Today is A Spicy Perspective’s First Birthday! One year ago today I started blogging with this post:
I guess it’s fairly prosaic to say I have a love affair with food. We all do, right? Mine started at grandma’s house with classic bolognese. Simmered all day–the smell was so enticing you could hardly play in the house without being lured to the kitchen on tiptoe to stick your finger into the pot. Trust me, the lick was worth the scold!
My next memories of food-love go to the grand cookie extravaganza that my mother pulled off every December. I recall making dozens and dozens of pecan crescents, chocolate swirls, butter cookies, gingerbread men, and something truly delectable called potato chip cookies! Yes, it sound’s strange, but the culmination of simple, sweet shortbread with salty, crunchy potato chips in each bite is divine! Even now, the only thing I can think of that might improve upon potato chip cookies is…potato chip cookies drizzled with chocolate!
As a teenager I had the opportunity to travel abroad and help with mission work every summer. Ages 14-22 I traveled to China, Thailand, India 3 times, Liberia, and Cameroon. As you can imagine my eyes were truly opened to a world of culinary possibilities–among other things. The endless smells of wildly exciting open air markets. Loud chattering over the price of meat hanging from a clothesline. Baskets and baskets full of spices of which I’d never seen or heard. Dried fish leather, street meat on a stick, naan. Ah, naan! There’s just nothing like freshly baked naan, slathered in garlic butter at an open air market! It’s an experience we all should be so lucky to have.
Every summer I would keep a journal of my daily work, my interludes with new friends, and the life lessons a young girl can only learn by taking her eyes off herself and focusing them on the much greater needs of others. I also took notes on the flavorful dishes I experienced. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was my introduction to recipe writing. I would come home at the end of each summer and try to replicate some of the foods I’d eaten; now-and-again with success.
Over the years cooking has become a method of self-expression, a way to communicate love…and possibly a calling? One husband, two children, 2 careers, and a bundle of little revelations later; I have decided to document the lessons I’ve learned and the recipes that followed.
…It’s been a TASTY year of experimentation, laughter, and new friends! I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. Here are some of ASP’s most popular dishes this year:
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| Rosemary and Onion Foccacia Loaves |
Finally, I have a Blogday present for YOU!
TO ENTER: (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)
1. Leave a Comment~ a nice one! *wink*
2. For another chance to win, SUBSCRIBE by Facebook, Twitter, RSS, or Email.
3. Tweet about this post or link it to your Facebook page. (Please leave a comment for each!)
4. For a fourth chance, visit the Villeroy & Boch site. They are giving away another set just like this!
The winner will be selected by random.org and announced in an evening post, January 26th!.
*US residents only~ sorry friends abroad!
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! Here’s to many more to come!
Any prize for being the first?
Congratulations Sommer!! I would have guessed that you had been blogging for years! The photos, the writing, the FOOD… everything about this site is fun and delicious!
Congrats on 1 year! You’ve definitely done an excellent job and I’ve been happy to follow you
Thanks for the opportunity to win these glasses!
I subscribe on Facebook, Twitter, and my Google reader
I shared on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mission-Food/213103446946
Congratulations on completing your first year Sommer! You have many such years to go and many such recipes to post for us to lure over
You have been doing a really great job and you should be proud of yourself and your space!
Sommer, Congratulations on your one year birthday!! I love your site, it has been so much fun seeing everything that you make on here! Here’s to many many more!!
Happy 1 year anniversary!! Your blog is beautiful! What a great opportunity you had growing up to see the world & really get a look into other cultures. Amazing…you are blessed!!
Sommer, Congratulations! You have a wonderful blog and I am looking forward to many more exciting recipes in the next year. I love Villeroy and Boch. I own many of their individual pieces and also my formal dinner set is Villeroy and Boch. You shold come to Mettlach with me someday and see their stores. It is unbelievable. Unfortunately the Villeroy and Boch store close to my home closed and I am still sad about it. I often went just to visit and please my eyes.The wine glasses would go very well with my Villeroy and Boch Champagne glasses.
happy blogoversary!:)
Happy blog birthday! How fun that in less than a year you already have such a well designed blog. Way to go.
Happy Birthday to your Blog!! I’m so amazed at what you’ve come up with!!! When I told my mother what you were doing nowadays she said “of course April!! Don’t you remember all the sweet little things she’d make for you guys in India???” I have memories of tinned chicken with taco seasoning to celebrate Christmas in July……amazing what tasted good after having to eat army rations!
Well Done!
Have shared your post on my facebook! You may start having to do UK equivalents on your recipes!
Enjoy your blogoversary!!! Is champagne ready?
Congratulations on a great year of blogging. Thanks for the recap of favorites (I missed a few of these by coming late to the blog). Have my fingers crossed for the whiskey glasses. We’re planning a big Burns Night menu (complete with haggis) and will be toasting the great Scottish poet with a wee dram or two.
Would love to win these beautiful glasses.
I have Tweeted
Congrats on 1 year. I’ve found you on facebook
I’m already a subscriber
Congrats to you!
A very happy blogiversary to you! Here’s to another great year filled with many more favorites!
Happy blogday to you, girl!! It has been so great getting to know you. Thanks for reposting about your background in food and culture– it seems that most people who truly have a passion for food spent considerable amount of time out of the country… hmmm… what does THAT say about American culture about food?? Can’t wait for many more years of a Spicy Perspective!! You do a great job!!
Happy blogday! I’ve been lurking for a while, so it’s good to have the enticement of material gain to actually make a comment. Thanks for all your hard work.
Sommer, I can always count on your blog for innovative and inspiring recipe ideas — thanks!
Happy Birthday to your blog. Great giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! How wonderful to get to know you more and look forward to more of these enticing posts (just send some of the leftovers my way, would you?)
Love this site ! keep up the good work !
Happy 1 year!!!
Hoping there are many more. Love what you are doing.
Thanks for sharing your stories, recipes & now more gifts!!
& I also had to tweet about this post on Twitter. Share the celebration right?
Congrats again.
Congratulations! Looking forward to more yummy post from you…
love the new look
and great giveaway i am of to check out their site 
love Rebecca
I guess time flies when you have fun and put out such a wonderful blog for all of us! I wish you much success and inspiration for the coming year.
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! Your site is great…it looks like you’ve been blogging for years.
I have to at least try to win this! My husband’s a big whiskey drinker and he’d LOVE these. Happy anniversary, I am so glad to have met you this year and look forward to exchanging recipes and comments for a long time to come!
Happy Blogaversary! Thanks so much for a chance to win these beautiful glasses! Buzzing you!
Congrats on another successful 365.256363 day, half-a-trillion mile trip around the big ball of fire.
Happy Blog Birthday! I’m so glad that I found your blog…and it sounds like you and I very similar experiences growing up! I went to Botswana, South Africa, ZImbabwe and Uganda…it was amazing! The recipes you included in this post are truly stunning! Thank you for sharing another creative and beautiful post. I hope you have a great Thursday…the week is almost done!
Happy blogaversary, Sommer. I so enjoy your Spicy Perspective.
Congrats and I must say your blog posts simply rock- varied cuisines, lovely flavors, wonderful pics – all that you look for in a food blog! keep inspiring…
Congratulations! Many more to come and waiting for great recipes this year as well
Congrats on your one year anniversary! It’s nice to have the little walk down memory lane of favorites! Nice giveaway! Fingers crossed!
Your blog is so beautifully designed and your recipes are so inventive. I see so many things I can’t wait to make. The Rosemary Foccacia would make great host gifts. Happy first anniversary!
Congratulations on ur blog anniversary…lovely giveaway…thanks…
I am an email subscriber…
I’m new to the site via twitter and loving the inspiration, photos and recipes. Congratulations on the anniversary of your blog! Thanks for entering me in the contest.
Congrats! You have had some amazing posts over the past year. Look forward to the many more to come!
Happy Bloggiversary! It was a pleasure meeting you.
What a lovely roundup.
Cheers,
Rosa
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! Great blog and stunning photos.
I liked you on Facebook and added you to my page’s favorites so that I get updates.
I am now following you on twitter and I retweeted your giveaway!
http://twitter.com/#!/arethecrumbs
ahh! congrats! I am loving the blog makeover too!
sommer- I am so excited for you! I appreciate all your help when I was starting my blog and for all of your tips and support… cheers to 10 (or 100) more years of blogging!
I follow your blog!
Ummm…I need YOU and THESE LOVELY gifts in my life…does that work? he he
Please enter me, keep up your great blogging! and happy days to you!
What gorgeous, gorgeous glassware. It would be such an honor to win and enjoy using these. Happy first birthday!
I want to dive right into those oatmeal cream pies…yummy.
Thanks for offering this fabulous give away!!!
I liked your facebook page
I will link to my facebook page
Happy birthday to you and your fabulous blog!
Your rosemary and onion foccaccia looks WONDERFUL!
I also added you on twitter.
@pesto_chango
You’ve come a long way baby! I can’t believe it has been a full year since your first post!!! You Amaze me Sommer! I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for you and SP!! XOXO
Blueberry pie looks like heaven! So many delectable treats! That’s why I keep coming back. Happy birthday to you! I thought you were much older than this! (wink) You certainly have a lot of experience!!!
Have fun with your giveaway!
Valerie
Happy one year of blogging! I remember many of these recipes and am wowed by them again here
My husband would drool over that whiskey glass…and the oatmeal cream pies 
Happy Blogoversary to one of my favorites!! I’d always wondered how you’d learned so much about international foods. Now, I know. Sommer, you truly do a magnificent job. We’ve tried so many of your recipes and loved them all. My absolute favorite was the gingersnap “bowls.” I think we made those three times this summer. Someday they’ll get on my blog and I’ll link to you.
I already like you on Facebook and I think you like katiscooking there too
You’re linked on Facebook. First time I’ve ever shared another blogger’s info. But, your recipes are wonderful!
Happy Blogoversary!!! Your photos and food are fabUlous!
Tweeted
Happy Birthday to your Blog Sommer, loved the new look. It’s very pretty. That seared scallop look divine. Wow….
Hi Sommers, a hearty congratulations!! I truly love reading your recipes spiced up with funky narration! Rock on Gal — am not eligible for giveaway but toast to you with the beautiful whisky glasses –xoxo!
Congrats on your one year anniversary! It looks like a delicious year indeed. I wish you much success in year two!
Happy Blog Anniversary to you Sommer! I come here looking for true blood american food and chats.Keep up the amazing work you are doing!
congrats on your one year!! your creations look fantastic. here’s to another year of experimentation.
cheers.
Sommer, Happy Blogday! Your blog was one of the first I stumbled onto when I started blogging in March of 2010. I was so taken in by your photos, recipes and writings. Thank you for chronicling your love for food! I love those glasses by the way. On my way to Villeroy and Boch and to tweet next!
Just tweeted this post!
Already following you on twitter!
I am also a fan on Facebook (and I see my first comment went through! Whew!)
Following on Twitter (in case you couldn’t guess my internet is working again, YAY!)
And now subscribing by e-mail!
Happened to come across your blog when i was blog hopping
. Lovely blog and its so nice to see Indian recipes too !!!!
And your depiction of the Naan available road side is now tempting me to plan a visit soon home
Happy Blog Anniversary and wish you many more such to come !!!!
Follow you on FB and Twitter !!!!!
Congratulations on your anniversary! I can’t wait to try your Gingersnap Ice Cream Cups with Blueberry-Lavender Sauce and your homemade Oatmeal Creme Pies. Yum!!!
Following you on Twitter now.
Sommer-Happy Blogiversary to you! I’m wiping the drool off my chin! Those photos! Wow. Beautiful giveaway!
Awesome giveaway! These would make an awesome valentines day gift. Congrats on your blogiversary!
Happy bloganniversary, Sommer. You truly gave us a year of great recipes, great pictures and great readings! And I’m sure you will give us many many more!
I subscribe via RSS feed!
Happy Blog Anniversary Sommer. It was a pleasure reading you
following you on twiter @gringarl
and also following via Google friends
Sommer, Happy Blog Anniversary!
Happy Blog Anniversary! Looking forward to more yummy posts!
Wow, happy birthday ASP! I am in love with your gingersnap ice cream bowls, I think they are brilliant. Love the giveaway too, beautiful glasses!
Tweeted it!
I’m here because FoodDreamer tweeted! First time at your site, gorgeous! Love that blueberry pie! Those glasses are killer. Killer, I tells ya!
I love everything Villeroy & Bosch! Congratulations on your anniversary! I wish you many more to come!
hi Sommer
congratulations on your blogoversary!! Our community is certainly better for having you in it! Your creations have astounded this first year, I can only imagine what you will prepare for us this year…..but I know it will dazzle us!!
Have a happy day and a wonderful weekend!!
Dennis
Happy Blogoversary. You photos are stunning and recipes sound delicious. I look forward to reading more and following you into your second year! Congrats!
Subscribed via email (look forward to getting them), shared on FB and Twitter (look forward to spreading the love again in the future!).
I’m holding a Robert Burns Supper Club this Saturday, so these glasses will come in handy with all the leftover Whisky! http://8ateateight.com/2010/12/12/8-ateeight-presents-a-robert-burns-night-with-the-tippling-bros-1-22-11-8pm/
–Christina
Congrats, Sommer! You have created a wonderful place to visit! I know your growth as a blogger will only continue! Keep surprising us with your gorgeous photography and wonderful recipes!
Happy Birthday!! ANd congrats! Love your site so much!!
My hubs loves whiskeys and this WOULD be the perfect V-Day gift! Love the new look and Happy “Blog-day”!!!
Congrats on your blogaversary and here’s wishing you many more!
Happy blogoversary!!!!
wow, wow, wow, as if I needed reminding why I love this blog. And why, despite the fact that I still can’t seem to subscribe to it via google, I will remember anyway to keep coming back for more!
Happy Blog-Birth-Day! I can’t wait till my baby (my blog
is a year old. Came across you on a fellow bloggers page. Good luck to you and I look forward to reading what you have to share!
Here’s to year #2
http://www.foodiesarefun.com
Congratulation! I am proud of you, my dear niece! xo xo Aunt Paula
Congratulations! Here’s to many more!
I follow via RSS
Congratulations, you’ve done a wonderful job with your blog, you’re an inspiration and I’m very proud of you:-)
congrats on your blog! a whole year….how wonderful
Happy Blogoversary!
Happy B’day Sommer..
You are my inspiration, love your work
Hope you have a great year ahead
cheers…….
Happy Anniversary!! Love your blog!!!
Following on Facebook and Twitter
Tweeted about your giveaway and linked to Facebook
Hi and congrats on finishing your first year. I have awarded you the Stylish Blogger Award. Please check it out at http://www.calamitykitchen.com
Happy Blogiversary Sommer! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog – I hope this year is just as delicious for you. I love your new look!
Well, Happy Blogday!!!!
Your’s is a life I have envied since I’ve known you. Your words, your food, your spirit are all marked by the impossibly full life you’ve lived. Your blog is gorgeous – you are gorgeous. Don’t change
Happy blogaversary, Sommer. Not only do I remember most of your delicious meals – I’ve made some of them! I love a wee bit of your history – it all makes sense and I wish you well on your journey and look forward to you again enticing me with your recipes in 2011.
Happy blogiversary! I’ve loved reading!
Congrats on your 1st Blogiversary! Nice giveaway!
Congrats!! happy 1st and heres to many many more, my friend!!
sweetlife
Happy 1 year Blogaversary and many more to come. It looks like it’s been a year filled with lots of amazing food and fantastic pictures. Keep having fun.
Happy Blogaversary! Wow and with those photos and dishes, you’ve got many more to come.
I already follow you on Twitter. That counts, right?
It’s your anniversary, gonna party like it’s your anniversary !!
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