Noble Pig

Never Miss A Recipe

· 290 Comments

Really? Already?

It’s hard to believe so much time has gone by.

A year ago today this blog was born. So today is my blog’s birthday.  I wrote my first post.  No one was reading.  
 
Now one year later, over 3.5 million visitors have clicked through these doors.  I have no idea where you all came from, but I’m glad you are here.

I appreciate your continued support and encouragement as I chronicle my trials and tribulations of building a vineyard, a winery and a life in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.  Of course along with that comes lots of posts about food and everyday living.  Thank you for being here through it all.

As a token of my appreciation I would like to offer you something I indulge in every year. 

I know I have spoken before about my love of Valrhona chocolate.  And every year (usually in November) Valrhona releases something called, ” 3 Grands Chocolats Noirs de Domaine Millesimes” or “3 Vintage Estate-Grown Dark Chocolates”.

These chocolates are created from a selection of cocoa beans from one single plantation: beans from Trinidad for their long-lasting fresh taste (Gran Couva), beans from Venezuela with their unique notes of milk and honey (Palmira) and beans from Madagascar with their aroma of yellow fruits (Ampamakia).  All are amazing.

The beans are cultivated and harvested according to ancient traditions with each vintage having its own special characteristics…kind of like fine wine.

The chocolates, 2 bars of each, are packaged in a beautiful wooden presentation box and are available from a wonderful internet chocolate company located in Portland, Oregon…Chocosphere.

Just leave a comment and this annual Limited Edition “Chocolats Noirs de Domaine” Presentation Box could be yours.

My favorite bar this year was the Palmira.  It was exquisite.

Thanks again for visiting every day.  It’s truly appreciated.

You have until midnight tonight to enter.  Winner will be chosen by Random Integer Generator and announced tomorrow, on Valentine’s Day.

What I Was Kvetching About One Year Ago Today:  Hooray For 100 Days of School

Comments

  2. I fear I’m too late to make a comment and qualify an entry for the chocolate gift, but wanted to say that I enjoyed your “barbell” article today. I much prefer your special dinner gift…

    Reply

  5. I look forward to your newest post every day. It is a highlight. I even sent an email to the Martha Stewart show about the possibility of featuring outstanding blogs and bloggers on her television show, providing your website/blog as the perfect example. They emailed back and stated that they were forwarding my recommendation on to Martha, herself, for consideration. whoo-hoo…you never know.

    Thank you for all your efforts in recording your thoughts, the wonderful recipes and outstanding photography!

    Reply

  12. 3.5 million…you are quite the Pied Piper of Blogland Cathy!! CONGRATS on turning a year old. Love stopping by your place for my daily dose…ALL THE BEST!! Looking forward to ooooodles & oooodles of wonderful posts!!xoxoxo

    Reply

  13. Congratulations!!!! I have loved every day I get to spend with you…for you are the true treasure. For me, a day without visiting you is like a day without my sunshine. You inspire me in so many ways, believe in me when I can not believe in myself, and hope for me a better tomorrow. I am eternally grateful.

    Reply

  24. Happy Blog-a-versary~! ^_^

    I’m planning a dinner for my family tomorrow to celebrate Valentine’s Day and I’m going to make your Potato Sour Cream Biscuits in heart shapes to go with a soup starter. Can’t wait!

    Thanks for the inspiration and allowing us all a peek into your life. <3

    Reply

  27. Happy Bloggervesary!
    What a beautiful box of chocolates. I would love to win something like that. It is something I have never heard of before and I’d like to thank you for a great lot of recipies that have entered my world thanks to you.

    Reply

  29. Well, how very appropriate. Just in time for Valentine’s Day. Congratulations on your one year anniversary and also on obtaining 3.5 million visitors! That is really an accomplishment. I know at least half of us are going to visit your winery once you get it going…so you can bet you will be doing a great business as a result! Happy Valentine’s Day! I know you will be enjoying those chocolates. They look heavenly, rich and dark, and handsome. (Do I have the Boar’s description correct?) lol

    Reply

  31. Hearty congratulations Cathy!!! With or without chocolate, your site is a gift, truly. Just a delight and an unequalled resource, the pix, heartfelt commentary, fantastic – FANTASTIC!!! recipes – and your marvelous land project! Thanks for being there 🙂

    Reply

  36. Well, Cathy, Happy Anniversary! I enjoy reading about your daily life. It sounds weird, but it comforts me to read about someone else crazy life. 🙂 I can not wait until I can open a bottle of Noble Pig wine.

    Reply

  41. Happy Birthday! I love reading about your family, your fence and your neighbors, your wine selections, your questions about shoes on or off, and about the unusual people you encounter. Please keep writing and we’ll keep reading. Good Luck with Year #2.

    Reply

  43. I don’t remember the blog that sent me to your blog, but I’m very glad I clicked the link. I read your blog first thing every morning when I get into work. You’re very entertaining and I like that even a novice cook/baker can make your recipes. A bunch of your recipes are on my list of recipes to try. Keep up the good work.

    Reply

  48. Oh Cathy, those chocolates sound like pure Heaven! Here is my entry and I’m so glad I’ve found this blog! You keep me laughing and thinking and surely you keep me drooling with some of those recipes! Even though I’m not a wine connoiseur , you are entertaining!

    Reply

  50. I went back and read your first blog. Your hoodlum has grown so much! Made the dump cake last night and its already half gone. (There are only 2 of us.)

    Reply

  57. happy bloggiversary!!!
    the chocolates look amazing! i went to the chocolate show in nyc last year and it really gave me an appreciation of the many varieties of chocolate and dark chocolate especially. i didn’t think i could love chocolate more until that show! 🙂

    Reply

  61. Enjoy your stories, enjoy your recipes and would reallllly enjoy what looks like a fantastic box of dark chocolate!
    congratulations on your 1st year anniversary!

    Reply

  64. One year ago! Wow, I’m with you. Has it been that long? Time flies. I’ll be coming up on my one year anniversary soon. Happy Blogiverssary!
    And I love that picture in your first post!

    Reply

  69. Happy Blog-o-versary Cathy! I remember you leaving a comment on my blog and I wondered who you were! Turns out you were a friend I didn’t know I had! The very best kind!

    The chocolate looks fantastic!

    Reply

  71. Happy blog birthday! I “stumbled” on to your blog not long after you started using a Mozilla gadget called Stumble. I have been an avid reader ever since. I love your quirkiness, your funny stories, and I especially love the delicious recipes. Keep up the great work, here’s to another year!

    Reply

  73. Wow, that chocolate looks good! Incidentally, I found your website by using Google’s “stumble upon” application. One click of a button brings you to a new, random, interesting website. I’ve been a daily reader ever since.

    Reply

  77. I enjoy your blog so much. I have been following now for about four months when I first spotted you on Food Gawker. I have made quite a few of your recipes. Thanks for being so entertaining!!

    Beth-Yorktown, VA

    Reply

  80. Happy, Happy Blog-Birthday, Noble Pig —
    Feel like I should have brought a present for all the joy you have brought me this past year…

    Instead, I shall be grateful for the possibility of a delectable chocolate “goodie bag!”

    Many, Many Happy Returns!

    Reply

  90. I am subbed to you and read every day, though I don’t comment often. Your vineyard project sounds romantic even though it’s so much work and your recipes are wonderful. I can’t eat the chocolate myself because I am diabetic, but I have several friends in mind who would enjoy it immensely!

    Ava South

    Reply

  96. Kathy,
    Congratulations on your one year anniversary. I have so enjoyed reading each day. Yours is one of the first sites I go to every morning. Love your recipes and really enjoy sharing your journey into wine making. Can’t wait for each new addition. Happy Valentine’s Day!

    Reply

  101. I hope I win some chocolates and I’m glad I found you this year. I’m an archive diver anyway so maybe I’ll snoop around your youngling posts! 3.5 million and counting….

    Reply

  104. I can’t remember how I found you, but you are my first blog read every morning. These chocolate bars look delicious. Congrats on your wonderful blog.

    Reply

  106. Happy “Birthday”!! I have only been reading your blog for a little while, but it is one of the first websites I check every morning now! Congrats on one year!!

    By the way, the mocha chocolate chip cookies were amazing. 🙂

    Reply

  110. i have so enjoyed reading your blog every day. i have a list that i log onto every day when work gets me down and i need a little respite. i am looking forward to your adventures as you continue on your vineyard journey as well. yours is a happy blog and thank you for sharing.

    Reply

  113. Congratulations on the first year anniversary of your blog!!

    I discovered your blog a few months ago one night while surfing the net and I have become a loyal follower and have even been inspired enough to start my own blog back in December.

    Keep up the good cooking!! :o)

    Reply

  125. first i want to say that i love your blog because i can’t cook, and don’t enjoy cooking altho i wish i did. your blog makes me think i can do it because you use PICTURES!!!! when recipes say “use this ingrediant” i don’t know what it is. does it come in a jar? is it something that grows on its own? with your pictures i can say, “oh, i have that” or at least know what i am looking for. in regards to chocolate, i just tasted vosges “mo’s bacon bar,” because one can’t walk by something like that without purchasing it. it is fan-frickin-tastic! i would love to be able to taste the ones you wrote of today. keep up the entertaining stuff! ps-i love halloween so much, my one and only tattoo is of a tasteful bat outline!

    Reply

  127. Yummy! Hope I’m not to late 🙂

    Love you blog! Not a huge responder in terms of comments but read you every morning and have told many many people of your site and have tried your recipies!

    Thank you for making my day! Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  128. I’ve been following your life for awhile and your food posts have so inspired me in the kitchen. You break everything down so even complicated recipes are easy and accessible. Happy Blogiversary!

    Reply

  129. HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY…..Friday the 13th…wow…that’s cool! You have a ton of comments…you seriously are my BLOG IDOL! Congratulations! I hope the generator picks me…cuz chocolate ALWAYS makes days better…we are driving to California today to go to my sister’s in Burbank..wish she was closer to you…would love to meet the BLOG QUEEN!!!! Again Congrats!!!!

    Reply

  131. Found your blog via Stumpleupon – love it and just subscribed. 3.5 million visitors for one year is an amazing number. Congratulations!

    And yeah, I’m shamelessly entering a comment for a chance at the chocolate. Valrhona makes me weak in the knees. 🙂

    Reply

  133. Congratulations with this wonderful blog. I read your blog for a few weeks now, and I really enjoy the way you write and I love your recipes! I will try to make some of your recipes with what I can find here in the stores. I live in the Netherlands and a lot of things are different here.
    I hope you keep blogging. And I hope life will be good for you.

    Pamela

    Reply

  137. Happy Birthday to your blog! I’ve (and certainly others) have enjoyed every moment of all your fantastic recipes and stories. May you have many more birthdays to celebrate!

    Reply

  140. Happy 1 year blog anniversary. Cathy! I love reading your trials and tribulations and of course all your delicious recipes! You make a complicated recipe Do-able by all.
    Keep up the great work….and do something fun to celebrate! 🙂

    Reply

  141. I have been reading but not commenting lately due to time. But…chocolate? Yeah, I’m in.
    By the quality of your posts and photos, I never would have imagined this was your first year. You have a gift. Happy day, treat yourself special for all of us.

    Reply

  142. You really surprised me that you’ve only been at this blogging business for a year–it’s so well-written and so well-designed, I assumed you’d been at this for years!
    I love your content, be it opinion, peeve, or recipe. Keep doing such quality work!!

    Reply

  144. Happy Anniversary! I’ve been reading your blog about a mo. and feel like a stalker, because I’ve gone back and read all your archives! I didn’t know that much about wine and have already learned so much. I’ve saved probably 99% of your recipes and made several of them. I so enjoy the way you talk about your passions, your cooking and your life. And the photographs are marvelous, whether they’re of the food, your kids or the scenery at your new property! I also have 2 boys (now 16 and 20) and mine have always been very cute, but yours are truly adorable. I no longer work due to MS, but I used to be an RN in obstetrics, so I also really enjoy the posts about your husband and his job. I now check your blog every day and there are few blogs like that for me, so keep up your great writing. Hugs, Kara

    Reply

  145. Hi there! I found your blog a few months ago and it is now by far my favorite food blog on the web! Everything you make looks so enticing! The chocolates look divine and Happy Birthday to your blog! Thanks for making so many great dishes!

    Reply

  150. Wow, Cathy! It’s only been a year? You’re blog has covered a lot of ground in that time. I enjoy popping over here to catch up on the winery project and I try to close my eyes when you bake. Keep up the great work.

    Reply

  154. There is no bad chocolate when one is desperate BUT there are all grades of really good chocolate. I have never tried this brand but know I would love it.

    Reply

  155. Happy blog birthday! Its inspiring to know that only after one year you already have many avid readers! I am hesitant to start posting more because I feel nobody really wants to read what I write!

    Reply

  159. Well, thanks – now my mouth is watering.

    It’s been one heckuva year. Your spirit and smile (heck – I can tell you’re smiling most of the time) have made my altogether sucky last year more bearable.

    I absolutely appreciate you.

    Reply

  162. I made your Cherry Pineapple Cinnamon Crunch cake for our Valentine’s day party at work. I also showed your blog to several people here at work so they can get your recipes as well.

    Reply

  164. The chocolates look divine! I have enjoyed your site since I found it about a month ago – I find the vineyard start-up to be fascinating!
    Happy blog birthday!

    Reply

  168. Cathy, this cracked me up because I always thought you started long before me. I’ve been reading you for a year & after trying many of your recipes, I’ve only gained 25 pounds. Just kidding. It’s only 10. What should make you feel great is how many readers read you. In the last year my total number of visitors has been 14,408. Hmmmmm… it sounds like one of us is a much better writer & cook than the other. That would be you. Hope you keep doing this for years & years. I’ll keep reading you as long as I’m alive. 😉

    Reply

  169. Happy Birthday! What a beautiful chocolate presentation with the wooden box. I found your site via food gawker a month or so ago and I’ve loved reading back through the archives and trying out your recipes!

    Reply

  170. Cathy
    you like coffee and chocolate are my daily addiction I read you everyday and try your recipes. I live in your small CA town and that is where I found your blog Thank you so much for my daily read Happy ANNIVERSARY!! Judi

    Reply

  175. Kathy, I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy your daily blogs. I work nights (L&D NURSE) and every night about midnight I know that you’ve posted your Blog for the next day. I read them and they always give me a smile or a giggle. I pass along all the recipes to my daughter and make some of them myself. I admire the way you are raising your boys and always enjoy seeing pictures of their smiling faces. I’m eager to get my first bottle of Noble Pig Wine, so good luck and God’s Speed with the winery. Thanks again for all the smiles and keep up the good work!

    Reply

  177. Happy blog anniversary! I so enjoy your website, the recipes and take on the world. And I love that you live not that far from me up here just north of Seattle.

    Even if I don’t win I will definitely have to get me some of this chocolate. Dark is the best!

    Reply

  187. Congrats on a successful year of blogging! I’m so glad I found you … truly one of my favorite reads of the day. And I’ve tried several of your recipes and I’ve never been disappointed. Oh and chocolate … OMG!

    Reply

  190. Congrats Cathy! I found you through the Sacramento Bee when they mentioned your blog in the Food and Wine section of Taste. I live in Colorado but lived in Sacramento for 20 years. I missed reading the Bee, so I check them out every Wednesday. And you…I have read you everyday since I found you! You rock! Keep up the good work. Chocolate would brighten my day.

    Reply

  193. Seriously? I love you again. You are so speaking my language! I love chocolate. I can’t recall how I found your blog, but am ever so glad I did. You are one of my daily reads and my husband loves your food.
    Congratulations on your “blogiversary”

    Reply

  195. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOBLE PIG! If I wasn’t at work right now I’d have a celebratory glass of wine or something 🙂

    I think the box that the chocolate comes in, is almost as much fun as the chocolate itself. Maybe it wants to live in Brooklyn!

    Reply

  196. Ohhhh you got the good stuff momma!
    3.5 million you say? wow! well, you’re one hot momma who can write with grace, ease and just the right amount of humour, so it’s easy to see why you’re a hit. Happy Blogbirthday!

    Reply

  197. OMG I love your site. Do swear you haven’t been doing this for years? There are only a handful of sites that even come close to yours. Thanks for entertaining us daily. It’s so nice to have a contest where the blogger doesn’t make you link to them or jum through hoops to win something. This is so nice!

    Reply

  199. I would have left a comment today even if you weren’t briding me with chocolate. Congrats and Happy 1 year birthday. I’ve enjoyed your writing and your recipes. Keep up the good work.
    Thanks,
    Alicia

    Reply

  200. Thanks for always posting in your honest and fun way. I’m not surprised people like me keep coming back, because your life and “blogvoice” is so interesting, and quite often, very yummy! Happy 1st Blogyear, and may there be many more to come!

    Reply

  201. You’ve only been blogging for a year? Dang, my day wouldn’t be complete without checking out your blog. You are an AWESOME food blogger, you are a great writer and I’m sure, soon to be a great wine-maker! Happy Blogiversary!

    Reply

  207. Congratulations on your One Year-Noble Pig. Funny how I came across your website and have been a fan…Could not sleep one night and was using Stumble which was just taking me to random internet sites of things that interest me and up popped yours. I have read several blogs and must admit I only subscribe to two. Yours interested me because of your humor, your wonderful recipes and your ability to capture with a tale, not a talent many have but you definitely do. I have yet to read a blog even if I don’t comment on that I have not found interesting it is like my own piece of chocolate a day when I check my email for your daily post.

    Thank you for letting us continue to be part of your life adventures and wonderful recipes. The kids and I will be making one of them this weekend!

    Reply

  222. Hey Girl:

    I just found your blog a month ago. I love it and check it daily. I’m not sure how you do all you do but keep it up. Happy Blog Birthday!

    Cynthia

    Reply

  229. Happy Birthday! I get up in the mornings and head straight to my computer to check out your blog. I love your wine blogs. I really enjoyed your month of decorations in October. I’m an avid decorator/collector of decorations and was hoping you would give us a month of Christmas decorations in December. Thanks for being my morning read.

    Reply

  232. Happy Birthday for your blog!

    I’ve been reading for a few months and I have to say that yours is one of the few blogs I try to check every day. You have a wonderful flair for writing.

    Reply

  241. I dislike food blogs, mostly because the recipes I get from them require some tweaking before they suit me. I’ve never had to tweak a single recipe from you. You’ve helped me branch out with food and wine, and for that I will always adore you. I can’t wait to buy my first bottle of Nible Pig Wine!

    Yeah, I wouldn’t say no to the chocolate either. Happy Birthday, Noble Pig!

    Reply

  243. When I first stumbled on your site, I was sent to the Asian Ribs recipe and I fell in love instantly. Since then, I have stumbled on your site 5 or 6 times, but have read every post when it comes to my Inbox. I love your commentaries and photos at every step. Keep up the excellent work! I love trying the new recipes you post up here.

    Reply

  244. Congatulations on your Blogo-versary!! I admire your dedication to keeping it updated as I can never find the time to keep one running myself!

    PS. I love chocolate, Valrhona espcially. I’ve actually had a excellent Valrhona Chocolate Chai tea. Its available from the Tea Emporium in Toronto, Ontario. Fantastic!

    Reply

  249. Well hello and I love your blog! I stumbled upon it last year and have checked back quite regularly ever since. I would love the chocolate! **Fingers crossed**

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  255. I don’t remember how I got to your blog, but I’ve been a fan since the first time I read it. Your humor and style make for some great reading and I love your recipes! Here’s to another year..(clink!!)

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  264. I came upon your blog by accident a few months ago while Googling a friend’s untimely death. Weird connection – I know but from one loss came such a find! I too love butter, and mayonaise and especially chocolate but I have to admit the subjects of your photography are so much more appealing than mine.
    Happy blog birthday Cathy -please keep blogging!

    Reply

  268. I forgot to mention, I loved the post about your hooligan’s 100 days of kindergarten and the many ways you celebrated it! Do you continue to celebrate 100 days of ? Congratulations on i year of successful and entertaining blogging!

    Reply

  270. Well I am really glad that you blog. Your hqas become my go to blog. You are eloquent and entertaining, which is a wonderful combination. Also, don’t let me get started on your delicious recipes…love! I look forward to seeing more from you!

    Reply

  274. Lurker checking in to say Congrats and Happy Anniversary! My sister (Laura over at The Spiced Life) raved about your blog for the longest time, and she got me hooked. I love reading about your vineyard adventures (and your thoughts about visiting a gyno came in handy for my annual this year :))

    Reply

  275. Happy Blog Birthday! Can’t really remember how I found you, but everyday I’m around my computer, I check to see what’s going on. Thanks for having something fresh to read everyday.

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  276. WOW you made me curious. I started blogging a year ago Feb 10th. I think my record large number of comments was for the post about Piglet giving away a large sum of money, maybe 30 people. You have had a huge impact really quickly! I for one love your blog. Wanta know something funny? naw I’ll e mail you this.

    Reply

  286. Happy first Anniversary, Cathy… I live in Portland, OR and thanks to you & your blog I’ve been able to find a few of local treasures I didn’t know about like Chocosphere… and my new favorite scent (after one of your posts) … D&G Light Blue parfume…
    You’re doing an awesome job =)

    Reply

  290. I was a “Varlhona virgin” before I won this heavenly prize, but no longer. This chocolate is incredible. I had to commit to sharing some of these bars with my husband and dear friends or, otherwise, I would have gone crazy and had to stash all the evidence. Hiding the evidence when it’s a beautiful wooden box is much more difficult than crunching up a little wrapper and discarding it. LOL I just posted on my good fortune on my blog.

    Thanks again so much, Cathy! I’ve sent a lot of blog giveaways, but none have rivaled this one! I still can’t believe I won. 🙂

    Shirley
    http://glutenfreeeasily.com/chocolats-noir-de-domaine-and-degonfler-des-pepites/

    Reply

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