new year's Archives | Page 2 of 3

As I sat down to write this post and look back at what happened this year, it became really hard to fathom that another entire year has gone by. 12 months. 365 days. It seems to fly by so fast and before you know it, you’re ushering in yet another new year. This year has been one of self discovery. Figuring out who I am and what I want to do. Even if it means changing my mind and career trajectory a few times. I’ve had a lot of anxiety lately over my career path and a lot of worry/fear. It seems that my default is to play the “what-if” game which only ends up de-railing me in the end if I let it win. As I watched one of my favorite musicians last night, I suddenly got the message the universe has been trying to tell me. He was talking about how it’s no way to live if you are constantly afraid of tomorrow. Tomorrow is no guarantee so you might as well live life right this damn minute. Take charge! Do something! Do everything! Thank you Shakey, you’re so wise 🙂

I don’t share a whole lot about my personal life here on the blog, but here’s an update on where I am and where I’m going in 2016. I start yoga teacher in January and couldn’t be happier. Yoga has done a lot for me and I couldn’t imagine life without it at this point. It will be such an honor to pass this gift on to others as an instructor. I’m also planning on bringing the baking business side of Sweet Miscellany back from its hiatus! This means finding a new farmers market, completely overhauling my etsy shop, and creating a product line-up. And, I’m still planning on blogging and developing/photographing recipes as much as I can. I’ve dreamed of moving to Austin for a long time so it’s possible that may occur in 2016 though I’ll have my hands full enough as it is 🙂

Before I leave you with my list of favorites from this past year, I want to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you that actually takes the time to read my blog. I know you have millions of other things to do, so thank you for making me a part of your day! Have the happiest of new year’s celebrations friends! I’ll be back in January with more tasty morsels for you 🙂

dark chocoalate cardamom mousse tart with coconut & candied ginger crust (this one helped me celebrate my 29th birthday at the beginning of the year)

late spring crostini with fennel frond gremolata (this beauty reconfirmed the fact that I love the shit out of eating things on toast)

solstice watermelon wedge salad (one of my favorite salads to date!)

spiced cacao maca shake (…and this one is my favorite shake/smoothie to date…mmmmmmm)

buckwheat scones with spiced butternut squash butter (I’m pretty sure I devoured all of these scones after shooting the photos…oops)

dark chocolate pumpkin truffles with smoked sea salt (pumpkin truffles…hell yes!!)

tahini dark chocolate chunk blondies with candied ginger & figs (I still dream about these blondies but haven’t made them lately for fear of eating the entire pan in one sitting)

roasted kabocha & fennel soup (one of my favorite soups)

sweet potato & sage corn muffins (best little corn muffins in Texas…haha)

gingersnap pumpkin pie (basically my pie dreams brought forth into reality)

vanilla spice sugar cookies (planning on making these again very soon, very soon indeed)

I don’t often do recipe round-ups here on the blog. In fact, I only tend to do them when I feel like I need to write a post but haven’t shot anything new. While looking back through all of the photos and posts from this year, I decided to share my favorites with you from 2014. It has been a tough year, but looking through all of the posts reminded me of accomplishments and food memories of days past. Looking back on them has me inspired and ready for 2015. I hope that you perhaps find some new (or old) favorites on the list. Have the happiest of new year celebrations 🙂

I absolutely love chai, so this homemade chai concentrate was the perfect start to the new year. I highly recommend keeping some in your fridge at all times 🙂

I still dream about this cake. My cardamom chocolate cake with rose cashew cream was perhaps the best birthday cake ever.

I spent a lot of time in hotels at the beginning of the year for my old job and this almond coconut hemp butter made it bearable. I recommend slathering it on some gluten free cinnamon raisin bread and topping it with bananas 🙂

Another easy “recipe” but one that was (and still is) my easiest and favorite light meal or snack. Try this herb-y avocado toast for your next breakfast (pickle totally optional).

An easy pancake stack for one topped with the freshest and sweetest local strawberries = breakfast perfection!

This toasted pecan and date caramel coconut milk ice cream helped me celebrate Memorial Day and reminded me that toasted pecans and dates are a beautiful match.

Apparently 2014 was the year I ate everything on toast. Simple yet bursting with flavor, this heirloom tomato tartine has me dreaming of the first tomatoes of summer.

This simple banana bread was quite possibly the best loaf of gluten free/vegan quick bread to ever come out of my kitchen.

If I could create autumn in breakfast form, it would be these turmeric pumpkin waffles topped with toasted hazelnuts and sliced seckel pear.

If you hate store-bought nut milks, I strongly encourage you to try your hand at this vanilla cashew macadamia milk.

I only posted these minty coconut and dark chocolate patties a couple of weeks ago, but I still wish I had some right about now. In fact, I would probably devour the entire tray 🙂

Farewell 2015 + Some Favorites From the Past Year

So Long 2014: Favorites from the Past Year