
In 2017 I decided to not set any goals but made my way through the book A Year Between Friends by Maria Alexandra Vettese & Stephanie Congdon Barnes (better known as 3191MilesApart). I love books where each chapter represents each month of the year. Every month I spent some time reading one chapter. I didn't always make the projects or tried the recipes but it still was great to just read a few pages.
Each chapter starts with a few photos and a letter to each other. Then you will find recipes and/or diy projects and personal stories. On the first of the month I always took a moment to read through the chapter and decided what I wanted to try this month.
Today I want to look back and share my favorites with you.

(1) GOOD LUCK FRITATA from January
Such a good recipe. We made it several times throughout the year and it also inspired me to finally buy a cast-iron skillet a few months later.
(2) COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES from March
Oh these were SO delicious. If I had to pick my absolute favorite recipe from the book, this one would win. It was the first time chocolate chip cookies looked like the way they had to. Everytime I made them for friends I got many compliments. These cookies are perfect for freezing (before baking). Every few months I make a huge batch and freeze them. This way I have fresh cookies around the house all year long.
(3) SPOON OIL from January
I sourced some beeswax from Switzerland and made this great spoon oil. Everything that is out of wood and I use in my kitchen got a coat. They looked a lot better afterwards. It's about time to oil all my wooden supplies again.
(4) SUMMER VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN HAND PIES from July
I especially love the pie crust from this recipe. Something I never tried before. I also had more then enough so I freezed a few hand pies (before baking). Hand Pies are really easy to make and super delicious.
(5) SCRATCH BAKING CO.'S ALMOND CAKE from April
Another delicious recipe. I made it twice this year. I really love the moist texture of this cake.
(6) STANDBY GRANOLA from September
This granola is my go-to recipe since 2014 (they shared it before on their blog). I like that it's not too sweet and that you bake it in the oven. It's also something I really love to give to others. With a cute tag and a ribbon it makes a perfect gift (you can see an example here on my Instagram account).
There are a few things I didn't try in 2017 but there are a few projects and recipes I really want to make next year:
- Quick Spiced Pickles
- Pecan Shortbread
- Summer Strawberry Pie
- Waxed Cloth Wrap
- Wintertime Bright Yellow: A Natural-Dye Project
It was a joy to work with this book in 2017 and I can highly recommend it to anyone who loves to try new recipes and diy projects. It is such an inspiring book, even if you just look through it and read a bit here and there. This book is definitely one of those books that will stay with me forever.