How To Make Your Own Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

It has been an interesting year for me. I was laid off from my day job in March, and instead of letting a little thing like unemployment slow me down, I threw myself into the kitchen, teaching myself new skills. I learned how to can, I spent more time foraging for mushrooms with my local mycological society, and I immersed myself into Japanese cuisine. Here are my favorite posts from The Kitchn from this year.

Pictured posts are in bold.

• Oven Roasted Tomato Jam - this year I really immersed myself into home preservation and I really love savory jams, particularly condiments I can pair with cheese. This is a good one.

• Sweet and Tangy Homemade BBQ Sauce - another thing I canned this year.

• Fresh Limeade for Summer - so refreshing and yummy.

• How To Make Your Own Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves) - I had a lot of fun learning this for myself, and I loved sharing the knowledge with others.

• Redland Fruit & Spice Park, Miami - I had so much fun visiting this place and sampling exotic tropical fruits.

• Bourbon Cough Syrup for Grownups - a lifesaver!!

• Ramadan Food: When And What To Eat - I had so much fun researching for this post - I learned so many new things about Muslim food and Muslim culture, and I was inspired to attend my first iftar.

• Fresh Fennel and Lemon Slaw - just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't eat a delicious, seasonal salad.

• Seasonal Spotlight: Matsutake Mushroom - I had these mushrooms in Japan last year, but until i hunted for and learned to cook my own, I didn't understand their significance as a seasonal delicacy in Japan. Now I have an intimate understanding of why this mushroom is so special.

• Recipe: Fattoush, A Delicious Middle Eastern Salad - such an easy and delish salad.

• My Mushroom Hunting Weekend - I got really into mushroom picking this year, and it's changed my perception of the landscape. I no longer see trees or mountains; I see potential mushroom growing areas.