Danica's Kitchen Turns Nine Years Old (plus Some Things I’d Like to Know and 9 Favorite Recipes from Readers)
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| Danica's Kitchen is Nine Years Old! |
Nine years ago I wrote my first unsophisticated little post on Danica's Kitchen, and now each year when this anniversary date comes around, I realize again how I never dreamed all the ways this little blog would change my life. I’ll always be grateful to my brother Rand for starting me down the path to a second career as a full-time blogger, and to the fellow food bloggers who have shared their knowledge and helped me expand my skills. I also want to send thanks to my long-time web designer Jennette who keeps my blogs running smoothly and makes me look good despite my limited technological knowledge!
One thing I’ve enjoyed greatly over the past nine years is how blogging has brought so many interesting, thoughtful, and creative people into my life. Nowdays Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest make it easier to connect with readers and fellow bloggers than in the early days, but things can also get lost in the noise of social media and I always appreciate people who make the extra effort to leave a comment on the blog or send me an e-mail. And blogging wouldn’t be much fun at all if no one was reading and interacting, so let me say a big thank you to all my readers, family members, and friends for your support through the years!
If you’re a regular follower of my blog, this seems like a good time to ask about a few things I’d love to know. (You can answer any or all of the questions in a comment here, or reach me through another type of social media if you prefer, but thanks for taking time to give feedback!)
- If you’ve been reading for a while, how did you first discover Danica's Kitchen?
- What method (such as RSS, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, E-Mail Subscription, Bookmark, etc.) do you use to follow my posts?
- If you’ve tried some of my recipes, what ones did you like most? Any that didn’t work out?
- If you could whisper in my ear about something new or different you’d like to see on Danica's Kitchen, what would you tell me?
One type of reader interaction I always love is when people send me their favorite recipes! I do get far more recipes from people than I can ever try or share with you here, but there have been some reader-submitted recipes through the years that been such a WOW that they’ve become personal favorites and I thought this anniversary would be a fun time to mention them. To celebrate nine wonderful years of blogging, here are nine favorite recipes I’ve gotten from readers (and keep them coming, please!)
A reader named Lori sent me this recipe for Fattoush (a Lebanese Crumbled Bread Salad with Sumac and Pita Chips), and this is a salad I make every summer when I have fresh mint and parsley.
When she shared the recipe, Lisa from Hawaii called this Dumb Salad, and after I tried it I renamed it Not-so-Dumb Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Onions, Avocado, and Balsamic Vinegar. I love how the avocado and balsamic combine to make the “dressing” for the salad.
A reader who signed the e-mail “Denise in Florida” sent me a link to Ginger-Cilantro Rice on Epicurious.com, and I modified the recipe a bit to come up with this Ginger-Cilantro Rice with Green Onions and Cilantro. If you’re a fellow cilantro fan, you will love this rice!
Long before I started doing Meatless Monday recipes every week, a reader named Paula shared this Spicy Red Lentil and Chickpea Stew that I called Paula’s Moroccan Lentil Stew, and this is something I’ve made several times for parties.
A reader named Amy sent me a recipe for a Rosemary, Mushroom, and Chickpea Ragout that I combined with ideas from my friend Stephanie’s latest cookbook to come up with this Slow Cooker White Bean, Mushroom, and Rosemary Spaghetti Squash Bowl, and even though I didn’t think the photos really captured the deliciousness of this dish, Jake and I couldn’t stop eating it when we tested the recipe.
Effie’s Easy and Amazing Cottage Cheese Salad with Za’atar is a favorite recipe that was sent to me by Effie from Israel, who also sent me some wonderful spices and other food items to help me indulge my love of Middle Eastern food.
My blog was only three years old when a reader named Jamie shared this recipe for Baked Falafel Patties with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce, and I just can’t say enough good things about how delicious this is. (A blogging friend named Nupur was the source for the sauce which was so great with the Falafel.)
A reader named John sent me a Mediterranean Mahi Mahi recipe that I adapted to make this Pan-Seared and Roasted Mahi Mahi with Mediterranean Salsa and Feta, and this was another one that Jake and I went crazy over, even though we tested it on a day when we made several other recipes.
A reader named Robin shared this recipe for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Almonds and Dill way back in 2009. Robin told me she really loved this recipe, and so did I!
And last but not least, the most recently-featured recipe from a reader is this Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Sauteed with Vegetables and Feta, sent to me by a very nice reader named Joyce. I just shared this recipe a few weeks ago, and it already has quite a few fans who seem to be enjoying it as much as I did!
More Blog Anniversary Posts:
Danica's Kitchen Turns One
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70 Comments on “Danica's Kitchen Turns Nine Years Old (plus Some Things I’d Like to Know and 9 Favorite Recipes from Readers)”
Thanks Karen. It has been fun, and look at all the nice people I've met!
Yum! The not so dumb salad looks great. Congrats on 9 years. That is quite the accomplishment 🙂
Hi Sandy,
Glad you've been enjoying the blog. Actually I love beets, but they are most definitely not South Beach Diet friendly (too high in sugar) so that's why I tend to avoid them. But maybe I can think of an idea that doesn't use too many of them with some other low-glycemic foods, we'll see.
Kalyn – I found your blog many years ago (can't even remember) when I was searching google for South Beach recipes. I have cooked more recipes from your blog than any other. My favorite of all is /2009/12/crockpot-or-stovetop-recipe-for-ham-and.html. Happened to receive some leftover Honeybaked Ham after Christmas. Tried this recipe and thought I was in heaven. The cabbage gets almost melty and luscious. Ham was fabulous. Loved it!
Best wishes for the future of your blog. I check in almost everyday. I've "liked" you on Facebook, bookmarked you and have you on my RSS Feed.
Unless you hate beets, I'd like to see more recipes for them. Even just canned beets with vaigrettes. I'm looking for easy fast throw togethers and I love canned beets.
Thanks Jeanette. Who imagined we would still be going strong so many years later?
Congrats on 9 years Kalyn! Your blog was one of the first I started reading when I started blogging. I have really enjoyed seeing your blog evolve and expand in content over the years, and look forward to more in the coming years. Thanks for setting a high standard for me and others.
S, thanks so much for that nice feedback!
Happy blog birthday, and wish you growing success.
A couple of years back, I landed on your blog via Google search and have been a regular reader since. I follow the blog via RSS and am also on the FB page.
Have tried many of your salad recipes with carrots/beans and loved the results With a few accessible ingredients and techniques, your recipes make the "ordinary" become remarkable!
I've been reading your blog for years, Kalyn, and I think I found it when I was searching for SB recipes. I subscribe to your posts through a RSS feeder, and I have also liked your page on FB.
I especially appreciate your large collection of phase 1 recipes. My favorites include several of your cabbage salads and West African Peanut Stew. So yummy! Have you tried adding spinach to the stew? It's a perfect complement and adds so much nutrition!
Sissy, I love that you have one of my recipes memorized! Glad you have enjoyed it.
Happy Birthday!
I follow on Pinterest and Facebook, I found you by Googling South Beach recipes.
My favorite recipe of yours is one with chicken breast layered with beans, Sour cream and cheese. The name escapes me right now, but I serve it often enough to not have to use the recipe!
Here's to many more recipes and happy blogging years!
Greg, thanks so much! It's been a fun nine years.
Nine years! That is so admirable I just had to crawl out of the woodwork to wish you many more. GREG
Thank you, I hope to be around for a long time!
I discovered your blog a year ago when I began the south beach diet. It has been a wonderful relationship since then! My husband and I have loved very recipe we have tried and they have become regulars in our diet. I have referred so many friends and family to you and their response is the same as mine. I congratulate you on your anniversary and, selfishly, wish you many more!
Thanks Andrea! So glad you're enjoying the recipes and can't wait for you to try Sumac and Za'atar as well!
Congratulations on your 9-year mark Kalyn! Your success is so well-deserved. I have been reading for so long now that I don't even remember how I found you. And favorites, where to start? I have made dozens and dozens of your recipes, and every one has been delicious. The Cafe Rio recipes are probably the ones we make most often, along with the Kubideh and the sides that go along with it. We are big cilantro lovers here, so anything with cilantro always catches my eye too. Oh and all of your salads are favorites, also! I am finally going to order some Sumac and Za'atar, which I have not found locally here in Dallas, so I'm excited to try the recipes containing those spices. Thanks so much for all the great foodie inspiration, looking forward to another 9 years of your delicious recipes!
Thanks Teresa; so glad to hear you've been enjoying the recipes so much. Rosemary Mustard Grilled Chicken is a big favorite in my own family too.
Unknown, glad you're enjoying the casseroles!
I found you about 5 years ago while searching for low carb recipes. We especially enjoy your casserole ideas such as ham with cauliflower au gratin and more recently the ground turkey with brown rice and mushrooms. Also like your 'how to use leftovers' ideas. The preferred venue is via email so as not to miss a thing. Please keep up this great fun for all of us!
Congratulations Kalyn! Your blog is my #1 favorite recipe blog so it makes me happy that you have made this milestone…may there be 9+ years more!!!
I discovered your blog when I was searching for SB recipes. Your recipes have certainly been the key to my success in weight loss and overall better health. They are now just "good recipes" to me and not "South Beach/weight loss recipes"
My all-time favorite recipe is the grilled salmon packets w/garlic, tomatoes, thyme and saffron. I could eat this once a week….and many months I do incorporate this into the weekly rotation (but then my husband gets tired of it…but I don't!). Our all-time family favorite recipe is the Rosemary Mustard Grilled Chicken…also almost once a week recipe. What I like about both of these recipes is not only are they easy enough and delicious for a regular night meal, but also excellent for company when we want a "special" meal. Whenever I take a meal to someone who is ill or just had a baby, I take the rosemary mustard chicken and it always gets rave reviews.
I appreciate the balance that your blog offers in recipe types (salads, entrees, etc.) and in ethnic flavors. I have tried many new spices and cuisines that you have featured…I've tried them when I otherwise would not have because I came to trust your "normal" recipes and I knew that I could take a chance and try some not-so-normal-for-me recipes. I now love, love, love anything Greek! (oh, I love the greek lentils!)
I appreciate the thoughtful detail that you give explaining techniques w/photos included…it just makes the cooking experience so much easier and hassle free.
So, Happy Anniversary Kalyn ~ you are an internet blessing!
Teresa in Texas
Jools, thanks for the good wishes!
Chantre, definitely interested in recipes with whole grains; will keep that in mind!
Congratulations & Happy 9 years! I discovered your blog several years ago when I was looking for more recipes that were true to the South Beach diet. WOW-what a fun surprise to find your blog! It was so much more than I could have ever hoped to have found! Thank you for all the great ideas, tips, and (YES) recipes that you share! I'm trying more whole grain recipes these days too so any more that you can share on your blog would be awesome. THANK YOU Kalyn!!
Happy 9th Blog Birthday! That is quite an accomplishment!
I only recently found your blog through my DIL who recommended it because she knew I was watching my carbs. I am so glad she did! Your site is amazing with tons of wonderful recipes.
I follow you through email.
Congratulations and wishing you even more success in the future!
Jools
Thanks Las, and have fun feeding that toddler!
Congrats on 9 years!
I found your blog about 2 years ago while googling South Beach Diet recipes. I get your posts in my emails. I have only tried a few recipes so far (turkey pesto meatloaf, Effies easy amazing cottage cheese salad and the cauliflower tots, but all have been easy and really tasty! I have been making a renewed effort to cook bc my son is eating finger foods and the cauliflower tots and meatloaf are great recipes that he can enjoy too! Keep up the good work.
Thanks, so glad you're enjoying the recipes!
Good job Kaylyn!!! I found your blog a few years ago because my husband is diabetic and we really have to watch our carbs. I also wanted to drop some weight and knew that a low carb lifestyle was the way to go. I was also familiar with South Beach diet and knew any recipe that fit into their diet would work for my husband and I. Your recipes have been a welcome and yummy addition to my recipe file. I get you through email. Thanks for being out there. Keep those recipes coming.
Thanks Kathie, and so glad the recipes have been helpful!
Congrats Kalyn, I found you years ago….while searching for South Beach recipes. I refer to you as my friend from Utah, and you became a lifeline….when I traveled out of state for cancer treatment for my husband. He was put on a low carb , sugar free diet……so Kalyn to the rescue! I follow you on my email on my trusty ipad, we have enjoyed so many recipes!!! Thank you …..I love that you recommend things from Costco ( that I would never think of buying, until your recommendation ). I just made your Lima bean, cabbage, ham soup…Delish!!! Keep the great recipes coming……Kathie
Karen, glad you've enjoyed the recipes, and I'm definitely planning to continue.
Wow – 9 years! Congratulations. I've been reading your blog for at least the past 8 years…almost from the beginning. I can't remember how I came across it, it has been so long. Food blogging certainly has evolved with many blogs I used to follow now inactive. Facebook has really helped me stay current with your new recipes – but I also just come directly to your blog.
Some of my favorite recipes (I have MANY of your recipes in my regular cooking rotation) include your chickpea, carrot and feta salad and I LOVE the recipe you shared some years ago for a turkey breast in the crockpot…that has become one of my most frequent of your recipes, and so simple!
Hope you keep creating new recipes for us to enjoy!
– Karen
Thanks Laurie, so glad you have enjoyed the slow cooker frittatas!
Love your blog. I found it while searching for South Beach friendly lunches. We have tired many of your recipes and have enjoyed them all. The best recipe/tip is making frittatas in the crockpot! Keep up the great work.
Apologies to Jo, because I accidentally deleted this comment: Congratulations on the nine years of great recipes! I found some of your recipes while looking through Pinterest and then subscribed through the e-mail link on your blog about a year ago. One of my favorite recipes is the "Twice Baked Cauliflower". It is such a delicious way to cook cauliflower, I am sure I could finish an entire bowl in just one or two settings! I also have a lot of your recipes pinned on my recipe page on Pinterest so they are easy to find. If I had one suggestion, it would be to have the calorie count on some of your recipes. I follow a low-calorie diet but can still use many of your recipes (sometimes with a little substitution of low-fat items, etc.) I have to enter every ingredient into a calorie counter to determine how "calorie friendly' your recipes really are. I know that is not your major diet emphasis, but it would really help those of use who count calories. Thanks, and congratulations!
My reply: I'm glad you're enjoying the Twice-Baked Cauliflower. I'm afraid I'm never going to calculate calories, it's just one more thing to do on every recipe and recipe posts already take me 10+ hours by the time I test the recipe, take photos, edit the photos, and write the post. Plus I have over 2,000 recipes already without calorie counts and if I start doing it now I'm going to get complaints that the older recipes don't have that info, and I could never find time to do it for all the older ones.
Unknown, I have been thinking about what's involved with getting a mobile responsive site. What worries me is the huge loss of ad revenue when the site is viewed on mobile, but I will investigate more with my designer. The comment set-up is determined by Blogger, so I don't think there's much I can do to change that.
Ronnie, glad you've enjoyed so many of the recipes. More quinoa salads sounds like a great idea!
Unknown, glad you have found some faves.
KatesMom, glad you have enjoyed the recipes that don't have cilantro! Have you tried using thinly sliced green onion; I think that complements the flavors that also go well with cilantro.
Congratulations on 9 years! I found you several years ago doing a google search for some recipe. I'm not on South Beach, nor even low-carb, but I love your recipes. I love them because they have so much flavor. I make a number of your recipes, but we particularly love your Stuffed Green Peppers with Brown Rice, Italian Sausage and Parmesan (though I usually sub white rice). You've also introduced me to some new products, especially the various Costco sausages. I get your daily email, though I also go to your web site when I'm looking for something interesting to do with something in my freezer. I'm not much of a fan of the meatless dishes, though I like the ones that use a minimum of meat with lots of flavorful veggies and herbs and spices. And if I could whisper in your ear, I'd say, "Please, not so many dishes with cilantro." 🙂 I know many love it, but to some of us, it tastes like soap, even in small amounts. Leaving it out or subbing parsley usually just results in a bland dish, since the recipe was designed with the cilantro as an integral part. Anyway, keep up the good work. I love your palate of flavors (except for the cilantro 🙂 ), and I think you are an artist!
My hubby and I started the South Beach Diet in January and I found your blog by googling recipes.
I use a LOT of your recipes!! Some favorites are mock kale lasagna, the lettuce wraps w/ sriracha, the sriracha cabbage bowl, and the turkey taco wraps (the leftovers make GREAT lunch taco salads!!). We ALL love your roasted broccoli w/ garlic (even my picky teenagers). The ham spread and guacamole tostadas are favorite lunches.
Some that weren't so great (to us) were the phase 1 stuffed peppers, the split pea soup (needs more flavor, will try again) and the crockpot salsa chicken for wraps.
I follow your blog by email and facebook – and your 'search' feature on your blog is invaluable for my weekly menu planning!
Thank you so much for everything you do!!!
You are my "go-to" food blogger since I discovered you about 3 – 4 years ago via South Beach searches. I concur and love all your favorite ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, kale, garbanzo beans, etc and especially love ALL your salad ideas. I live in Hawaii so I'm fortunate to have fresh salad and veggie ingredients all year round. I've probably made 100+ of your recipes with not one disappointment. I follow you thru Bloglovin mostly (and you're bookmarked), but see you on Pinterest, Facebook, too. I love your variety of cuisines, the Favorites section, and the Recipe Saver. I took your Southwest Quinoa & Black Bean salad to a potluck this week and everyone there loved it and now has a link to your recipe/blog. How about experimenting with more quinoa salads? Thanks for a great blog.
Can't remember how I found it but I'm glad I did. Roasted cabbage with lemon is a great one-I make it a lot in the summer. I have an RSS feed and use the app called Feedly to read. Suggestion would be to have your website updated for mobile. It's pretty hard to read on my iphone better on the kindle. Also hard to add a comment- why do I have to scroll down to the last comment in order to post? You're a great blogger!
Thanks Janet. I am a Feedly user now too, although I still miss Google Reader!
Sue, so glad you are enjoying the recipes.
Andrea, me too!
Congratulations on 9 years, Kalyn! I've been a reader and fan since way back, and I'm so happy that we met through blogging. 🙂
Congrats. What a big accomplishment. I really count on your site for delicious meals. I just had one of your recipes for lunch yesterday.
I think I first saw one of your recipes pinned on Pinterest. I've been a regular follower since. Never made anything we didn't like. I especially appreciate the wide variety of low-glycemic recipes, a la South Beach, which was wearing out its welcome at my house. We have renewed hope! Such fabulous variety and started ideas for own own concoctions. Thanks!!!
Congratulations, Kalyn. I love your monthly round-ups. I can't remember how/when I discovered your blog because it was so long ago. I follow through feedly now, though. 🙂
Letsgohavesomepancakes, we were typing at the same time! I do have a category for Five Ingredients or Less. I'm not always that great at updating it, but it's a good place to start.
Thanks Alyssa, high praise coming from you!
Lisa, so glad you're enjoying the blog!
1. It's been a long time but I think I googled low carb recipes and you came up. My husband is diabetic and you have been a great source of low-glycemic recipes over the years!
2. Feedly, Pinterest
3. My go to for any cookout is the spicy cabbage salad.
4. I would love to see recipes that feature 5 ingredients or less or maybe a way to search for them? You might have this and I don't know about it. I'm a new mom and all about the simplicity these days.
Happy Birthday and thank you for your blog! I found you about 6 months ago when I googled a recipe for something. I am now a regular follower on fb and the website. So much about your style appeals to me that I don't know where to begin! I am on here today trying to figure out what to do with these pork chops I defrosted yesterday! I have never had a failure yet! Though sometimes have to add a little heat to spice up the mexican dishes for my husband, but that is personal preference. I am glad to have you!
Congrats Kalyn! 9 Years is so amazing! Your blog is such a huge source of inspiration for me!!!
Laura, if the Stevia is too bitter for you, try it as a mix with one of the other sweeteners you like. I do that quite often.
Good point about Stevia. I don't currently use it but perhaps I should use some of your recipes to give it a try. I prefer to use agave nectar, maple syrup and honey in my baking, but realize that's not always possible when trying to keep things low carb.
Thanks Pam. That really means a lot to me! xoxo
Fabulous food, fantastic blog, and the best sister ever! Love you K and am so proud of you!
Thanks Katie! And I for one am sad you stopped blogging, but I hope you're doing well and happy in your real job!
Congrats, Kalyn!
I found you in about 6 years ago when I was searching for a baked falafel recipe and came across this very one. I took it to a potluck with my friends, and everyone LOVED it. I was hooked after that.
I use a combination of RSS and Facebook to keep up with your posts now.
I've probably tried over 20 of your recipes now, and I have loved every one. I particularly enjoy your soups and stews (I could eat Amy's white chicken chili every day). They're all so simple to make, but very tasty and filling.
I don't have any suggestions for you, I just hope you'll stick with blogging for 9 more years (instead of quitting like me).
Thanks Glen; I guess we were writing comments at the same time! Glad to know I am exposing you to some new flavors.
Katie, true it seems like it's gone by quickly but I still can't believe it's that long.
Caustic Critic, thanks for the good wishes and feedback!
Barbara, I love it too. Soo many good ideas from people!
Anna, thanks and how fun to hear your dad "knows" me!
Thanks Amy!
Thanks Jan, and sounds like a lot of people like those Mexican flavors!
Congratulations!
I found you while searching for low carb recipes. Can't remember the first recipe as I've used many over and over but I instantly bookmarked and have shared your site to others. Don't stop!
The recipe I currently adore is the baked sesame tofu sticks with peanut butter sauce .. so easy, no messy frying and the sauce is so GOOD!! I use the leftover sauce/dip on everything .. try it with baby garlic dill pickles. Yes, weird but I have a 'thing' for dill pickles and peanut butter.
The other recipe I just used for Easter was the Mango Salad … everyone loved it!
I love trying recipes that get me out of my comfort zone … Asian, Indian, Greek, Vietnamese, etc.
Look forward to another year. Thank you!
Happy blog birthday! I'm not sure how I found you since I've been following you a long while. I use Firefox live bookmarks to follow you via RSS. One of your recipes I make repeatedly is your Green Chili Chicken (I think that's the name). I really love Tex-Mex flavors, and everyone I've served it loves that dish, too.
Happy Blog Birthday, Kalyn! You are my favorite blogger and I use your recipes more than any other. Here's to another 9 years!
Congratulations!
I probably found your blog "googling" South Beach recipes.
I follow your blog, but always check out your facebook posts first.
Your Ground Turkey and Chickpea Curry Stew with Yogurt and Cilantro is probably our favourite recipe of yours, but we have many! Can't really think of any clinkers at all 😉
Congratulations on 9 wonderful years! Love that your readers send you great recipes.
Congratulations on nine years of delicious food!
I found your blog via my father, who is a DEVOTED fan of yours (he talks about you like you're someone he knows — "Well, we're making a recipe from Kalyn this weekend…"). He and my mom are long-time South Beach followers, while I just like tasty food 😉
I've particularly enjoyed the slow-cooker Cannellini bean stew, as well as some of your Mexican-themed casseroles. Other recipes along those lines would be great!
Thanks so much for all your hard work and creativity, you're a family favorite!
Has it really been that long? I hit 8 years in Feb. Seems like a long time and just yesterday, both LOL
Congratulations!
Thanks Sam, Joanne, LauraA, Lydia, and Rand for the best wishes. It's been a fun 9 years.
Laura, curious as to whether you are including Stevia in your definition of "artificial sweeteners" because I do have recipes with that. But thanks for the feedback!
Nine? That hardly seems possible (at least to me). I'm sure for you some days it feels like 19! I'm so proud of what you have created! Blog on dear sister. I love you.
Recipes from readers are the best, aren't they? I love getting recipes, and I love it when readers tell me how they've modified my recipes to their own taste. Your blog has been a wonderful inspiration since the day I discovered it, at least eight years ago. Thank you for all you do to make cooking and healthy eating so satisfying!
9 years, wow! I love your blog and I'm glad you're still going strong!
I think I found your blog through A Veggie Venture, but I've been reading for quite awhile now so it's hard to remember!
My favourite recipe so far is the slow cooker stew with chickpeas and sausage. Delicious! The "not so dumb" salad featured in this post is also now a staple.
One thing I would love to see on your blog is some healthy baked goods/treats that do not include any artificial sweeteners.
Happy 9 years!! WOW. Such an achievement!!
Congratulations Kalyn. What a fabulous accomplishment.
Sam