I would like to apologize for being MIA this week, but the truth be told the old chef was running on empty and really needed to unplug for a few days and just get a little rest! Of course we still ate well, there just wasn’t the frantic set up to photograph dinner before we ate it! All in all, I managed to sleep in excess of 9 hours daily and actually got a few things done around the house. I’m still not too sure where this year has gone, it seemed to fly by much too quickly, I feel as though I had so much more I wanted to do….sigh
It has been a good year though, there is no doubt about it! I seemed to have found my voice with the Ask Chef Dennis series (Thank you Toni!), I had my blog redone with a new design and a new home on WordPress (Thank you Melissa!), and I was named the Most Valuable Foodie at the Foodbuzz Festival in San Francisco, and for that I need to thank each and every one of you, for your friendship and support, because without it, I would never have won that award! I would also like to thank Lisa for putting up with my crazy hours, strange meals, and eccentric behavior as I struggle to become a better food blogger and photographer, she really should have gotten an award for putting up with me….sigh (Thank you Sweetheart).
As we move into 2012, I took a few minutes to think back over the year, and went through my posts to try and find a few of my favorites. What I came up with was a baker’s dozen (how appropriate is that!). I hope you enjoy reminiscing with me, and if you see a dish you don’t remember just click on it and it will take you to the post!
Georgia Pecan Snapper with a Lime Margarita Sauce
The Best Buffalo Chicken Wings You'll Ever Have
Beef Braciole with a Sambucca Red Sauce
Classical Tiramisu, simply the best you'll ever have!
My Famous Crabcakes
Mascarpone Strawberry Cheesecake
Chicken Saltimbocca
Feta Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
- Black Bottom Praline Brownie Bars
Broccoli Rabe, Eggplant Lasagna
Black and White Muffins
Eggnog and Cranberry Gelato's
- Classical Chocolate Mousse
Thank you so much for stopping by today, I wish you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Years, and may all your dreams and wishes come true!
There’s still a lot of food to prepared, meals to eat , and good times to be shared, lets make 2012 a year to remember!
Don’t forget, its Our Virtual New Years Eve Party and your all invited to attend, stop by and visit with all of us at the Party, on our blogs and twitter!
I would also like to take this time to thank our gracious Hostesses, This virtual party is being hosted by Lora and Sanjeeta kk, Thanks Ladies, and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year , Chef Dennis !!! Wishing you all the best in 2012 and more yummy post along the way
CHEERS !!!!!
Thank you Anne! wishing you and your family a happy and healthy new year!
Beautiful foods! Happy New Year to you!
Thank you and happy new year!
chicken saltimboca, black bottom praline brownish bar n classical chocolate mouse are the best! And the rest r just amazing n make me drool! Happy new year chef Dennis!!
Thanks Endy! Have a happy new year!
Amazing! Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing more of what you have in 2012 and beyond!
Thank you Wendy! Happy New Year!
One of these days I will face my fear and make tiramisu. I ‘m almost positive I’ll be using your recipe.
It’s just one of those desserts that is one of my husband’s all-time favorites so I’m afraid to mess it uo!
Happy 2012 my friend!
It really is easier than it sounds, I know with your skills it would come out perfectly!
Happy New year!
Happy New Year, Chef! Appreciate all your yummy posts of 2011; looking forward to more great dishes in 2012. If the past is any indication, we’re looking for a delicious year ahead!
Thank you Carol! Happy New year!
What a delicious round up, Chef Dennis!!! And what an exciting year for you…congratulations on all your accomplishments…you are a blessing to the blogger world!!! Happy New Year!!!
Thank you Liz, I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful community! Have a happy and healthy new year!
Chef, They all looks so good. my mouth was watering. But gonna stick to my diet. But if I was to have any of your food I would glad to eat them all. lol Happy New Years and May You and Your Family Be Blessed for 2012
All these look so beautiful and delicious, Chef! I am glad to hear you had a chance to get some rest over the holidays. I don’t know how you do it. I struggle all the time, and I don’t even do as much as you do (not even close) in terms of blogging. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time a day for everything we do. You’ve done a remarkable job with your blog, and I always enjoy visiting. Wishing you and your family very happy and healthy 2012!
What a great recap & a gorgeous spread! Thanks for all the wise advice and valuable lessons + amazing recipes you’ve shared with us the past year. Here’s to many more good eats in 2012! Cheers, Chef Dennis! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Chef. Look forward to more awesome recipes from you
Beautiful food! Happy New Year!
Wishing you all you so richly deserve this year Dennis!
Happy New Year, Chef!!! What a wonderful year it has been, and I’m eager to see what 2012 brings. May it be just as wonderful as the last.
I remember most of your posts, though I did miss that gorgeous Tiramisu. After my trip to Italy, Tiramisu is high on my list of things to replicate. Looks like I have a good starting place!!!
The wings recipe is bookmarked for the Super Bowl party
Have a Happy New Year, Chef!
Happy New Year!!!! I am so happy to find your blog, so many gorgeous recipes to enjoy! Those black bottom praline brownie bars look heavenly! I have thought about making a cheesecake with mascarpone, it looks rich, creamy and so delicious:-) Take care, Hugs, Terra
Gorgeous photos! I’ve used this week to relax and catch up on sleep and energy too! It’s been perfect
Happy New Year, Chef! Can’t wait to see what you bring in 2012.
Chef,
Glad that you took the time to “unplug” and recharge. I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for you. You have been such a wonderful friend and mentor to me and the blogging community, it’s no surprise that you won the well deserved award. Keep up the good work. We all appreciate it.
Wow Dennis – They all look so good, I’d like to try them all today. Happy New Year
Happy New Year! I missed those chicken wings somewhere along the way but they look delicious. I am going to check out the recipe. Chicken wings are my husband’s specialty.
Wow, wow, wow! Happy New Year and Best Wishes for continued success on your blog;-)
I’ve returned to this site three times today just to look at the chicken saltimbocca! You have inspired this rookie blogger more than you know, and I’m a huge fan of yours. Thank you and Happy 2012.
Thank you so much for the kind words! The saltimbocca is delicious! If I can be of any help to you in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask, I’m here if you need me!
Dennis
A Happy and healthy 2012 to you Chef Dennis and Lisa and I am looking forward to another great year of wonderful sharing from you;)
Thank you Elin, wishing you and your family a happy and healthy new year!
Two thumbs up on this. Happy New Year!
Beautiful recipes! Those Buffalo wings look amazing!
What beautiful recipes you had in 2011–Can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store! Happy New Year!
You’ve had a wonderful year, indeed! I have no doubts that 2012 will be even better!
What a wonderful recap of 2011 of some of your scrumptious recipes here. Thanks for joining #Welcome2012 and making it a wonderful event.
Hope to stay connected for more of foodie fun together in coming years!
What a visually stunning recap of a great year! Your food looks like an absolute dream
Great recap Chef! My favorite: Buffalo wings.. No doubt they are the best ever!
Have a great New Year!:)
2011 was a delicious year-especially since it included some of your awesome recipes. Have wondrous New Year!
love your baker’s dozen round-up! The pecan crusted snapper looks especially amazing. So happy to join you in this virtual new years eve party, and look forward to more of your recipes in 2012!
Hi Chef!
Great recap! Loved the photos! I’m intrigued by your “Famous Crabcakes.” Those are my fav!
Happy New Year! #Welcome2012
Happy New Year Chef Dennis!!
Just a quick question on your beautiful crab cakes – When freezing them, do you freeze cooked or raw?
Thank you for a wonderful year of amazing recipies!
-Kathy
I made the crab cakes this weekend and they came out great. I broiled them with a bit of butter on top and they were delish! If you have not tried them yet, I encourage you to do so ASAP. I gave some to my parents and they pan seared them with equally impressive results.
I am certain that Chef Dennis would never take full credit for this, but my father has attributed the Patriot’s success on Sunday to these crab cakes. The Pats were down by 4 when the crab cakes came out of the broiler. The symbolism of devouring a product of Maryland while the Pats beat Baltimore certainly added to our enjoyment of both the crab cakes and the game.
These will be on my Superbowl menu for sure. Go Pats!
Yes I broil them at school, or if i use the filling for stuffed shrimp or stuffed flounder it always gets broiled. But my tried and true at the restaurant was saute, and that seems to be my wife’s favorite way to have them. I’m so glad to hear they were a hit, thanks for letting me know. Maybe we need to get Tom Brady to try them!
Now you just need to make my wings for the superbowl and you’ll be all set!
So many awesome recipes! I loved reading your blog this past year and am looking forward to your future posts!
I’d say it was a well deserved rest! Happy New Year to you!
I had some leftover Cranberry Chutney and made Cranberry Gelato with it. Delish! Thanks for the recipe, Chef!
Thank Kath, glad to hear it worked out for you!
I still need to put that crab cake to the test
and those wings, I’m looking for superbowl recipes right now! They look perfect.
I enjoyed becoming your friend this year and can’t wait to see where 2012 takes our most valuable blogger! Keep rocking the kitchen, Chef!