Popular, 2008
Dec 31st, 2008 by Marilyn
As the mother of a twelve-year old, the word popular has come up more than I’d like to hear it. My dear girl started junior high and suddenly began spouting bits like “so-and-so, they’re popular,” or “oh, well she’s popular,” and me, I developed chronic nausea. Popular.
“It’s a big who says, Josie. Who says they’re popular? The word is a figment of some insecure imagination.” Her eyes roll to the ceiling. “You’re not there, mom.” But I was there, I say, I know. Her eyes roll back in her head. My confident girl, who’d never cared a whit for who did or said or wore what. Who was this new creature?
Six months into seventh grade, and the new creature is still new, but evolving. She’s seen more than once that buzz isn’t everything; that a group of good friends is worth twenty mean girls. Today she’s sporting glittery black nails, two braids and rainbow-striped hoops. Says who? She does. Now that’s my girl.
Speaking of popular - to wrap up the Simmering year, I thought we’d take a look at the most-read posts of 2008 - I baked, grinned and cried my way through 315 of them, but here’s the ten biggest attention-hogs. Tasty and well-read, yes. Popular? You be the judge.
Peach-Pecan Cobbler: A Love Story with Mush - with a staggering 57,840 views, this simple summer dessert became the little cobbler engine that could. Simmer readers love them some peaches!
Sizzling Banana Sundaes: Crazy from the Heat - the caramelized bananas brought an unprecedented shower of drool from the crowd. So good, I make them all year.
You Say Banoffi, I Say Banoffee - in the crisp days of autumn, this pie was crowned Miss October. Homemade dulce de leche will, indeed, make you popular.
Turkey-Ricotta Meatballs: Love at First Bite - in which Josie and I discuss Twilight, teen vampires, and make a few meatballs.
25 Ways to Scramble Eggs - how do I love scrambled eggs? Salmon, capers and onions is only the first way.
Company Cherry Chicken: Please Stand By - cherries, shallots, and how I learned to love drama-free entertaining.
25 Ways to Make Oatmeal Cookies Vanish - chips, ginger, carrots, coconut. Throw it all in there!
Josie and the Pie, with Diamonds - a lost-and-found diamond, topped with Bumbleberry Pie.
Zucchini-Ginger Bread: The Living End - my favorite barista taunts a customer - Zebra Bread? - and I use up that August zucchini.
Tell Simmer: Alicia Paulson, Posie Gets Cozy - all year long, I got the chance to tear open secret-shame-snacks and romantic dinner-fantasies at Tell Simmer. Perhaps because of her lovely and newly-published book, Alicia’s is still the most-read.*
Happy New Year to all of you. Thanks for sharing 2008 with me, and may the coming year be happy, fruitful and delicious for all.
* Josie wishes me to note that her Tell Simmer might not be the most popular, but certainly the best.
Happy New Year from a new fan!
I remember all those ‘cept the scrambled eggs…YUM!
Josie’s right, hers is certainly the best (although the apple-almond braid should also be up there). Happy New Year!
Josie- your Tell Simmer was the most popular post to me and Puppy, too.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
Whaaaaat! What about the kitchen tyrant you worked for as an aspiring chef??? What about the bun lady in Paris??? I loved the Insane Gingerbread Eiffel Tower story! Of course the dead rat head in the drain was probably last year, but it should count for all time. Josie’s fabulous post? The vintage metal sign that made me drool for months. Damn the recipes!!! I am too weak and shaky to attempt any of them anyway. I love the stories!!! More! More! More!
Those turkey meatballs have become one of my favorites, too. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and popular new year! xo
Josie is right, as usual. But I’m still in Eiffel Tower awe.
i’ve greatly enjoyed all your posts, and i’m looking forward to more good eats!
“It’s all good.” And as far as your blog goes? That’s the truth!
I’m still counting down the days I can my hands on some fresh peaches. The Peach-Pecan Cobbler was one of the best recipes I tried this past year.
“Seeing Stars” was my favorite post.
I look forward to another year of reading your posts.
May your pot always simmer,
muddywaters
I’ll take one of each. OK, make that two on the banana sundae…
I loved Josie’s Tell Simmer, it was my favorite…well…after mine…LOL
Have a wonderful New Year.
Oh I hope to have a top ten posts at this time next year…I really enjoy your blog and look forward to lots more. Meantime, I have been tagged by Jain at onceinabluemoon and now I am tagging you. See my blog for further instructions. Thanks for playing along!
I recently found your blog and noticed I missed a lot in 2008. The good thing of a new year is I’m ready for 2009 to see all of your wonderful posts. Happy New Year!
Very happy to have discovered your blog, and thanks for the roundup
Happy new year!
Wow, that zucchini ginger cake/bread looks terrific, as does your noodle kugel from a posts back.
I am enjoying your blog! Happy New Year!
Stacey Snacks
I just have one question for you. When am I moving in so you can cook for me?
And I win a free dinner (turkey-ricotta meatballs, ‘kay?), cooked by you, right? I think that’s what I heard.