Six Months Behind the Apron

Have you ever been so busy that you forgot something like an anniversary? Your own birthday? A daily shower? Well, that's me lately. But what I forgot, thankfully, is somewhat more forgivable. And that occasion, was my blogoversary.

So, without further ado, ladies and...ladies, I am pee-my-pants excited to announce that I am just over halfway through my one-year project!

On April 7, I reached the six-month mark of weekly making and baking. So far, I've conquered a whopping 56 Cooking Light recipes, from pierogies to pork chops, fudge cakes to French toast. And even though I'm making all this lightened up, reduced guilt stuff, I have to admit, I've never eaten better in my life.

It hasn't been easy finding time to make delicious food in-between a job that gives overtime new meaning and a bazillion other side projects I've thrown myself into. Believe me. I've decorated a cake at three in the morning. Realized I'm lacking pivotal ingredients halfway through a recipe. Threw tantrums that would make a two-year-old blush. Cried. Screamed. Pouted. And I almost lost my life to a few plastic wrap battles.

But, I've also begun to learn the basics of cooking and baking, which have produced delicious results. So now my tears come after I eat the food. Definitely worth it if you ask me. Especially to my husband, who now feels he should be my eternal slave to show his gratitude for so many amazing meals.

Every recipe I've made to date is pictured over on the left column. (Cobbler through blondies...which is everything...because I've also been too busy to post recipes that came after my blogoversary!)

And I'd also like to highlight some of the BEST recipes I've made so far. This is the cream of the crop, folks. The recipes that I can't wait to make again and again. The ones that are already a part of our regular rotation. The ones that are so delicious, light and simple, I would be inhumanely evil and greedy if I didn't try to push them into your recipe boxes.

So, here's the best of six months, in no particular order. Accept that dessert is first, as it should be.

BEST DESSERTS:

Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes 
One-Bowl Chocolate Mocha Cream Cake 
Better than Sex Cake 
Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies 
Chocolate Mint Bars
Maple-Walnut Spice Cookies 
Hello Dolly Bars
Raspberry Strippers
Pumpkin Dip

BEST APPETIZER:

Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip 

BEST BREAKFASTS:
Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwiches with Fig, Basil & Honey
Banana Coffee Cake w/ Macadamia Nuts & Coconut
Breakfast Coffee Cake
Orange-Pecan French Toast Casserole

BEST POULTRY:
Gruyère, Arugula, and Prosciutto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Caramelized Shallot Sauce
Thyme & Feta Chicken w/ Peppers & Onions
Turkey & Basil Calzones
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Turkey Sausage & Spinach Soup

BEST SEAFOOD:
Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Ponzu Sauce 
Tilapia w/ Cilantro-Curry Sauce & Toasted Coconut
Gnocchi w/ Shrimp, Asparagus and Pesto 
Shrimp & Avocado Sushi

BEST PORK:
Fig & Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin 
One Pan Whiskey-Flavored Pork Chops
Tomato-Basil Lasagna with Prosciutto

BEST BEEF:
Sirloin Steak with Tarragon-Garlic Sour Cream  

BEST MEATLESS:
Three-Cheese Pizza w/ Mushrooms & Basil 
Spinach & blue Cheese Calzones

BEST SIDES:
Sweet Potatoes w/ Brown Sugar Pecan Butter
Herbed Mashed Potatoes 
Chive Green Beans
Sautéed Carrots

So, what's my plan for the next six months? Why, keep cooking of course! And bump it up a notch! I'm going to learn new techniques. Try new ingredients. And continue to search for those highly rated, widely adored lightened recipes that are budget friendly, easy, and above all, nothing short of amazing.

Thank you everyone for reading, commenting and supporting me. I can't believe I have almost 100 followers! That makes me happier than you'll ever know. Tear. Here's to six more months! *clinking of mimosas*

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