Best of Feast + West 2016

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!

Take a road trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina! — Road Trip to the Outer Banks

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.

Gourmet Apple Cider Bourbon Jell-O Shots are not your average Jell-O shot, and they will be the star of your holiday party. Infuse bourbon with cinnamon and combine with Martinelli’s Apple Cider, sugar and gelatin to make this festive holiday treat that’s fun for the whole (21+!) family. (via feastandwest.com) — Gourmet Apple Cider Bourbon Jell-O Shots

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.

Adventures in Arizona — Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona make for a gorgeous vacation out west. (via feastandwest.com) — Adventures in Arizona

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.