2 Years Gone By



So this humble little blog is 2 years old today.

Hard to believe that I eat and drink my way thru life and have the photos to prove it!

Here are some things I bet you didn't know about me (and probably don't care either!).

1. I don't own a wok or a Kitchen-Aid Mixmaster (I have no more room for storage!).

2. I eat a piece of cheese (or two) before bed every night.

3. I despise bananas. They are my kryptonite.

4. I don't drink water at all.

5. I don't know how to tie my shoes with one loop, I still tie with bunny ears.



My essential kitchen tools that I could not live without are:

~ My Microplane Grater/Zester (great for lemons and oranges)

Best Mini Potato Masher (great for egg salad and avocados!)

~ I love my Black & Decker Food Chopper with 3-Cup Bowl (best $20 bucks I've ever spent and no cleaning the food processor!)

Fat Daddio's 12 " Square Tart Pan with Removable Bottom (makes all my tarts look beautiful)

Global 5-1/2" Vegetable Knife (pure luxury!)

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven (any color, they are gorgeous and last forever.  I love my 3 pieces!)

~ My favorite garage sale find: a set of vintage white French gratin dishes that were one dollar a piece.



To celebrate my 2nd anniversary, I am giving away 2 Black & Decker EHC650 2-Speed Food Choppers

Please leave a comment and tell us what kitchen tool you could not live without.
2 lucky winners will be randomly selected and announced on Tuesday a.m! Have a happy 4th of July weekend!


Comments

Steve said…
Stace,
Happy anniversary. I had been meaning to ask you about the tart pan with the sloped sides. Now I know, now I've ordered. Thank you. I have two favorite kitchen things, I think because they really qualify as gadgets - and I am the gadget king. I couldn't do without my immersion blender and, while I don't use it all that often, my Peugeot nutmeg grinder. Happy 4th!
Ciao Chow Linda said…
Happy Blogiversary Stacey. I didn't know you hated bananas! Oh well, I guess I won't be serving you my banana cake then. Great giveaway. I've never seen that gadget. I know you don't use one, but I couldn't live without my KitchenAid mixer. It's nearly 30 years old and going strong.
auntiej said…
Whisks--all sizes--so handy for combining/aerating. Great blog!
Anonymous said…
Happy Anniversary! You happen to be the first blog i look at every morning. My global knives are tools that I can't live without!!!
Peggy
Allison Hodges said…
Great blog! Your recipes are inspiring, and your comments make me chuckle every day. I couldn't live without my vegetable dicer/slicer from Williams Sonoma. It makes my Sunday routine of chopping vegetables for meal ingredients and snacks for the week so much easier and much more enjoyable. Dicing those veggies with one swift chop is quite the stress reliever :)
Linda said…
Happy Blogersaray!!!
You go girl. And yes, Ive seen you shudder around a poor banana!!!
One of my favorite kitchen tools - a wonderful, industrial rubbermaid spatula!! I get the industrial ones in Somerville and have many. Can't bake without them!!! Hate to leave anything in the mixing bowl!!!!
Love you
Linda
Bev in Annapolis said…
Happy Anniversary Stacey! My favorite kitchen tool is my flat cheese grater. It's fast, efficient...cleans easily and I seem to use it for everything (including slicing off pieces of my knuckles periodically.) Ouch.
Your blog is GREAT!!! Keep up the good work!!
Paul Caron said…
I will just say this Lodge.....

Cast Iron Is the best...
wanda said…
Happy Anniversary Stacey! Love your blog! Couldn't live without my Wusthof chefs knife.
G2 said…
I can't live without my Le Creuset dutch oven either! I make everything in that sucker
Anonymous said…
Happy 2nd Birthday! I cant live without my cast iron skillet!
Anonymous said…
My favorite kitchen tool I could not live without are my three daughters (22, 20 and 19) who love to hang in the kitchen and cook with their Mom. Or my Le Creuset dutch oven. Use it for just about everything. My father-in-law gave me a five piece set of Le Creuset for his last Christmas with us. I treasure every piece of it!
Stacey Snacks said…
Anonymous,

I love what you wrote about your daughters, Le Creuset and father in law!
You should've signed your name!

Stacey
Happy blogiversary, Stacey! Your blog definitely helped inspire me to start my own. I can't live without my 8" Henkel chef's knife, my Le Creuset 7 1/4 French oven, and my dishwasher (his name is Chris). I'm excited to see how many tarts you produce in year three!
Bluebird NY said…
Happy anniversary, Sta! You've covered a lot of ground in two years and I've loved every post. I can't imagine not having my Le Creuset dutch oven...it's the workhorse of my kitchen! xoxo
Noelle said…
Happy blogiversary! I could never live without my large wire wisk! It is my all-purpose tool :]
gerri said…
Happy Anniversary Stacey!!
My husband and I have been reading your wonderful blog almost everyday for the last two years. My brother is your friend from NYC...now living in PGH.....our tool we couldn't live without would be our pampered chef bread knife. Gerri & Jack from Pittsburgh, PA
Take care and best wishes!!
Christeen said…
My food processor. Makes quick work of cheese, dough, etc.
susan said…
without a doubt...the salad spinner!
Meghan said…
Congrats on 2 years!!! I could not live without my ice cream scoop!
Kecia said…
Love your blog, congrats on the 2 year mark! I can't live with out my curved spatula. I use it everytime I cook. I had to buy 3 so I wasn't always washing the same one all day!
Happy Blogiversary Stacey!! I would celebrate with you if I lived close, maybe a few drinks on your patio, a couple different crostini, followed by affogato's and date nut bread! (inside joke).
My mornings would not be the same with out checking in on your blog and seeing what you cooked up. You amaze me with all your daily posts, you've inspired me so many times, I'm still making those shrimp cakes! Keep doing what you're doing, don't change a thing!
xox
Oh, my favorite gadget, although I have many is my 15.00 hand rotary garlic shaver from Williams Sonoma, I love how the paper thin garlic comes flying out!
diamondgirl said…
Happy Anniversary! Your blog is my favorite for reading and my go-to for when I want a recipe for easy but upscale, delicious food.(In fact, I'm making ricotta/pesto stuffed tomatoes and cherry clafoutis tomorrow!)

The kitchen tool I probably could not live without are my Cutco knives. After using a knife at a neighbors house, I realized what a difference a good knife makes!

Thanks for an amazing blog! I really look forward to checking it.


ps. If you don't drink water, what do you drink throughout the day?
Anonymous said…
Hi Stacy & Happy 2nd many, many more to come. I am relatively new to your Blog but enjoy it just the same.
Thanks for the tip about the Wagner cast iron, got it at Walmart. I have A small one from many many years ago maybe 50+it's still going strong Lost my 10-inch. after moved to & retired in fl so replaced with the Wagner.
Anywho, may can't live without in the kitchen is my Cuisinart Mini Prep-Plus, I love most of the Cuisnart products I own. The mini stays on my counter (small kitchen) great for small jobs Chopped onions, peppers, celery etc.
Enough of my babble, keep info coming great blog.
Again Happy Happy Happy
Regards.
Joan in Fl
HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY, Stacey Snacks!! I am so glad I have gotten to know you through your wonderful blog! Right now, where I'm at with my kitchen remodel, I would probably answer my oven or my sink... But, I will have to say my Wustoff Chef's Knife.
Marika said…
How time flies when you're having fun! And I sure have fun reading your blog at 4:30 in the morning when I turn on this machine. It starts my day off just right. The one thing I use daily is my little OSKAR by Sunbeam. This helpful companion has been with me longer thannI care to remember, and still acts as a young man.



I love you and your blog Stacey! It starts my every morning with the right attitude and carries me though the day in high spirits. Congratulations, and please never stop.

Bunches of hugs,
Marika
Anonymous said…
I love my half sheet pans, I use them for everything! My grandmother's cast iron skillet gets a lot of use too.
Julie said…
Congrats on your 2 years! I think I'm almost there too. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like bananas :) As far as essential kitchen tools, I just became a kitchenaid stand mixer owner last month and I'm in looove! How did I live without it?
Great giveaway!
Margaret said…
Happy 2nd Anniversary Stacey! I have been enjoying your blog for the past year, thank-you, your blog is one of my favorites :) I enjoy your recipes very much and am amazed at how you are able to post a recipe every day! You are truly a natural cook who cooks from her heart. Hmmm I would say my can't do without collapsible strainer is my essential kitchen tool as I travel Canada ( live in B.C. ) with my husband for his work ( past 3 years now ) and we love pasta! Margaret
Nancy Nally said…
Congrats Stacey,
You are an inspiration to me since I am not creative, especially in the kitchen.
My favorite kitchen go to is my 7" All-Clad saute pan that we use for everything from stir-fry to omelets.
My second favorite is my jar lid popper! No need to ask for help in getting those stubborn tops off ever again. How's that for Independence Day! Happy 4th of July too!
Keep up your friendly blog.
Nancy
Melodie Monberg said…
My chicago cutlery knife I got at an outlet mall 10 years ago. Still cuts amazing.
SarahB said…
Aaaah, my favorite time of year, when I get to reflect on all the good times this blog has brought me!!! Thank you Sta!!! Love you! Sarah
SarahB said…
oh, and my favorite kitchen tool is no doubt my Creuset!!
Claire said…
Congratulations, Stacey!! I have been a fan for the past six months or so. Thanks for sharing your recipes and your wonderful sense of humor with us!

As for kitchen tool I could absolutely not live without -- my Chicago Metallic sheet pans. I use them to roast vegetables & meats, for baking when doing a group of small tarts, for prepping and storing items, and as a holding tray for delivering cookies and cakes. Could not live without them!!
Lori Lynn said…
Hi Stace! Congrats on two successful years. It's been an absolute pleasure following your blog! I like your "about me" list.

Can't live without? I guess a can opener, 'cause Wilson would only have dry kibble to eat.

Happy 4th!
LL
Anonymous said…
Happy Anniversary! I love your blog! I look forward to opening my Stacey Snacks email everyday to see what you've been doing in the kitchen. Thanks for all your hard work!

My most essential item in the kitchen is my wooden spoon!

Jacqueline (from Huntley Taverne)
galette said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
galette said…
My essential kitchen tool tends to change with the seasons. The current fave is a large enamel cannister that collects eggshells, coffee grounds, vegetable peels, etc. When it's full (or stinky), the can gets dumped into a compost heap out back. The compost then fertilizes my tomato crop!

Keep up the good work, Stacey.
Molly F. said…
Hi Stacey-
I just found your blog recently, and it's quickly become a daily read. Simply elegant dishes and great pics to boot! Happy anniversary to you. As for my favorite kitchen tool, it has to be the apple-peeler-corer-slicer given to me by my mother-in-law. Makes pie making a true breeze! Oh...and my Breville espresso machine. Don't know where I'd be without it!
Linda said…
Happy blogday! Haven't commented before...so here goes. I just love large ceramic mixing bowls. Couldn't live without them. Unfortunately my favorite yellow Mason Cash bowl broke several years ago (it had been my Mother's). :(
By the way, I just love Trader Joe's Beluga lentils. They are wonderful for a quick meal with their equally quick and easy brown rice stir fried with tofu and veggies. Yum!
Louisa said…
Just stumbled upon your blog, and perfect timing! :) Definitely adding to my bookmarks... onto the question!

I couldn't live without my kitchen knives! I recently just invested in some and my life has been changed forever.
dm said…
Whew, and I thought I was the only one who could only tie their bows into bunny ears.
Happy Anniversary!!
My favorite thing? My Good Grip paring knife.
ncasse01 said…
Happy Anniversary!! And, Stacey, no water? C'mon girl:)
I could not live without my Cutco kitchen shears..I have two pair:)
Happy Anniversary, Stacey! My blog shares the same birthday! Here's to many more wonderful meals! My favorite kitchen tool is my electric digital pressure cooker - it makes everything so fast and easy.
Anonymous said…
Happy 2nd Stacy. We'll have to celebrate with a piece of banana cream pie at the Rez. My favorite kitchen gadget is the phone, so I can call ahead for a table there.
See you soon, congrats again. Jim from Montville.
Mejacro said…
I love my small plastic cutting boards. I have several of them and and am constantly pulling one out to make a sandwich on, mince garlic or chop up a few strawberries. and they fit in the dishwasher too!
Jen_from_NJ said…
Happy Blogiversary Stacey! You know that I am a fan and I have used so many of your creative ideas. Oh, and I still remember the first time I got a comment from Stacey Snacks - I was so excited!

My favorite kitchen tools are my microplane zester, small food processor, salad spinner, chef's knife, rubber spatula, and small whisk. Sorry - I couldn't pick just one!
Eleanor I. Cook said…
HI Stacey,
Love your blog. I couldn't live without my cast iron frying pan, vegetable peeler, colander, and Le Crueset pot like the one in the picture. I dropped the lid recently and broke the top knob and they sent me a new one for free! I thought that was incredible.

All the best! Keep writing and sharing wonderful recipes!
workouteatin said…
Congrats on your anniversary!
The one thing I can't live without is my immersion blender set - it's great for soups, it has a blender attachment that I can use to blend anything, a whisk attachment to beat eggs and cream, and a cup with a lid that's great to transport smoothies!
I've been following your blog for a while and it's a treat to check daily to see what you've posted. You've inspired me on several occasions with your recipes! I couldn't live without the french rolling pin my dad made (he was an industrial arts teacher). Congratulations!!
All the best -
Kathy
ldhitch said…
Absolutely love my Le Creuset dutch ovens....I use them for everything. Plus they were free!...passed on to me by my mother who feels they are just too heavy for her at this stage of her life....Happy Anniversary! I have so loved coming to you at all hours of the day and night to see what you are cooking up and for inspiration for my dinners, parties and everything else that requires food.....
Miss M.J. Ma'am said…
Happy Anniversary!
My favorite kitchen thing is my cast iron skillet......I use it for everything; cornbread, chicken, I just love it!
janiceb said…
Congratulations Stacey! I read your blog without fail and you feel like one of my coking/baking crazed girlfriends. No wonder you're a Jersey girl too! My two must-haves are my chef's knife and my half-sheet pans. Use them all the time. And woo hoo--I don't have a kitchen aid either, though I would find a place for it if I ever get one.
Susan said…
Hi Stacey,
I just love your blog. Love to read it every day and see what you are up to. I don't think I could live without my chef's knife and a big cutting board.
Anonymous said…
Happy 2nd Anniversary, Stacey! Thank you so much for your daily posts - I love to read them. I've made several of your recipes and have learned so much too! My favorite gadget is my little ceramic knife. Wishing you continued success! Anna from Cedar Knolls, NJ.
margaret vV said…
Rabbit wine opener ;-)
Stacey said…
LOVE your blog! I can't live without my Ball Whisk by WMF (www.gourmet.org Item #118361). The silicone tips won't scratch any pan, it's ultra lightweight yet very strong to get the job done. The angled tips keep food from getting caught in it so you don't have to slam it on the side of the pan to get the food out. Dishwasher safe through a million uses, too. -Stacey in Indian Trail, NC
Marina said…
I can not live without my rectangle stoneware from the Pampered Chef. Made from natural stoneware clay, it distributes heat efficiently for even baking and browning and draws moisture away from the surface. Everything comes out beautifully roasted without turning the food over.
LaDue & Crew said…
See what I get for not coming over this weekend?! I'm too late... :( Well, I feel I won a lot more just by sharing a glass of wine and sharing time with you when you were here- it was fabulous! For grins and giggles though I'll say my fav is a toss up between my microplane and my Kitchen Aid. Happy blogiversary, Stace, for without it we would never have met. {Hugs}
Dana said…
Happy anniversary! Wow, you have crammed a lot into two years, huh? :) I cannot believe you don't have a Kitchen Aid - I would die without mine. I too love my 3 Le Cruset pieces and probably use my 7 quart more than any other pot in my kitchen. My husband bought me one of the Penguin water carbonaters in an attempt to get me to drink more water. It hasn't worked. Anyway, I look forward to two more years - or more!
Randi Lynne said…
I am so happy for your two year mark. Keep up such an inspiring line of recipes!
Foodiewife said…
Awwwwww, heck. I missed out. Doesn't matter, because I loved reading a list about Stacey. I didn't know you hate bananas. You and the Pioneer Woman share that, in common. Me, I love 'em. Eat 'em as often as I can. Great potassium, ya know.
I own a wok. I haven't used it yet. It's been since Christmas.
Can you tell I'm finally catching up with your recipes?
Foodiewife said…
Oh. Congrats on two years. Has it already been that?