It's been exactly 6 months since I started this journey and I am in the same place where it all began; at the cottage surrounded by my loved ones. It's been quite the journey! At first I thought only my friends and family would be interested in my recipes and ramblings but I soon realized their friends and family were also interested; 4,006 page views later I am humbled. As a bonus, I have garnered a new friendship through this experience. Alexandrea S. is one of my most consistent followers and she comments and likes most of what I post. If it weren't for her sometimes...well even the best of us get discouraged now and again.
People have asked me so many questions when they find out I blog. That's right...find out. I don't usually shout it to the rooftops that I am a food blogger. No shame... just shy. As I mentioned in the beginning, I am new to all this...blogging, Twitter, Instagram. It's been a HUGE learning curve for me.
The number one question I get is "when do you have time?"
My answer: "I make time". Truth be told, I am always surprised at this question. I have a family and I have to feed them. The extra that I do is take a picture or two or three and write a brief post. I swear, sometimes it takes longer to write the post than make the food. But I do it. I made a commitment to see this thing through. I wish my posts were more "juicy" in the sense that I could maybe open up a bit more...but I'm not there yet. Every now and again you'll see a glimpse of my inner me, my private me and I have to say it's those posts that I appreciate the most.
I am proud of what I've accomplished. I am proud when my daughter tells people her mom is an amazing cook and has her own blog. I was beyond thrilled when my friend Sophie, who is convinced she can't cook, made my mini maple meringues ...over and over again! Now every time she says she can't possibly cook a recipe I've posted, all I have to say is MINI MAPLE MERINGES.
I have noticed people go LIKE happy on my FB page for my desserts but are less enthusiastic about my savoury dishes. Can't figure out why...but I still have time. Is it because they think it takes more time? NOPE...all my meals and desserts usually take less than hour to make save an exception or two. The post / pic that got the most LIKEs and attention was my veggie roulade tart. I have to admit, it was stunning AND delicious but most importantly I made it in less than an hour while on my lunch break. No joke...try it.
However, of all the recipes I have posted, there is only one I make on a weekly basis to rave reviews from the pickiest eater on the planet, my son, and that's my pizza dough. It's so easy and delicious and FAST. When I found out it's a go to for one of my friends, I was like ...SCORE!
Instagram and Twitter have been fun. I am proud to say that Maille Canada and La Maison Maille (US) both retweeted my most recent blog post, Maille honey Dijon crusted pork tenderloin. Actually, I believe I screamed, jumped for joy and made a complete fool of myself...thankfully in the privacy of my own home...lol. It's always nice to get noticed by someone other than your loved ones. I was delighted with my pics and the meal was divine.
So what's in store for the next 6 months at Hot dogs & wine? Why more recipes of course! I am thinking of country themed weeks including Peru, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden. I'd like to try and make more complex creations both sweet and savoury. And maybe a little more "opening up"...we'll see.
I made the following recipe last night while waiting for the potatoes to bake. I figured if the oven is hot, I might as well make something while I wait. The prep was easy and quick, less than 15 minutes.
ORANGE CRANBERRY BREAKFAST MUFFINS ...or any time of the day
In a large bowl layer the following ingredients
- 1 cup of Quaker large flake oats
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 & 1/2 cups of flour
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp. of baking soda
- 1 tsp. of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. of salt
- 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of canola oil
- 1 egg
Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Add 1 cup of dried cranberries and stir.
Fill a muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes at 375 degrees.
ENJOY!
And finally some of my favorite things:
- I love dogs...not cats
- I ADORE chipmunks
- I love the color blue but mostly wear black
- I love Pavarotti, Patsy Cline, Mariza, Bob Marley, U2, Celine Dion (yes admit it) and so much more...the only music I can't listen to is heavy metal and jazz...yuck
I thank each and everyone of my readers for taking the time to check in. Please let me know from time to time what you think by leaving a comment.