A look back at the last 366 days. The Best of Feast + West 2016 remembers my favorite and most popular posts from this year.
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Oh, 2016. It’s time to say goodbye. What a year. Mostly good, though.
Feast + West‘s third birthday is coming up on Jan. 1. I always try to take a few minutes to review the year and remember all the great things I did. With each year, the blog grows leaps and bounds, always more than I expect it to grow. (Here’s the Best of Feast + West in 2014 and 2015.) 2016 was definitely a big one for me.
Click through to read my year in review!
Earlier this year, I was featured in Southern Living‘s list of Bloggers You Should Be Following in 2016. I also had more recipes featured on Buzzfeed, marie claire, Cosmopolitan, Food & Wine and more. It is always an honor to have my work recognized by publications that inspire me.
At the beginning of the year, Feast + West got a minor redesign. I worked on a revised logo and brand assets, and my friend Madison of Grace + Vine Studio helped me revamp my website and I’m still loving the new look.
Earlier this year I invested in a new camera, the Canon 70D. (Want to know a secret? I used my iPhone for all of my pictures before that. Seriously.)
I also transitioned from using natural light to artificial light, and I’m never going back. Working on my photography has helped me take my blog to the next level. I’m improving all the time.
Another big thing: This year I met my boyfriend Chris, who has helped me dive headfirst into video.
He’s a freelance videographer and has supported my blog and business from the very beginning. He encouraged me to try filming some of my recipes.
I was reluctant at first, but the choice to start doing video has proved to be a valuable skill set to have. I am so proud of the work we have done together.
I always vow to travel more each year, and this year I really went a lot of places. For fun, I went to Phoenix, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and South Bend, Ind. I also delved into sponsored travel this year. I visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Richmond, and Birmingham for the blog. Chris and I also enjoyed a relaxing staycation in Charlotte.
This year I’ve worked with some amazing sponsors like Wolf Gourmet, Martinelli’s, Noble Vines, Pig of the Month BBQ, Minted, Morningstar Farms and OXO. These advertisers are one of the ways in which I monetize my blog, and I am so grateful for these relationships.
Thank you for reading Feast + West and supporting me this year. Overall, it’s been a fabulous year and I can’t wait to see where 2017 takes me!
Next week, I’ll be celebrating F+W‘s third birthday with some fun recipes. For now, here’s a quick look back at the year! I’d love to know what your favorite posts were this year. Happy new year, y’all! // susannah
2016 Top Recipes
Swirled Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
Mmm! Swirled Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles are the answer to hot summer days.
Spicy Bacon Pimento Cheese
Classic Southern pimento cheese gets an upgrade with four types of cheese, bacon and spices. Serve it with crackers and bread, or enjoy it on a grilled cheese sandwich.
Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake combines all the Southern charm of the classic fruity dessert with a delectable frozen treat.
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies shaped like tea bags and dipped in dark chocolate make for a show-stopping tea party cookie!
Tiramisu Trifle
This sumptuous Tiramisu Trifle makes a statement for any party! Layers upon layers of espresso-soaked Italian ladyfinger cookies and tiramisu cream make for a show-stopping dessert.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies
These tri-layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies are a decadent dessert for parties!
Brown Butter Bourbon Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Brown Butter Bourbon Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft in texture with fragrant brown butter, a splash of Kentucky bourbon and crunchy nuts.
Baked Birthday Cake Donuts with Mocha Glaze
Baked Birthday Cake Donuts are the most fun way to start a birthday morning.
Bourbon Caramel Popcorn
Make Bourbon Caramel Popcorn for your next movie night. It's smoky and sweet, and easy to make!
Four-Citrus Champagne Punch
A sweet-tart punch made with champagne and four kinds of citrus is sure to impress your friends at brunch or a party!
Frozen Blue Margaritas
Ice cold and blue, these frozen margaritas are perfect for cheering on your favorite blue team! (Team Elsa or Team Anna?)
2016 Recipe Videos
Champagne Jell-O Shots
A sparkly gelatin alcoholic treat for New Year's Eve or anytime you have something to celebrate!
Swirled Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
Mmm! Swirled Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles are the answer to hot summer days.
No-Bake Mini Chocolate Ganache Spiderweb Tarts
These tarts are just the right mixture of spooky, innocent and elegant. Perfect for a Halloween party!
Mad Scientist Cocktails with Skittles-Infused Vodka
Eery and colorful, these Mad Scientist Cocktails make for a fun Halloween party drink.
Apple Cider Bourbon Jell-O Shots
With all the flavors of autumn, these Apple Cider Jell-O Shots with Bourbon make a great holiday treat!
Holiday Apple Cider Pulled Pork Tacos
Holiday Apple Cider Pulled Pork Tacos are an easy meal to make at the holidays.
Sparkling Ginger Apple Pomegranate Mocktail
This delicious Sparkling Ginger Apple Pomegranate Mocktail is a wonderful, non-alcoholic addition to any holiday menu!
Apple Pecan Salad with Zesty Apple Dressing
Apple Pecan Salad with Zesty Apple Dressing makes for the perfect salad for your holiday dinner party.
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