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We began 2012 preparing for a trip to France which took place in February. We spent a dream-come-true week in the French Alps with our daughter and her family. The young folks had a blast downhill skiing while Papa & Grammy opted for miles upon miles of quiet white bliss on the cross country ski trails. |
Spring comes early in the Carolinas and in March we planted an herb garden, in April Scott did a fun tutorial on "How to have endless herbs without endless watering". It was very well received and was pinned and repined like crazy. |
In May the big news was that we found out we were going to be having our first BOY grandchild. We celebrated with these fun Tiger Cupcakes. |
June held a trip to London to see family. I spent a week hanging out with little Lilly while Mommy and Daddy took the bigger girls on an adventure. Lilly and I had a ball taking in the sights, playing in the parks and cooking together. I just happened to be there the week of the Queen's Jubilee, celebrating her sixty years on the throne. It was a festive time for all of England. |
The highlight of the summer was a trip to the South Carolina coast where we spent a week with the family just chilling out and soaking in the sun. We love to eat fresh, simple food at the beach and Grammy and her little sous chefs enjoyed coming up with a few fun treats. |
In September we headed back to London, it was time for that baby boy to be born. We were delighted to celebrate Elle's 5th birthday (a princess party with swirly-girly cupcakes) and the next day little Luke arrived. What a sweet baby he is! |
So you'd think that we'd be ready to hunker down and relax a bit, right? Nope, in October we packed our bags again, this time for New York. I had the amazing opportunity to study French cooking at the Culinary Institute of America while Scott took a weekend workshop in Food Styling and Photography at the Institute of Culinary Education. Quite an exciting, mind-boggling experience, for sure! |
As a fun closure for the year, I wanted to re-post a recipe that, at the time I created it, I had no idea would become the all-time, most beloved recipe of The Café.
Though I first shared this recipe in December of 2011, it seemed to ignite and spread like wildfire in 2012 with well over 200,000 page views and countless pins and re-pins! I can't begin to tell you how many emails and comments I've received from readers who have gone crazy over this delightful salad.
If you haven't tried it, I hope you enjoy this salad as much as others have. A friend made it for a special dinner recently and left this comment: "I made this for Christmas. I could drink the salad dressing"! The almonds have been called "addictive" and "difficult to save for the salad". Once you make it yourself, you'll "get it"! Check out the recipe here!
We're so happy to have met (virtually) so many of you over the past year and look forward to sharing lots of Café creations, favorites and new surprises in 2013. Blessings and kind regards to each of you. Thanks so much for all your encouragement and support!
kitty says
Would you mind if I posted the recipe for this salad on my blog? I received the recipe from the California Avocado group in an email. They did list you as the source. I made the salad for our Christmas Eve dinner and it was a big hit. I'm your newest follower.
Elizabeth says
wow, this salad looks absolutely incredible! looks like you had an amazing year!
Magic of Spice says
Wow Chris, what a year indeed! And how exciting the cooking course must have been 🙂 Plus, that salad does look really amazing!
Jean | Lemons & Anchovies says
Chris, what an exciting year you had, wow! Lots of fun trips and the wonderful addition to your family. Wishing you an equally fun 2013! I can see why this salad has been so popular--I love it!
Jean | Lemons & Anchovies says
Chris, what an exciting year you had, wow! Lots of fun trips and the wonderful addition to your family. Wishing you an equally fun 2013! I can see why this salad has been so popular--I love it!
Natalie says
That salad is amazing! Happy New Year!
Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says
Happy, Happy New Year Chris! Sounds like you had a wonderful 2012 and I hope 2013 is even better! This salad sounds amazing and a must try!!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
Happy New Year!! You have had quite an amazing year. Wishing you the best in 2013!
Sandra Lee says
You are blessed indeed. Love your recap and that luscious salad.
Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says
Chris, you've had a wonderful year! I have a feeling 2013 will be just as good! And wow, you got the chance to study French cooking at the CIA? That's a dream of mine! Glad you enjoyed your course - who wouldn't? Cheers to 2013! Happy New Year...
www.you-made-that.com says
Chris what a lovely post! I really enjoyed seeing the recap of your year. Your life is rich and your family is beautiful!! That salad does look so good, I've really got to make it now. Best wishes for a wonderful 2013 🙂
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
What an exciting year you had, Chris. Your grandkids are so beautiful and I bet the girls love having a baby brother. Your classes at the Culinary Institute must have been wonderful! Looking forward to trying your lovely salad. Happy New Year!