With the blink of an eye, a few pinches of this, a few handfuls of that and a few sprinkles of love with a garnish of passion, this year has just gone past right under my nose. I was hoping to dish out a good 100 posts in the least considering we’re talking about a whole year!!! Out of 365 I should have been able to showcase a few more; but I am going to be self-satisfied and give myself a pat on the back and be proud that I accomplished putting out 50 posts (slightly over) despite a busy regime, a full time work schedule, bikram yoga, salsa dancing and dog walks. But yeah, its a handsome number don’t you think?

So over this year as I look back some of these posts really brought back some tender memories… some of them almost bringing a tear to my eye, only to see how much passion I have put towards EZ. I don’t mean to brag but I am quite amused by what I feel for Eaternal Zest. I initially started this as a hobby, a diary of sorts to document recipes, interesting finds and jot down a few playful memories. but this is now my baby; I can’t let go, and I won’t give up on this, EZ has evolved into much much more.

If you are an avid EZ reader, I have shared and documented some of my most favorite travel destinations; #1 being Nepal; If you haven’t already read this post I urge you to… I remember writing this with my eyes closed and the feelings on my fingertips as I spilled every last drop of my emotions through the keyboard. A gorgeous place, with the most down-to-earth people, my trip was pure joy.

At #2 my next travel destination has been Cape Town; specifically Constantia Uitsig. My tastebuds were graced by the royalties of food and my lips were kissed by some of the best wines I have ever had. It was something else to live on a vineyard.. it really was.

Scallops and Pork belly- Scallops and langoustine glazed confit pork belly, smoked parsnip puree, black forest ham veloute, crisp pork crackling, lemon and pea dressing

In the 365 days that went by I have also concocted some really interesting recipes, honestly I’m quite baffled by how they turned out.

My #1 favorite creative concoction has to be the Vegetarian Mexican Breakfast Lasagña; agreed quite heavy and would rather work for a fat lunch, but I thought it was a fab idea and a great meal to suffice for the next 18 hours

Sitting at #2; I thought the Saint Patty’s day dessert idea was just delicious and a fantastic combination of everything alcohol. A vodka Lime Jelly with a Bailey’s Crème Brulée.

At #3 is one of the most beautiful dishes I have shot till date and surprisingly still receive a lot of food gawker viewers for this one; the Grilled Courgette Salad. Check it out an tell me what you think.

At #4 is a very special dish which I hold quite close to my heart; its the one recipe that will always remind me of my mom and the one dish that I am glad to have received with proper instructions from my mom; this was a post dedicated for mothers day to the awesomest lady in my life! A lovely Goan Egg Curry: The Sourak

At #5 is a gorgeous drink recipe, the photography for this recipe was pure ecstasy as I felt I was in a playground with all the right toys Its the Sparkling Hibiscus.

Well sometimes some of the best things happen when you least expect it, or rather when you don’t follow a recipe. I wouldn’t advise anyone to dare not follow a recipe while baking, but this boo-boo did turn out yoo-hoo and I was just mesmerized by the gorgeous Raspberry Crumble that sat in front of me like a little magic trick. So here’s #6:

At #7 was a lovely snapper I baked in the most simplest fashion for a very exciting challenge. It came out soft, fluffy and simply juicy. Check out that Snapping Red Snapper (i don’t know why pics have gone tiny but i’m going to have to live with it )

At #8 is my recent post of this yummy Sticky and juicy Pork Bits. What I do like about this post is the fact that I did not use sauces per say; a lot of sticky pork recipes require you to put a drizzle of BBQ sauce, HP sauce, Worcestershire sauce and what have you; but this one dish is pure flavor and no sauce (just a tbsp of soy actually). (grrr tiny pics again.. come one work with me WP)

And #9 is my very first risotto and praise the food gods this dish turned out the way it needs to be. A creamy delicious Mushroom Risotto.

And last but not the least, at #10 these little balls of heaven, these tiny bites that will make you sing, cry, laugh and dream of more; my Chocolate Rum Truffles.

Writing this post just brought me a ton of happiness, made me relive so many of these gorgeous food moments, ideas and emotions. I am so thrilled to have an opportunity to share it with everyone. Thanks to all you readers for your support, it really does mean a lot to know that someone out there is hearing me spill my heart out. Hoping to dish out twice as more in the upcoming year. So happy Birthday EZ, with a lovely new logo and a small blog shake-up you are all set to embark another year of stories, memories and dreams to share.

Lots and Lots of Love,

Eaternally yours,

Drina C.