For the Love of Food

While I was putting together my post for the first Foodbuzz hosted Project Food Blog Challenge, I came across some really old posts that I wanted to share with you.

Around the end of 2006 – when I was in the late stage of pregnancy with my older son – I had A LOT of time on my hands and spent most of it in front of my computer doing research. I had been blogging for almost 2 years at that point, had practically 0 followers, and was generally unhappy with the way the food looked. Don’t get me wrong – my food tasted great, but presentation is key when you want people to read about what you cook.

One gloomy winter evening I stumbled upon La Tartine Gourmande and my blogging life has never been the same. She was just learning about food styling back then, and reading her posts and seeing how she styled her food opened a whole new world for me. I had never heard of food styling until then!

Thanks to Google and great food bloggers (like you guys) out there who are happy to post a tutorial or two on their blogs, it is easy to get access to the right information and learn how to style food and take good pictures.

So, today I’d like to share with you what a little inspiration and research can do if you set your mind to it: Continue Reading »

The other day while I was perusing Foodgawker, I came across a fantastic post on an English Breakfast. Now, the closest thing I’ve ever eaten to an English breakfast is an Irish breakfast. And, while they’re not the same, they have some similarities and are both quite tasty.

On the weekends we really like to enjoy a big breakfast, but, to be honest, an English breakfast is just too big for breakfast. However, it does make a great brunch, even better lunch, or dinner. I prefer to enjoy it for lunch since that’s our big meal of the day and we’re going to get up and move around after it. And, as in the case with all meals, with a large meal like this is is prudent to practice moderation to avoid any indigestion. And, a nice green tea after the fact wouldn’t hurt either.

I would change a few things for in this meal to make it a bit more flavorful. I would toss the tomatoes and mushrooms with olive oil and roast them in the oven on a baking sheet (at 220°C) for 30 minutes. This would have brought out the sweet flavors of the tomatoes a bit more. I would have also thrown in an onion or two with it as well. Next time I will also go with a low-sodium bacon that I can get at my local butcher instead of the traditional salt-packed bacon from the grocery store – there is plenty of salt in the bratwurst – no need to add more. Oh, and since we can’t get decent baked beans around here; I beefed them up with about 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce.

So, if you’re looking for something to make for the family tomorrow, this is really quick, easy, and has something for everyone!

Continue Reading »

In all the excitement of the past few weeks I never got around to sharing with you that I signed up for the Project Food Blog challenge hosted by Foodbuzz.

The challenge gives us a chance to prove ourselves as foodies and food bloggers by conquering 10 assignments. And, the person who wins in December not only has a chance to be featured on Foodbuzz for 1 whole year, but that person (oh I really hope it’s me!) will win $10000! Now, I don’t know about you, but I can think of plenty of productive ways to use $10000: boost my kids’ college funds, open my own bakery (commercial kitchens are so expensive!), expand my food styling props, save it…

What would you do if you won $10000?

So, many people are in it for the fun. I am definitely in it for the fun, but a serious sort of fun. I want to win. And, NOT for the $10000. No, I’m not crazy – there’s just more to take into account. I blog because I want people to read what I have to say and make my food and be happy. I want to win for the love of food

The challenges will start in about the second week of September and as each challenge is posted on my blog there will be a second post after then telling you guys that voting is open. And, I want all of you to vote for me!! So, keep your eyes open for my posts!  And, check out my profile here.