Has it Really Been Four Years? {Giveaway}

February 2, 2013 · 90 comments

Congratulations to Carol D, comment #7. Random Number Generator selected your comment as the winner of the giveaway. Watch your email for details.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who commented. I do hope you’ll keep reading!

Could it possibly have been four years since I sat down to write the very first blog post on Never Enough Thyme? Nah. It couldn’t! Could it? Oh yeah, it could. I’m telling y’all…time flies. Like a jet plane. And it’s true that the older you get, the faster it goes.

A lot has happened in the last four years. When I started Never Enough Thyme, our grandbabies were 8 and 2. A third grader and a toddler. Today they’re 12 and 6. A young man and a first grader! Oh, my. How did that happen? And our daughter was a stay at home mom taking care of her family. Well, she’s still taking care of her family, but today she’s well on her way to completing a double major in sociology and women’s studies all while maintaining a nearly perfect GPA. She’s one amazing girl.

Speaking of major accomplishments over the last four years…did you know that BeeBop has written a series of four young adult novels? Two of them are now in print! And the third is with the editor. I can’t tell you how proud I am of him.

Of course, I’ve been busy here on the blog. Over these past four years, I’ve written 428 posts and you have posted 7,975 comments on those posts! Wow.

So, what have been the most popular of those posts? Let’s see…

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

The single most popular post on Never Enough Thyme, hands down, is the Cilantro Lime Shrimp. That recipe was posted on June 7, 2011 and has been viewed 342,623 times. Right behind the cilantro lime shrimp is the Crispy Roasted Potatoes and my BLT Pasta. Rounding out the top five are Chicken Pot Pie and my mama’s Turkey and Southern Cornbread Dressing. Every one of these recipes is special to me. Not only because we enjoy them, but because they make your families happy, too.

Chocolate Little Layer Cake

However, there are a few others that are very dear to my heart. They’re mostly recipes from my childhood that hold very precious memories.

So what are my personal favorites? It’s hard to choose but…my own favorites include my mama’s Charlotte Russe, the Old-Fashioned Southern Teacakes, Chicken and Dumplings, and my Georgia BLT. Oh, and I can’t forget the Fried Catfish with Cheese Grits and Chicken Jallop (a Southwest Georgia specialty). There’s also the Chocolate Little Layer Cake and Pimiento Cheese.

I need to just stop here. There are too many favorites to include in this post.

It has been a great four years but none of it would have been possible without you. Those of you who visit here, who read and try my recipes, and most of all those who leave a comment to let me know it’s worthwhile…you make it possible and encourage me to keep walking down this path.

In appreciation of you readers and because I believe that feeding your family is about more than just the cooking, I’m giving away four four-piece place settings of Fiesta® dinner ware. The winner can choose from any colors currently offered by Fiesta®. Choose four place settings in all the same color or get different colors to mix and match. It’s up to you!

In order to enter the giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment below telling me what you’d like to see in the coming weeks and months on Never Enough Thyme. Maybe it’s a recipe you remember your mama making for you, or maybe it’s just something you think sounds good. That’s all. No jumping through hoops – just a simple comment.

Sweepstakes entries will remain open through midnight Friday, February 8, and a winner be selected on February 9. Open to residents of the continental U. S. only.

And once more, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for making it so much fun to do this.

What I was up to…

One year ago: Sausage Swirls
Two years ago: Baked Rice Pudding
Three years ago: Cheesy Beefy Mac
Four years ago: A blog…hmmm

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1 Sue February 2, 2013 at 5:43 pm: I think you should share Brunswick Stew with those who don’t know about it. It’s perfect fall or winter dinner or supper. Mama and ‘em are having it tonight.
2 Mary Susan Seley February 2, 2013 at 5:59 pm: Congratulations on four years Lana. I would love to see a chocolate pound cake. Mama made a good one and I cant find recipe. Also I’m a sucker for any easy recipe with only a few ingredients.
Looking forward to future posts.
3 Doris C February 2, 2013 at 6:13 pm: I love your blog and the recipes you post for us. I am always looking for MORE dessert recipes but will welcome anything you post.
4 Judith February 2, 2013 at 6:19 pm: With Lent coming up, I’d like to see fish/seafood recipes. FYI – I found your blog via Bree’s Mackinac Island blog – keep up the great work!
5 Michele February 2, 2013 at 6:56 pm: Congratulations Lana on your four year anniversary! I love your blog and recipes, so my comment is, “Keep the great recipes coming!”
6 Mike February 2, 2013 at 7:11 pm: Congratulations for hanging in there so long! I forget exactly how I found Never Enough Thyme, but it was one of the first recipe sites I subscribed to in my reader. I try to keep the total of food sites/blogs capped at around a hundred, adding some, deleting others all the time, but this site is a keeper. Besides, it has one of the best names of any I’ve seen!

What would I like to see? Gee, I dunno. I can’t remember ever being disappointed in anything you’ve posted. I’ll cast my vote w/ Doris up above and wish for more dessert recipes. Try a mayonnaise cake!
7 Carol D February 2, 2013 at 7:16 pm: I’d love to see must-try Georgia recipes. My daughter recently moved to Georgia from our home in NY and your website/recipes have been a blessing. Sometimes you touch people without even knowing it. Thank you and congratulations on 4 years :)
8 JD February 2, 2013 at 7:28 pm: Sometimes life and time gets away from all of us. I would appreciate hot weather meal ideas. Not right now but later since I live where it gets scorching hot.
9 Deb February 2, 2013 at 7:31 pm: I really enjoy your blog – Mike is right about your blog being a keeper. I am always looking for tasty side dishes. Also looking for any Easter recipes.
10 barbara n February 2, 2013 at 7:41 pm: Happy 4th anniversary to you! Love your blog! Would love to see more ideas for breakfast treats…breads, danish, coffee cakes. I love to sit with a cup of coffee and a sweet in the morning checking my email or reading the newspaper
11 Suzanne February 2, 2013 at 7:45 pm: Lana, congratulations on four very successful blogging years! I don’t think anything spells “home” more than great home cooking and that is exactly YOU! You make me feel like a good friend and make me look good to my family and their appetites. I couldn’t agree more that a chocolate pound cake would be right up there with me being able to bake a perfect loaf of bread! I would LOVE it! So, bring it! :D
12 Miss P February 2, 2013 at 7:59 pm: Wow. Four years. Hard to believe. Yet, for all of those years that we shared a room growing up, seems like four is a small number. I am more than proud of you. Your talents perfectly combine in this forum.

What next? Well, I love it all, so it’s hard to say. I love anything you cook.

Again, I am proud of you. Keep it up. And, if you can make Aunt Virginia’s chocolate pound cake, or her German Chocolate Cake, hooray!

Miss P
13 Christine February 2, 2013 at 8:03 pm: Congratulations! I’ve been inspired by many of your recipes. Thank you! I’d love to see some breakfast casseroles to make for my family so they have quick options other than cereal or toast :)
14 Laura February 2, 2013 at 8:16 pm: I love Fiesta Ware! How generous! Also, I love cookies and one pot meals. :)
15 Rocquie February 2, 2013 at 8:32 pm: Wasn’t your blog originally called something about the view from Nana & Bebop’s? (That’s how long I’ve been following you!)

My favorite post is the one you did about Boiled Peanuts.

Congratulations,
Rocquie
16 JoAnne Breitmeyer February 3, 2013 at 1:54 am: Loved the recipe for Chinese Chews … you don’t have to save these for just Christmas. Good anytime. Happy Anniversary and keep up the good work. Love your blog …
17 Delilah A. February 3, 2013 at 7:38 am: I really enjoy your blog – you are a true Southern cook!! Keep posting recipes from “down home”.
18 Cathy Hooks February 3, 2013 at 8:42 am: Congrats on your blog and I would say just keep doing what you are doing! All of your recipes are amazing!! Thanks for all that you do!!
19 Vicki O'Dell February 3, 2013 at 8:56 am: Macaroni & Cheese. I don’t eat it much any more but it would be sooo worth the calories if it were a really good recipe.
PS. I’m a UGE Fiesta fan. Thank you for the giveaway & Happy Blogaversary!
20 Caitlin Coffield February 3, 2013 at 9:36 am: I would love to see a recipe for potato burritos with green chili! I can’t find one anywhere! They are so tasty I could eat them daily! Thanks for the giveaway :)
21 Carissa February 3, 2013 at 9:58 am: I’d love to see make ahead crockpot meals that are still tasty but can be thrown together with minimal effort if needed. Thanks for doing a giveaway! hope I win :-)
22 casey stonecypher February 3, 2013 at 10:02 am: I would love some slow cooker meals doing somethin different with chicken. My husband just get worn out on chicken and a fresh take would be fantastic!
23 Kristin February 3, 2013 at 10:18 am: I would have to agree with a poster above that I would like to see more recipes for one pot meals. Makes cleanup super easy!
24 Maria February 3, 2013 at 10:37 am: Congrats on 4 years! How exciting! I agree with the slow cooker idea:)
25 Charis K February 3, 2013 at 10:51 am: Love Fiesta Ware. Any spin on a main dish salad would be great!
26 Lauren February 3, 2013 at 11:28 am: Happy 4 years! I would love to see cheap, quick easy meals. Though I would most likely love anything you post. :)
27 Renata February 3, 2013 at 11:42 am: Happy 4th Blogoversary! I really love your creative ideas and recipe tips to incorporate in my own meals! I would enjoy learning some more quick dinner ideas to whip up right after work that don’t take much time and are really easy for the non-cook!
Thanks for the beautiful giveaway too!
28 Linda S. February 3, 2013 at 1:17 pm: I’d love to see some recipes from my mom’s era: there was a cinnamon cake that I haven’t found the recipe for… and I remember her making duck one time in an adventurous burst. And cinnamon apple streusel muffins (I think those came from the bakery, though).
29 Laura LaPrad February 3, 2013 at 3:02 pm: I’ve just discovered your blog and have already fallen in love with your Shepherd’s Pie and Lasagna recipes. I would love to see a good seafood gumbo recipe or a strawberry shortcake recipe for summer. Thanks for sharing so many good fixin’s with us!
30 Angela February 3, 2013 at 4:05 pm: I have enjoyed the many recipes that you have shared. It would be hard to think of something that you haven’t shared. I just recently had a brown sugar pound cake with a white pecan glaze that was delicious. I have been looking for a recipe like this.
31 Lauren Smith February 3, 2013 at 5:37 pm: My husband is from the South and my dad’s family as well. My husband’s grandmother made a bread pudding with a thin white icing. Do you perhaps have or know of a similar recipe?
32 Mindy February 3, 2013 at 8:17 pm: I’d love to see quick and inexpensive weeknight meals! :-)
33 Betty Jo Toole February 3, 2013 at 9:00 pm: Thank you so much for sharing such good recipes I have enjoyed reading your recipes and your blog. I would like quick and easy dishes that I can prepare in a short time
34 Marti February 3, 2013 at 11:44 pm: Nice blog you have here.
35 sarapete February 3, 2013 at 11:55 pm: Savory crepes. Maybe the basic crepe recipe (whole wheat even better) and then various filling options!
36 Kimberly P. February 4, 2013 at 1:16 am: I want to see more of what you’re already posting. Your recipes are straightforward and delicious. Thank you!
37 Phyllis February 4, 2013 at 6:34 am: Would love to see a really good recipe for pot roast with all the fixings. Not made in the crock pot… the good old fashioned way.

TY
38 Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch February 4, 2013 at 10:01 am: I am now starving, Lana! All of those dishes just make my mouth water and you definitely have shared some GOODIES! I have to tell you, we’ve (my son) loved reading BeeBop’s books and can’t wait for the third one.
39 Linda February 4, 2013 at 11:11 am: Congrats, I LOVE anything lemon and can’t find many that make my lips pucker.
40 Sharon February 4, 2013 at 12:05 pm: I wish you many more years of blogging. I would like to see more recipes featuring side dishes incorporating fresh garden vegetables. By the way, my favorite post was setting a proper table. Have a great year.
41 Gail February 4, 2013 at 2:38 pm: How about something that you grew up eating – something your Gram made or your Mom or Aunt – something special to your family. Love your blog
42 Marta February 4, 2013 at 3:34 pm: Congratulations on being able to blog for so long! My family loves your butter chicken. Thank you for the nice ideas.
43 Lindzi February 4, 2013 at 3:55 pm: I have loved visiting your website for more ideas on recipes that can warm the hearts of any family. Pound cake recipes are some of my favorite desserts to try in the kitchen. My family has two- a lemon & an almond. Do you have any up your sleeve, besides the chocolate walnut?
44 Maryclare W. February 4, 2013 at 5:58 pm: This midwestern girl loves the southern recipes you post. Keep them coming.
45 Kelly February 4, 2013 at 10:52 pm: Happy Anniversary!!! Congratulations!! I concur with those who’ve said breakfast and slow cooker recipes :) Thanks so much for the giveaway. A setting for four is perfect for the hubby and I. xo
46 Elena February 4, 2013 at 11:03 pm: I would like to see more vegetarian recipes. Thank you for the giveaway!
47 Kristen M. February 5, 2013 at 12:19 am: I’m getting excited for spring so I’d like to see some “picnic” foods – easy to prepare, don’t need to slave over a store kind of fare.
48 michael f wood February 5, 2013 at 1:11 am: great site keep up the great job. sspring is on its way would like to see healty receps and some grilling recieps thank you
49 Rachel Freeman February 5, 2013 at 7:53 am: Thanks for the great job you’ve done so far. I’ve really enjoyed your blog. I enjoy being surprised by what you’ll come up with next.
50 Kathy @ The Sugar Queen February 5, 2013 at 8:39 am: I really enjoy your blog! I would like to see recipes using fresh lemon, particularly dessert recipes. Thanks for the giveaway!
51 Heather February 5, 2013 at 9:35 am: Congrats!! I’d love more ideas on what to do with Turkey Breast!
52 Mary N February 5, 2013 at 9:58 am: Happy Anniversary! I love your blog and I’ve tried many delicious recipes. My family especially likes the Chicken Pot Pie, and Never Fail Pound Cake. I’d like to see more quick week night dinners.
53 Dawn February 5, 2013 at 10:50 am: Love your blog and hope you’ll keep it up for many more years! I’d love more kid-friendly dinner ideas, for my Sunday Family Dinner with my grandkids.
54 Faye February 5, 2013 at 12:33 pm: I enjoy your blog…from the south, but live in the north now. Some things will always be “southern” comfort for me!!!
55 Kitty Blissit February 5, 2013 at 2:34 pm: lower calorie dishes? Is that possible?
56 Clint February 5, 2013 at 3:05 pm: Lana, congratulations on your successes – and, yes, I’m giving you at least partial credit for your husband’s and daughter’s successes! I know I’m a late comer to your website, but I’ve looked at all your recipes and love your style! I’m here for the duration!

I’m blessed with memories of coming from a family with amazing southern cooks – my grandmother, my mother, and my aunt. Today, only my mama remains with us, and her memory is such that she can’t share with me those recipes I grew up with. I’ve never found recipes that compare with my mom’s amazing buttermilk biscuits, my aunt’s sawdust salad, or – perhaps most especially – my grandmother’s walnut cake. Anything you can do along those lines would be most appreciated!

Continued success,

Clint
57 amy cornwell February 5, 2013 at 3:30 pm: Thank you so much for the opportunity! I just started collecting Fiestaware at Christmastime and am in love. I’d so enjoy adding to the collection. We’re starting to eat healthier meals (whole, clean, whatever you want to call it). So tasty, healthy, full of good stuff recipes? (I also love sweets though, so anything in that realm too)
58 LM February 5, 2013 at 7:25 pm: Love the site and Fiesta! I would love to see some cooking tips in addition to the fabulous recipes. Maybe some tutorials for the novices on the basics of baking? All my attempts at baking usually aren’t too successful – flat cookies and cakes. :(
59 Abby February 5, 2013 at 8:26 pm: Banana pudding!! My all time favorite, and a Southern staple.
60 LaDonna G February 5, 2013 at 8:38 pm: Thanks for the chance to win! Quick, easy, kid friendly meals are best for our busy family!
61 Christy Dixon February 5, 2013 at 11:30 pm: I love the dessert recipes! How about some recipes for those non-alcoholic cakes like a Daiquiri cake? Or Margarita Cake? Or Pina Colada cake? Thanks for the giveaway and congratulations on 4 great years!
62 Mary L Cottingham February 5, 2013 at 11:58 pm: I always end up making chocolate mousse from a mix… it would be great to have a “certified” recipe.
63 Rene February 6, 2013 at 6:21 am: How about a recipe for Sheperd’s pie?
64 Sheila Cohen February 6, 2013 at 8:59 am: Congratulations on four years. I am always looking for delicious recipes that are easy to make (but taste like you spent a lot of time on them).
65 Adina Weinstein February 6, 2013 at 11:39 am: congratulations on four year. I would like to see kosher recipes.
66 Kim February 6, 2013 at 1:55 pm: Lemon deserts!
67 Nancy@acommunaltable February 6, 2013 at 3:46 pm: Congratulations Lana!! oooh… what would I like to see… hmmm….traditional southern recipes!!! I find that when you post recipes from your family I always learn something new!!
68 Gayle Watkins February 6, 2013 at 5:52 pm: I would like to see old favorites – comfort food – made healthier.
69 wendyvee February 6, 2013 at 8:46 pm: Congratulations, Lana! I remember the first post that I ever read on your site; “Right in Your Own Backyard…” from August of 2010. One that, uncharacteristically, does not feature a recipe; but does feature some great “roadside wonders” :)
I’ve come back time and again and made more than a few of your recipes ever since.
What I’d like to see in the future?? Well I love just about everything you post … so just eep doing what you’re doing!
70 betty February 6, 2013 at 9:32 pm: congrats on your 4th anniversary!
Love the idea of crock pot meals. They work so well during the cold weather
71 nancy scaggs February 6, 2013 at 9:46 pm: Congratulations on four years . What an amazing accomplishment! I’d like to see a recipe for chocolate gravy, and for easy biscuits.
72 Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles February 7, 2013 at 8:33 am: A great big CONGRATS on four years! I have just invested in Fiesta Ware, and love it!! It’d be great to add a few more place settings. Great giveaway!
73 Julie February 7, 2013 at 8:43 am: I think it would be super helpful to me to have a few grain free dinners!! My son is gluten intolerant so we all eat like that at as well.
OH and a great appetizer or snack too :)
Just things to get us through winter!!
74 Kylee February 7, 2013 at 8:43 am: Any kind of good home cooking is awesome! And I loveeee fiesta ware! I’ve started a collection and I’m always looking to add to it! :)
75 grams February 7, 2013 at 8:45 am: Your recipes are just great. Always love slow cooker recipes and lemon desserts are an awesome springtime treat!
76 Melissa K. February 7, 2013 at 8:59 am: I’d love to see a recap of your favorite recipes, or some new ideas for an Easter lunch. Anything would be great, really.
77 Avery K February 7, 2013 at 9:14 am: I would love to see some quick and easy weeknight meals!
78 sandra February 7, 2013 at 10:02 am: More breakfast recipes
79 Angela S. February 7, 2013 at 10:41 am: Congrats! Easy weeknight meals would be great. Crock pot meals.
80 Patti M. February 7, 2013 at 10:48 am: Thanks for many good recipes! I would like to see some “recipes for two”, and some easy weeknight recipes. Thanks!
81 Nancy L. February 7, 2013 at 11:43 am: How about an East meets West fusion type recipe?
82 Charlene Glover February 7, 2013 at 1:11 pm: Easy dinner ideas and anything chocolate :)
83 Cindi Lou February 7, 2013 at 2:40 pm: Congrats on 4 years!! Love your blog and follow you on FB and Pinterest! I would love a recipe for some good ole Chicken and Dumplins!
84 Beverley Justice February 7, 2013 at 3:08 pm: Congratulations on your success! I really enjoy the inviting yeast breads and desserts.
85 Michelle Schafer February 7, 2013 at 11:35 pm: I’d love to see crockpot recipes or those foil packet recipes. We now live in south TX and I don’t plan to cook inside much during those hot months!
86 Thea Cooper February 8, 2013 at 12:27 am: Great blog. Working mom here – would love to see some southern recipes adapted for the crockpot. Congrats on four years.
87 Gladys February 8, 2013 at 5:17 pm: Congratulations! I would love to see either more breakfast recipes or easy one skillet dishes.
88 Trish February 8, 2013 at 9:54 pm: Love your blog! My answer — Home baked breads! I love them and am always looking for new recipes.
89 Denise February 9, 2013 at 2:39 am: Hopefully your deadline is in California time!! How about some soup recipes. It’s definitely soup weather right now.