Warning: If you’re not hungry now, you might be by the end of this article. It’s nearly impossible to avoid hunger pangs when browsing through cooking websites, but they’re the perfect places to look for new ideas and tips.
Food blogs aren’t just about the recipes and techniques — they’re about sharing the stories, the discoveries, the humour and often the mistakes behind our love affair with food. (And oh, the photography!)
But where to start? There are thousands of food blogs on the Internet, and everyone has their favourites based on personal preferences and abilities. Even if you’re not a die-hard foodie, this baker’s dozen of food blogs will have you reaching for the pots and pans:
101 Cookbooks. Got a shelf full of unexplored cookbooks and clippings? That was the dilemma facing writer Heidi Swanson when she started this blog. Now she writes about the recipes that come into her life through her cookbook collection, her travels, her friends and family and even her own creations. The posts combine anecdotes and recipes along with tips and substitutions for making them a success.
The Amateur Gourmet. This popular blog proves you can’t take cooking too seriously. When it comes to awards, Adam Roberts gets the nod for humourous writing as well as the reviews, recipes and “how-to” section. His style is a little off-beat — think Condoleezza Rice Pudding with Berries of Mass Destruction — but the recipes won’t require a diploma in cooking.
Canelle et Vanille. It’s not hard to see why this blog is as famous for its photography as its recipes. Inspired by her favourite childhood aromas, this site is the brainchild of Spanish pastry chef and food photographer Aran Goyoaga. It’s easy to get lost in the visuals and the stories, but the detailed recipes shouldn’t be overlooked!
Delicious Days. Named one of Time Magazine‘s “50 coolest websites” and the Times Online’s “50 of the world’s best food blogs”, this blog aims to cover “all things delicious”. Co-bloggers Nicky and Oliver write about a wide variety of topics including recipes, cookbook reviews and travel. The blog hails from Munich, Germany (featuring a section on the city, of course) and draws inspiration from local cuisine (like learning how to make Zwetschgendatschi – a staple fall dessert.)
Gluten-Free Girl and The Chef. After being diagnosed with celiac disease, Shauna James Ahern (now teamed up with her husband, known to readers as “The Chef”) set out to prove that a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean deprivation. The pair offer tips, recipes and recommendations for eating well — and the photographs alone will make your mouth water. There are recipes you’d be happy to prepare for guests, regardless of their dietary needs. (Plus there’s a cookbook on the way!)
