are to make more vegetarian meals, exercise regularly, and live in the moment!
Congratulations on your two year anniversary! I enjoy your blog!
I made a few resolutions, all related to blogging, so I am choosing to think of them more as goals.
Happy New Year!
I have really enjoyed your blog….Happy blogiversary! My new years resolution is to try something different each month…for example one month take rowing lessons,or take dancing lessons, or take guitar lessons. We’ll see how it goes…I’ve had on going car problems that have eaten up much of my discretionary income. I also want to be a better baker. I want to learn ( or rather gain the patience) how to decorate sugar cookies.
lisastassforth@sbcglobal.net
I still make resolutions, but I don’t feel the same way about them as I did when I was younger. One of my primary resolutions or goals this year, however, is to finish at least half of my dissertation.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I do not make N.Y. resolutions
Love your blog! Don’t make resolutions but I do have goals!
Happy Blogiversary!
Happy New Year, Tracey! And congrats to you on the blogiversary! Keep up the great work on one of my favorite blogs!
My only resolution is to find a decent recipe for maple ice cream.
I generally do not make resolutions. I have a tendency to not follow them so I have learned. What I do is just try to be a better person and put more effort into things.
msgb245 at gmail dot com
Resolutions… I used to make them, but haven’t done so in years. This year, however, I have a few. One is to start running, and to work my way up to a half-marathon by the end of the year.
Happy New Year! Happy Blogiversary!
You’re one of the blogs I read daily.
And no, I dont make resolutions.
Happy two-year blogiversary and happy new year to you! I guess things really have been an adventure if you didn’t cook/bake before. I really enjoy reading your blog and always appreciate your thorough notes and tips on the recipes.
Thanks for the opportunity to win the book. I love ATK, but to do not have that one in my collection. I don’t really make New Year’s resolutions because I feel like it’s overwhelming to try to commit to something for a whole year, so I’m more into setting short-term goals for myself.
Happy New Blog Year! What a great post to start the New Year with. Resolutions? To stretch my wings and bake those “I’ll never be able to make that” recipes, and also to spend equal time recognizing others’ baking achievements as well – there are so many out there, it’s hard to keep up with all the comments!
tracey, I would definitely say that your photography is really great now. I can really tell the difference from the earlier days π
I don’t make NY’s resolutions b/c I think you should be making them year round π
I usually make a resolution. I try to reflect on the kind of person I was the previous year and look for a way to be a better person. This year my goal is to procrastinate less. Happy New Year!
Love checking your blog! I made some food resolutions that mostly have to do with not wasting things. Happy anniversary!
I am not a New Year’s resolution person either but I am very excited about your giveaway! Happy blogiversary to you!
Kindly, ldh
I’m over making resolutions…I never kept them anyway, even when I did. Have a great New Year, resolutions or not!
I’ve never been one for New Years Resolutions. I make resolutions to myself every single day to improve my life and my world. Once a year? That doesn’t come close to cutting it!
Happy Blogiversary Tracey!
What a fabulous accomplishment! I’m so proud of you, and grateful that you are eager to share your many “culinary adventures” with us. I’m really glad that we had the opportunity to meet through SMS- you constantly inspire me, and give me great ideas to try in the kitchen. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to your wonderful site- keep it up in 2010!
Though I don’t typically make specific resolutions, I think the New Year is a good time to reexamine my goals and brainstorm ways to work towards them.
I absolutely agree with you- ATK FBB is a FANTASTIC cookbook! If you have a chance to check out my post about the SMS caramels (it’s not up quite yet, but hopeful will be soon), you’ll have to let me know if you have any must-try recipe recommendations from the book. I’d love to hear some of your favorites.
I hope you’re doing well and have an amazing New Year! Can’t wait to hear from you π
<3,
Joy
I have had this cookbook on my Amazon Wishlist for ages! As for resolutions– I try to focus on ONE WORD. This year, I am choosing “Balance” to define my goals. I need to balance work and relaxation. I need to balance being a wife and a mother of a young adult son. I need to balance my cooking & baking– healthy meals, and moderation with some indulgences I cannot resist. I also need to balance sitting on the couch with my laptop and jumping into the pool (in California) to exercise! My love of cooking is always my downfall. Hopefully, this year, I’ll stay balanced!
Great giveaway! I make New Year’s goals instead of resolutions. I posted some of my cooking goals on my blog a couple of days ago and they include continuing to challenge myself with new recipes and techniques.
Great giveaway. I love ATK. I don’t usually make New Year’s Resolutions.
Happy Blogiversary!!!
I am hoping to be able to stick to my NY Goals this year! Time to live a healthier lifestyle…for the whole family!
I usually make changes any time of the year if I realize I am forming a habit that is not healthy or that I don’t think is good and I sometimes feel like the new year’s resolution idea is just another way for businesses to sell more products with claims to “help people achieve their new year’s resolutions.” Nevertheless, it never hurts to set another goal, so I would say my New Year’s resolution is to run 6 days a week since I’ve fallen back too much on my daily running. Thanks for the great blog!
Tracey, I love your blog. You have a great voice, photos and I just like following along! π Happy Blogiversary! Happy New Year!!!! – mary the food librarian
I’m a college student, and I love reading your blog! Your posts inspire me to try new recipes, even with my very beginner skills π
I make New Year’s resolutions because it forces me to think about the past year and what I want to do to improve myself. This year one of my resolutions is to keep track of EVERYTHING I spend money on every single day.
I don’t need to be in the giveaway, but Happy Blogiversary!
I sometimes make resolutions and I am making them this year. This year I resolve to stay on top of the housekeeping and to find a new job. Happy 2010!
Congrats on 2-years of blogging. Lucky for us that you started this blog. I love reading it. I never make resolutions, but I do have a continuing goal year to year and that is to get more organized. I have already cleaned my pantry out and a small coat closet. They were gross! Seriously. My next projects are my kitchen drawers and the laundry room! I am trying to give myself two rooms or areas a week, so I am not overloaded. I am saving my nasty personal closet for last! Happy New Year!!!
Haha, I spotted Shane’s comment as I was scrolling down.
Happy Blogiversary! I had 9 resolutions (and one was about billing a certain number of hours a day–how sad and non-self-improve-y is that?!). My favorite one is this one though:
Stop allowing others to steal my joy by bringing unnecessary drama or emotional baggage into my life. (ie. their problems are not my problems)
Fun! I’ve tried several of the recipes you’ve posted and it’s been fun to be on my own cooking journey while reading about yours. Keep up the good work!
I have the America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, and it is awesome. Hopefully I can win this one too and have a matching set! I do make resolutions, I’m just not super about keeping them. But this year, I’m trying to spend less, save more, get fit, and spend more time with my family. Easy, right?!
my resolution is to decorate cookies with royal icing – I am gong to make my first attempt for valentines!