2012 – A Year of Culinary Types

The 2012 Christmas Cake - A Glorious Egg Nog Bundt Cake

In a year that brought change, sorrow, uncertainty and the cruel forces of nature, the healing and restorative power of food provided nourishment.   

Katie Stagliano and the giant cabbage that inspired "Katie's Krops"

Many Culinary Types devoted their energies in 2012 to nurturing communities in need.  Inspired by a giant cabbage she grew from seed, vegetable gardener Katie Stagliano started a nationwide movement, recruiting other teens like herself to plant gardens to feed the hungry.   Katie’s Krops gardens are flourishing across the country, and Katie aims to establish gardens in all 50 states.

Susan Salem and Annie McPartlin nurtured The Garden at St. Mark's

Susan Salem and Annie McPartlin set an example for churches all over Long Island that wondered how to better utilize their property.  The women planted "The Garden at St. Mark’s" at their church in Bellmore.   The produce is harvested to feed hungry families throughout Long Island.  

Courtney and Jim Thompson opened "A Taste of Long Island"

Daughter and Dad team Courtney and Jim Thompson were inspired by the local foods and food artisans all over Long Island.   They opened “A Taste of Long Island” in Farmingdale, a specialty food market and shared use kitchen.   Food entrepreneurs can create artisanal food products in the professional kitchen, and sell their goods in the storefront retail market.    

Restoration Farm offered a harvest of life for its members

Restoration Farm, the CSA located in Old Bethpage, Long Island continued to flourish, not only as a source of locally-grown food, but as a life-giving source of community for its members.

My friend Louise Volper retired her excellent blog “Months Of Edible Celebrations” after a long run.    A meticulous researcher and historian, Louise was for years the premiere source of information on how to celebrate life with festive foods ranging from Chocolate Fondue to Cracker Jacks.     

The Daffodil Cake welcomed Spring

The Daffodil Cake, first discovered on Louise’s blog, proved a light and delectable harbinger of the season of Spring.  

Hope springs eternal for the Twinkie

We mourned the demise of the Twinkie, and hoarded any remaining cream-filled sponge cakes from the supermarket shelves.   There are seven Twinkies remaining in my freezer, but I haven’t given up hope that, like the Phoenix, the Twinkie will rise again!

Hudson Valley cheese maker Rory Chase of The Amazing Real Live Food Co.

We visited cheese makers in the Hudson Valley and learned how their craft reflects the heart, soul and soil of the region.   

Mad Me-Shell defended her title as the Queen of the Food Trucks

My buddy Mad Me-Shell continued to burnish her creds as the High Priestess of Street Food with a smack down at the SamichBox on the streets of Chicago. 

The Durger hit the streets of New York City

Speaking of food trucks, the smoky and lip-smacking “Durger” from Trusty Burgers and Bites rocked my world.

Zany's "Lobster-fest"

Dear Zany took her appetite all the way to Russia, and joined me on the streets of New York for a summertime seafood extravaganza that would put a certain restaurant chain to shame.

Apple Trace at Restoration Farm remembers the spirit of my Dad

And, Apple Trace was planted in memory of my dad James at Restoration Farm.    Although we miss Dad terribly, these eight heirloom saplings are a living reminder of his love and energetic spirit.  

Vasilopita - St. Basil's Bread for New Years
Recipe at "One Perfect Bite"

May we all experience love, energy, spirit, community and nourishment in 2013.   Happy New Year!  

©2012 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved