Gosh, is that the time?
Time, that is, for the old year to pass the baton to a sprightly new successor, but not before a last backward glance at the year that was and, with it, my top ten picks from The Daily Spud files. Suffice to say that if the year to come is even half as good, it’ll be a very good year indeed.
#1: Winning Best Food and Drink gong at the Irish Blog Awards. Again.
A clear choice for this year's number one if you ask me.
#2: The Daily Spud features in Food and Wine Magazine's Hot 100
(so I can now refer to myself as one hot tattie - ooh, err missus!)
#3: Having recipes included in the lovely Farmhouse Cheeses of Ireland book was a thrill,
even better that they came sandwiched between contributions from Catherine Fulvio and Rachel Allen
#4: Well, who wouldn't be flattered by an invitation to act as
Chief Spud Ambassador at the first Irish National Potato Day. I know I was.
#5: The travel highlight of the year was Lebanon
and this Lebanese apricot jam was nothing short of sunshine in a jar
#6: A visit to the Annual Spud Tasting at Jacksie's Bar
in Taghmon definitely rated as the spud adventure of the year
#7: The Daily Spud's Paddy's Day Food Parade returned for a second outing in 2011
and brought with it yet another fine collection of Irish-themed dishes to mark our national day
#8: Individual potato cups were, I think, the spud creation of the year.
With the recipe receiving over 20,000 page hits, you seemed to think so too.
#9: Ok, so I know you saw this in my last post, but
appearing along with my roasties on the pages of
Irish Country Living was always going to make my top ten
#10: Last, but not least, I even took to the airwaves in 2011. Spin South West wanted to know my opinions on the state of the spud in Ireland, while below is an interview with yours truly, as conducted by Bridget Nicholas, in association with Radio Kerry Training. Enjoy.
I love that you sneaked the world’s best jam in there!
I had to Kavey, my dear, it was that bloody good (but then *you* knew that already :D)
Thinking 2012 is going to be the year that the Daily Spud takes Hollywood! Happy to go along as a tour guide, naturally!
Aw thanks Clare, I couldn’t think of anyone better to have as my Hollywood guide! The only question now is who will play me in the movie? :D
What a lovely recap of a wonderful year.
Happy New Year to you Aoife.
Looking forward to reading lots more of your Spud stories!
Thanks Móna and Happy New Year to you too – looking forward to lots more of your Wise Words this year!
hello miss spud and a very happy and successful spuddy year to come I hope
dave
Hi Dave – would you believe I was just writing about you (and your spuds, of course!) Hope you’re keeping well and that it’s a successful spuddy year all ’round. Will hopefully see you at some stage during the year.
Well done! What a wonderful year! May 2012 be as good.
M
Well done! What a wonderful year you’ve had – well deserved. Hope 2012 is as good!
M
Thanks (twice over!) for the good wishes Margaret. Hope 2012 is a good one for yourself & Alfie – no doubt our paths will cross at some stage during the year.
Aoife! I of course read all your posts with my email subscription and have been celebrating all of late (though hog tied with the holidays so no commenting). This is all nothing less than a complete thrill! You are such a talent and deserve all the recognition you are getting and more. These are pretty weighty too! Bravo! Here’s to another fantastic year. Toni
Much appreciated Toni, and it’s been lovely getting to know you over the past year. Here’s hoping 2012 is a good one all ’round!
Well done you! 2011 has certainly been good to you. Here’s hoping that 2012 is even better.
Thanks Sharon and Happy New Year to you! It was lovely to meet you last year, hopefully we’ll get a chance to do the same in 2012.
You’ve had quite a spud-riffic year! Happy 12 2 U! GREG
Thanks Greg and the same to you!
What an inspiring & amazing year it has been for you & for your lovely blog, sweet Aoife! We are so proud of you, my friend!
I wish you tons of laughter, good food, even more food prizes & recognition for your lovely blog in 2012!!! Cheers! You so deserve it, my dear! xxx
Oh Sophie, thank you so much my friend – if I can have laughter and good food then I am doing really well. Everything after that is a bonus! x
Excellent well done exciting stuff for the future, Daily spud is great.
Why thank you kindly, Mr. Catering Supplies, very kind of you to drop by and say so!