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By Vanessa, March 20, 2010 7:47 pm

“…I like to start my notes to you as if we’re already in the middle of a conversation. I pretend that we’re the oldest and dearest friends as opposed to what we actually are.  People who don’t know each other’s names…”

Well, that’s not entirely true. You know my name.

Some people may tell you that blogs are reserved for only the most self-absorbed people.   In the process of writing this blog, I’ve found the opposite to be true.  

The Daily V has forced me out of my comfort zone.  It has taught me so much about my friends, family, and the wonderful city we live in.   And as long as there are new things to learn, The Daily V will be alive and kicking.

I started this blog with little consideration as to what I’d write about, how long I’d write, or who (if anyone) would read it.  

But 1 year, 67 posts, and 6,835 hits later, I’m still here.  

I don’t know much about my readers.  But if I’ve helped one person bake a cookie, or made one person laugh… then I consider The Daily V a success.

A huge thank-you to my friends, family, and everyone who has stuck with my little project from the beginning.

But just in case you’re new, I present you with:

 The Daily V’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1

Best discovery:  Whatever, Martha! (8/2/09)

Best product plug: Ode To KitchenAid Customer Care!  (3/25/2009)

Most popular post (don’t ask me why this post received the most hits):  There’s a Fungus Among Us (5/11/2009) 

Best Wordless Wednesday: Simon’s Cat – “Let Me In!” (1/13/2010)

Post that required the most work: Costco prices vs. Jewel prices (7/12/2009)

Best Chicago-related post: Where’s the Beef? Apparently it’s on Nagle Ave. (7/4/2009)

Here’s to another year of kitchen messes,  new stories to share, and fun around Chicago! Thank you so much for your support!

Soundtrack to this post:  Frank Sinatra – Young at Heart

Coming Soon:  Saying goodbye to Elliot’s Dairy

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By Vanessa, March 13, 2010 9:37 pm

Every year around this time, I start to get cabin fever.  The novelty of winter wore off about 3 months ago, and it feels like spring may never come.   It’s this time of year when I am especially thankful for Farmers Markets!

This year, the Rogers Park Winter Farmers Market was held on the third floor of the United Church of Rogers Park.   While not as colorful as a summertime farmers market, it was a nice reminder that the worst days of winter are behind us. 

Continue reading 'The best cure for the winter blahs: Farmers Markets!'»

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By Vanessa, February 25, 2010 10:07 pm

I used to be one of those girls who asked for jewelry and flowers on Valentine’s Day.   But nowadays, I’m old and boring and somewhat of a cheapskate.  So this year for Valentine’s Day, I asked Brian for something that was low on cost, but high on effort - I asked him to make strata!

Believe it or not, I’ve never had strata.  Apparently there’s a whole world of casserole-style dishes that I was never privy to until recently.   Brian actually had to explain to me what Strata is.  Can you believe it?   Let that be a clue of how unqualified I am to write about cooking.  I should be stripped of my blog!

Continue reading 'And they say I’m hard to please…'»

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By Vanessa, February 13, 2010 9:06 pm

Happy Valentines Day, readers!

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted.  Sometimes my fantasy life (where I just bake cookies in my fantasy kitchen, walk my fantasy dog, and get my hair highlighted every 13 days)  is rudely invaded by my real life, and I have to put The Daily V on hold for a few days.

Anyway – I promised you a recipe for fabulous Valentine’s Day cookies, and that’s what you’re going to get!  But let’s be honest.  Do the men in our lives really want cookies for Valentine’s Day?  No.  So, to be fair to the men we love, I’m also including a great recipe for grilled rib-eye steak.

Continue reading '♥ I choo-choo-choose you! ♥'»

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By Vanessa, April 4, 2009 11:41 am

The challenge: Create sugar cookies for my friend Stacy’s bridal shower, that aren’t too girly, and aren’t excessively sweet.

The materials:

• A sugar cookie recipe from my cousin Meghan, vegan baker extraordinaire – I modified it, to suit non-vegans
• Grapefruit juice and powdered sugar, to create a grapefruit glaze. Also Meghan’s idea.
• White chocolate and dark chocolate, to create designs
• A knife, since my container of 101 cookie cutters has every shape you can imagine, EXCEPT a wedding cake.

The results:

Continue reading 'Bridal Shower Cookies'»

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By Vanessa, March 25, 2009 8:33 am

Oh you guys… I love this cupcake. I mean, seriously. Look at it!

As with any great work of art, the beauty here is in the details. Look at the coconut on top of the icing. That is the exact same texture as muppet fur!! (and I would know, being a muppet expert…)

I am determined to re-create this cupcake ASAP. Actually, the more I look at it, the more I’m inspired to create a whole batch of Sesame Street cupcakes.