It came as a huge surprise when I looked at the calendar and realized that Dessert First was about to turn two years old. Has it already been so long? I still remember when I started this blog, several months out of pastry school, with no idea of what was out in either the pastry world or the blogosphere, only that I loved to bake and that I really wanted a space to share what I was baking with the rest of the world.

Well, it’s been two years later and I never would have imagined all the things that could have occurred to a girl with a kitchen, a camera, and a computer. First, and most importantly, I’ve met some of the most wonderful people ever through Dessert First: bloggers, readers, writers, photographers, cooks, bakers -  of course all them fellow dessert lovers. I’ve been introduced to some truly inspiring blogs out there and also received some wonderful compliments from virtual strangers. I still remember the first time I got a comment from someone I didn’t know; it was the most unexpected pleasure, like a butterfly landing on my shoulder, discovering that someone out there who didn’t know me was moved to reach out. Today I’m still surprised at the e-mails I get asking me for pastry advice. It’s truly amazing to me – a heartfelt thank you to all of you who’ve written in!

I’ve made desserts that I would have never dreamed of doing, especially with the Daring Bakers urging me on, I’ve discovered that no matter how hard I resisted the lure of food photography was too tempting, and I realized that creating a webpage was only opening the door to opportunities I’d never imagined.

I’ve gotten to work with professional food photographers and done my very own professional photo shoots. I’ve gotten to judge a baking contest. I’ve had articles published in magazines. I’m writing a monthly column for Baking911.

And finally, the top secret project that I’ve hinted at, the reason my online presence has been so sadly diminished these last few months…I’m writing a cookbook that’s coming out at the end of the year!!

Yes, this is a real book being released by an established publisher; I am collaborating with another co-author and we have been hard at work on the manuscript, which is due quite soon – that’s why I’ve been so