I can't believe it's been one year since starting this blog. It's been such a fun outlet for my love of cooking and along the way, I've met some incredible fellow bloggers from all over the world. I still can't get over the amazing creativity, passion and talent that exists in the food blog world. There are some people that are truly outstanding and yet so generous and helpful.  If some of you readers have never done so, please check out my favorite food blogs in the sidebar and enjoy reading some of these great blogs.   This blog has also enabled me to launch The Daily Colander, my other site that focuses on food news, kitchen finds and great food videos.  Give me a visit over there and let me know what you think!

The best thing about cooking is enjoying the company of the people you are feeding. There are so many wonderful dishes I can't wait to cook and so many people I love to feed. I look forward to sharing all this with you in the year to come. Thanks to everyone who reads this blog and your many wonderful comments and e-mails.

Looking back, these are some of my favorite dishes:

from top left:
Pasta with Shrimp and Sicilian Pesto, Torta di Nada, Roasted Squash Ravioli with Sage, Eggplant Rolatini, Italian Easter Bread, Almond Raspberry Cake, Black Pepper Fettuccine with Parsnips and Pancetta, Scallops in Saffron Sauce, Almond Tart and Porchetta.