It’s a New Day, It’s a New Dawn

Well actually, it’s a new decade. Welcome to 2010! On New Year’s Eve I caught a little of the BBC’s run down of the last 10 years (at least, I think it was the BBC, things were getting a little hazy at that point) and as I watched scenes from some of the key events – the Sydney olympics; September 11th; the end of Concord; The Spice Girls reunion (humour me); the election of President Obama – I simply couldn’t believe how quickly the years have gone by. A reminder, perhaps, to cherish each and every moment because they will be gone in a flash.

Every year just after midnight on New Year’s Eve I open the front door of whichever house I happen to be at (this year it was my own, the past few at my cousin’s) and I let out the old year and let in the new. It’s a quaint little tradition and one that I’m really rather fond of. There’s something quite therapeutic and philosophical in that little act. I thought I’d extend that to this tiny piece of the worldwide web that I call my own and where I spend so much of my time. So, in a metaphoric act of opening the door to let out the old year and let in the new, here’s a look back through the last 12 months on ‘A Slice of Cherry Pie’.

January

I started the year with a skiing holiday in the Austrian alps with Rob and friends. We had a wonderful time, enjoying the scenery, the snow and lots of good food.

A Week in the Austrian Alps Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

February

In February I was able to share with you my very good news; that I had secured a book deal to write my very own cookbook based on this blog. I was in for an exciting but busy year!

‘A Slice of Cherry Pie’: The Cookbook

March

These incredibly fruity jellies that I made for February’s ‘In the Bag’ event were so good that I’ve included them in the cookbook.

Pomegranate and Passion Fruit Jellies

April

I adore duck eggs and use them all the time. They have a larger, richer yolk than hen eggs which is perfect for dipping asparagus soldiers into. What a way to celebrate the start of the British asparagus season!

Soft Boiled Duck Eggs with Asparagus Soldiers

May

In May Rob and I enjoyed a fun bike ride with my cousin, his wife and our Goddaughter.

(Not-So-Famous) Five go on a Bike Ride

June

June saw the UK Food Bloggers Association take on a stall at the Covent Garden Real Food Market with different bloggers running it through the summer.

First Day at the First Ever British Food Bloggers Stall

July

Last year I branched out further into video blogging and in the height of the summer I made a short movie showing how to make Pimm’s. In the same blog post I shared a spicy Chorizo and New Potato Salad.

If You Can’t Stand the Heat…

August

In August I got to grips with the sticky business of making caramel.

Swirling Caramel

September

September saw a first for me; getting hold of oxtail and making a delicious soup with it. I’ve made it many times since and I’ve included the full recipe in the cookbook.

Tail End for the Cook

October

October saw another video, this time of my favourite seaside town, Whitstable.

Whitstable

November

In November I gave you an update on where I am with the cookbook and an insight into the publishing world.

Book Update

December

My ‘In the Bag’ co-host, Scott, from Real Epicurean, came back in December to join me for another ‘In the Bag’ food blogging event, after taking some time out spent with his new baby girl.

In the Bag: Christmas Special

Here’s to the next 12 months! Happy new year to all of you, may it be full of health, happiness and prosperity.