Hi! Happy New Year! 2014 was a big year for me; I am sharing some of it with you in this post. And be sure to stick around and see my top 10 Mediterranean recipes below.

best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

As I sat in my favorite little part of the house--a brown chair tucked in my office corner next to a pile of books--my daughter came in cheerfully announcing,"Mom! This is the VERY last day of 2014!" I knew that, of course. But Dara's announcement somehow allowed this reality to suddenly sink in--2014 comes to an end this evening! And for some, in other parts of the world, it ends sooner.

One of the biggest, and scariest, highlights of 2014 for me was the launch of this blog The Mediterranean Dish. I guess I hadn't shared much about how The Mediterranean Dish came to be, so here it goes.

My family moved to Iowa almost four years ago, and it had been a big transition for me.  I had already changed countries, so changing states came easier. What "transition" am I talking about then? I had unwillingly traded my professional, high-heeled life for the honor of staying home with my children. For the first few months in our new home, I pretty much crawled in the fetal position filled with regret for having left my life of "success." Although, at the time, I had a little baby who had barely turned one, and another nine-year-old daughter, I felt less than useful to the family. Confused, aimless and purposeless-- three words that pretty much sum up how I felt. Eventually, I found a high-profile position that presented itself as one where I could truly use my skills and experience. I thought, YES! I can be a contributing member of the family again.

I soon realized how different the day-to-day of the actual job was from how it was presented to me during the recruiting and interview process.  Through a series of events, I made the hard decision to return to my stay-at-home post. The following summer, I took the kids to visit my brother and other family in Toronto. I needed the change of scenery, and more than anything, I needed to be with my family. During my long stay there, my husband Saba found the venture that now allows me a chance to make a life difference both at home and outside. Knowing my passion for people and food,  Saba created The Mediterranean Dish with a few of my recipes and some mobile phone pictures (we've come a long way since) 🙂 When I returned to Iowa, he presented me with my new project: The Mediterranean Dish.

Suzy Karadsheh from The Mediterranean Dish with freshly picked spearmint

Here we are, five months later, and The Mediterranean Dish exists with thousands of viewers from around the globe. It truly boggles my mind! And I am ever so grateful that you are a part of this adventure.

It is my sincere hope that The Mediterranean Dish will help many enjoy everyday healthy, and indulgent, Mediterranean meals. More importantly, I hope that The Mediterranean Dish will stand as proof that one's path can change at any moment--from high-heels to tennis shoes 🙂 And that seasons of life may present new purpose, one we may have never considered before.

In my last post, I wrote "I am also one to look forward. A new year means a new beginning--a clean slate to explore, learn, and create anew! I don't think so hard about resolutions, I just think about beginnings." A friend read these words and thought that I am perhaps pregnant. Sorry to disappoint, but that is not the case. 🙂

I do look forward, however, to the beginning of 2015. One of the campaigns I was a part of in my past career used the metaphor "ripples in the pond." When you throw one small stone in a quiet pond, you can see the ripples it makes. Every new year, we each have a chance to make some ripples--to make a change and to make a difference.

best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

Resolutions and big promises are fine, but I have never been one to truly embrace them. I do believe in change, however. And I have found that, at least for me, change came slowly--in subtle small ripples. Will I make a big splash in the future? Will my ripples of change become strong and beyond me that I am able to reach out and make a difference? I truly hope so.

I look forward to a 2015 filled with more opportunities to create and share with you my life and recipes through The Mediterranean Dish. All in hopes to help you reach and make the life difference--small or large--that you are meant to make. I wish you a happy and healthy 2015!

With that, here are my top 10 Mediterranean recipes of 2014:

Roasted Greek Potatoes

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

Grilled Shrimp with Roasted Garlic-Cilantro Sauce

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

How to Make Baklava

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

Egg Casserole, Mediterranean Style

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

French Baked Brie with Figs, Walnuts and Pistachios

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

Eggplant Parmigiana

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

Mediterranean Hashweh Rice with Beef, Nuts and Raisins

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

French Pear Tart

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

Homemade Pita Bread

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

Pomegranate Chicken 

Best Mediterranean recipes of 2014

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Happy New Year!

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I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Comments

  1. Your blog and recipes are incredibly inspiring. I am so glad I found you and can't wait to follow you this year!

    1. Jocelyn, thank you so much for stopping in! I am humbled that you find my blog inspiring, and I'm excited to have you on the journey! I am also enjoying your blog and look forward to all your wonderful recipes!

  2. Saba is our hero for bringing your beautiful food to us and your warm, friendly personality.

    Happy New Year to you all!

    1. Thank you for stopping in Mari! I hope you find a few recipes here at The Mediterranean Dish that you might like to try. Happy New Year!

  3. All the best for 2015 - you have inspired me to blog about something!! Not food !! I plan to cook your Top 10 whilst on holidays - not all at once !!

    1. Thank you, Pauletta! I wish you a great 2015 as well. And let me know when you try these recipes 🙂