Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this solo episode, Brooke takes a heartfelt look back at the ten most impactful moments of 2024 for the Female Foodie community. From recipe development milestones and social media growth to the personal joys of hosting Friendsgiving and building stronger connections through food, Brooke offers a candid reflection on her journey. She shares insights into the evolution of Female Foodie, the challenges and triumphs of hosting food tours in Italy, and the joy of creating culinary traditions that span generations. This episode is a celebration of growth, gratitude, and the universal power of food to connect us all.   Key Takeaways

• [02:45] Recipe Development Mastery: Brooke shares her growth in recipe creation, including stories behind her chocolate olive oil cake and Christmas croissant eggs Benedict.
• [11:30] The Pivot to Substack: Transitioning to a newsletter platform, The Food Letter, allows for greater creativity and community connection.
• [32:10] Friendsgiving Milestone: Hosting her first Friendsgiving for 20+ guests demonstrated the power of organization, community, and culinary joy.
• [41:10] Female Foodie Tours: Successfully hosting 200 women on immersive Italian food tours showcased the transformative potential of food and travel.
• [36:00] Personal Food Moments: Brooke’s family-centered traditions, like making sushi and her grandmother’s fried rice, highlighted food’s role in connecting generations.
• [49:35] Memorable Meal at Vaulter’s Osteria: Dining at her favorite restaurant reminded Brooke of food’s enduring ability to connect us to people and places.
• [55:12] Gratitude for Community: Brooke closes the episode with a heartfelt thanks to the Female Foodie community for their support and inspiration.

  Notable Quotes

• (14:57) “Life is too short to eat bad food.” – Brooke Eliason
• (54:39) “Food connects us to people, places, and memories.” – Brooke Eliason
• (47:54) “Every woman deserves to come to Italy.” – Brooke Eliason

  Resources

• Episode 58: Annie Fenn: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food
• Episode 50: Tipping Has Gotten Out Of Control With Levi DeGarmo
• Book Recommendation: French Kids Eat Everything
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram