Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Happy Blogiversary

Today is my one year blogiversary. I started this blog one year ago shortly after my wedding as a way to fill the wedding planning void. I could not have imagined how this blog would have developed. I have re-created in my own kitchen 165 unique recipes over the last year. These recipes have spanned several cultures, calorie counts and courses. I learned about ingredients I wasn't familiar with and experimented with ones I had never even heard of before. I have also honed my previously nonexistent food photography skills and welcomed my husband into the world of action shots.

But by far, the best thing about this blog has been the readers. This is a very time consuming hobby and there is no way I would return to the computer night after night to document my experiences if it weren't for the support from each and every person who visits this blog. I have received emails and comments from people that I have inspired with my recipes, people asking for cooking advice and people trying to legally intimidate me. It has been so much fun! When I first started this blog several of my family and friends asked "why?" I joked that I wanted to change the world one recipe at a time. And while this was purely for laughs, as I am not a person who sets existential goals, it is the comments from readers that make me realize what I do every other day on this little blog is worth it.

In order to celebrate this momentous occasion I have decided to have a giveaway. I found this precious set during my last visit to Sur La Table and thought it was a great way to celebrate the warmer weather. It is a slider patty press and a bun cutter. Sliders are wildly popular at restaurants these days and even national fast food chains have joined the fun. I have no doubt that homemade sliders would put those versions to shame and I think these goodies will make the at home slider recipes a breeze. And don't think you could only use this press for beef burgers - the possibilities are endless: turkey burgers, chicken burgers, shrimp burgers and crab cake sliders to name a few.

In order to enter the give away you must enter a comment stating your favorite Elizabeth's Edible Experience recipe (either one you have tried yourself or one you thought looked the best) by 12:00 am EST on Saturday, April 18th 2009. I will use a random number generator to chose the winner and with the winning announcement I will also post the most popular recipes over the last year.

69 comments:

Emily said...

Sizzling Shrimp with Corn Relish.

Ellie said...

Happy Blogiversary! What an accomplishment!!

I really want to try that cream cheese pound cake - it looks amazing!

Renae said...

Proscuitto and fontina panini. We've been on a paninni kick lately!

Kerstin said...

Congrats!!

Yay for a fun giveaway! I'm going to go with your Chevre and Mango Steak Rolls - I love goat cheese and these sound fantastic!

Shauna said...

Congratulations on a year of great blogging!

I love your table setting entries. I think it shows that you are about the whole entertaining experience, not just the food. You want your guests to have the full experience.

Cupcakes with Nic said...

Congratulations on a year!!! Your blog is wonderful -- I just started mine and love reading really good ones for inspiration!

The only thing that I've made so far from your blog is the Venetian Panino -- however, I'm also really excited to make the Ricotta and Goat Cheese Spread.

Thanks :)

Amy said...

I love seeing a fellow NOLA-ian, but my favorite is actually your recent crawfish cheesecake. I'm intrigued to try it because we had it once at a restaurant and it was SO good!! Congrats on the blogiversary!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your anniversary! Mine would be the seared scallops (CL recipe). So good and very flavorful.

Wishing you another successful year of blogging!

~Tracy (TWebber16 @ aol.com)

Caitlin said...

Congrats on the Blogiversary!!

Shrimp and corn relish is one of my faves- we're having it for dinner tomorrow night!

Tiff said...

Congratulations on your one year! I love reading your blog, and your pictures are fantastic.

My favorite is Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Lime Mayo. I've made them before, and thought about them the other day. They are oh so delicious!

Keep up the great work and thanks for the giveaway!

Meagan said...

I just made the mini cheesecakes and they were a huge hit! Happy Blogiversary!!!

The Mrs said...

Well so far I've only made the Crawfish and Cream over pasta. As soon as my hubs took a bite his eyes lit up! We had it for leftovers the next day and it was even better.

Since we live in Louisiana I love reading all of your regional dishes but everything seems so yummy.

Friday we're having a friend over and I'm going to make the Crawfish Turnovers and Crawfish Enchiladas (I got the duty of peeling crawfish after a boil on Saturday so I took a lot haha).

I go to your blog everyday and can't wait to try more things!

Molly Jean said...

Congratulations! That is a great success :)

My recent fav that I MUST TRY SOON is your crawfish cheesecake.

But I thought your eggplant marinara bake looked awesome too!

Intisar said...

Congrats!
My favorites are a tie between your Cornbread and Andouille Dressing and Golden Macaroni and Cheese, I both of the starred on my to try list.

Kate said...

Happy Blogiversary! I'm dying to try the slow cooker pulled pork... the addition of root beer sounds amazing.

Jessica said...

Fried Pickles!!

Happy Blogiversary!

Angie said...

Happy Blogiversary! You're one of my favorites to check out.

I know I won't win (I never win these things) but I can't wait to try out your 'One Bite Wonders' from January. I'm making them to test drive them in a few weeks, and they'll most likely end up on the buffet table for an upcoming bridal shower. Eeek!

Allison said...

French Toast (because you kinda did that one for me)!
Happy Blogiversary!
P.S.
I better win this since Iv's new favorite thing to eat is "mini-burgers"!!

Carole Knits said...

Congratulations on one year! I originally found you through Tastespotting. I've made the crab stuffed mushrooms and think they are great. Looking through your archives to see what I've made reminded me that you've got so many other things I want to try. Those lasagna rolls are going on my menu for next week!

Melissa said...

I would have to say fried pickles! I haven't made them...but I LOVE them. Congrats!!

Julie Ophaug Burnett said...

The Very Venice looks great.

Anonymous said...

Two votes from our house! and two entries?! :)

Andy R: Tamale turnaround (Nov 8), we make this all the time

Sarah R: Noodle this (Mar 23), we made this last week and this tastes very much like a dish at our "go to" take-out place (Viet Garden)

Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) said...

One year? It's been a year already? Well it's certainly been a delightful and entertaining one and I have SO enjoyed visiting your blog. DH has tried numerous recipes you've posted and we've savored each and every one! Impossible to pick a favorite. However, since Minime's been asking for sliders lately, the Individual Orange and Chocolate Cheesecakes gets Best Recipe and the Crawfish and Cream over Pasta post gets honorable mention for best photography! Congratulations on your one year Blogversary and I look forward to celebrating many more with you.

aleta said...

Elizabeth!

Don't enter me in the contest (trying to pare down my kitchen gadgets), I just wanted to congratulate you on your blogiversary! =)

Unknown said...

Happy one year to you!!

I am definitely intrigued by the snappy scallops recipe. I love scallops, but most recipes I've found seem to have too much going on with the scallops - I think something would be lost in the delicate flavor of scallops if there are too many other flavors going on. Your recipe seems perfect and I can't wait to try it.

What's Cookin Chicago said...

Congratulations! What a great giveaway to celebrate too! I think my fave recipe you've posted and shared would be the Andouille Cheese Grits with Crawfish Sauce. One reason for this is because your niece and nephew's video was pretty cute and the dish captured your roots in New Orleans. I love how the grits are flavored and that crawfish sauce was an excellent way to top them off. Kudos and congrats again!

Kassy said...

Congratulations! I would love to try the fried pickles! Those are my husbands favorite :)

Anonymous said...

Your Crawfish Cheesecake is something that I've been dying to try. With a hubby originally from New Orleans, he can never get enough crawfish and other great food from that city! Congratulations on your 1-year anniversary! Keep up the good work :)

Paula
cpalawson@aol.com

Missy said...

Baked eggs and mushrooms in ham crisps! I LOVE breakfast for dinner, and I hate making the same ole stuff...this looks perfect and I really want to try it!

Tiffany said...

Your ham stuffed deviled eggs sound really good! And a great recipe for this time of year.

Happy Bloggiversary!

JG said...

In hope of re-introducing sliders into my life, I'll go with the Chevre and Mango Steak Rolls.

Stephanie said...

It's a tie: The Pound cake (because you so perfectly comapred it to the Sex & the City Scene... hilarious). And the Chocolate Thumbprints - because the idea of using a wine cork is toooo good!).

Caroline said...

Well of course my favorite would be your Louisiana Crawfish Cakes from the "And the Crawfish They Caught in Arabi" post. Why? Because I got to taste them when you and Forrest came to our Tiki Party!!

Happy Anniversary!
Caroline

Adrienne said...

Your mini salami puff sandwiches. Haven't made them yet, but I thought it was such a great, versatile idea! Happy Anniversary!

adrienne456@hotmail.com

Team LC said...

I made the Chevre and Mango Steak Rolls for a wine swap party a couple of weeks ago and they were a HUGE hit! I'm totally making them again for a party I'm hosting next weekend. I also made the Stuffed Mushroom recipe and they were gobbled up within 10 minutes. Thanks for all your delicious recipes!!!

Kristen616 said...

Congratulations! Happy Blogiversary!

Definitely my favorite is Chicken Tamale Casserole...it's one of my go-to weeknight meals! I love it!

ABCD Diaries said...

We really enjoyed Crawfish and Cream over pasta:) Thanks!!
christinbanda@yahoo.com

Kathy said...

ooo I love that Italian Artichoke stuffing. Simple, but great idea. I'd just sub the cheese with vegan cheese. Yum!

Kathy

helen said...

The pumpkin bars have my name written all over.

Congrats on the milestone. Keep the good stories coming!

Danielle said...

I love love love your chicken sauce piquant! Thank for the great recipe and happy bloggiversary!

Kim said...

I'm going to try the Pepper steak!

Christine said...

Your post on Giada's lasagna rolls way back when reminded me to make them after I had first seen it on her show. I've since made it several times. I'd love to do more of your Southern recipes but they seem to be so involved--I'm not sure if I have the time or patience for them yet. Congratulations on the year!

Macaroni and Cheesecake said...

Congratulations on one year!! I just love your blog!

Ericka-kikboxericka-shop@yahoo.com said...

Yea! One year!
I made your Mini Frittatas with Ham and Cheese recently. They were terrific and easy! I can't wait to try more of your crawfish recipes, especially the cheesecake! Yum!

Toby said...

Congrats on one year!!! I would have to choose the potato skin fries. I love potato skins- and to make them into fries and make them easier to eat is an awesome idea!!

Kathaleeny said...

I have your Crawfish page bookmarked. Does that tell you anything? (Shreveport)

Mjsher said...

Congratulations on your blogiversary- and your pound cake was terrific!

Meredith said...

This sounds so trite since you posted it yesterday but I have been searching for a good crawfish or crab cheesecake for years after having one at Jaqueimo's. My family is from New Orleans, but this was one treat that never was served in any of my memories. But goodness is it delicious!
mcnamara22@yahoo.com

Linsey M. said...

Ooh, being an addict myself, the fried pickles were my favorite.
They are a big thing here in our little Texas town.

Happy Anniversary!

NikiTheo said...

That cream cheese pound cake is on my list to make!!! I love pound cake and that recipe looks sooooo good. I'm just not sure I will be able to resist not eating the whole thing!

Happy Blogiversary!

Megan said...

delurking to enter the giveaway and tell you how much i've enjoyed your blog - i'm rather new to it (past month or so) but i've definitely scrolled through a lot of your recipes!
my favorite recipe i've tried is the turkey artichoke stuffed shells - super yummy! i didn't make the arriabiatta sauce b/c i didn't have time, but look forward to trying it next time - b/c there will be a next time!

thisoldbroad said...

I love your chicken recipes - especially the hot wings & roast chicken w/bacon & pan gravy. I nearly killed myself trying your audouille cheese grits w/crawfish sauce. (Who knew I was allergic to ALL shellfish!) Oh my it was good!!!!!!! Almost worth the trip to the ER.

Enjoy your site & photos very much. Thanks for the inspiration. ;o}

curiousdomestic said...

The andouille and crawfish cheese grits you made look scrumptious. Thanks to your photos, I might actually be able to make it myself!

Anonymous said...

How exciting! Congratulations! I'm going to have to vote for "You're a Grand Old Flag"....the delicious cheesecake recipe. This one is probably my favorite b/c I was with you and Forrest at the camp the day you made it...So I'm not so sure it's the recipe (which is awesome!) but probably more so the company I was with when I ate it. Love you!!

amanda aka "Lil Craze"

Victor said...

Happy blogiversary! There are so many yummy recipe. I would go for the stuffed shells.

Dyane said...

The Cream Cheese pound cake looks delicious & I can't wait to try making it. Happy Blogiversary!!

Unknown said...

I love your blog. I grew up in Texas, did my undergrad in New Orleans at Tulane, and now live in California. One of the things I miss most about my time in New Orleans is the food. I was so excited when I stumbled across your blog but disappointed that I didn't have access to the ingredients here in CA. Then my husband discovered cajungrocer.com where we could order crawfish and andouille sausage and we haven't looked back

For Easter we made Corn, Crawfish and Andouille Chowder. It's definitely my favorite. Even our 2 year old son couldn't get enough of it.

alexis said...

Happy Blogiversary! I have always wanted to make the Lime-and-Macadamia Nut Tart. It looks perfect for summer! lexbyam at gmail dot com

The Giveaway Diva said...

loved your Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Lime Mayo!!

teresa said...

i'm a huge fan of your blog, and I actually still have my eye on the deviled eggs you just posted after Easter. Happy blogiversary!

Elizabeth L said...

I love the Mamma Mia Greek Shrimp/Orzo Salad. We make it all the time! Yummy!

Anonymous said...

YO BIZZY MAN! Congrats on the anniversary! My fav recipe was for sure the bacon biscuit stuffing from Thanksgiving. Ridic!

Aint it funny how trendy food is? I remember a couple of years ago how trendy Chipolte stuff was. Weird.

-Ricky (aka Tim)

Mary said...

Definately the grits cakes with crawfish sauce but I am trying the crawfish cheesecake soon!

Happy Anniversary!

Suzy said...

I'm a faithful reader and want to say congrats on the 1 yr mark! I enjoy your blog and the recipes you share. I'm from Louisiana myself, now living in the Pacific Northwest and I'd have to say my favorites are your Louisiana recipes. I'll pick this one if I have to pick just one. http://elizabethsedibleexperience.blogspot.com/2008/05/muff-uh-lot-uh.html

I had been searching for an Olive salad recipe, so was thrilled when you posted one.

Thanks for the sweet give-away. Can't wait to see what you have planned for year two!

Anna said...

Crab-stuffed mushrooms, without a doubt!

Anonymous said...

A year already! Wow! When I looked back to see which were my favs I never imagined you posted so many! My favorite blogs would have to be the ones featuring my kids :) Baking Memories, Sghetti Noodle Beans, and Petite Parade Partiers.

I was going to try to list all the ones I tried by there were too many to list (for example: Gold Medal Winning Salsa, Bread Head, Turkey Day Troubles - Installment #1, Soup-er Idea.) But my all time fav (and I had it cooked for me by the blogger herself) is Mussel Memory.

Keep up the great work! The entries are so fun to read and a always a source of cooking ideas. For Sawyer's birthday, I am going to make the mini quiches!

Your Sister,

Jessica

nammo said...

Bizzy, i know i am far too late for the give away; probably would not know how to use it!!! i am particial to "sketti noodle o's". me and the boy like to keep it simple!!

kudos to Forrest for his tolerance of your cooking; he makes the photos look too real!
"presentation, presentation, presentation"

i have prepared the "blueberry breakfast pastry" several times. very good and simple!

that's all

nammo in alabama

Anonymous said...

Congrats Biz on your anniversary!!I love how others can experience your personality through your blog-xoxo lou

What's next said...

well, most everything looks wonderful.
Crawfish Enchaladas look wonderful to just name one...