This month, we are thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone: the 2nd birthday of Cooking With Janica! What an incredible journey it has been, filled with exciting challenges, remarkable achievements, and countless delicious creations shared with our amazing community. Looking back, this past year was nothing short of transformative for our little corner of the internet, shaping us in ways we never anticipated.
A Year of Unforgettable Milestones
The second year of any venture is often considered crucial, a period where initial enthusiasm matures into sustainable growth. For Cooking With Janica, this year was indeed pivotal, marked by several unforgettable moments that solidified our presence in the culinary blogging world.
From Niche to Viral Sensation: The Wine Gummy Bears Story
One of the most defining moments of the past year was undoubtedly when we “went viral.” It all started with these cute, tasty, and delightfully alcoholic little bears. We had no idea the impact they would have, but overnight, they put Cooking With Janica firmly on the map. The sheer volume of traffic was astounding, so much so that it briefly crashed our website! This unexpected surge, while exhilarating, also led to a moment of panic and a few anxiety attacks as we scrambled to get everything back online. However, we bounced back stronger than ever. The resilience of our team and the incredible support from our readers saw us through. Today, we are proud to say that the video featuring these viral treats has reached millions of people, continuing to attract new fans and prove that a truly unique recipe can capture the world’s attention. This experience taught us invaluable lessons about scalability, community engagement, and the sheer power of an irresistible recipe.
Exploring New Horizons: Our Culinary Adventure in Iceland
Beyond the digital realm, this year also provided us with the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Iceland and immerse ourselves in its vibrant food scene. This trip was a dream come true, allowing us to experience fun new foods and flavors that truly broadened our culinary perspectives. From the iconic Icelandic hot dog, often considered a national dish, to the hearty lamb stew (Kjötsúpa) and the rich, creamy Skyr, every meal was an adventure. We explored local markets, sampled freshly caught seafood, and even tried some more unconventional delicacies. But it wasn’t just the food; the breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring scenery of Iceland provided an unparalleled backdrop to our culinary explorations. These experiences not only filled our bellies but also our creative souls, inspiring countless new recipe ideas that we can’t wait to share with you.
Achieving Sustainability: Turning a Profit
Perhaps one of the most rewarding achievements, though less glamorous than viral videos or international travel, was reaching profitability. While the numbers are still modest, officially turning a profit a few months ago was a monumental milestone for Cooking With Janica. It signifies the transition from a passion project to a sustainable business, allowing us to invest more in creating high-quality content, improving our website, and bringing even more innovative recipes to your kitchen. This financial stability empowers us to pursue bigger and better culinary adventures, knowing that our hard work is not only appreciated but also supporting our continued growth and evolution as a food blog.
Our Most Beloved Recipes of 2016
Every year brings a fresh batch of culinary triumphs, and 2016 was no exception. We saw existing favorites continue to shine and new recipes capture the hearts (and stomachs) of our readers. Here’s a look at the dishes that truly made an impact:
Top 5 Most Popular Posts in 2016:
- Wine Gummy Bears: The undisputed champion, these boozy, bite-sized delights proved to be an irresistible novelty that appealed to a wide audience looking for fun and unique treats.
- Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme: This fan-favorite from last year continued its strong performance, demonstrating the enduring appeal of recreating fast-food classics with fresh, homemade ingredients.
- Campfire Pizza Nachos: Perfect for outdoor adventures and cozy evenings, these easy-to-make nachos offered a creative and delicious twist on classic camping food.
- Yogurt Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats: Our furry friends weren’t left out! This healthy and simple recipe resonated deeply with pet owners seeking wholesome, homemade snacks for their beloved companions.
- The Best Steak Recipe: Sometimes, simplicity and perfection win. Our tried-and-true steak recipe continued to be a go-to for anyone looking to master a classic, perfectly cooked steak.
Beyond popularity, some recipes hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) because they are simply too good not to highlight. These are the dishes we’d gladly make and savor every single day if only our metabolisms would allow!
Janette’s Favorite Recipes From 2016:
- Nashville Hot Soft Shell Crab: A daring and delicious fusion, this recipe brought the fiery flavors of Nashville hot chicken to delicate soft-shell crab, creating an unforgettable dish.
- Meatless Quinoa Chili: Hearty, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful, this vegetarian chili proved that comfort food doesn’t always need meat to be satisfying.
- Fried Honey Sriracha Lime Wings: The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, these crispy wings were an instant hit, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- BLT Waffle Fries: A creative and indulgent take on a classic sandwich, these loaded waffle fries delivered all the beloved flavors of a BLT in a fun, shareable format.
- Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts: A nod to Southern comfort food, these slow-cooked peanuts were an easy, savory snack that brought a taste of tradition to our kitchen.
Jessica’s Favorite Recipes From 2016:
- Red Velvet Hot Chocolate: An indulgent and decadent beverage, this hot chocolate elevated a winter classic with the rich, luxurious flavors of red velvet cake.
- Mozzarella Stick Chicken Fries (also the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Version): A playful and utterly delicious creation, these crunchy, cheesy chicken fries were a fun twist on two beloved comfort foods, especially the spicy Cheetos variant.
- Blood Orange & Lemongrass Coronarita: Sophisticated and refreshing, this cocktail offered a unique blend of citrus and aromatic notes, perfect for a special occasion.
- Corn & Crab Chowder with Mini Old Bay Chips: A creamy, flavorful chowder packed with sweet corn and tender crab, complemented by crispy Old Bay chips, provided a comforting taste of the coast.
- Banana Cacao Chia Seed Parfait: A healthy yet indulgent option, this parfait layered creamy banana, rich cacao, and nutrient-dense chia seeds for a satisfying breakfast or dessert.
Mastering the Art of Macarons: A Sweet Triumph
This year also marked a significant personal achievement in my baking journey: successfully making macarons from scratch! For many home bakers, the macaron holds an almost mythical status. These delicate French confections are notoriously finicky, requiring precision, patience, and often, a touch of luck. Over the years, I’d heard countless tales of macaron failures – cracked shells, hollow interiors, no “feet” – and honestly, the thought of attempting them filled me with a certain dread.
However, for our 2nd birthday celebration, I decided it was time to face the challenge head-on. And to my absolute delight, it didn’t turn into the disaster I was secretly expecting! Hooray! The shells were smooth, the “feet” developed beautifully, and the texture was perfectly chewy – a true baker’s triumph.
Why Funfetti Macarons?
The choice of Funfetti for our birthday macarons was a no-brainer. Jessica, my partner in culinary crime, absolutely adores sprinkles. And what better way to celebrate two years of joy and deliciousness than with a dessert that literally bursts at the seams with colorful sprinkles? The vibrant pops of color embedded within the delicate macaron shells, paired with a rich, creamy filling, create a dessert that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly fun to eat. It encapsulates the playful spirit of our blog.
To achieve this perfect result, I meticulously followed this fantastic recipe from Sweet And Savory By Shinee. Their detailed tutorial and clear instructions made what seemed like an impossible task surprisingly manageable. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to conquer the art of macaron making!
Funfetti Birthday Macarons Recipe
Funfetti macarons are a fun and elegant birthday dessert recipe, perfect for any celebration.
Print Recipe
45 mins
20 mins
1 hr 5 mins
20
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons sprinkles
Funfetti White Chocolate Butter Cream
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons sprinkles
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar (if your almond flour is not super-fine, sift twice for the best results). Set aside.
- In a standing mixer with a whisk attachment or using a hand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to mix.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in the vanilla extract completely.
- Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the egg white mixture using a spatula. The best technique is to run the spatula clockwise around the bowl and then through the middle of the batter repeatedly.
- Continue mixing until the batter achieves a thin, lava-like consistency (this process is called macaronage). Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to cracked macaron shells. The batter is ready when a dropped ribbon of batter dissolves back into the main mixture within approximately 10 seconds. This might take a few attempts to master.
- Once the batter reaches the correct consistency, gently fold in the sprinkles. Adding more sprinkles at once might cause some bleeding, which can create a fun, marbled effect. Again, avoid overmixing at this stage.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a macaron silicone mat. Pipe the macaron batter into 1.5-inch circles using a piping bag or gun.
- Tap the baking sheet firmly on your counter a couple of times to release any trapped air bubbles in the batter. Air bubbles are a common cause of cracked shells.
- Sprinkle a few more colorful sprinkles on top of each piped macaron shell for an extra festive touch.
- Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to form a slight “skin” or crust on their surface. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). The shells are ready to bake when you can gently touch one without the batter sticking to your finger.
- Bake the macaron shells for 18-20 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before carefully removing them from the parchment paper or silicone mat.
- While the shells are cooling, prepare the funfetti white chocolate buttercream. In a bowl, whisk together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave (or over a double boiler) until smooth. Add the melted white chocolate to the butter and powdered sugar mixture, along with the vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Once the buttercream is smooth, gently stir in the sprinkles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Using a piping bag or gun, pipe a generous amount of icing onto the flat side of half of the macaron shells. Top with the remaining half of the shells, gently pressing to create a sandwich.
- Now, celebrate your baking success by indulging in one or two (or more!) of these delightful Funfetti Birthday Macarons!
Nutrition
Calories:
125
kcal
(6%)
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cooking With Janica in 2017?
All in all, this has been an incredibly exciting and fulfilling year for Cooking With Janica. From navigating viral success and embarking on international culinary explorations to achieving financial stability and mastering challenging recipes like macarons, our second year has been a whirlwind of growth and learning. We are immensely grateful for your continued support, enthusiasm, and engagement, which fuels our passion every single day.
As we step into 2017, we are buzzing with ideas and eager to create even more amazing and delicious recipes for you all. Expect new culinary adventures, innovative techniques, comforting classics, and perhaps even a few more viral sensations! We are committed to continuing our mission of bringing joy and inspiration to your kitchen. Stay tuned for what promises to be another fantastic year of cooking, baking, and sharing with the Cooking With Janica family!
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