Celebrations

Post 443 – My Blog’s Third Anniversary

by Irene

As I begin my fourth year as a blogger, I feel very grateful to all the kind readers who have followed my stories and recipes, offered comments, encouragement, and in many cases, their friendship.  It is my great pleasure and honour to continue sharing My Slice of Mexico with you all!   The period February 19, 2020- February 18, 2021 has been one of a kind for many reasons.  Of course, the entire world has experienced the hardships of the COVID19 pandemic; curfews, lockdowns and restrictions have become the new normal.  At a personal level, there was a period of “good-byes”, since both my daughters travelled to work abroad for a year; the older left for Japan just a couple of weeks before the COVID19 crisis was declared a pandemic, and the younger had to start working from home, then managed to travel to France in early September, before the EU closed their borders again.  We are expecting them to return to Canada at the end of March, and sometime in the summer, respectively; the government’s new regulations might force them to quarantine in less than palatial conditions before being allowed to come home, but hopefully there will still be a period of “hellos”.  My husband started working from home sometime in March, with just one business trip all year, which had to be shortened.  Of course, I could not travel at all, but vicariously visited many Mexican regions through my recipes and stories.  Although I was limited to reminisce on previous trips, my website got invigorated by a noticeable boost, jumping to over 85,000 views and almost 62,000 visitors, compared to the previous year’s stats of close to 14, 850 views and over 7,750 visitors; surely the forced stay-at-home conditions for many had something to do with it, but I wonder to what extent, and whether other bloggers have noticed this effect.

To celebrate this anniversary, I put together a list with my all-time, top five posts:

#5 Torta Cubana – A Mexican Sandwich

 “We know tortas are Mexican sandwiches, and it is generally accepted that the cubanas in particular, were invented in Mexico City sometime in the 1950s … ” (click here for full story and recipe):

#4 Mexican Sorbet – Nieve de Garrafa

“Nieve means snow, and garrafa is the Spanish word for a container used primarily to hold liquids, but in this context, it is the name given to the metal tubs where a sorbet base (liquid) is first poured … it did not take me long to realize my manual ice cream maker mirrors a minion version of the Mexican garrafa setting with great accuracy …” (click here for full story and recipes):

#3 Sinaloa Style Chicken II -On a Charcoal Grill

Sinaloa Style Chicken is ” … a well known dish in Mexico, and also in some parts of the United States, from chains such as Pollo Loco™ and Pollo Feliz™ . The success of these restaurants resides in their secret marinades, and the spatchcocking of the chickens … ” (click here for full story and recipe):

#2 Mantecadas – The Mexican Muffin

“Mexican mantecadas: 

– Were named after the Spanish mantecada de Astorga, although the recipe is very different and its origin is uncertain.  In Astorga, mantecada batter is prepared similar to a cake (cupcakes), while in Mexico, mantecadas are prepared closer to a quick bread (muffins).
– In spite of the name, are not made with butter, but oil, which gives them golden-brown and crispy tops, without sprinkling sugar on them.
– Are traditionally baked in red glassine baking cups, to withstand high baking temperatures.
– Traditional recipes call for the use of both yeast and baking powder, but most commercial recipes use baking powder only. This suggests that the yeast might not be necessary …” (click here for full story and recipe):

TOP POST #1 Garibaldis – The Upside Down Mexican Cupcakes

“A Mexican Garibaldi is a buttery upside-down cupcake, coated with apricot jam and white nonpareil sprinkles … ” (click here for full story and recipe):

Since my all-time top post is Garibaldis – The Upside Down Mexican Cupcakes, a sumptuous spread of Garibaldi cupcakes and coffee serves as the featured image at the top of this post, and also as the shared treat for the delightful, as always, Su’s Virtual Tea Party:

000 Garibaldis with coffee 

For your convenience, click on the images below for products available on Amazon™.  DISCLAIMER: Any reviews included in this post are my own, for items I have purchased, not provided by any company; as an Amazon Associates Program affiliate, I might receive a commission for any purchases originated from the links below, at no extra cost to you (thank you to readers who have bought other products starting with a click from my links!):

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker, 2-Piece Set, 10.25″, Black
Donvier Chillfast 1 Quart Ice Cream Maker – Select from Pink, Yellow, Blue or White Trim
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Wilton White Nonpareils Cake Decorating Supplies, 3 Ounce (Pack of 1)

I am sharing my post at Thursday Favourite Things #478, with Bev @ Eclectic Red Barn, Pam @ An Artful Mom, Katherine @ Katherine’s Corner, Amber @ Follow the Yellow Brick Home, Theresa @ Shoestring Elegance and Linda @ Crafts a la Mode.

I am bringing my recipes to Full Plate Thursday #525 with Miz Helen @ Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.

I am joining Fiesta Friday #369 with Angie @ Fiesta Friday.

I am also joining What’s for Dinner? Sunday Link-Up #304 with Helen @ The Lazy Gastronome. Special thanks to the gracious hostess for featuring my Wafer Chocolate Bars – Tin Larín Style at this party.

I am sharing my recipe at Over the Moon #266, graciously hosted by Bev @ Eclectic Red Barn, and Marilyn @ Marilyn’s Treats.

44 thoughts on “Post 443 – My Blog’s Third Anniversary”

  3. That’s wonderful – congratulations! I never check stats, but I also don’t do this blogging business for money. I don’t know if you do or not. I started in 2012 but most all of those and most all from 2013 have been redone! The best part of blogging, besides the fact that I love it so much, is the friends you make along the way. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some – in Texas, England, and in France. That’s the fun part for me. Sadly, a couple of favorite bloggers have passed away during these years as well. Anyway, keep blogging! We love your recipes! I’m going to check out the pollo loco!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I started my blog to share stories and recipes with my family and friends, and I have been considering writing a book, even if just so my daughters will have all my recipes and anecdotes in one place. Thank you so much for your encouragement, Chef Mimi!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. It’s definitely like having an online cookbook. I have no idea if my daughters (in their 30’s) check it out. Maybe after I die 🤣 But they’re good cooks. Do it, for sure. I feel like Mexican cookbooks are few and far between, personally. It’s a big country with lots of regions.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Congratulations. I am so glad that I found your blog (as is my other half, who loves that I’m trying some of your recipes).
    Thanks for joining us for tea and sharing so many delicious dishes.

    Like

    Reply

  12. Best of luck for many more years of happy blogging, Irene. I thoroughly enjoy your photos and descriptions, though my stomach is woefully idiosyncratic and doesn’t allow me much flavor.

    Like

    Reply

  16. Happy 3rd Anniversary! Glad you’ve received more traffic than ever this past while—COVID-19 may have something to do with it, but I would argue that your yummy creations and their history have more to do with it. Keep creating, Irene and we’ll keep drooling….

    Like

    Reply

  17. Congratulations, Irene! Isn’t it a Wonderful feeling of accomplishment? You always have such wonderful recipes. I’m so glad you share them with us at the TFT Party! Pinned many again. I’m happy to read that you and your family are safe, albeit distant. Same here. This too shall pass. Blessings, Theresa

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your kind comment, Theresa; it feels great to reach another milestone for sure. Glad to hear all your loved ones are safe, as well. Thank you for always being such a graceful hostess!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  20. Pingback: Post 543 – My Blog’s Fourth Anniversary – My Slice of Mexico

Leave a comment