It’s hard to believe that I started this blog two years ago! When I started out, I thought my blog would be a great way to store my recipes, maybe introduce you to a recipe you may have never tried before.
I had no idea the friendships I would develop over these past two years. While my husband thinks its crazy that I call you my friends because we have never met, I consider each and every one of you my friends, and its been nice getting to know you so well!
I am still not that computer savvy, and when I picked the URL from the beginning, I picked Biz319 because Biz is my nickname and my birthday is March 19. So if someone asks me about my blog name, its kind of awkward to write out www.biz319.wordpress.com! So with the help of Jenn, my new domain name is www.mybizzykitchen.com. The old URL will just bring you to the new name, but that’s much easier to remember I think!
So much has happened these past two years!
- You’ve read the story of how Hannah came into the world
- You’ve read about how I met and married my amazing husband
- You supported us when Tony was in the hospital
- You cheered us when he came home from the hospital
- You watched the video of Hannah getting her car
- You watched Hannah graduate from high school!
- You watched my step-son Joe turn 20 – in a few weeks he’ll be 21!
- You watched my most recent family reunion in Hilton Head
And hopefully along the way maybe tried a recipe or two of mine! 😀 I thank everyone who takes time out of their day to stop by my little piece of the blog world!
So in honor of Biggest Diabetic Loser’s (BDL) Two Year Blogaversary, its time for another giveaway!
- $25 gift card to Whole Foods
- a BDL cookbook with 75 recipes, with pictures and nutritional information
- two jars of my baja fresh salsa
- two jars of pepper jelly
How to win? Simply leave me a comment telling me if you’ve tried any of my recipes, or leave a comment telling me about a favorite recipe of yours. That’s it! I’ll pick a winner on Tuesday, June September 7. (thanks for the catch Helen!)
I’ll leave you with another quick recipe. I’ve made a 30 minute bolognese before, but didn’t have all the ingredients so I modified it with what I had on hand.
20 Minute Bolognese (printer friendly version)
Makes 8 servings (252 calories, 11 fat, 5.2 carbs, 1.0 fiber, 31 protein)
This is so quick and delicious – perfect for a weeknight!
Ingredients
| 12 | ounces ground beef |
| 1/2 | cup mushrooms |
| 1/2 | cup carrots |
| 3 | ounces bacon |
| 14 | ounce diced tomatoes |
| 1 | teaspoon garlic, minced |
| 12 | ounces ground beef |
| 1 | cup whole milk |
| 2 | tablespoons tomato paste |
| 1 | pinch salt |
| 1 | pinch black pepper |
| 1 | teaspoon Italian seasoning |
Directions
- Pulse the bacon in the food processor. Heat skillet to medium heat, and cook bacon for 5 minutes, until it starts to brown.
- Add mushrooms and carrot to food process and pulse. Add to bacon, add beef and cook an additional 5 minutes, stirring to break up the beef.
- Add canned tomatoes to the food processor. Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients (except for tomato paste) and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in tomato paste. Serve over your favorite pasta.
Update: I am submitting this 20 minute sauce to Christina’s Friday Firsts!
And special thanks to Hannah and Tony, who have gotten used to eating the first five minutes of dinner without me while I take my pictures – thanks for supporting my hobby! 😀
Hope you have a wonderful Friday – and thanks again for stopping by! 😀
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!Katy Roofing Contractor, 831 Comstock Springs Drive, #A, Katy, TX 77450 – (281) 829-8297
Congrats on your Blogaversary!!! I’m pretty new to food blogging and I loved going back and reading about Hannah and how your met your husband. I met my husband online too and we would of never crossed paths, but I am the luckiest girl alive. I hope you have more blogaversaries!! I’ll definitely be reading!
-Jenn
Biz,
HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!!! I LOVE the new site!! Perfect name!
Ok, I cannot pick just one recipe as my fave…you are my go to site – if I have a craving and need a recipe – I check here first!
I just made the cordon bleu rolls the other night and they were FABULOUS!!
keep cooking, xox
Happy Blogiversary, Biz! 2 years…that’s a lot! I won’t be at 2 years until next June! Congrats to you! And what a blog it is…love it! I have tried SEVERAL of your recipes, but the buffalo chicken chili probably is my favorite…our favorite! Hubby loves it, too!
Happy 2nd anniversary!!!!
happy blogiversary! I have loved reading your blog and about your life, you are so inspiring! I have made your cincinnati chili and I love it!
HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!!!!
Even though I don’t eat any jelly now, I absolutely LOVE pepper jelly. Most of it is too mild; however, my wife made some a few years back that would knock your socks off! 🙂 I loved it, but most others didn’t eat it.
As for Biz’s Baja Salsa – I LOVE it too! My wife agrees that this is the best salsa recipe out there. We canned quite a few pints of this during the growing season this year.
The new domain name really fits you too – how catchy!
Happy Anniversary!! And I love the new name. I just recently found your blog about a month ago so I have not tried any recipes yet bout I have about about 15 I’m wanting to tryout!!!
Happy Blogaversary! Your breakfast pizza rocks- soo good (esp. with tabasco 🙂 )…
Happy Anniversary! Of course, I’ve tried your baja salsa and LOVE it! Great giveaway!
Happy Blogaversary! I think I have been reading it for what seems like forever!
I have tried several of your recipes, but my favorite is your Crustless Broccoli Spinach Quiche. So easy and so good! I love all your recipes and the photos are amazing. Love the name change too!
Happy blogaversary, Biz! And congrats on the new url too.
You must have learned a ton while blogging for two years, like taking great photos of your food! I tried taking pictures of some of my dishes and posting them on my blog, but I soon gave up because they just did not look good. 🙂
The 101 days of summer challenge is drawing to a close too. I have to confess I haven’t reached my goals, but I’m still pretty satisfied. My waist has been getting slimmer and I’m in a better shape than when I started.
I don’t have my own blog so I turn to other people’s for joy and comfort. You don’t obsesss over calories and eat a variety of foods which I love. You are my blog food role model. I love recipes with salmon or Chilean sea bass!
Happy Blogiversary Bizzy Kitchen! Here’s to another great year! One favorite recipes? That’s tough! Greek Pastichio. Love your quick and easy bolognese!
Happy Blogaversary! Mine is coming up in October. So exciting! I have tried several of your recipes and they were all lovely! My favorite is the Buffalo Chicken Chili. My grocery store was out of ground chicken, so I improvised and used turkey. Next time I will have to hunt down some chicken because I know it will be even more fabulous! Thanks for always being a great inspiration and having awesome recipes to add to the collection!
Congrats Bizzy Kitchen!! I love, love , love your breakfast pizzas, and your chili. I’m having a get together tomorrow, and I’m making your chili. (I’m kinda glad the weather will be cool, it gives me a chance to make it! 🙂
Here’s to lots more years!!
congrats! two years, wow. i’ve loved reading daily. you amaze me with all your delicious recipes and weekly menus!! the no-rise pizza dough is my favorite. i make it too, all the time! hope you are having a great holiday weekend 🙂
Congrats! I am still looking forward to trying your recipe for baked beans at some point soon! I tell you, there are not enough meals in the day!
i haven’t tried any of your recipes but have been inspired by them, does that count?
Wow congrats on 2 years! How do I subscribe to your blog though GFC?
I found you through the Spotlight Saturday blog hop! Have a great Labor Day weekend!
Wow, two years?! Congrats & happy birthday to your blog baby! 🙂
Happy 2 years my friend! This blogging thing is very fun and I do call you all my friends too, even though we have not met (yet!) You have introduced me to the breakfast pizza- a great idea! I can’t believe we are in our last week, hours actually of 101 Days of Summer. It has been great and I have to get you my stats. Congrats on 2 years!!!!!
Happy Blogiversary Biz! 😀
2 years, good for you! I know what you mean about the “friends”. My family thinks I’m crazy too but that’s what a lot of people feel like and it’s cool!
Ok, pretty much I’d be over for breakfast any day at your house. Your breakfast pizzas and sandwiches and all of them look awesome every day! I know I’ve tried the squash mac and cheese that was awesome and I’m going to try your pizza dough next week. I was going to make it tonight but I forgot we had chicken in the frig. I suppose I could have made chicken pizza? Where was I… oh yea, pizza dough. I’ll try it out next week!
Happy two years. I’m sorry no one stopped by to comment on it, though. 🙁
Happy Blogaversary! Congrats as it takes a lot of time and commitment to go that long. Good luck in your next 20 years! 😉
I’ve always wanted to try one of your recipes(the easier ones…for me) but have always been too lazy or procrastinate. Next thing I do make is chili so will make one of your soon.
Congratulations on your anniversary. Two years, that is really awesome.
Since I am new to your blog I have not tried any of your recipes yet but after reading everyones favorites I have several that I want to try. I am always looking for new healthy recipes.
Tonight we had Mexican chicken made in the crock pot. It is a family favorite and so easy too!
congrats!!
I love all of your apples & cheese recipes and of course your chili!! Can’t wait for another year of tasty recipes!
I have not tried a recipe of yours yet although I do have a few in mind that I plan to try when I eventually get back into the kitchen more. My fave recipe spicy chickpeas with almond slivers.
Happy 2 yr blogiversary! Congrats!
Happy Blogoversary! I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing your meals with stats – I think I’m surprised just about everyday at them sometimes & seeing your sweat 🙂
I need to make your Buffalo chicken chili for my husband, I Know he would love it!
I love a lot of your recipes, but I especially love your breakfast pizza. So quick and easy!
Happy Blogiversary. I tried your baja fresh salsa( I also made it with half tomatillos) and it was great!!
Only another blogger understands how you can be friends with someone you’ve never met! Two years? Yay for you, and yay for us! I have tried several of your recipes, but the one that stands out is the carrot muffins because I cheated on your frosting and made some fattening kind…I figured it offset the lowfat muffin part! But hey they were yummy! I think I might have tried your blueberry ones, too.
wow happy two years! that’s amazing.
Congrats on the blogaversary AND on the new domain! -our blogaversaries are very close, mine’s next weekend!
Aww we have shared so much w/ you. I remember reading your first post – the baja salsa and I was HOOKED. I’ve followed you since then! I also admit to tearing up when Hannah got her car – that was such a sweet moment.
I have been inspired by a lot of your recipes. But the one that is infamous in our house – and now at several relative’s houses is “Biz’s pizza.” haha we ALL call it that – even ppl who have no idea about your blog. I love whipping up your dough and making pizza or calzones.
I’ve never made bolognese! Yours looks really simple, and I’m not a fan of mushrooms, but I’d be willing to try! Thanks for sharing it with Friday Firsts! 🙂
Happy Labor Day weekend too!!
Happy Blogaversary, Biz!!! Love the new domain name!
Thanks so much for sharing your recipes and your life with us here in the blogosphere! Your posts make each day a little brighter, and like Shelly says, you *do* feel like a neighbor. I’ve wished more than once that we were neighbors “in person.”
I think I’ve only made the “Spicy Zero Point Mexican Soup,” but I really need to try making the Chicken Tikka Masala. So many of your recipes sound good…I’ve wanted to make your creamy cauliflower casserole with bacon and cheddar, too.
Got a question, though. You know the “almost no knead” bread baking technique, where you use the dutch oven? Have you ever tried baking your “Simple Crusty Bread” recipe in the dutch oven? My Mr. is intrigued by the dutch oven bread, but he’s balking at how long it takes from start to finish (never mind that most of the time is the dough just sitting around).
Happy 2 years of blogging!! You are definitely a pro!! 🙂
My favorite recipe of yours is your crustless quiche with broccoli and turkey bacon. Omg, it is so good… I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve made it now! And I really want to try out your buffalo chicken chili and SALSA!! They look AMAZING!! 🙂
Enjoy your 3 day weekend!!
Happy Blogaversary! I’m a relatively new reader and I’m in love with your spaghetti squash mac n cheese 🙂
Happy 2nd Blogiversary! I love reading and looking at your amazing recipes but I’m afraid I haven’t tried any of them yet EXCEPT the amazing Baja Salsa I won. I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to make it as good as you. I’m down to the last jar already. I enjoyed every single bite of it. Hope you have a great LONG weekend! Enjoy!
wow, two years, that’s great! i have had a blast reading your blog for the time i have known about it. every last one of your recipes looks good to me and i love how you post the stats. while i have several posts starred in my reader, i really want to try the gyros with WW pita sometime soon! the mac and cheese soup will have to make an appearance as well.
have a great weekend!
Happy 2nd blogaversery!! I do the same thing–that is, I refer to my blogging friends as friends because that’s how I view you. I’m constantly saying to my husband “my blogging friend from………said/did/made”. So far, he’s not looking at me and scratching his head!! We used to go to Science and Industry often but not so much with the boys grown up. It was so nice on Thursday. Just enough people but not crowded.
And, I have used a number of your recipes. You sent me a link to a lot of them a few months back.
I am loving our cooler weather!!
Best,
Bonnie
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I have enjoyed reading through your posts and bookmarked you under my favorites. Your directions and photos are as good as any show on Food Network!
Well, Hello Biz! I have to admit I haven’t known you long enough to try any recipes as of yet. I do have a few I have my eyes on :). We recently met ( virtually ) during my time for the BSI contest. I have to admit you are a very nice person to stop by and participate in so many blogs!! It takes a lot of time. I really envy you for writing your blog from your heart!! I still have to go back an review all your blog entries, wich I am soooooo behind!! 🙂 Please forgive me 🙂 I am glad to meet you and sure to be great blogging buddies for years to come. Isn’t it interesting how you can meet people online and feel like you’ve known them for years? Happy Anniversary Sweety! Keep up your good work. I know you have your heart in it! You are just sooooo Awesome!!
~~Hugs ~Cheryl
Happy Blogaversary Biz! Love the new name too btw. Thanks for all the support and encourgement you give us here at your blog and at every ones elses blog! Been feeling kinda sick with sinus issues this week so not much to report just takin it easy and trying to feel better.
Have a safe Labor Day!
Congrats on two years! My favorite recipe of yours is the szechuan green beans. They look amazing…definitely need to try these soon. 🙂
YEAAA the bacon totally fits the celebration! HAPPY TWO YEARS!!!! good things came your way in deed and u know whats better? in the next year of blogging ur going to prove to yourself that things can even get a whole lot better… i just know, call my psychic 😉
XOXO
I am a lurker stopping in to say Happy Anniversary! I am particularly excited about the possibility of winning your salsa because it looks amazing.
I love your “best oven fries” because they are simple and so tasty! Challenged cooks like myself are always on the lookout for 2-3 ingredient recipes that can’t go wrong.
Congrats on the two years! I have tried so many of your recipes, although I may not have blogged about them! I actually just made a pizza inspired by Hannah’s last week with caramelized onions and bacon!
Hopefully soon, we will be able to get together again! I know that J asked me about it recently too. Perhaps you and Hannah can come up to Milwaukee and we can take you on a food tour of sorts.
Cheers to 2 years Biz! You are such an asset to the blogosphere not only with your recipies but your kind and caring heart.
I am probably the only one who has not tried one of your recipies! I read about everyone trying them (zucchini pasta AND crustless quiche) You don’t need to enter me I just wanted to give you my regards 🙂
Happy Blogaversary!!!!!!
I am a new follower, so I actually hadn’t shared those moments with you. Thanks so much for posting those links! Now I feel like I know you better!
I have yet to try a recipe, but I will start soon. EVERYTHING you make looks delicious!
Happy happy blogaversary!! I can’t wait til i hit my 1 year mark, let alone 2 year. My fave dish is my lasagna and I’ve been making your breakfast pizza. So easy and satisfying to start my morning with 🙂
I would love to win your salsa and finally try it! I’m coming to Chicago in 3 weeks so maybe a blogger meetup should be arranged!
<3
cindy
Happy Blogaversary!!!! I love, love, love your pizza dough recipe!
Happy Blogaversary! Oh my gosh, I love your new domain name! I recently made your blueberry soy pancakes and they were awesome! They are quite dense though so I now know that I don’t need to eat more than 2 LOL!
Happy Two Years! I hope you celebrate it with a wonderful weekend full of food and love!
Happy blogaversary, Biz!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us! Shelley states it just perfectly and I do feel you’re like a neighbor with awesome recipes! Gosh, I’ve made your Buffalo Chicken Chili (family scraped the pot clean with that one), your no rise pizza crust, just made your baja fresh salsa a few nights ago (been meaning to tell you that I love it and have used it everyday!), chicken tikka masala (delish!!! I’ve also made it with paneer cheese instead of chicken), chicago style BBQ ribs, your pancake recipes. Can you tell that I’m a fan of your recipes!!! Never doubt your mad cooking skillz! 🙂
Have a great weekend!!!
I found your website about 2 weeks ago and I LOVE IT!! It is totally awesome. I am a bread lover so I tried the Crusty Bread recipe. It is fantastic. I had to use all of my willpower not to eat the whole loaf. No more buying bread for me!! I will be baking this weekly. Keep up the good work and congrats on the 2yr anniversary.
Biz!!! Happy Anniversary girlie! YaY!!!
You’ve inspired me to make breakfast pizza. 😀
Happy Birthday to your blog!!!
Your food is always amazing (I know, I say that a lot…). I know I have made several things, but my brain isn’t working right now… I know the last thing I made was a breakfast pizza a few weeks ago (finally. I had plans of making one forever…). Everyone loved it!!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Happy blogiversary!!! I honestly can’t remember if I’ve tried any of your recipes since yours was one of the first blogs I followed!
I do love the bolognese sauce on my blog, but I’ll have to try yours soon 🙂
Happy blogiversary!!! One of your recipes on my list to make is Chicken Tikka Masala 🙂
I’m so glad you commented on my blog so I could find yours – and perfect timing with this anniversary post so I can catch-up on your older posts! I have not tried any of your recipes but I’m looking forward to trying your pizza dough. Happy Blog Anniversary!
Bizzy Kitchen–I love it!! So cute. Happy blogiversary!! I’m about to celebrate my first year–crazy how time passes so quick! I’ve tried your baja fresh salsa but I think I jacked it up b/c it didn’t turn out that great for me. That’s why I want to win–your salsa always makes me drool and I want to taste how it’s intended. And I’m not kidding–I will buy some from you if I don’t win. I’ve asked before about how much you would charge for a bottle plus shipping, but never heard back! Please tell! Thanks for the bolognese recipe–sounds delish!
Happy blogversary Biz!!!! I consider all my blogger buddies friends too. Hope you have a great holiday weekend.
Happy Blogiversary! I love the new name – My Bizzy Kitchen is perfect!
Congrats! That is AWESOME and so is your blog!
I have really been wanting to try your shrimp soup for the soul 😉
As soon as it cools down here….I will be in the kitchen making it
Happy Anniversary Biz! That pasta sauce is my favorite kind of sauce EVER!
I’ve only made it once, and it took WAY longer than that, so I am definitely going to try your version.
And, the best thing I’ve made of yours….the pizza dough!
Obviously don’t enter me in the contest since people would think it’s rigged if your twin sister won!
Congratulations on your blogoversary! I love coming to your blog and seeing what was on the menu the previous day and what’s going on in your life at the moment. You are so open and it’s really refreshing.
I don’t think I’ve tried any of your recipes yet (I’m a relatively new-comer to this site), but I have several on my list to try, including the spaghetti squash mac and cheese… yum!
Big congratulations on the blogaversary!
I’m all about the Bizzy Kitchen!! May I say Shelley and I could be twins… I’ve been eating the zucchini spaghetti all week and I currently have your Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe staged and waiting for it to not be so hot and humid around here. I also make your crustless breakfast quiche regularly – probably every other week or so! Plus even though I didn’t use one of your recipes, you inspired me to make my own bread when I did my Superbowl Muffaletta back in January.
(BTW, did you really mean you’re picking a winner on JUNE 7th? That’s a long time away.)
Tony, just so you know, I consider your sweet Biz one of my best “friends!”
i havent been able to try any of your recipes, because i am on medifast diet and have to eat their foods, but i read your blog daily and as soon as i hit goal, i have plenty of your recipes to try to do maintance of medifast. i love your blog, you give me inspiration to cook. you amaze me..so even though i dont qualify for the contest because i havent cooked your meals, does having your recipes stored in my recipe file count…only 35 more pounds till goal and cant wait to start cooking again…i sure would love your salsa:) that i can eat:)
dont ever stop blogging..i look forward to each and every blog…
thanks for your hard work, i know it must be hard to take all the pictures and keep us posted..like i have said before you give me inspiration….
Connie, check out Biz’s “My Spicy Zero Point Mexican Soup,” it’s very tasty and all veggies!
Congrats on 2 years! That’s so exciting and some seriously good eats 🙂
I LOVE your breakfast pizzas and potatoes! Such great ideas.
awww many congratulations on two years!! LOVE IT! We have definitely followed along with so many milestones in your life – love it! And OMG your recipes are the bomb. My favorite is your buffalo chicken chili – it is seriously a staple at our house thanks to you and i’m personally thrilled that it’s getting colder every day here in Atlanta so it will taste even better! Happy Friday!
Happy Blogaversary my friend!!! I’m so happy that you started blogging and we became friends (looks at Tony – yes, FRIENDS 😉 )! You have been great with sharing your life and I think that’s a huge reason why you are so popular – you feel like a neighboor…and one that we could borrow way more than a cup of sugar from!
As for your recipes, zucchini pasta is heavily in my rotation now…and your buffalo chicken chili has been bookmarked for quite a while – I will make that when our weather cools down.