The SGCC Top Ten Recipe List of 2012

2013-cupcakes

First of all, I’d like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! That, and lots and lots of cupcakes! I thank you all for taking the time to stop by and visit from time to time. I may not articulate it enough, but your continued support, feedback and friendship over these past five years means the world to me. We’ve been through a lot together, and I appreciate you, dear Readers. I truly do.

As I prepare to say goodbye to 2012, I must admit I’m a little ambivalent. In some ways it was one of the worst years I can remember. In others, It was one of the best. When I think back to those dark days after Mini SGCC’s accident and her struggle to recovery, I cringe. It was a long, scary road. But, she made it! And when I relive her graduation day, six months later, as she walked down the aisle to accept her diploma – I beam with pride.

Our little family has seen some big changes in the past twelve months. Mini SGCC has gone off to college, and Mr. SGCC and I are now empty-nesters. When we said our goodbyes last August outside of her tiny cozy little dorm room, I cried. I cried through the whole three and a half hour drive home too. And also for a solid week after that. In fact, I’m crying now just thinking about it! For eighteen years, Mini SGCC was my raison d’etre. She is my sun, my moon and my stars. For the longest time I didn’t know what to do with myself without her. But, I’m figuring it out.

Blogging became very different for me as well. With just Mr. SGCC and me at home, there didn’t seem to be much reason to cook or bake the way I used to. Not that Mini SGCC ever ate that much, because she actually eats like a bird. But before, there were always poor, hungry teenagers sniffing around, ready to pounce as I took a freshly baked pan of brownies out of the oven. I suppose that now, they’re sniffing someone else’s brownies. Spending all that time in the kitchen just kind of seemed like a waste for just the two of us. And, with a brand new Trader Joe’s practically across the street, it was oh, so easy to let them do my menu planning. So, I got complacent, uninspired…and a little lazy. Truth be told, 2012 plumb exhausted me – both physically and mentally.

But, that was last year. This year is going to be different, and I’m raring to go! That’s the great thing about a bright, shiny, new year. You can leave the past behind, regroup and start fresh. So, watch out, people! I’m revving up my Kitchenaid, sharpening my knives and looking forward to sharing lots of great food with you in 2013!

In the meantime, I’ve put together a list of my favorite recipes from the past year. Enjoy! read more >>

more of what\'s cooking...

In Remembrance

Monday, December 17, 20125 Comments

Tis the Season for Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Monday, December 10, 201227 Comments

Tis the season for holiday office parties, open houses and potlucks. And that means food, people. Food, food, and more food! While cookies are usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Holiday treats, there’s more to party eats than that. After all, man (or woman) …

Peppermint Brownie Bark

Sunday, December 2, 20129 Comments

Have you ever heard of Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle? If you have, then you’ll understand my little addiction. You know those crispy edges and baked –on splatters around the edge of the brownie pan – the ones you pick off and nibble on when nobody’s looking? Well, Sheila G. …

Wednesday, November 28, 20126 Comments

It got down into the 40’s here last weekend. THE 40’s! In NOVEMBER! In FLORIDA! That almost never happens. Don’t tell anyone, but I might have even turned the heat on in the house for a second or two. Apparently, I’m turning into a weather wimp. With each passing …

Spiced Eggnog Cupcakes with Vanilla-Rum Swiss Buttercream

Tuesday, November 20, 201226 Comments

When most people think of Thanksgiving desserts, the first thing that usually comes to mind is pumpkin. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, pumpkin flan, pumpkin cheesecake – the list goes on. Thanksgiving is the one day of the year when pumpkin lovers unite and unabashedly share their mutual adoration for …

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Sunday, November 11, 20128 Comments

Some of you may not realize this, but pumpkin puree does not originate in a can. I know I didn’t. In fact, it starts with real honest-to-goodness pumpkins. Shocking, huh? When I fist learned that I could make my own pumpkin puree from scratch, it was a revelation. Homemade …

Tuesday, November 6, 201228 Comments

Years and years ago, when I was first married, someone gave me a cast iron skillet as a wedding gift. I’d never used one before. My mother never had one, so I didn’t even know what to do with it. And, with my shiny brand new set of high …

Wednesday, October 31, 20124 Comments

Did these spooky little guys scare you? I hope not! I think they’re as cute as can be! I made them to take into my office as a little Halloween treat, and you can too. They couldn’t be easier to make. They’re just mini brownie bites with vanilla buttercream …

Sunday, October 28, 20126 Comments

After living on the coast of Florida for almost four decades, I’ve become all too familiar with the threats of tropical storms and hurricanes I’ve learned to always take them seriously. The wrath of Mother Nature can be fast and furious, and she can change her mind on a …

kiss the cook!

Hello and welcome to SGCC! I’m Susan, a professional writer, food columnist, recipe developer, wife, mother, daughter and sister, who used to be a lawyer in a previous life. My love of food comes from a long line of wonderful and creative Italian home cooks who didn’t always have a lot, but knew how to make a lot out of what they had. I hope that you enjoy yourself while you’re here, and visit often! read more >>

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