I can't believe it!

52 weeks ago I joined The Cookbook Challenge - 52 weeks, 52 recipes.

What interested me about this Challenge was that I have a very large collection of cookbooks at home. Some I've used consistantly, some I've cooked maybe one recipe from, and others that haven't been opened since I was sucked into buying them at the bookstore by the beautiful front covers. Like many of you reading this little blog, I am a cookbook adict! I don't have to buy a cookbook for the recipes, sometimes it's just the way it's written which wins me over. Take for instance Nigel Slaters Kitchen Diaries....what an amazing cookbook. I often read a little of this book in bed each night before it sends me off into a yummy food-filled dream.

After 52 weeks, I can proudly say that I did it. I didn't miss one week of this challenge. Well done me!

So to celebrate the ending of this challenge, a few of us who participated (the ones located in Melbourne, that is) got together last Sunday afternoon, bringing the dishes that we made for the final week's theme - Outdoors.

Unfortuantely, Melbourne was in typical Melbourne mode and forcasted showers for the day so we headed indoors for a spot of lunch.....well, as you can see by the photos it was more of a feast....

A big thank you to Agnes of Off the Spork who openned her home to us for the day.

Shellie from Iron Chef Shellie made Ham, Cheese and Tomato Chutney Wraps.

Our host Agnes' Onion Foccacia.....

....and her Asparagus and Gruyere Tart.

April from My Food Trail made a Blue Cheese and Sweet Potato Tart.

Beehoon Goreng was made by Kat from  Spatula Spoon and Saturday (this dish was also my dinner later that evening as i took a little doggy bag home - thanks Kat!)

Cherrie of Sweet Cherrie Pie, made Chicken Adobo with rice along with some Pizza Twists.

Penny of Jeroxi made little meat patties with a spicy dipping sauce.

My contribution was a Sweet Potato and Chorizo Bake.

And when we could fit no more in...out came the sweet dishes...starting with Chocolate Cake topped with Blueberries by Shellie....

Some Jasmin scented coconut slice by Kat...

Banana Cake by April....

And my contribution - Dark Chocolate and Orange Muffins.

A big thank you to April for hosting this years Cookbook Challenge. I've had an absolutely ball openning my cookbooks again (or for the first time), and trying dishes I may never have cooked at all. It's also been wonderful meeting all you fellow challengers - I've loved seeing what you've cooked each week!

xx