Welcome to SGCC's First Annual Blogiversary Bash!

Well, it's hard to believe, but it's true. Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy is one year old today! Never did I imagine when I started this little blog a year ago what an important and fulfilling part of my life it would become. I have learned so much, not only about cooking and baking, but about the wonderful nature of people. Through this journey, I have met so many kind, caring, creative and passionate souls, all who have enriched my life in various ways. This food blogging community of ours is a truly unique and one hell of a special group!

My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who have kept me company here in my little slice of the blogoshere. It's been a pleasure having you. If you're visiting for the first time - welcome! I hope you return often.

I have to say that I was truly touched by the number of you that RSVP' d for my party. I never expected so many of you to attend, and with such spectacular food and drinks! Thank you all so much! (I also never expected how much work it would be to put this post together!) With your help, we have the mother lode of all buffets here. So have a drink (or several), grab a fork and a plate, and let's get this party started!!!

I've divide the buffet line into three categories - Libations (drinks), Savories and Sweets. I tried to be as organized about this as possible, but we all know I'm not perfect. If I've missed anyone, please let me know and I'll correct it right away. Oh, and please don't judge me on my formatting skills. This post was a b*tch to put together! ;)

Enjoy!

Libations

Rachel (aka the Short (dis)Order Cook) from The Essential Rhubarb Pie knows how to get a party started! Her Peach-Hyssop Sparkler is made with peach liqueur and bubbly Proseco, mixed with a simple syrup infused with apricot hyssop flowers from her garden. I'd never heard of apricot hyssop before this, and now I'm determined to find some of my own!

Colleen from Kitchen Diary sent over this cooling and very refreshing Limoncello Sunset all the way from South Africa. Limoncello Sunset is made up with crushed ice, a splash of Angostura Bitters and a double tot of Limoncello Liqueur. The glass is filled with Soda Water and accessorized with a twist of lemon peel and a sprig of mint.

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The lovely Chicago-based Marie from Proud Italian Cook calls her Mezzanotte "Pure Decadence". I agree! This amazing coffee cocktail, made with dark chocolate, espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur, is like having your espresso and dessert all in one! Very efficient! Mezzanotte means midnight in Italian, and Marie figures that this special drink will help keep us partying well into the wee hours.

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One of my newer blogging buddies, Lisa from Magic Sprinkles (Is that not the coolest name?) calls Atlanta, Georgia home. I'm so happy to have her here today, especially since she brought these smooth, sweet and creamy Chocolatinis with her. This girl knows how to party! Toss back one of these chic "tinis" made with vodka, chocolate liqueur and cream, and you'll feel just like Carrie Bradshaw!

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Sandy from Eat Real is one of the bloggers I initially got to know through Twitter. She's smart, witty and insightful. From New York's mid-Hudson Valley, she writes about lots of delicious and healthy foods and drinks, like this cool and refreshing Kiwi Green Tea Fizz. It all starts with a mouthwatering homemade kiwifruit sorbet, to which green tea liqueur and fizzy ginger ale are added. Then, grab a straw and a comfy chair and you're set!

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Nicole from Art and Aioli hails from Orange, California. She's brought this lovely bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa to go with her fab Buratta Plate below. Wine and cheese? Wait til you see it. Classic!

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Savories

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Lori from Luscious and her "Darling Chef", Marc brought this beautiful Gravlax. Just look at that stunning color! Lori, who is in NYC, says that you can get this great party food started a few days ahead and let it sit in the fridge. Slice it thinly, and either platter it with slices of bread and a pot of mustard, or make little hors d'oeuvres for your guests. So easy, fresh and tasty!

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Libby from The Allergic Kid is a neighbor from Tampa Bay, Florida. Her blog is a source for recipes and tips for cooking and living with specific food allergies. Libby brought this Zesty Tomato Salsa. She says the fresh cilantro and lime juice are simply addictive, and the salsa also makes a nice topping for chicken or fish. Ole!

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Lisa from The Cutting Edge of Ordinary, in Rhode Island, submitted one of her most requested dishes, these Antipasto Squares. With an assortment of cheeses and cured meats baked inside flaky crescent pastry, these would be tops on my list too!

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Susan from Food Blogga sent over this beautiful Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade. Susan comes from California by way of Rhode Island, hence the name of her blog. I can always count on Susan to come up with healthy, yet tasty dishes using fresh and often quite unique ingredients.

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Nina from My Easy Cooking sent over these lovely and elegant little Salmon Starters. They're made with baby creamer potatoes, filled with a cream cheese filling and topped with smoked salmon and caviar. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but I stashed a few of these away back in the kitchen for later!)

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Lauren from I'll Eat You brought these Duxelles hors d'ouvres. This is a simple little hors d'ouvre whipped up with puff pastry and filled with a mushroom duxelles. They look fancy schmancy complicated, but Lauren swears they are not!

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My good friend Val from More Than Burnt Toast in Canada is one of the most prolific bloggers I know! (Either that, or she's just a party animal!) Today, Val has brought over these gorgeous Golden Bruschetta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto. They are pure summer on a plate!

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Lisa from My Own Sweet Thyme offers up these sweet little Cheesy Choux Puffs. Look at that adorable G-clef! Lisa hails from the Pacific Northwest and does amazing things with choux pastry! Visit her blog to find all sorts of tricks and tips.

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In her blog profile, Grace from A Southern Grace calls herself a Southern girl currently sticking out like a sore thumb in upstate New York. When I read that, I knew I was in for a treat! I was. Grace is full of Southern charm and New York wit!Shee sent over this dreamy looking Black Bean Dip. Careful! No double dipping, please!

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Laura from The Spiced Life submitted another delicious dish using black beans. Her Southwestern Black Bean Soup was made with her mother's homegrown black beans and lots of bacon. How cool is that? Laura says that this soup isn't super healthy, but it sure is tasty. I heartily agree!

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Deeba from Passionate about Baking brought these light, tender and silky Chicken Reshmi Kebabs all the way from North India. Deeba says that these kebabs, a North Indian specialty, are made with minced chicken but are equally as good with minced beef or lamb. She attributes their moist, succulent texture to a marinade, featuring thick, rich yogurt. I think they look marvelous and I can't wait to dig in!

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These zesty Tangy Tomato Twisties came all the way from South Africa, again, courtesy of Colleen from Kitchen Diary. They're made with sundried tomato paste, basil pesto, Bushman's HotAzHell Chilli Sauce and some very strong mature cheddar cheese sandwiched between layers of tender and flaky butter puff pastry. Amazing! Check out the Limoncello Sunset that Colleen also sent over to wash them down to wash them down with.

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Theresa (The Food Hunter) from The Food Hunter's Guide to Cuisine brought some beautiful Neapolitan Crostini to my buffet table. They're a quick and easy appetizer and are just the perfect thing for a party! Theresa hails from Arizona, by way of Philadelphia and is a girl after my own heart. These tasty crostini are covered with a creamy ricotta spread and then topped with anchovies. Anchovies! I love anchovies!

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Tanya from Take the Cannoli blogs from Illinois. She says that while this luscious Roasted Red Pepper Dip is a snap to make, it packs a big flavor punch. With roasted peppers, garlic and cream cheese, how could it not?

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When I first laid eyes on Nuria's Chipirones en su tinta, my salivary glands went onto overdrive and I haven't stopped drooling since! Chipirones are small squids and these are prepared Basque-style in a sauce with their own ink, tomatoes, garlic, peppers and onion. Nuria and her delightful blog, Spanish Recipes, are based in sunny Barcelona, Spain.

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Ning from Heart and Hearth sent over these lovely Seafood Canapés from her home base in Manila, Philippines. These little beauties are made with a tomato, green onion and anchovy mixture which is spread on toast points and topped with tender, sweet baby shrimp. Ahem...have I mentioned how much I love anchovies?

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This Balkan Eggplant Casserole sent over by Alanna from A Veggie Venture is just the thing for a party buffet. Lightly sauteed eggplant slices are baked in a creamy, cheesy and subtly spicy sauce. It is a wonderful vegetarian offering that can be served either hot from the oven or at room temperature. Alanna dishes up her tempting veggie fare in St. Louis, Missouri.

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My good friend Cakelaw from Laws of the Kitchen has brought these terrific Salmon Tartlets all the way from Australia. To make these little gems, pre-baked puff pastry discs are topped by a tangy cream cheese spread, a strip of smoked salmon and a sprig of dill. Cakelaw says they are dead easy to make, yet look and taste impressive. I know that I'm impressed!


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Manggy from No Special Effects is one of my favorite people in the whole world! Talented in so many ways, he is truly a Renaissance man. As busy as he is, he found the time to send over this outrageous Spaghetti Tetrazzini for my Blogiversary Bash by way of the Philippines. It is an uber rich pasta dish baked in a creamy sauce brimming with cheese, chicken, mushrooms and......bacon! This one is not for the faint of heart! As a matter of fact, I think I'm swooning right now!

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Joanne from Frutto della Passione is living my dream life in Milan, Italy. What a wonderful place and what a warm and kind woman! She has sent over the kind of party food that I grew up with - adorable Mini Pizzas and Calzones. She even made her own dough! These babies have it all. Mushrooms, onions, ham, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella! Buonissimo!

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The first time I visited Nicisme's blog, Cherrapeno, was was after I found myself drooling over one of her stunning photos on Tastespotting. Since then, I have spent quite a bit of time enjoying this UK blogger's tantalizing fare. Today, Nic has sent over these Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta with Grilled Blue Cheese. Grilled Blue Cheese, people! Need I say more?

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Michelle from Culinography has brought over this Better than Boursin Cheese Spread. It's a dreamy, cream cheese based concoction loaded with garlic and herbs. Michelle says she makes it because she is too frugal to pay Boursin's high price. I say it's because this Arkansas girl is too smart! Either way, this spread looks way too tempting!

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Nicole from Art and Aioli has come to the party with a most thoughtful offering. She's brought a gift of Buratta, her new favorite cheese along with tomatoes and basil from her garden, served with olives, organic ciabbata bread and a dish with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Nicole describes this Rolls Royce of Italian cheeses as "sheer heaven", and so do I! This is going to go so well with that great Cabernet!

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Heather from Diary of a Frantic Foodie whipped up this Italian-style Scalloped Tomatoes and Eggplant. She says this is just the kind of dish she likes to serve to keep things interesting at her book club meetings up in Arlington, Virginia. Not only does this casserole contain tomatoes, eggplant and a host of zesty Italian herbs, but it's baked with a topping of tangy goat cheese and pine nuts too. Delicioso!

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One of the best things about being a food blogger is discovering all kinds of new foods that you've never known about before, like these Bierocks sent over by the sweet and charming Kristen from Dine & Dish in Kansas City. Biercocks are a German food, commonly seen at Oktoberfest events. They're kind of like a German calzone, with a soft, chewy dough encasing a garlicy meat and cabbage filling. Kristen calls them a little pockets full of goodness with something unexpected in every bite!

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Lien from Notitie van Lien sent these intriguing Polpettine al Limone aka Lemon Meatballs over all the way from The Netherlands. Grated lemon zest and ground pine nuts give these meatballs their unique flavor. Lien serves them with just a squeeze of fresh lemon. I can't wait to try them!

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Sweets

Lucy from Teen Baker brought these tasty Lemon & Sultana Cookies. How did she know that I love all things lemon? I am so impressed by Lucy. Did you know that she is only 13 years old? This little Londoner has quite a baking career ahead of her!

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Nanc from NancTWoP, in Gotham City, brought these Cinnamon "Toasty Fingers" Lightly sweet and crispy, they fit neatly on the saucer. Plus they're ridiculously easy to make, using items you always have on hand. They look totally addictive to me! I met Nanc back during Top Chef season. She blogs about her favorite TV show and did a great job with her Top Chef recaps. I'm so happy to have her at the party!

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Lisa at What We Eat sent these delectable Pina Colada Cupcakes all the way from Dublin, Ireland. Don't they look adorable all dressed up with their cute umbrellas? Lisa says that these are her favorite thing to bring to a party. I'm so glad she brought them to mine!

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Esi from Dishing up Delights says that she'd been dreaming of these Figs with Ricotta and Pistachios for days before she made them. I can see why. Just look at them! Those juicy, ripe figs with creamy cheese and glistening honey are making me long for a bite! Esi is from L.A. and remembers the fresh fig trees in her backyard while growing up. Me too.

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Another Florida neighbor, Judy from No Fear Entertaining sent over this fresh and delicious Fruit Pizza. Can you believe that this elegant looking dish started with sugar cookie mix and a tub of cream cheese frosting? Now, that is some creative cooking!

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Nathan from House of Annie brought something really unique. His Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream looks totally fun and festive! Traditional mochi is a Japanese confection made from sweet glutinous rice paste, filled with sweet azuki bean paste. Ice cream replaces the red bean filling in these. Love these!

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Hilary, another Chicago gal, from Chew on That brought these delectable fresh baked Chocolate Chip Cookies. She happened to use my favorite recipe for them too. They are a chocolate lover's dream.

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The lovely Ivy from Kopiaste...To Greek Hospitality brought over this gorgeous cake called Revani all the way from Greece. It is made with flour or semolina that is bathed in syrup, and topped with whipping cream and coconut and decorated it with pineapple and sour cherries. She calls it a sticky, gooey, creamy, chewy dessert. I call it heavenly!

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Anita from Dessert First brought this equisite Black Sesame Panna Cotta with Five-Spice Peanut Brittle. Black sesame is a classic Chinese flavor, especially in desserts, and is perfect in this creamy, barely set panna cotta. The crunchy, buttery, spicy-sweet brittle makes a lovely complement to it.

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Holly from PheMOMenon brought some yummy looking Almond Glazed Sugar Cookies from her home base in Utah. These are the cookies for you if you're into instant gratification. Holly says there is no chilling, no rolling and no waiting involved. I think they look indescribably delicious (and there isn't an elf in sight)!

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Stef from Cupcake Project asks "What's a party without cupcakes?" I agree and am thrilled that she sent over these tasty Oatmeal Raisin Cupcakes topped with adorable maple bacon lollipops for my Bash! She says they're just like oatmeal raisin cookies, but moister and with less oatmeal texture. I say WOW!

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Gabi from The Feast Within has brought over the most divinely decadent looking cheesecake ever! This Polka Dot Cheesecake is made with both a plain and a chocolate cheesecake batter. The chocolate batter is actually piped into the cake to form these wonderful "polka dots". The finished cake is then topped with a sinful bitersweet chocolate ganache. Be still my heart!

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These elegant glasses are filled with rich and creamy Chocolate Mousse topped with Caramelized Strawberry and Orange Sauce. This luxurious dessert was created by the FFichiban, Cupcake and D from Here Comes the Food out of Sydney, Australia. They had me at chocolate mousse, but that delicate fruity sauce sealed the deal! Doesn't it look dreamy?

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Claire from Cooking is Medicine is a doctor from Jackson, MS. Despite her busy schedule, she found time to bake her signature Claire's Coffee Cookies. These cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, oats, nuts and rich coffee flavor. How efficient is Claire? She can have her coffee and cookies together in one bite!

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Look at the fudgy goodness of these amazing Espresso Brownies made by Mansi from Fun & Food Cafe! Who could resist these sinfully delicious brownies filled with the richness of cocoa, a shot of espresso and a hint of Kahlua liqueur? I know I couldn't! Mansi sent her delectable treats from sunny California. I wish I lived closer so I could have them all the time!

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Kelly from Sass & Veracity sure knows to make the summertime last! Of course, being in California, she has access to some of the best fruits available. This Blueberry Peach Galette is a gorgeous showcase for two of the season's most popular bounty. For her galette, Kelly makes a dough using yogurt and cornmeal, which is filled with fresh, ripe peaches and blueberries kissed with honey and thyme. To. Die. For.

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Those wild and crazy kids, Denise and Lenny from Chez Us also had peaches on their minds. They came up with this oozey, gooey Peach, Vanilla Bean, French Thyme Galette, even though they've both been down with nasty colds all week. I'm touched that they went to all that trouble for little old me!

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Maria and Josh from Two Peas and Their Pod are getting in the Fall spirit with their Applesauce Spice Bars. I'm sure the weather is quite a bit cooler up there Salt Lake City, Utah! These tasty treats are chock full of apples, raisins, brown sugar and spices, all smothered in a gooey vanilla/brown sugar glaze. You better grab one fast. They won't last long!

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The Happy Cook from My Kitchen Treasures has certainly made me happy with the Mango Panna Cotta she sent over all the way from Belgium! Panna Cotta is one of my favorite things and this one is rich, creamy and fruity all at the same time. Plus, could those glasses any cuter?

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Helen, everyone's favorite Tartelette, has brought these stunning little Pine Nut Tartelettes to the party. She is a lovely lady and one of the most talented and creative bloggers I know. Everything that comes out of her kitchen is perfection and these sublime little jewels are no exception! From the South of France to South Carolina, Helen bridges the gap with her tartelettes intended to be a riff on pecan pie, swapping out pecans and corn syrup for pine nuts and acacia honey. C'est Magnifique!

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Dear, sweet Patricia blogs from her Technicolor Kitchen in Sao Paolo, Brazil. She has sent over this fabulous Lemon Meringue Cake for us all to enjoy! The cake has a sticky, gooey, and chewy meringue base, similar to a pavlova, and is filled with a glorious lemon cream filling. To top it off, she has sprinkled on white chocolate shavings. It is everything I could wish for!

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Veron over at Veronica's Test Kitchen has sent over another delectable lemon dessert, Lemon Bars on Brown Butter Shortbread. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she is also among those of us trying to squeeze the last drop out of Summer! Tart and sweetly delicious, these bars feature a cool, lemony filling nestled on a rich, buttery crust. Lemon bars have always held a special place in my heart, an I'll be first in line for these!

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Lynne from And Then I Do the Dishes sent over a batch of her delicious Ground Cherry and Vanilla Compote. She's serving her compote up on lightly toasted French bread topped with a smooth, nutty Gruyere cheese from beautiful from Quebec, Canada. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory!

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I believe no party would be complete without a good old-fashioned apple pie. Fortunately, Andrea from Andrea's Recipes felt the same way and brought this French Apple Pie! She makes it, in her Northern Virginia kitchen, with thinly sliced Granny Smith apples spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. Then, she tops it with a buttery, brown sugar crumb topping. It doesn't get much better than this!

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One of my daily treats is visiting Lori, The Recipe Girl - especially when she has one of her wonderful desserts on the menu! Imagine my delight when I saw these sinfully good Devil's Food Cupcakes she sent over. That rich, gooey chocolate frosting topped with those festive sprinkles is making me weak in the knees, I tell you!

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One of the very first food blogs I ever read was Jumbo Empanadas written by Brilynn from Canada. Before that, I didn't really even know what a blog was, but I was hooked! I have to say that Brilynn was part of the inspiration that prompted me to create SGCC. I'm very honored to have her as a guest at my BB! I knew she would bring something fabulous and she did not disappoint. Brilynn says that her Cinnamon Palmiers, (or Elephant Ears!) are ridiculously easy to make, look fantastic, make your house smell like Cinnabons and will have people begging for more. Whew! She really means it when she says "Go big or go home"!

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One of my daily reads I never miss is Cathy's blog, Noble Pig out of Northen California. Sometimes, I laugh. Sometimes I cry. I'm always entertained. Cathy sent over this amazingly delicious Banana Cake with Cream Cheese-Sour Cream Frosting. She guarantees this one takes banana baked goods to a whole new level of yumminess. I'll take that bet. I've been dreaming about this cake ever since I first saw it on Cathy's site!

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And now, for my party gifts!

You've all been such patient and gracious guests, but I know you're all dying to know who one my special Blogiversary giveaways. Take a look at this little video I made (with my Flip Video, natch!) and all will become clear! Now, be forewarned that this is my very first attempt at filmaking, so be kind. Also, any snarky comments about my tiara will be promptly deleted! ;) Um.....and please don't look at my hair too closely. I shot this after a very long day!

Sooooooo, to recap, the list of winners is as follows:

Nuria from Spanish Recipes wins Working the Plate!

Laura from The Spiced Life wins the NBC Sunday Night Football Cookbook!

Lauren from I'll Eat You wins Martha Stewart's Cookies!

Lisa from What We Eat wins Digital Food Photography!

Aaaaaand last, but by no means least, Manggy wins the Flip Ulta Video!

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Thank you all so much for coming to help me celebrate my blogiversary! I hope you all enjoyed yourself. Take care and see you soon!