Ready, Set, Blog! [PFB Challenge #1]
making scratch versions of store-bought favorites.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in the kitchen is that you CAN recreate store-bought favorites and restaurant guilty pleasures at home. Discovering that was so freeing for me! Now, when I have a grocery store craving for something I know is full of preservatives and just awful for me (Oreos, I’m talking to you), I just work on my own version.
taking you back to basics with a gourmet flare.
I think things in the kitchen should stay pretty basic. It’s amazing how simple, fresh foods can make you look like a rockstar chef. Some of my favorite and most impressive dishes are the ones that showcase seasonal ingredients with simplicity. When you have good ingredients, they speak for themselves.
zucchini and herbed ricotta galette
making creative and fun food on the fly.
Everyone is busy. It’s just a fact. But I learned recently that mommies are especially busy, so being able to create a meal out of what’s on hand is a skill I’ve been using often. It’s like all the excitement of a quickfire challenge in my own kitchen, except without the time limit, or the prize money, or Padma.
quick corn and goat cheese grits with bacon
sharing my favorite borrowed recipes.
I think this is a big part of being a blogger. When you’re making and posting yummy food, you’re going to stumble upon some other people making and posting yummy food, and you’ll want to try it yourself. I love sharing recipes with you that I know will be great because my blogger pals have already given them the thumbs up. The food blogging community is just the best. I’ve also been known to sneak in a magazine recipe or two (look out for exciting Food&Wine news soon).
getting people excited about cooking at home.
The economy bites, duh. Lots of people are cooking from home now, but not everyone enjoys it. I think cooking at home is twelve billion times healthier and more rewarding for families than fast food and tv dinners. I love to show you simple recipes that can make you look like you have a gourmet chef living in your spare bedroom. (Think about it, Jamie Oliver?)
so that’s kind of my philosophy on blogging, in a few nutshells.
other favorite blogging things, just for fun:
Voting for this challenge starts on September 20. I pinkie promise to remind you later, since now we’re besties and all. Wish me luck!
I remember the spaghetti-os! Yours sounded and looked delish! I tried to make them but they turned out not so good. 🙁
What a great post! I’ll definitely have to try a few of your recipes! 🙂
Oh My those Snickerdoodle Blondies look fantastic. I used to love Spaghetti O’s, but now that I think of it, my kids have never had the. Great post!
Those spaghetti-os look so good! Great job on the first challenge!
You’re my favorite.
Loved, loved, loved this post! I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve next! And now I think I need to have those snickerdoodle blondies in my life.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.. I am loving this challenge. I posted my FBC this morning check it out and let me know what you think.
Ashlee
http://ashandlewplus2.com/2010/09/18/project-food-blog-ready-set-blog/
Great post (and site). I’m a big fan of lists too! You got my vote!
yummmm those spaghetti-o’s look great! i look forward to reading more wonderful posts
i love your approach and your twists on supermarket food at home. you’ve got my vote!
I saw your picture of SpaghettiO’s and had to come check you out. Good luck! – http://www.delightfulcountrycookin.com
Your photos are wonderful, I want to make every one of your recipes in this post. Just voted, excited for what’s in store!
Lick My Spoon
wonderful post & lovely pictures! I voted for you.. All the best!
Love all of your pictures! Homemade spahetti-os are such a great idea! Did you make that multi-colored cake in your profile picuture? I totally love it! You’ve got my vote!