2025: A Year of Culinary Growth, New Clients, and Publishing Success with Gather

2025 brought some remarkable milestones for me and as I reflect on this past year I want to share my journey with you all because this community is a huge part of my continued growth and success.

This year stood out as a period of growth, learning, and exciting achievements for me. From welcoming new clients and cooking memorable meals for them and their guests to earning valuable certifications and launching a cookbook that quickly became a Top New Release on Amazon, the journey was full of rewarding experiences.

Welcoming New Clients and Creating Memorable Experiences

One of the highlights of 2025 was the opportunity I had to work with a diverse group of new clients. Each client brought unique tastes and preferences, allowing for creative menu planning and personalized culinary experiences. Cooking for clients and their guests was more than just preparing food—it was about crafting moments that brought people together around the table, which has always been my number one goal! To see those things come to fruition is so fulfilling.

Some examples of these wonderful experiences I had included:

• Designing seasonal menus that highlighted local and fresh ingredients

• Hosting intimate dinner parties with multi-course meals tailored to guests’ dietary needs

• Collaborating with clients to create themed events that reflected their personalities and celebrations

  
  

These opportunities not only expanded my client base but also deepened my understanding of how food connects people. The joy of seeing guests enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes was a powerful motivator throughout the year for me.

Advancing My Skills Through Certifications

2025 was also a year dedicated to professional growth through education. Obtaining certificates in Food Service and Food & Beverage Management provided new knowledge and practical skills that will enhance the service quality and operational efficiency I give to all my clients. I am always looking for ways to grow and better serve those who trust in me.

Some of the key benefits of these certifications included:

• Learning best practices for food safety and hygiene to ensure client confidence

• Gaining insights into managing food and beverage operations effectively

• Understanding cost control and inventory management to maintain sustainable business practices

  
  

These certifications help me build a stronger foundation for delivering exceptional culinary services and experiences for all of my clients.

Publishing Gather; Recipes That Bring Us Together

Perhaps the most exciting achievement of 2025 was the publication of my very first cookbook Gather; Recipes That Bring Us Together. This book is a collection of recipes that focus on meals designed to foster connection and celebration among family and friends. There are stories and kitchen tips along the way and even menu curations for easy planning at the back of the cookbook.

The cookbook’s success was immediate, becoming a Top New Release on Amazon in its first week. For me, this accomplishment reflected the demand for approachable, delicious recipes that encourage shared experiences. I was humbled by the overwhelming support and love that I received during the cookbooks launch. From text messages of my cookbook sitting on someone's kitchen counter, to DM's on social platforms from friends I haven't seen in decades, to messages from those who have already tried out some of the recipes and LOVE them... it has been a journey that has filled my heart.

Some highlights of Gather include:

• A variety of recipes suitable for different occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations

• Tips on presentation and hosting to enhance your guests dining experience

• Stories behind the recipes that emphasize the importance of togetherness

  
  

Publishing this cookbook was a milestone for me that combined my passion for cooking with the desire to inspire others to create meaningful moments through food.

Looking Ahead: Building on a Year of Success

As I reflect on this year, the achievements of 2025 set a strong foundation for future growth. From gaining new clients, obtaining key certifications, and publishing success, I am confident and ready to take on new challenges.

This year showed that dedication, learning, and creativity can lead to meaningful accomplishments. The path forward is full of potential for continued growth and connection through food and I am so excited for what 2026 has in store!

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy 2026!

~Annamarie