It’s been nearly a year since I first shared this blog with the world.  In some ways, it seems longer because I’ve learned so much from this year.  In other ways, I feel the time has flown by; it has been a complete joy writing these posts and connecting with all of you.

As we approach this new year, we see a prevalence of stories centered on looking over the past 365 days:  Countdown to 2011, Year in Review, Best of 2010, etc.  I thought it wouldn’t hurt to jump on this bandwagon and celebrate Words Are Food’s first year with Top Ten Posts of 2010.  How did I figure out the winners?  Well, Word Press, the blogging platform I use, made it simple by calculating the number of visits for each of my posts.  I anticipated some of the winners–predicting older posts were more likely to have more visits–but there were a few surprises.  Here is the countdown:

Click on the titles to read those particular posts!

#10

All-Natural Ginger Buffalo Wings

This was my first time making buffalo wings and I know why.  I’m not big on eating meat off bones.  However, I put my aversion aside in honor of two American traditions, wings and football.  I’m happy I did…it’s an awesome recipe!

#9

Juniper Spice-Crusted Steak with Sapphire Collins

Another really fabulous recipe.  And another opportunity to practice a fancy meat-centered dish.  I made a big batch of this spice mix to use on other meats too, with very favorable results.

#8

Mango Sorbet with Thai Basil and Coconut

Packed with exotic flavors, but no guilt, this sorbet is such a treat in warm weather months.

#7

Life Lessons I Learned from Dad

Our parents have passed along some pretty useful information to us, haven’t they?  I thought I’d share some of the gems I’ve learned from Dad.

#6

Super-Natural Recovery Shake

Totally natural and totally delicious, this shake is the perfect post-workout meal.

#5

10 Marriage Commandments to Love By

Sound advice from couples who know what it takes to keep the love alive!  This was a really special post because while interviewing these family members, I got a whole lot more information than I was able to share in this post.  Stories I had never heard before, stories that lead to related stories…the time I spent with them was so enjoyable and such a privilege.

#4

It’s Affirmative…Affirmations are Powerful!

Some may think they’re silly, but I’m a firm believer in affirmations.  This post explains why.

#3

Natural Makeup Review:  Alima Pure

We’re exposed to way too many chemicals in our daily lives without even knowing it, so why put chemical-laden products on our largest organ, our skin, every day?  This post is the first in my search for pure, all-natural products to use and share with you.

#2

9 Food Blogs You Must Visit

We all have to start somewhere in the blogging world, and we usually look to others who are established and successful as a template.  These are the blogs from which I gained inspiration and why they rock in the food blogosphere.

And here’s #1

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead:  A Documentary

Joe Cross isn’t afraid of having the odds stacked against him.  This successful but horribly out of shape Aussie lets us join his cross-country journey as he loses a ton of weight and changes the lives of everyone he meets.  I was lucky enough to view his fantastic film earlier this year, but watch for its DVD release Spring 2011!

Well, there it is!  I’d love to know what you think of this countdown.  Do you have any favorites that didn’t make the list?