As the final week of 2017 draws to a close, a unique blend of emotions fills the air. This period, nestled between the festive cheer of Christmas and the fresh promise of New Year’s, has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a cherished time for profound reflection on the journey just traversed, for nurturing vibrant hopes and exciting anticipation for what lies ahead, and for diligently laying out plans and setting ambitious goals. More than anything, it offers a much-needed respite from the relentless pace and demands that often characterize the holiday season. This particular week embodies everything I love about year-end transitions.
Every year, I eagerly anticipate curating a “Best Of” post for the blog, a tradition that allows me to sift through the culinary creations and significant moments that shaped my past twelve months. However, 2017 presented itself with a distinctly different rhythm and intensity. Looking back, my blogging presence felt somewhat diminished, with my first post of the year not even appearing until February 1st. That initial entry, featuring Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites, vividly brings back the year’s challenging inception. We began 2017 with my little one, my husband, and even our beloved dog, all recovering from various surgeries. While I typically strive to keep this space light, focusing on the joy of food and health as my personal happy retreat, it feels important to be transparent about the profound difficulties I faced. This year was, without a doubt, one of the toughest, marking a period of intense personal challenges and growth.
The challenges seemed to multiply throughout the year. We endured numerous distressing trips to the hospital for various family members, a relentless series of worries that tested our resilience. Then, in September, a formidable hurricane swept through, leaving a trail of devastation and adding another layer of emotional and practical strain. For a long time, I found myself in a state of denial, simply pushing forward, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Yet, the cumulative weight of these experiences eventually caught up, and I’ve been navigating a complex landscape of exhaustion and overwhelming emotions. It has been a period of profound internal reckoning, learning to acknowledge and process feelings I often tried to suppress, and understanding the true meaning of resilience.
A particularly difficult moment arrived on November 2nd, when I experienced the profound loss of my beloved grandfather. Even now, as I type these words, they carry a heavy, almost irreversible finality. For those who have followed my blog for some time, you might already be aware of the incredibly unique and deep bond I share with my grandparents. They have been an unwavering, central pillar in my life for as long as I can remember. My mother, being an only child, meant my grandparents were always intimately intertwined with our daily existence – they either lived with us, in the apartment below us, two doors down, or just a short stroll away on the same street throughout my entire upbringing. When I eventually moved away from home, they were still just two doors from my childhood house, a comforting constant in my world.
Growing up, my parents owned and operated a restaurant, which meant their workdays were exceptionally long and demanding. In their absence, my grandparents stepped into the role of primary caregivers, showering us with love and attention. Anyone familiar with the restaurant industry knows the intensity of that life; I essentially spent my childhood either tucked away in the back booth of the restaurant, eagerly helping out during busy rushes, or at home under the loving care of my grandparents. Of course, there were times I wished my parents could be home more, but their dedication ensured our family’s well-being. And in their stead, my grandparents provided an extraordinary upbringing, a tapestry of cherished memories and unwavering support that I would never trade for anything in the world. Their presence profoundly shaped who I am today, instilling values and traditions that I carry forward.
The experience of grief, in its current form, is a relatively new and intensely challenging journey for me. I lost my baby brother when I was just twelve years old. While that loss was undeniably heartbreaking and deeply shocking for our family, being a child, I believe, made it somewhat easier to process at the time. Looking back now, especially as a mother myself, I carry a profound sense of regret and sorrow that I couldn’t fully grasp the depth of what my mom was enduring. So, grief, in adulthood, truly feels like an overwhelming beast. For the past seven weeks, I’ve largely felt enveloped in a persistent fog, struggling to find clarity or steady ground. Living an hour away from my family amplifies this struggle, leading to moments of panic and a desperate need to feel closer to them, and to him. I am actively working through these complex emotions, striving to find peace amidst the pain. My Nonno is deeply missed, a void that aches continuously, reminding me of the preciousness of every shared moment.
Adding to this emotional landscape, my grandmother’s health has been steadily declining for quite some time. She has battled dementia for years, a condition that has, in essence, progressed to Alzheimer’s disease. My dedicated mother has been their primary caregiver for several years now. This past year, a significant change occurred as they all moved into a shared home. While this arrangement has eased some logistical burdens, allowing everyone to be together under one roof, the health challenges themselves have only intensified. Furthermore, my husband’s parents, both in their eighties, have also faced and continue to navigate their own set of serious health issues throughout this demanding year. The cumulative weight of all these family health struggles rests heavily upon my shoulders, creating an almost constant undercurrent of concern and exhaustion, but also a deep sense of responsibility and love.
This, then, paints a vivid picture of my life right now, and serves as an explanation for my recent absence from the blog. There have been moments where I’ve felt utterly lost, unsure where to direct my energy or how to regain my footing. But crucially, in this very week, a familiar and much-missed spark has reignited within me. It’s a powerful resurgence of excitement, renewed energy, and unwavering determination. I truly missed this feeling of purpose and creative drive that fuels my passion for this blog. My deepest hope is to recommit to cooking more regularly, to rekindle the joy of creating in the kitchen, and to consistently share whatever culinary adventures or life insights come my way with all of you here. I am eager to re-establish my routine of meal planning, a practice that proved incredibly effective and beneficial for me earlier in the year, helping me stay organized, eat well, and reduce daily stress. I also intend to share more of what I’m reading, as books have been a wonderful source of solace, inspiration, and escape lately. Moreover, I want to embrace the authenticity of sharing more of my everyday meals – those dishes that might not be picture-perfect recipes but are genuinely nourishing and part of my real life, offering practical solutions and relatable experiences (for more of these candid glimpses, do follow me on Instagram!).
Now, let’s transition to a more joyous note and delve into the culinary highlights of my year. Despite the numerous distractions and the reduced amount of time I spent cooking, there are definitely a handful of recipes that distinctly stand out as my absolute favorites from 2017. These are the dishes that brought comfort, joy, and satisfaction during a challenging period, proving that even amidst difficulties, good food can be a source of solace. I’d love to hear from you too – if you tried any of my creations this year and found a favorite, please don’t hesitate to share it in the comments below! Your feedback and engagement mean the world to me.
My Top Culinary Picks: Celebrating 2017’s Favorite Recipes
Dragonfruit Smoothie
A burst of tropical flavor and essential nutrients, this vibrant Dragonfruit Smoothie was a delightful and healthy way to boost energy and stay hydrated, making it a perfect quick breakfast or snack. Get the Recipe | Pin It
Garden Salad with Shrimp and Bacon
Packed with fresh, crisp ingredients and satisfying protein from shrimp and bacon, this Garden Salad quickly became a go-to for wholesome, fulfilling lunches and light dinners. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your greens! Get the Recipe | Pin It
Greek Yogurt Egg Salad with Smoked Paprika
A healthier twist on a classic, the smoked paprika added an irresistible depth and subtle spice to this versatile Greek Yogurt Egg Salad. Perfect as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or with fresh veggies for a nutritious snack. Get the Recipe | Pin It
Cajun Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
This speedy, flavor-packed Cajun Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry proved that healthy and delicious could go hand-in-hand. It’s a low-carb, high-protein meal that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner or a fantastic single-serving lunch. Get the Recipe | Pin It
Stuffed Poblanos with Turkey & Black Beans
Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, these Stuffed Poblanos with Turkey & Black Beans offered a comforting, healthy meal that was easy to love. With just five ingredients, it’s a weeknight dinner winner and great for meal prepping lunches. Get the Recipe | Pin It
Mediterranean Farro Salad with Arugula and Chickpeas
This hearty and fresh Mediterranean Farro Salad was a fantastic option for nutritious meal prep, offering vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a wholesome grain salad that’s perfect for light lunches or as a side dish. Get the Recipe | Pin It
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Kale Soup with Sweet Potatoes
Warm, hearty, and effortlessly prepared, this Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Kale Soup became a go-to for cozy family dinners on chilly evenings, packed with flavor and nourishing ingredients. Get the Recipe | Pin It
Layered Taco Dip
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this vibrant Layered Taco Dip was always a hit at gatherings, bringing fun and flavor to any table. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that consistently disappears quickly! Get the Recipe | Pin It
Stuffed Acorn Squash
A wonderfully comforting and customizable dish, this Stuffed Acorn Squash was perfect for showcasing seasonal flavors and creating a wholesome, satisfying vegetarian main or side dish, especially during fall and winter. Get the Recipe | Pin It
As we eagerly step into the promise of a new year, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and renewed determination that 2017 has bestowed. This blog remains my cherished space, a culinary diary and a platform for connection. I am filled with excitement to continue our culinary journey together, exploring new recipes, sharing life’s authentic moments, and fostering a community around good food and good living. Thank you for being a part of this journey, for your support, and for allowing me to share my experiences, both in and out of the kitchen. Here’s to a healthier, happier, and more delicious year ahead, filled with renewed inspiration and shared moments!
Explore more culinary journeys and reflections from previous years:
2016: Top Recipes & Personal Experiences
2015: My Most Popular Culinary Creations
2014: A Look Back at My Favorite Dishes
2013: Celebrating Your Favorites & Mine
2012: Twelve Dishes That Defined My Year
2011: Bidding Farewell with Flavor
2009: Unforgettable Favorites
2008: A Culinary Retrospective – Part 1 & Part 2