Tag: blogs

This is the second in a series of posts that give props to blogs that inspire me.

Right now, I’m in Turkey on vacation, so instead of scheduling posts of my own cooking that I can’t respond to, I thought I’d show some of the blogs that keep me interested every week. The things I really like in a food blog include great recipe ideas, stylish photos, a sense of the personality of a blogger (I don’t want it to read like an instruction manual!) and a focus on fresh ingredients.

I watch a few blogs regularly, but there are a few that stand out as being at the top of the heap.

Today, I’d like to highlight a blog called 101 Cookbooks.

When I first started reading this blog, I found myself making recipes from it very regularly. I’ve even posted the results of some of my attempts. Heidi, who writes for 101 Cookbooks, focuses on natural, whole foods and the recipes definitely reflect that goal. The photos are lovely, with almost a cottage kitchen quality to them.

Palak Daal Recipe

This recipe made me believe that, after a bunch of failed attempts, I could actually cook Indian food. Obviously, I had been using the wrong recipes before.

This recipe was easy to follow, and resulted in an incredible dish that inspired me to look for more good Indian recipes.

I think this was the first recipe I made from 101 Cookbooks. It definitely was not the last.

Double Broccoli Quinoa Recipe

This is one of MANY quinoa recipes! Yaaaay! I love quinoa, and I was looking for a fun new recipe, and found lots of options. This dish makes a pesto out of broccoli, almonds and parmesan cheese – and lots of garlic.

This dish is super healthy and super tasty. As you can see from the pic, it’s a very fresh and green dish.

This is a perfect summer dish, full of yummy crunchy broccoli!

This is the first in a series of posts that give props to blogs that inspire me.

Right now, I’m in Turkey on vacation, so instead of scheduling posts of my own cooking that I can’t respond to, I thought I’d show some of the blogs that keep me interested every week. The things I really like in a food blog include great recipe ideas, stylish photos, a sense of the personality of a blogger (I don’t want it to read like an instruction manual!) and a focus on fresh ingredients.

I watch a few blogs regularly, but there are a few that stand out as being at the top of the heap.

The first I’d like to highlight is called The Naked Beet.

This blog meets all of my criteria, and I’m always excited to see the latest posts. The photography is beautiful and enticing, the writing warm and friendly and the recipes are interesting and sophisticated, yet don’t seem to be aimed at seasoned chefs. Here are some recent examples of posts that piqued my interest.

Enjoy The Naked Beet! I’ll highlight another great blog next week!

The spice must flow (…or why Za’atar will be in your local market soon)

This entry was posted a couple of weeks ago now, but I still haven’t cleared it from my Google Reader. I look at it almost every day.

Insanity? Probably. But just LOOK at it! … and then read it.

If you are a fan of herbs and spices, as I am, this post will definitely incite some deliciousness.

This post talks about Za’atar, a blend of herbs and spices used primarily in the Middle East, but making it’s way into foodies’ cupboards everywhere.

There’s some socio-political intrigue involved as well, which makes you think about how important food is to history and culture.

Also, do you see the freaking pyramid of spices? Seriously!

Spicy Shrimp in Thai Fusion Broth

This post has also been in my saved list for a while… I keep trying to find the right time to make this recipe!

This dish is a mix of Mexican flavours (Ancho and Chipotle chiles) and Thai flavours (lemon grass, coconut milk). I knew this would be right up J’s alley, so it’s on my “do it up” list. Soon. I promise.

Until then, I’ll just look at the pretty picture and drool.