2015 Wrap Up -

I’m a bit sad about saying goodbye to 2015. It’s been quite possibly my favorite year to date and you all have been a big part of that! Thank you for letting me into your home, garden, and travel plans. It has truly been my pleasure! Here is 2015 in a nutshell:

Top food post of 2015: Opera Inspired Dinner

This post featured recipes for oysters with lemon ice, grilled marinated chicken with aged fig balsamic tomato topping, roasted fingerling potatoes, and opera cake.

Top garden post of 2015: New Cedar Raised Garden Beds

My GrowJourney seedlings are going strong thanks to the gorgeous new vegetable gardens that my dad so nicely built for me!

Top entertaining post of 2015: Summer Garden Party

I felt so Ina Garten hosting friends for croquet and chilled soup in July. Recipes include Chilled Cucumber Soup, Rosemary Grilled Salmon, Grilled Mixed Onions, Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta, and Chocolate Cheesecake with Almond Whipped Cream.

Most fan-made recipe: Festive Fiori di Sicilia Cranberry Cake

What a Christmas present it was to see so many fan photos, emails, and comments about baking this cake for Christmas! The greatest compliment though was when my friend Katie, who attended A Mistletoe & Holly Affair with her fiancé, asked if I would consider baking it for a tier on her wedding cake. You don’t get higher praise than that!

Most searched post of 2015: The Best Dining at Universal Orlando

I loved taking you along for my birthday girls’ trip to Universal Orlando! This post, published February 2015, still gets the most daily views of any article I’ve ever written. It’s even on page two of the Google search “best dining Universal Orlando.” Anybody else craving a butterbeer?

The Rose Table’s favorite savory recipe of 2015: Rustic Carrot Potato Soup

It was difficult to choose a favorite savory recipe. I cook most days and I only post my favorites here on The Rose Table. This soup is as beautiful as it is delicious! It’s so creamy and comforting but doesn’t have any cream so if you want to be good in January, make this soup. I certainly have posted much more glamorous recipes but at heart I’m just a potato-loving Irish gal and this really hits the spot.

The Rose Table’s favorite sweet recipe of 2015: Strawberry Galette with Vanilla Bean Crust

I’m still shocking this recipe didn’t get more views! I was moaning the whole time I ate it. I’m fairly certain I had two slices in one sitting. The vanilla bean flecks in the crust are just so inviting. I plan on making this all summer long. It would pair awfully nice with croquet!

A few more of my favorites from the year:

Grilled Cheese Panzanella with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes