One Year Down…

One year ago today I sat down and composed my first blog post for The Chef’s Last Diet. I have always dreamed of writing, and suddenly I had the time and the motivation to get started. I had just read Gary Vernaychuk’s book Crush It, on the recommendation of a friend, and then had a middle of the night epiphany, in which the blog came to me fully realized, and with the helpful pushing and support of friends, I began. It has been a great year, during which I have followed my passion for delicious and simple food, sharing recipes, theory, advice and personal stories with my ever growing following, for which I thank each and every one of you.

My year has been full of surprises, new friends, lots of cooking and reading. A lot of what I write requires research, as I want to make sure the information I share is accurate. I have plenty of resources right here a home, and the internet is a great source of both information and misinformation, so  I try and do my own fact checking, or at least find something to back it up. I continue to learn about a topic I love, and I hope you’re learning too.

I try to include at least one recipe a week, and sometimes that can be a challenge as that means cooking while taking loads of notes, and pictures, usually by myself (anyone who wants to eat in return for photographing me cooking, please let me know!!)  and tons of food that sometimes goes to waste (again, if you live nearby and are feeling peckish give me a call). Most if not all the recipes I post are meant for someone at any level of expertise, and all reflect the way I cook and always have. I prefer really good ingredients (not too many) and simple, straightforward technique.

As a result of writing this blog, I taught a cooking class in my kitchen (so much fun!) I participated in the Cook Masters Program here in Philadelphia, I wrote a book on food safety, and continue to expand my reach as I am now involved in writing a cookbook. I had fantasies of becoming an overnight, internet sensation, which clearly hasn’t happened (yet). I have had posts that elicited a lot of chatter, and most that didn’t. I have been learning every day about the blogging world, and am aware I have barely scratched the surface of how to make this thing work… I’m looking forward to attending my first blog conference this summer, and to learning as much as possible.

Sometimes someone will call me and say “This was your best post ever!”  and I am thankful for that, but I rarely agree. My favorites of the 231 posts I have published are these: Are You Judging Me?, Cooking for My Mother, and How Did I Miss Fat Shaming Week?.

I’m not sure about my favorite recipes, but that really depends on my mood. If you’ve had one that you really enjoyed, and maybe even has become part of your repertoire, please let me know, I love hearing what you’re cooking! Here’s to the next year!

CHEERS!