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Happy New Year and 2nd Blog Anniversary

Chinese New Year, Others

As 2011 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past year with some satisfaction and also a small measure of angst. Satisfaction because I have managed to steer the blog through the “terrible two’s” that seem to plague many blogs. There were the “rocks” of fatigue from posting week upon week, and the “shoals” of despair from traffic that may seem to slack off at times. In that journey, some major re-structuring to the blog became necessary and in the end, I find myself being able to post at a more sustainable level while improving (I hope) the quality of the articles. The angst came from seeing some dear fellow bloggers dropping off the foodie forum.

So it is out with the old, and in with the new as we look forward to 2012. To a chorus of Auld Lang Syne playing in my ears, I would like to line up my Top 10 posts for 2011. Some of these were sure fire winners in my reckoning from their very inception. Others were pleasant surprises, proving the old adage that “the people know best” when it comes to the public forum. So it is with the latter in mind that I take this opportunity to thank all of you for making these the best posts in Roti n Rice.

No. 10 – Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Panko and Bacon

No. 9 – Pisang Goreng (Banana Fritters)

No. 8 – Vegetable Samosas

No. 7 – Baked Eggs in Tomato Cups

No. 6 – Roti Canai

No. 5 – Chickpeas and Tuna Patties

No. 4 – Sour Cream Cookies with Mangoes and Pistachios

No. 3 – Tau Foo Fah (Soy Bean Pudding)

No. 2 – Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting


Drum roll…the No. 1 post of 2011 and also Roti’s all-time top post is Hasselback Sweet Potatoes!


It has been exactly 2 years since I first set fingers to keyboard to launch Roti n Rice. Tomorrow, December 31st, is Roti’s 2nd Blog Anniversary…YAY!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!


Cheers! 8)




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  3. Curry and Comfort says

    Happy Anniversary Biren!! I am so happy I found your blog along my own journey here in food blog-land! 🙂 I have not yet reached my one year anniversary so I applaud you for making it so graciously to your 2nd. 🙂 All your dishes look so amazing-how did you pick only top 10? Beautiful recipes and pictures as always. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Happy New Year as well! All the best for 2012. ~ Ramona

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Ramona! I am glad too that we found each other’s blogs. You have wonderful recipes and I look forward to many, many more from you. Happy New Year!

      Reply

  4. Reeni says

    Happy Blog Anniversary Biren! My mouth is watering over your beautiful and delicious round-up! I’m looking forward to another year of your recipes. Happy New Year!

    Reply

  5. Bunkycooks says

    Congrats on your 2 year anniversary and Happy New Year! I think the 2 year mark causes many emotions. I wish you much luck in the coming year and your top 10 picks looks great!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Gwen! Yes, the second year comes with more emotions and reflections. I remember the first anniversary came and went quickly. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

      Reply

  10. amelia says

    Hi Biren, Happy blog anniversary and looking forward to see more of your recipes and beautiful photos.
    Happy New Year to you and family and may you be blessed with joy, happiness and in best of health. Have a nice day.

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thank you very much for your warm wishes Amelia! Wishing you and your family a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

      Reply

  11. kristy says

    All your top 10 look simply fabulous. So, you have to prepare all of them on our visit someday huh! hehe…. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU TOO! Have a great day.
    Kristy

    Reply

  14. Hyosun Ro says

    Happy New Year to you and your family, Biren! Congrats on your 2-year anniversary too. You’ve done an amazing job with your blog. All these dishes look so delicious. I did try your hasselback sweet potatoes and loved it. Keep up the great work! Happy blogging in 2012!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Hyosun! So glad to hear you enjoyed the Hasselback sweet potatoes. It’s a winner! Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!

      Reply

  15. wok with ray says

    Big applause to your 2nd Anniversary and the line up of beautiful and delicious foods. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and passion for cooking with us. May you have a very Happy and Prosperous New Year, Biren!

    ~ ray ~

    Reply

  16. Kristi Rimkus says

    Congratulations Biren! You’ve done a wonderful job creating an engaging blog. I enjoy every visit! I have yet to make hasselback potatoes – you’ve inspired me to give them a try. Have a happy, healthy new year!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Kristi for being with me from the beginning. I appreciate your support and friendship. Happy New Year!

      Reply

  19. Lyndsey @The Tiny Skillet says

    Biren, Happy Blog Anniversary! What a lovely post…you sure inspire me. I have the desire now to change up my sad looking blog now! I am just happy to hang around all you fantastic foodie friends and keep learning each day from you all!

    Have a wonderful new year!!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Lyndsey for your kind comments and friendship. You have a lovely and warm blog. I enjoy my visits there. Happy New Year!

      Reply

  20. Lyn says

    Happy New Year and Happy 2nd Blogoversary, Biren! 😀
    Time really flies and it’s REAL fast! It seems like just one month ago when I started my blog! LOL
    I’m so glad to have known you and your wonderful blog! Thank you so much for being my friend, for being so caring, supportive and encouraging. 😉

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Aww…you are so sweet, Lyn. Glad to be your friend. Thank you for your kind words and support. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!

      Reply

  27. elisabeth@foodandthrift says

    Happy New Year…and Happy Blog Anniversary, dear Biren!
    Such a successful 2yrs you’ve had on your blog, bring us such amazing and wonderful foods and desserts.
    It’s been such a pleasure to stay in touch with you, and I’m looking forward to another great year.
    Wishing you many blessings, and joy, health and prosperity for the New Year:DDD

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Elisabeth for your sweet comments always. I have enjoyed staying in touch with you and look forward to our continued friendship and banter on the web. 🙂 Wishing you and your family a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

      Reply

  28. Pudding Pie Lane says

    Happy 2nd blog anniversary, and happy new year to you (I see two glasses of champagne in that photo, perfect for a double celebration, yay!) I’m coming up for having my blog for 18 months, and I’m also feeling the tiredness of posting constantly and traffic dropping, but I admire your perseverance, and look where your blog is now! Keep it up and all the best for 2012! 🙂

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Many thanks for your kind words. Blogging is hard work but it can also be very rewarding. Remember there is a very supportive community out there who will cheer you on. 🙂 Happy New Year!

      Reply

  31. Pam says

    Biren, all of your recipes are great, especially that mango cake. Congratulations on your 2nd Blog Anniversary and keep up the good work! Here’s wishing you the best in 2012! Happy New Year!!!

    Reply

  35. rebecca says

    you have a great blog Biren and remember don’t stress its about having fun your a perfectionist he he love ya and great recipes and photography your a pro

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Many thanks Rebecca for your friendship and kind words. I have really enjoyed interacting with you on the blogosphere. 🙂 Yes, blogging should be a fun thing. I have to remind myself of that when the going gets tough. Happy New Year!

      Reply

  36. Jenny @ Savour the Senses says

    What a delicious looking list! I have recently become obsessed with baking eggs in everything possible. My blog is about to have it’s 1st birthday and I am nervous about the “terrible twos”! Hopefully things will go smoothly =) Happy New Year!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Jenny! Congrats on your first year! You have to find a rhythm that works for you and it’ll be just fine. 🙂 Happy New Year!

      Reply

  37. Julie M. says

    Happy New Year Biren! Congrats on hitting 2 years and what a time it’s been! I’m so glad you’re here sharing your knowledge. It’s been a true pleasure getting to know you better and I look forward to sharing more with you in the new year!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Aww…thanks Julie! I have enjoyed interacting and sharing recipes with you. Perhaps we will meet one day when you come visit your brother. Looking forward to it. 🙂

      Reply

  39. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    CHEERS!!!! Happy 2nd Blogiversary Biren! I remember you have told me 2nd year is tough, BUT you have done amazing job! And I found you 2nd year. It’s too bad I missed your first year.. I’ve missed your Hasselback Sweet Potato post (or I should say I didn’t know you back then) and oh my this looks delicious and I’m a big and biggest fan of sweet potato so it’s a keeper! Happy New Year and kotoshi mo yoroshiku Biren!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thank you Nami! Yes, I experienced many bumps in the second year. Hopefully the third year will be smoother. May you have a good year ahead and kochira koso. 🙂

      Reply

  40. Lyn says

    Happy 2012 and a very Happy Belated 2nd Blog Anniversary, Biren! 😀
    I’m so sorry that I’ve missed out so much of your postings! It’s really not easy to keep up on blog postings so consistently with all those chores and two kids but you’re doing it so well! Keep it up, Biren! 😉
    I’d love to try your baked eggs in tomato cups, so cute and I’m sure my elder gal will love it as she likes tomatoes! Your Hasselback Sweet Potato looks very tasty too! 🙂

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Thanks Lyn! I know what you mean as life can get really busy. I do appreciate all your visits and comments. Hopefully you will get to try some of the recipes as you settle into your new home.

      Reply

  41. mjskit says

    Congratulations on your two year anniversary! That’s fabulous! Also, thanks for the warning that about the “terrible two’s”. 🙂 I know I just starting following you this year and I’ve loved everything I’ve seen, but I see that I missed some. I look forward going back and checking out what I missed in both 2011 and 2010! I also look forward what you bring in 2012. Happy 2012 dear friend!

    Reply

  42. mizjo317 says

    Hi, Biren, I’m not a foodie blogger, but my cousin steered me to your blog. Biren, it is a fabulous blog! Such great looking dishes (you are a super photographer as well). I am dying to try them all, especially the Bak Kut Teh, which I first tried in Kuala Lumpur when a teenager.
    Also all your wonderful looking bakes. I salute anyone who can invent recipes. The best I can do is pat myself on the back when I can reproduce someone else’s recipe. I would like to send you a photo of one of my efforts from out of your blogs, when I have succeeded at it!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      Hi! Welcome and thanks for your kind words. 🙂 I hope you will try out some of my recipes. Many are easy to make. Please do send me pictures of the ones you have tried. I would love to see them and post them Facebook. Do check out my fan page. The link is on the sidebar. Please visit again soon.

      Reply