As we near the end of 2017, it’s fun to look back and see what’s been accomplished over the past 12 months. It’s been a busy year for me, not just creating new recipes, but revisiting some old ones (as in remaking them and re-photographing). Today, not only am I sharing the most popular new recipes of 2017 from Garlic & Zest, but I’ve also assembled some truly groan-worthy “before” photos of recipes I shared when I first started blogging (in 2013) side by side with their recently rephotographed counterparts. If I had known how bad my photography was when I started — I would have called it quits right then. I guess ignorance IS BLISS.
Without further ado… The Top Recipes (by month) of 2017:
January
Authentic New England Clam Chowder – made with fresh clams, a divine broth — and BACON.
February
Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters – This is a winner because of its simplicity, I think!
March
Chicken Sates with Avocado Cucumber Relish – You can’t go wrong with meat on a stick and the peanut sauce gives it a whole new dimension.
April
Key Lime Mousse Tart – This is two desserts in one. Refrigerate it for a creamy, light, melt-in-your-mouth treat – or freeze it and serve as a delicious semi-freddo!
May
Lobster Bisque From Scratch – There’s a “wow” factor with lobster bisque and this one doesn’t disappoint. No wonder it’s a 2017 favorite!
June
Chilled Cucumber Soup – This light summer soup is healthy and vibrant topped with pico de gallo. Not what you want in the middle of a snowstorm, but definitely a must for June!
July
Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream – A creamy banana ice cream with peanut butter magic shell swirls. #doesntsuck!
August
Spatchcock Jerk Chicken with Sweet Curry – Layer after layer of flavor. I could seriously eat this once a week!
September
Homestyle Shepherd’s Pie – Quintessential comfort food with a meaty filling and creamy mashed potatoes!
October
Homemade Italian Wedding Soup – When the weather gets cold, this is a definite MUST.
November
Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread – Um, yes – it’s that good!
December
Raspberry Almond Cream Cheese Braid – This one has only been up on the blog for about a week and it got by far the most comments and likes… I guess I’ve found your sweet spot!
And Now… The Good, The Bad and The UGLY:
Most of the before shots were taken in my first year of blogging — others — I have no excuse for…
Well, that wraps up 2017. I hope it was a good one for you! Wishing you good eating in 2018! Happy New Year!
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Can’t believe the year is about over! You’ve had so many great recipes this year – can’t wait to see what you come up with next year! Your photography has certainly improved, but I honestly wouldn’t say it was “bad” to begin with! Your photos are always great!
You are too kind, Katrina!
I love those before and afters, although I’d be happy if my photos looked like your “before”s! So many fantastic recipes….i need to get cooking! Cheers to 2018!
I cringe when I see the befores but the afters make me feel like I’ve improved.
Geez, you’re pretty hard on yourself! You should see some of my befores!! Yours look professional compared to those! Great group of recipes this year, Lisa! I want them all!
Hi Lisa, I enjoyed your recap and especially the before and after photos. But, I must say, your before photos don’t really look all that bad. I’ve actually been going through some of mine and they are really, really, really, bad! I’m redoing the worst right now, and hopefully can get most of them redone in the next few weeks!
Anyway, great job and Happy New Year!
Sharon
Thank you, Sharon I’m glad you liked the list — I appreciate you’re kind words on the photos — re-shooting all of them is a work in progress. I’m actually rephotographing another recipe today!
Everything looks wonderful but I’m craving those oysters! Happy New Year, Lisa!
Those are some gorgeous photos from 2017! Love seeing the before and afters!
You couldn’t take a bad photo if you tried! Even your “before” photos are mouthwatering. What fabulous work you did this year, and I loved hearing you on Elaine’s podcast. Congrats, Lisa!
That podcast was a lot of fun — and Elaine is so easy to talk to.
Your before pictures are just a jaw dropping as your after pictures, you’re very talent and I’m drooling over a key lime mousse tart.
uh – my before and afters are much more hideous than that!!!! i’ll have to do a post like this too! your befores look like my after!!!
LOL! You’re too funny — I’ve been working on my photography a lot, so I’m happy for any improvement.
Happy 2018! Your recipes look so delicious! I love the before and after food photography. It’s such a good idea to post progress like that! I’ve also come such a long way from when I first started. Enjoy your week! 🙂