Ten Year Anniversary and Giveaway

Lists and Round Ups
Celebrating ten years of MJ's Kitchen

It’s hard to believe I’m celebrating my 10 year anniversary! When I first opened my kitchen to the public I thought it would be a 2 to 3 year ride, then I would write a cookbook. As we all know, things change. The 2 to 3 years has become 10 and the cookbook? Well, that’s probably not going to happen, but as they say, “never say never”.

Thank You from MJ!

During the past ten years I’ve met some wonderful people, the great majority of them only virtually, but a few in person. Some are experienced cooks, not so experienced cooks, a few chefs and a lot of people just looking for new recipes and flavors. One thing we all seem to share is a passion for good food. I thank each and every one of you for your comments, emails, continued support and friendship.

As a big THANK YOU, I’m giving away a variety pack of New Mexico goodies from The Chile Shop in Santa Fe. If you would like a chance to win, please leave a comment on this anniversary post. Unfortunately, I’m having to limit the giveaway to the continental United States only. Sorry to my international friends, but please leave a comment anyway if you feel like it. I’ll choose the winner on March 1, 2021.

And the winner is Nicole! Another BIG THANK YOU to all of you that left such nice comments. You are a great group of people who I am so glad to have become acquainted with over the years.

Ten Year Highlights

Let’s take a look back at the past ten years. Below are the four most popular recipes from each year. Some were expected and some were a total surprise. Enjoy!

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a 10 year anniversary gift box of NM products. In your comment, let me know if you’ve tried any of these recipes. Thank you all for your support these past ten years. I hope to continue to hear from you.

Comments have been closed due to the giveaway having ended. However, if you would like to comment, you can also email me through “Contact MJ”. Thanks!

97 Comments

  1. MJ, although I’ve only followed you for a few of your incredible blogging years, it’s been a joy. So many of the dishes you post bring back my love for Mexican and Southwest food. I enjoy some virtually as some of the ingredients are a bit tricky here. But, you’ve inspired me, and via one of the only Mexican restaurants in our region, I’ve been able to source more ingredients.
    What a great parade of recipes and a cookbook in its self. After looking through your 10-year highlights, I must say the recipe that I’ll be making soon will be Green Chile Chicken Tamales. It looks wonderful… Take care over your way and thanks for your efforts in giving us this wonderful blog to enjoy…

  2. big congrats on your ten year anniversary MJ. Doesn’t the time go quickly? it’s coming up to eight years for me in May. and eight years since i retired:) Time flies…

  3. Dear MJ, happy anniversary and, most of all, congratulations!!!! So many years of high quality blogging, beautiful photographs and – unlike me – without a break! I sincerely admire you. Thank you for being here (or rather there… I wish you were closer…)! PS I must say it again: you look gorgeous!!!

  4. Thanks so much, MJ, for sharing your talent and love of cooking with all of us. Never had one of your recipes turn out poorly. Congratulations of your accomplishment. Now…inspiration for me to pour over your many recipes again.
    PS-the green chili pork stew using your adapted sirloin recipe turned out great! Thanks for the help!

  5. The red and Green sauces have been a life-saver for us, having moved from Belen to Canyon Lake Texas. I’ve been cooking your recipes ever since.

  6. Wow! 10 years! I always come looking for NM chile recipes. 🙂

  7. Happy Anniversary!

  8. Happy Anniversary! Would love to own your cookbook, until then…this website will be my ‘go-to’ for my Southwestern fix!

  9. Congratulations and Happy Blog-iversary!! Ten years is amazing and full of so many delicious recipes and friends!

  10. Congratulations, MJ ! I believe you have just published your Cookbook ! The best of the best ! Bravo and thank you very much !

  11. Congratulations, MJ! 10 years!! I often come to your site when I need some chile inspiration, or the “right” recipe. Thank you – here’s to 10+ more years!!

  12. Wow, what an achievement. Congratulations on your 10th year

  13. Congratulations! Thanks for posting all the recipes.Southwestern food is great!!!

  14. Congratulation on 10 years MJ! Love your recipes!!! and enjoy so much all that you share with us! Keep it going!!!

  15. This page makes an awesome resource, so thank you for that. And congratulations on ten years!

  16. Whenever I feel a yearning for my New Mexican fix, I always lean toward your site. Thank you for the last 10 years of recipes!

  17. I just found your site last year but really enjoy the content. Congrats on your 10 year anniversary. Although we have only spent time in Santa Fe and Roswell areas so far, we love the feel of New Mexico. Also love New Mexico chile verde and order frozen Hatch chilies every few years.

  18. So cool! As a fellow New Mexican, I love your authentic New Mexican recipes! You make everything with a healthy flair that is unique in a wonderful way! Thank you for sharing with us all of these years!

  19. Has it really been 10 years, MJ? You know what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” and I know that I’ve loved every year that I’ve followed you! Whether I win the giveaway or not, it doesn’t matter because I’ll follow you, your blog, your recipes, and your travels with Bobby for a long, long time. Thanks for taking us down memory lane through the years of highlighted recipes included in this post. It’s always nice to go back into the archives for the best recipes! Hope you’re staying warm, my friend. It’s freezing in the South right now! Hugs, Roz

  20. wow! 10 years, That is awesome. Love all your recipes. You are the best,

  21. Happy Blogiversary MJ! Wow, 10 years, what a huge accomplishment. It has been wonderful knowing you for many of these delightful years with all of your delicious recipes. Here is to another 10 years, sweet dear friend.

  22. MJ, congratulations on your 10 year anniversary. I discovered your blog several years ago and have enjoyed your recipes and blog. I wish you well and look forward to the next ten years! Zena

  23. Ten years, WOW.

  24. Time certainly does fly. I am so glad we’re virtual friends. I appreciate all the authentic NM recipes and the restaurant recommendations that I’ve received from you during our travels to your state (which I HOPE to resume as soon as we are able). I just ordered some dried chiles so I’m off to peruse through this round up. Be safe and well!

  25. Congratulations on 10 years! You have a gorgeous blog full of beautifully created dishes! I always look forward to your new posts to see what you’ve been up to in your kitchen. I am inspired by all your wonderful recipes and photos. Here’s to the next chapter in your blogging adventure! Cheers my friend!

  26. Congratulations on 10 years. I enjoy your blog so much and have used many of your recipes. I learned how to make adovada, your pork and green chili posole is delicious and your chorizo recipe is spot on. Keep up the great work!

  27. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary! I have loved your recipes as a New Mexican want-to-be. Some day I will achieve it! Thanks for everything!

  28. I have recently used a few recipes from your website. I am a fan! Congratulations on your successes!!

  29. Love your recipes, I am an “enchanted one” living in Texas.

  30. love, love, love your website. Keep up the good work (please).

  31. Welcome to the double-digit club 😀 Congratulation, it really is a huge accomplishment. To another 10 years.

  32. Congratulations!

  33. Congratulation on 10 years MJ!
    I love finally being able to see your beautiful face (without the coffee cup). I’ve tried lots of your recipes but my favs are red chile and posole.

    Allen

  34. Congratulations on ten years, M.J.! Your blog is such a great resource 🙂

  35. Dear MJ, thank you for sharing your love of food, warmth and heart with us over the past decade. I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed and that we’ve stayed in touch over the years sharing pieces of our lives and breaking bread together:) My favorite post of yours is the one you dedicated to your Mom and the things you learned from her ♥ with love, k.

  36. Congratulations on 10 years, that’s an great accomplishment ! I thank you for your dedication ! Every recipe I have tried of yours, are outstanding 😋🌶😋

  37. MJ, I have thanked you so many times during this long, long year of lockdown. For refreshing my memory of and love for New Mexico and for your fabulous, practical and inspirational food–it’s been a joy. I look forward to continuing this wonderful, virtual journey with you as my guide.
    Many blessings! Veronica

  38. Happy Anniversary, MJ! I found you by googling a yeasted fruit and nut bread and found this one: https://mjskitchen.com/2014/05/fruit-nut-yeast-bread/ which I make with variations about once a month. Love your newsletter and enjoying all the NM foods I had in my road trip travels through the state. Cheers to you!

  39. Wowza, 10 years. Congratulations!! Here’s to 10 more! I love your site, and am planning on making your carna adovada this weekend 🙂

  40. Congrats MJ! I love your vast array of recipes and your love of chile! It is so fun experimenting with all the different types. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

  41. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes, as they say ” variety is the spice of life “. I love everything New Mexican, and the food is top my list. About the cookbook, oh well there are a lot out there, maybe you could just contribute to one. I recently bought the Santa Fe Farmers Market Cookbook, and many inspirational people shared some awesome recipes!! Best Regards!.

  42. Congratulations MJ on providing your fans 10 years of delicious authentic New Mexico recipes! Thank you! and I also want to thank you for how quickly you answered my emailed questions. Cheers to another 10 years!

  43. Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! I haven’t commented much on posts but it’s been a joy to follow you all these years! Love your recipes.

  44. Congratulations! You have inspired me to try many new dishes over the years and I still make your version of black beans, YUM!

  45. Congratulations MJ and thank you for sharing your love of New Mexican cuisine! I am trying to spread it all over the state of Vermont, as most folks here have not had an opportunity to experience the unique flavor of the New Mexican green chili. Keep up the good work!

  46. Thank you for all the recipes through the years.

  47. Happy Blogiversary MJ. I’m so glad I found your site a few years ago. You know me and New Mexico Cuisine. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us.

  48. Congratulations on 10 years!! I came for the NM Red Chile sauce (about 5 or so years ago?) and have been a fan ever since!!

  49. Congratulations on your anniversary. I’m based in Albuquerque so am local!

  50. Congratulations MJ, that’s quite an accomplishment. Those of us fortunate enough to receive your blog/recipes are already winners. Many thanks.
    Jerry

  51. Happy Blog Anniversary MJ!!!
    I guess I have been a part your food blog journey since the beginning. I have always loved reading and learning from your blog.
    Wishing you may more years of happy cooking and sharing.
    It looks like we both started writing our respective blogs in the same year. It will be 10 years, this year, for me too 🙂

  52. Congratulations on this milestone anniversary. I’m looking forward to revisiting some favorites from the past 10 years.

  53. Ten years is a great accomplishment – Congratulations! Your ten years is a wonderful gift to us who enjoy your delish recipes. Thanks so much!

  54. Congratulations, MJ. 10 years is a long time…and it is definitely not easy to keep a food blog successful so many years. I am really proud of you being so consistent and creative with your recipes and tips.

  55. Hi MJ, What a wonderful website and such great recipes!! I hope you are feeling well and happy and are speaking Spanish fluently by now! I had a class with you.

  56. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary and may you have many more.
    I came across your blog looking for a recipe for making chile using powdered chilie. You brought back fond memories of my grandmother with the many recipes offered and I thank you for that.

  57. Happy 10th. Glad you have so many wonderful recipes. While I grew up in NM, I really never properly learned to cook NMexican foods. Moved away to east coast and Midwest. So having access to so many wonderful dishes here I am thankful! Miss the NM food. Played around with Chile sauce options. Thanks

  58. Happy 10th Anniversary!! I love your website and recipes. I lived in New Mexico for many years and miss the Land of Enchantment so much. Your recipes are fabulous!!

  59. Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary MJ! Love your website, your wonderful posts reminds me of the time we lived in Albuquerque and the delicious foods and special memories that we have of New Mexico.

  60. Congratulations on your anniversary.
    I live in NM, and an experienced cook, for many years, however, I enjoy your site and have learned a few things that have helped improve my skills.
    Thank you so much, and don’t give up on the cookbook, I’m looking forward to it.

  61. Happy 10 years!!!! 🎉
    I love your recipes.

  62. Can’t thank you enough for the cooking inspiration over the past several years I’ve been a follower! I still love your New Mexico red chile sauce and your chicken posole recipe is out-of-this world delicious! Here’s to your next 10 years!!!

  63. Big congrats on your ten year anniversary…love so many of your recipes…don’t stop ever!

  64. Happy Anniversary!!! How exciting for you. Wishing you the best for many more years!!

  65. Congratulations on your 10-year adventureI I discovered your website recently and, as a recent retiree, I am looking forward to trying out more of your recipes. You make your job look easy and recipes that are so delicious. My wishes for your continued success – cookbook or not!
    ~~Mary

  66. Congratulations on ten years! I like how you shared your popular recipes over the years. I’ll be reviewing them when I get a chance. And please, don’t give up on that cookbook!

  67. Congratulations on 10 years MJ! I spent 4 years in Santa Fe and fell in love with cuisine. I’m back in New Orleans but often cook up a batch of green chili stew. Recently I’ve been making your red chili sauce and absolutely love it! I’m always intrigued with your creative and delicious recipes.

  68. 10 years!
    That’s amazing! Congratulations!
    Thanks for all you do for us!
    Karl

  69. I have recently found your site and I am enjoying it. I grew up in New Mexico but left for California in the early 60’s. Your site has brouhgt up some fond memories and it has been fun to reconnect with my heritage.

    Keep up the good work.
    Lorra

  70. MJ, thank you so much for all your recipes over the years. We have lived in New Mexico for 13 years and gone to your recipes over and over. Congratulations on achieving your 10 year milestone. And many more to come!

  71. Happy Anniversary! I miss NM food since I moved to the Pacific Northwast. Hard to find good green chili here. Thank you for your wonderful blog! May you have many more years to celebrate,

  72. Happy Anniversary. Since I found you, I have tried many recipes and love all of them! I love chili.

  73. Has it been 10 years?! Time flies and I have always looked forward to all your content ☺️ Your recipes have never disappointed and certainly are some of my very favorite go-to meals. Plus, my love for spicy, chiles of all kinds and amazing food creations will have me looking forward to your next 10 years of blog posts ❤️

  74. Happy Anniversary! So thankful for you and your recipes to give us a taste of home since we left NM years ago. Salud!

  75. Hi, I have been following you for probably the better part of this past 10 years. Congratulations on your success and I hope that you continue to share the amazing foods of New Mexico. I look forward to your emails and am always ready to try your latest recipes. I was born in Albuquerque, moved away when I was very young, came back for college in Socorro and then moved away with my husband. Best of luck on the next 10 years!

  76. Happy 10 Year Anniversary!!!! I so love your web page. I appreciate you sharing your recipes.

  77. First, may I send warm congratulations across sea and land for your tenth blog anniversary. Since I am a newbie in your world I do hope you have longterm plans of continuing your very enjoyable informative posts ! Secondly I believe some planned weekend activities will be culled so I can travel thru’ your posts ticking no doubt the many recipes I want to try: have scanned a few . . . that is going to be huge fun. *Big grin*: Thirdly noticed the link to a dish called ‘Latvian stew’ . . . well, I was born just a tad north in the Baltics in Estonia . . . hmm ? Know I am going to enjoy my time with you . . . shall get back . . . be safe . . .

  78. I lived in NM for 7 years while going to grad school in Albuquerque. It’s been nearly 40 years since I left, but your recipes satisfy that undying love of New Mexican food, even if my husband and I (we met in NM) can’t get the best ingredients where we live now. We still try regularly and your recipes are the best to use!

  79. Happy Anniversary! May the years ahead be as deliciously spicy as your contest!

  80. I have followed u foe years. When your website was under construction. I emailed you and u graciously provided me with the red sauce recipe i had misplaced. Thank you and congratulations !!!

  81. Love the recipes!

  82. I really appreciate your wonderful recipes!!

  83. I found you and your fabulous recipes in late 2015 as I was searching for a Green Chile Chicken Posole recipe. We had moved to northern NM after living in TX for over 40 years and I wanted to try a New Mexican dish. I followed your recipe to a ’t’ even making the optional green chile spice mix (which I now use in everything). The end result was delicious – better than anything we’d eaten in our Taos-area restaurants! You have become my ‘go-to’ source for new recipes. I love your attention to detail and your kitchen notes. I save your recipes to my AnyList app and have a category called “MJs Kitchen.” Thank you for making cooking fun!

  84. I have made so many of your recipes and searched them for something special on date nights and holidays.
    Thank you! Happy Anniversary and many more!

  85. Congratulations on 10 years! I recently made the spicy chicken vegetable soup. It is the best. My son raved about it and ate most of it. Continue on…

  86. Happy Anniversary! 10 years is a LONG time. 🙂 I’ve been reading you from close to the start, I think. You’re definitely the best cook I know for anything chile related. Looking forward to another 10 years. 🙂

  87. Happy Anniversary! As someone who grew up in NM, your posts always remind me of home!

  88. Happy Anniversary!! I love browsing all of your bean recipes!

  89. Hi..Moved to NM in 2009 left 2016..what do I miss the most…the smell of green chiles roasting and Ole Taco in Ruidoso. Favorite foods.. Homemade green chile apple pie and NM Green Chile stew. Love all of your ideas and thoughts..Marsha

  90. 😋 love your Pozole recipes!

  91. I have known MJ since I was a kid in the 70’s. She has always been a beautiful and inspirational woman – and boy can she cook! The recipes and photos that she presents on this blog always lead me to cook fresh, fun food spiced with New Mexico. There are so many recipes that I have not had the chance to try. Thank you MJ for including me in your journey!

  92. Love your recipes! 😋

  93. We’ve been enjoying your recipes for years!

    A wonderful gift to us all.

    Thank you! MJ!

    Darrel & Cindy

  94. I get excited every time I see MJ’s Kitchen in my Inbox!! You have inspired me to try new things, most of them great successes, some I had to make a couple of runs at and most recently I had trouble (believe it or not) finding lard in the grocery stores to gather everything I need to try the port and chocolate tamales. All ingredients are in my kitchen, whispering my name when I walk by…
    These snowy days are making it look likely to happen soon. Just wish I had more than two cats here to share the experience (and the work)!!!

  95. I love your recipes! Congratulations on 10 years and hope to join you for many more!

  96. Happy anniversary, MJ!
    -Jeanne

  97. Congrats!!!!
    Love all that spice! Stay safe