• Giveaway Closed •
It’s been a year.
An entire year has passed since I hit publish on my very first post on August 14, 2011. Back before I even knew how I wanted to present my recipes. When all I knew was I needed one place to get it all down. A place my boys could come one day if they ever said “remember Mom’s chili? I wish I had the recipe”. Over the course of that year I’ve gone from doing a simple photo or two with some comments to full on step-by-step instructions.
What was I thinking?
Oh yeah, I know what I was thinking.
I was thinking that my boys would be more inclined to actually make the recipe if they saw it happen in front of their eyes. I hope I was right and I hope I’ve encouraged some others along the way.
I’m not sharing a recipe today, but instead I thought I’d take a bit of a walk down memory lane and feature some of my most viewed posts over the course of my first year. Then, I have something special for ya. So, enjoy the replay and I’ll see you down there for the fun stuff.
Chili Cornbread Bake. A nicely spiced turkey chili with white beans baked over cornbread batter. Uh huh…good stuff. Simple, homey comfort food.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan. A no-fry version of the Italian classic. You won’t miss the oil, promise.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. These babies never fail to please. Try making a big batch of these with some tomato soup. You will be loved deeply and eternally for all time.
Veggie Tostadas. A quick, healthier way to make a tostada when you have a hankering for Mexican but want to lighten it up. I was surprised to see how many other people seemed interested in this one. I’m not alone!
Fresh Fruit Kabobs. A ridiculously easy idea for a team or classroom party snack. I really didn’t expect this one to take off like it did. I think people were dazzled by all the purty colors. Which is exactly why this is a great, wholesome choice for kids of any age.
Lasagna For Two. Packed with veggies, seasoned ground beef and everything that makes lasagna irresistible. This recipe makes two mini lasagnas that will fit easily in your freezer. I almost always serve one and freeze one for later, which reminds me – I have one of these in my freezer right now!
Crock-Pot Cocktail Meatballs. The quintessential holiday appetizer. I don’t care how sophisticated your company is, these will fly out of the Crock-Pot at lightening speed. They are a party staple around here.
French Chocolate Cake. An almost flourless cake that is unlike any other that I’ve had. Dense and delicate all at the same time.
Now, for the fun stuff. In honor of my anniversary and and because I’m guessing you love to shop just as much as I do, I’m giving away one $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner. It’s not just a prize, it’s the gift of shopping. Maybe you’ve got some cookbooks on your wish list, or some cool kitchen gadgets, or the most recent season of The Real Housewives of Orange County on DVD (I won’t tell anyone). This is my chance to give some of the love back and thank you for stopping by, commenting, supporting, and sharing in my first year.
There are six ways to enter. Leave a separate comment for each one. Enter once or enter six times to increase your odds of winning!
- Like From Valerie’s Kitchen on Facebook
- Follow From Valerie’s Kitchen on Twitter
- Follow From Valerie’s Kitchen on Pinterest
- Subscribe to my RSS Feed or Subscribe by Email
- Share the link to this giveaway with your Facebook friends
- Tweet the link to this giveaway on your Twitter account using the following text – “Enter to win a $50 #Amazon Gift Card – One year blogiversary #Giveaway @ValeriesKitchn! https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/?p=7860”
Be sure to leave a separate comment below for each entry. Maximum of six entries per person. Giveaway closes on Sunday, August 26 . Winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email on Monday, August 27. If winner does not claim their prize within 48 hours, another winner will be selected. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.
• Giveaway Closed •
Sungmin Hahn says
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary Mrs. Brunmeier! I tried to copy your cake recipes and i had a blast. you need your own TV SHOW
Valerie Bent says
I follow you on Facebook and Pinterest.
Congrats on one year.
Megan's Cookin' (@MeganPires) says
I tweeted too!https://twitter.com/meganscookin/status/237559740685754369
Megan's Cookin' (@MeganPires) says
I shared on my Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/meganscookin/posts/189530697847186
Megan's Cookin' (@MeganPires) says
I subscribed to your RSS feed. Your in my Google reader!
Megan's Cookin' (@MeganPires) says
I’m following all your boards on Pinterest
Megan's Cookin' (@MeganPires) says
I follow you on Twitter
Megan's Cookin' (@MeganPires) says
Your newest follower! I “liked you ob Facebook.
Deb says
I am a happy subscriber to your blog.
Deb says
I follow you on Twitter!
Deb says
Happy anniversary! I also have been blogging for a year. I can’t believe how much I’ve learned and the fantastic friends I’ve made.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
And I’m subscribed to your blog.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Already following your Pinterest.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Sorry keep messing up my commenting. I follow your twitter, and shared on twitter.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Oops, I didn’t read the instruction carefully – 6 total, so count my previous as “Follow your facebook” because I do.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Congratulations on your 1st blogiversary! Whoo hoo! I feel like I know you for more than a year. Ever since I came to your site, I’ve been always enjoying to learn what you are cooking. I didn’t grow up in the US so what you are cooking is not something I grew up eating. But after I live here for a long time (15 yrs, so scary) I had tasted a lot of similar dishes you cook and I’m so happy that I can re-create them! It’s been really fun following you, and I look forward to learning from you!
Laura Jacobson says
I shared on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/laura.jacobson.752/posts/346810485404915
Laura Jacobson says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/236988879327076352
Laura Jacobson says
I follow you on twitter
ilovemybeagle2
Laura Jacobson says
I follow you on pinterest
http://pinterest.com/ilovemybeagle2/ Laura J
Laura Jacobson says
I like you on facebook
Dee says
I like you on FB! 🙂
Dee says
I tweeted about the Giveaway! 🙂
Dee says
I follow you on Twitter! 🙂
Dee says
I follow you on Pinterest! 🙂
Jennifer Marie says
fb share
https://www.facebook.com/#!/jennifer.m.moyer.3/posts/273851676049516
Jennifer Marie says
email subscriber
Jennifer Marie says
I follow you on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/lilnursejen/)
Jennifer Marie says
I follow you on twitter (JenniferCNP)
Jennifer Marie says
I liked you on fb (Jennifer Messner M)
Jaime says
Happy Anniversary to you and your lovely blog!! May there be many more anniversaries to follow 😀
p/s: the ham and cheese sliders look awesome!
Jennifer Marie says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/JenniferCNP/status/236184190394191873
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I follow some of your boards on pinterest 🙂
mjskit says
I follow some of your Pinterest boards and just added another.
mjskit says
I already subscribe to your email posts.
mjskit says
I follow you on Twitter
mjskit says
Congratulations on your one year blogiversary!!!! What a great stroll down memory lane! I remember many of these, but will have to check out those I don’t. A great year of recipes!
I already like you on FB!
Kim Bee says
Congrats my friend. SO glad you are blogging so I could meet you.
*don’t enter me, I’m a Canuck*
LaTanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/235811029806878720
LaTanya says
rss feed subscriber (google reader)
LaTanya says
I follow you on twitter
LaTanya says
I follow you on pinterest
LaTanya says
I like you on facebook
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I follow you on twitter 🙂
Kat says
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! I’ve been really enjoying reading your blog and look forward to seeing what you have in store next!
Saki E says
Happy Anniversary!!
amy marantino says
i tweeted – https://twitter.com/onitnaram/status/235735019367317504
amy marantino says
i subscribe to your RSS feed in google reader
Melissa C. says
I subscribe to your blog via email. Congrats on the one year anniversary!
Meg says
Subscribe to RSS Feed or Subscribe by Email! xoxo-meg
Meg says
Follow From Valerie’s Kitchen on Pinterest!
Meg says
Follow From Valerie’s Kitchen on Twitter!
Meg says
Like From Valerie’s Kitchen on Facebook!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Looks like a delicious year! Congratulations!
debbie says
I liked you on fb.
debbie penny
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
debbie says
I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Rusty says
Happy anniversary from Baking Nana’s sister-in-law in Ojai CA!
Lynna says
I also follow you on pinterest!
Lynna says
I subscribe to your blog via RSS feed
Lynna says
I like you on facebook!
Laura Moreau says
I shared this link on Twitter!!!
Laura Moreau says
I shared this link on FB
Laura Moreau says
I subscribed to Valerie’s Kitchen through email.
Laura Moreau says
I followed Valerie’s kitchen on Pinterest!
Laura Moreau says
I followed Valerie’s Kitchen on twitter
Laura Morea says
I like Valerie’s kitchen on FB!
Greg Vandeventer says
I retweeted the link on Twitter
Greg Vandeventer says
I follow on Twitter,
Minnie@thelady8home says
I have shared it on FB page too.
Congrats once again!
Minnie@thelady8home says
I tweeted about this.
Minnie@thelady8home says
I am subscribed to you via my hotmail ID
Minnie@thelady8home says
I am on board with Pinterest too :))
Minnie@thelady8home says
I follow you on twitter too 🙂
Minnie@thelady8home says
Congratulations Valerie!!! I love what you post on your blog, and I love your food. I am going to revisit all the posts you posted above. What a great giveaway :))
I already follow you on Facebook.
Ann says
Love your post, Valerie, and all the wonderful recipes you highlighted. Your boys will be so grateful to have your wonderful pictures and easy-to-follow directions. Such lucky boys: ) I, of course, follow you several ways…and just added one more! Congratulations on a very successful year!
Elena says
I subscribe to your emails
Elena says
shared on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/elena.istomina.12/posts/507910562569021
Elena says
Follow you on Twitter @ElenaIstomina
Elena says
Follow you on Pinterest elena8
Elena says
I like you on Facebook (Elena Istomina)
France C says
Liked you on fbook! Congrats on 1 year!
France C says
Tweeted your link!
Kelly G says
I subdcribed to your blog via email
France C says
Following you on twitter! @france74
Kelly G says
I followed you on Pinterest
Kelly G says
I liked you on facebook
Janice Cooper says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/235525705226653698
Janice Cooper says
Shared giveaway on Facebook. FB name Jan Peoples
https://www.facebook.com/jan.peoples.7/posts/503556326324896
Janice Cooper says
I Subscribe to your RSS Feed via Google Reader
Janice Cooper says
I follow From Valerie’s Kitchen on Pinterest as Jan Peoples
Janice Cooper says
I follow From Valerie’s Kitchen on Twitter @disneyfan40
Janice Cooper says
I “like” From Valerie’s Kitchen on Facebook. FB name Jan Peoples
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I already like you on my Cooking Actress fan page 😀 ((AND CONGRATS!!!))
Brenda says
Yay, Valerie, one year! Happy Anniversary!
Brenda Venable says
I shared your link on Facebook!
Marion@Lifetastesgood says
Ooooh I shared this on my facebook page too!
Marion@Lifetastesgood says
I follow you on facebook :o)
Marion@Lifetastesgood says
Congrats! The pictures are beautiful! What a lovely walk down memory lane! I follow you on pinterest
Laura Hoerth says
I subscribed to your google feed. And, I read a few of the recipes posted on your blog and I am hooked. Thanks for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
Laura Hoerth says
I followed you on pinterest.
Laura Hoerth says
I tweeted your giveaway on twitter.
Laura Hoerth says
I followed you on twitter.
KGora aka Kelly G says
I am following you on Pinterest!
KGora aka Kelly G says
I shared this link on my Facebook!
KGora aka Kelly G says
I am now a subscriber!
KGora aka Kelly G says
I already “liked” you on Facebook! LOL!
KGora aka Kelly G says
I just tweeted your giveaway!
KGora aka Kelly G says
I followed you on Twitter!
Peggi Tebben says
I just tweeted about your giveaway!
Peggi Tebben says
https://www.facebook.com/peggi.weavertebben?ref=tn_tnmn
I shared on my Facebook page.
Peggi Tebben says
nations@unitedwb.coop is already subscribed to the mailing list of From Valerie’s Kitchen
Peggi Tebben says
I am already following you on Pinterest!
Peggi Tebben says
For some reason I can’t get into twitter, so I can’t follow right now.
Peggi Tebben says
I already liked on Facebook! Nice looking boys!
Ashley H says
I follow you on twitter @hewella1.
Ashley H says
I like you on facebook.
TeddyBear says
omg! just subscribed through email. can’t wait to receive your posts via email!
Cat Wright says
My thanks to Penny for sharing your blog with me. Everything looks great!
TeddyBear says
shared all the most pinteresting photos
TeddyBear says
shared on facebook!
TeddyBear says
big fan! followed you on everything!
Beckie Bergeron says
Now I am a follower by e-mail! I promise I’m not stalking you! Congratulations on your anniversary!
Beckie Bergeron says
Also…already following you on pinterest! : O
Beckie Bergeron says
Already following you on facebook! : )
Marsha Hanzel says
I follow Valerie’s Kitchen on Facebook and “like” you there. I also follow on the web. Congratulations on your anniversary!
Mami2jcn says
Shared on Facebook–https://www.facebook.com/mary.happymommy/posts/144471745692898
Mami2jcn says
I subscribed to your emails.
Mami2jcn says
I like you on Facebook as Mary Happymommy.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I follow you on Facebook.
Keri says
I shared a link to the giveaway on my Facebook Timeline!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I follow you on Pinterest.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I follow you on Twitter.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
Happy anniversary and nice round-up. I already follow your RSS feed.
Penny says
Congratulations Valerie.
Keri says
I am now an e-mail subscriber!
Ruben says
i tweeted the link!
Keri says
I liked you on Facebook!
Ruben says
wow your pinterest are amazing!
Ruben says
http://pinterest.com/skahzreg/
Danny says
And I’m following you on facebook and twitter
Ruben says
i am now subscribed to you by email!
Ruben says
https://twitter.com/ragingRubes/status/235455621284122625
Ruben says
i am following you on twitter
Ruben says
i liked you on facebook
Danny says
Mrs. Brunmeier pick me!
I’ve been following your cooking before your blog
Shannon R says
https://twitter.com/FencingShann/status/235448793439551488
Shannon R says
I am an email subscriber = )
Shannon R says
Following you on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/fencingshann/
Shannon R says
I am now following you on twitter
Shannon R says
I liked you on Facebook. What a handsome family!
April says
Now following you on Pinterest
April says
I tweeted about this 🙂
April says
I follow you on twitter!