As Steamy Kitchen proudly approaches nearly two decades of culinary adventures and shared experiences, it’s truly astounding to reflect on how long this incredible journey has been. To think that I’ve been immersed in the world of blogging almost since its inception, evolving alongside the digital landscape, fills me with immense gratitude. Even more remarkable is the thought that some of you, my cherished readers, have been an integral part of this story since its earliest chapters. Whether you joined us yesterday or have been with us from the very beginning, please know how deeply I appreciate your presence, your support, and your engagement. You are the heart and soul of Steamy Kitchen.
Looking back over these extraordinary years, my mind is awash with thousands of vivid memories. Each one a precious snapshot of beautiful moments, incredible accomplishments, and the amazing people I’ve had the privilege to connect with. From the simplest recipe successes to monumental milestones, the list of highlights seems endless. This journey has been a tapestry woven with passion, perseverance, and a profound love for food and community.
To commemorate Steamy Kitchen reaching this significant milestone – a true coming-of-age for the blog, now legally an adult in many respects – I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to embark on a nostalgic journey together. Let’s rewind the clock and revisit some of my most treasured moments and beloved throwbacks from the Steamy Kitchen archives. These are the stories that define us, the experiences that shaped our path, and the memories that continue to inspire.
Embracing the Learning Curve: Our Early Days
When Steamy Kitchen first sprouted, the world of digital content creation was a wild frontier, and I was far from the tech-savvy individual I am today. Starting this blog meant diving headfirst into a vast ocean of unfamiliar skills, and the learning curve was incredibly steep, yet exhilarating. I had to teach myself everything from the fundamentals of building a blog from scratch to the intricate art of self-publishing cookbooks. Mastering how to appear natural and engaging on camera was another challenge, but perhaps the most crucial skill for a food blogger was learning how to photograph food in a way that truly made it shine.
It was a period of intense experimentation, countless hours spent poring over tutorials, and a fair share of trial and error. My initial setup, as seen in the photo, was rudimentary, to say the least. I distinctly remember the “aha!” moment when I finally understood that natural light isn’t just good for food photography; it’s often the absolute best. This realization transformed my approach, moving away from artificial lighting setups to chasing the perfect window light. This foundational learning phase, filled with both frustration and breakthrough, laid the groundwork for everything Steamy Kitchen would become. It taught me resilience, the value of continuous learning, and the importance of connecting with my craft on a deeper level. Every pixel and every recipe shared during those formative years was a testament to that unwavering dedication to learn and grow, fueling my passion to create and share with an ever-growing community.
Cultivating Our Own Harvest: The Sustainable Kitchen
For those long-time followers who have journeyed with us for a considerable period, you might fondly recall a unique chapter in Steamy Kitchen’s history: the era when we embraced a more sustainable lifestyle right in our backyard. This involved not only cultivating our very own hydroponic garden but also raising a lively flock of chickens that generously provided us with the freshest eggs. It was a fascinating and incredibly rewarding experience that brought us closer to our food sources and deepened our understanding of sustainable living.
The decision to grow our own food stemmed from a desire to connect more intimately with what we ate, to understand the process from seed to plate, and to share this educational journey with my children. Our hydroponic garden was a marvel, allowing us to grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round, even in limited space. The joy of harvesting crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, or vibrant broccoli, as seen in the photo of my son Nathan proudly displaying his bounty, was unparalleled. It taught us patience, the science of growth, and the incredible flavor of truly fresh produce. Complementing this was our small chicken coop, which quickly became a bustling hub of activity. Gathering warm, freshly laid eggs each morning was a simple pleasure that brought so much delight, especially to the kids. These were more than just food sources; they were living lessons in responsibility, natural cycles, and the profound satisfaction of self-sufficiency.
This period of “growing our own” significantly influenced the recipes and stories shared on Steamy Kitchen, as we naturally incorporated our homegrown ingredients into many dishes. It wasn’t just about cooking; it was about fostering a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from and the effort involved in bringing it to our tables. It was a lifestyle shift that enriched our family life and provided endless inspiration for sharing truly wholesome, farm-to-table culinary experiences with our community.
The Golden Age of Blogging: Parties with Ree & Elise
In the nascent days of food blogging, a vibrant and close-knit community began to form, and I was incredibly fortunate to be a part of it. Among the most cherished memories from that era are the times spent with two other pioneering women in the culinary blogosphere: Ree Drummond of The Pioneer Woman and Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes. Despite our distinct personalities and unique approaches to food and life, there was an undeniable chemistry and mutual respect that bound us together. We often joked that we were like the “Charlie’s Angels of food blogging,” a trio united by a shared passion for creating and connecting.
Our paths would frequently cross at various industry functions and events, fostering a deep friendship and professional camaraderie. It wasn’t long before we realized we all harbored a common desire: to host grand, memorable parties that celebrated food, friendship, and the burgeoning online community. So, that’s precisely what we decided to do! These gatherings weren’t just events; they were exuberant celebrations, filled with laughter, delicious food, and lively conversations. We poured our hearts into planning every detail, ensuring each party was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. They were a testament to the power of collaboration and the joy of sharing our culinary worlds with a broader audience.
It’s truly remarkable to reflect on how much each of us has grown individually and professionally since those early days. Ree and Elise have gone on to build incredible empires, and I’m immensely proud of our shared history and the impact we’ve had on the food blogging landscape. Those collaborative parties were not just fun; they were pivotal moments that helped solidify the bonds within our community and demonstrated the immense potential of online connections translating into real-world magic. The energy and excitement of those times are etched into my memory, serving as a beautiful reminder of where we started and how far we’ve all come, continually inspiring Steamy Kitchen’s ongoing journey.
A Dream Realized: The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook
Among the multitude of achievements that mark Steamy Kitchen’s journey, one stands out as a colossal milestone: the publication of “The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook.” This wasn’t just a book; it was the culmination of years of passion, dedication, and countless hours spent perfecting recipes and honing my culinary voice. The entire process, from concept to creation, was an absolutely amazing and deeply personal experience. It began with the immense joy of seeing my recipes, previously confined to a digital screen, come to life on printed pages, beautifully photographed and meticulously organized.
The journey of writing a cookbook is an arduous yet immensely rewarding one, involving rigorous recipe testing, thoughtful storytelling, and the meticulous crafting of every chapter. Seeing the finished product for the first time was an emotional moment, a tangible representation of a dream realized. One of the most unforgettable aspects of this chapter was embarking on my very first book tour and signing events. The image of me at my initial book signing captures a moment of pure excitement and a touch of nervousness, as I met readers who had followed my blog for years. Connecting with them in person, signing their copies, and hearing their stories about how Steamy Kitchen had touched their lives was incredibly moving and validating.
Adding to this thrilling period was the incredible opportunity to prepare for a segment on The Today Show. The preparation for such a high-profile national appearance was intense, involving meticulous planning, recipe practice, and media training. It was a whirlwind of activity, but the experience of sharing Steamy Kitchen’s ethos and recipes on such a prominent platform was an unparalleled honor. These moments—the book’s creation, the signings, and the television appearance—weren’t just personal triumphs; they were significant validations for the entire Steamy Kitchen brand, solidifying its place in the broader culinary world and opening doors to even more exciting possibilities. They underscore the profound impact that passion, combined with persistent effort, can have.
Star-Studded Encounters: With Jewel & David Tutera
Some memories are so extraordinary they feel almost surreal, even years later. One such unforgettable experience happened in 2011, when an invitation arrived from Hallmark, proposing a collaboration that truly took my breath away. They asked me to spend a day with the Grammy-nominated singer Jewel and the renowned wedding and event planner David Tutera. The purpose? To share holiday ideas and creative inspiration at Jewel’s stunning ranch in Texas. Even now, whenever I recall that day, I find myself pinching my arm, wondering, “Did that REALLY happen?” And the answer, with a thrilled smile, is always a resounding YES! It absolutely did.
The day itself was a magical whirlwind. Jewel’s ranch provided an idyllic backdrop for brainstorming and creating. We spent hours exchanging ideas for holiday décor, entertaining tips, and, of course, delicious recipes. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from two highly creative individuals in completely different fields and to see how their unique perspectives could blend to inspire festive cheer. Meeting Jewel, whose music I’ve long admired, and David, whose flair for design is legendary, was not just a professional highlight but a truly inspiring personal experience. Their genuine warmth and collaborative spirit made the entire day feel less like work and more like an exciting creative session among friends.
This remarkable collaboration underscored how the journey of Steamy Kitchen could open doors to the most unexpected and thrilling opportunities. It was a testament to the reach and influence that years of consistent content creation and community building could achieve. The memories from that day—the conversations, the laughter, the shared creative energy, and the sheer joy of it all—remain incredibly vivid and cherished. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences arise from simply pursuing your passion and being open to the incredible connections it can bring.
The Signature Touch: Steamy Kitchen’s Own Buddha Bowls
In 2020, Steamy Kitchen embarked on a unique and deeply personal endeavor that has since become one of my favorite aspects of our brand: the creation of our signature Buddha Bowls. These aren’t just any bowls; they are beautifully hand-sculpted pieces of art, born from a wonderful collaboration with the incredibly talented artist, Aneela Dias-D’Sousa. This project was a true passion come to life, as we envisioned a vessel that perfectly embodied the philosophy and aesthetic of our beloved Buddha Bowl recipes – balanced, wholesome, and aesthetically pleasing meals that nourish both body and soul.
The concept of the Buddha Bowl has always resonated deeply with Steamy Kitchen’s ethos of healthful, vibrant eating. We wanted to create a physical representation of this philosophy, a bowl that felt special, grounding, and inspiring. Working with Aneela was a dream. Her artistic vision and skilled hands brought our ideas to fruition, as she meticulously sculpted each amazing bowl by hand. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in every curve and glaze reflect a profound love for the art of pottery and a shared commitment to quality. These bowls are not merely containers; they are a tactile extension of our brand, designed to elevate the everyday meal into a mindful experience. Their organic shapes, comforting weight, and unique textures make every meal feel like a special occasion.
Since their inception, these beautiful bowls have become an indispensable part of my daily life and a top favorite among all our brand offerings. They are used almost daily at my house, not just for Buddha Bowls but for a variety of meals, bringing a touch of mindful elegance to every dish. They symbolize the intersection of culinary art and functional design, and they represent our commitment to enhancing the entire eating experience. Sharing these bowls with our community has been incredibly rewarding, as they allow our readers to bring a piece of the Steamy Kitchen philosophy directly into their homes, fostering a deeper connection with the food they prepare and consume.
Your Cherished Steamy Kitchen Memories?
As we’ve journeyed back through some of the most memorable moments in Steamy Kitchen’s history, I’ve shared just a few of the thousands of memories that resonate with me. But Steamy Kitchen is so much more than just my story; it’s a collective journey shared with each and every one of you.
Now, I turn the question to you: Do you have any favorite moments, recipes, or experiences from your time following Steamy Kitchen? Perhaps a recipe that became a family staple, an article that resonated deeply, or a memory sparked by one of our adventures? We would absolutely love to hear all about them! Your stories and connections are what truly bring this community to life and add rich layers to our shared history.
Please be sure to leave a comment below and share your cherished Steamy Kitchen memories. Your insights and recollections are invaluable, and they help us continue to grow and evolve. And, as always, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so incredibly much for being such a vital part of this journey with me. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without your unwavering love, support, and enthusiasm. Here’s to many more years of cooking, sharing, and creating wonderful memories together!