Last summer I was asked to contribute material to a new book: Beyond the Plate.
I created a brand new recipe, submitted an old reader favorite (Italian almond ricotta cake– so good!), and answered a few Q’s and A’s about life in the kitchen.
The book features over 60 mouthwatering recipes and interesting stories from top food blogs around the world. I’m honored to be included. The foreword is by Saveur’s Editor-in-Chief, Adam Sachs who poses the relevant question: Is blogging dead?
No, my friends. It’s not. And this book proves otherwise: it will make you think, make you hungry, and most of all, it will leave you inspired. In fact, if you can imagine a massive potluck party bound together by paper and string this is it. You’ll love flipping through the pages wondering who’ll you’ll discover next!
My favorite section however, is at the very beginning. Our headshots are lined up in neat little squares like a culinary yearbook. If my photo had a caption underneath it would say, “Most likely to make something with chickpeas.”
Besides salivating over the recipes, you’ll get to learn more about the blogger’s themselves.
Phoebe Lapine says she would love to cook for Rafael Nadal. “So long as his mouth is full, it won’t matter if we have nothing to say to each other.”
Brook Bass from Chocolate + Marrow– who is currently sailing around the Caribbean with her husband on sailboat– can’t live without a tiny whisk which was a gift from her hair stylist.
Emma Galloway’s ultimate comfort food is Aloo Matar with rice, which I actually had to Google because I had no clue what that was (but I want it for dinner).
This book certainly encompasses all things beyond the plate.
And guess what?!
I’m giving away a copy so you can experience the fun for yourself! One lucky winner will receive a beautiful hardcopy filled with journalistic-style photos and recipes, including this chickpea number with toasted sourdough.
To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below: Why do you like to read food blogs? Is it for the recipes? The stories? Or both?
**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER, BEVERLY HART PRESS!!
Comments
Lydia says
I read food blogs for inspiration and to get new recipes!
Susan Nadolski says
I like the stories, and the recipes aren’t bad!
Karen says
Emilee, I love fresh food. The effort that goes into the creative process really is something to blog about. It is an authentic celebration of food culture. The photos are rich and invite readers to bring food alive and into the home space to share and enjoy. I am so inspired!
SallyBR says
Recipes, but above all the personality of the blogger behind it.
Authenticity, warmth, those things matter the most to me. I also particularly enjoy bloggers who interact with the readers in the comments.
would love to win the book!
Annie Stader says
I love the human aspect. I have moved around a lot and have connected to people all over the world through a shared meal or time in a foreign marketplace.
I have been cooking since 1969 and learned to do it without many stories or photos.
My first true inspiration that told stories with the recipes was Economy Gastronomy. It was accessible gourmet that a young cook could recreate. I started to see food differently and incorporated my experiences into my food.
Now bloggers invigorate and inspire me and my learning continues.
Trish Richard says
I love the blogs for the recipes and the AND the stories. I frequently will peruse the blog looking for examples of recipes I would like to try. The Clever Carrot is a wonderful blog both informational and wonderfully designed.
Mimi Chau says
Food blogs are one of my favorite things to read! Whether it be hearing about a food blogger’s family life and children, their struggles, their dreams, or their funny mishaps, I love it all! I especially enjoy reading about the stories behind each recipe and how the recipe came to be. Another highlight of food blogs (for me) is how they create a close community. Food blogs allow so many people to connect, relate, and bond over food and recipes! It’s pretty awesome to get to know the personalities, likes, dislikes, and stories of so many people through food blogs! And of course its great and to be able to use and explore different food blogger’s recipes, as well as use the recipes for inspiration.
Pia says
Wow, what an awesome concept for a book, so thank you so much for giving one of us the chance to win a copy of our own!
That said, I love personal food blogs for numerous reasons. First of all,I very much appreciate everything that makes it personal: the uniqueness of each and every blog, due to the fact that every blogger has a different voice, style, character, etc. Secondly, of course, there is no absolutely no denying that I adore seeing everyone’s incredible recipes; it really amazes me what they all come up with. So. Impressive. Which actually gets me to my third reason, which is that I honestly draw a ton of inspiration from many of the people/ blogs I follow, which I am ever so grateful for. Finally, the last reason I am such a fan of personal blogs (although I guess this is pretty much the same as no.1) is how real/ authentic and open some bloggers are and that one can really connect and relate to them, and even become friends. It’s just amazing <3
Lisa says
I started reading food blogs for the recipes but now I read many of them for the stories even when I can see the recipe is something that would not work for my family’s eating style.
Cathy says
I like food blogs for both, but especially to discover new recipes. Your bread recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and has become famous in my small town.
JC says
If we are being honest here it’s the photos. I love dreamy food photos, and get a lot of my cooking inspiration visually instead of actually reading the recipe. I like to make my own recipes, but I also really love a well photographed cookbook.
Janet says
I read food blogs for all the incredible recipes and the bonus stories that are told.
My family prefers to eat at home, thanks to the help of all the wonderful food bloggers that have taught me about flavor and food combinations.
My homemade mains, veggies, sides, smoothies and not to mention all the awesome desserts taste delicious!
Cynthia Lucarotti says
I LOVE the recipes of course!!!!! But I also LOVE getting to know the blogger..their families. It’s amazing how connected you can feel with bloggers and EXCITED when you see their posts!!! I SO enjoy curling up on the couch with a cookbook AND a glass of wine (or a COSMO!!)
Andrea says
I love food blogs for the recipes and comments (and questions) that they generate.
Katie says
The photos get me every time. I cooked through your cookbook last summer, and when I tried to move on to a new cookbook, I realized one of the reasons I loved your cookbook so much was the beautiful photos of each and every recipe. Blogs provide constant (and beautiful) photographs of most recipes. Would love to check out this cookbook/blog compilation! :)
Ashley Mauceri says
I get so much inspiration from food blogs! The gorgeous photos and creative recipes encourage me to get in the kitchen and play! :) Thank you for the giveaway!
Mike King says
I can’t t afford to buy cookbooks nor cooking magazines. I like to cook but I cannot afford to buy exotic ingredients, most of which are not found in my grocery store in any case. If I find a blog that offers different yet wholesome recipes, I am happy to try them out. However the recipe may turn out, I am always thankful to the Lord for the food I eat.
marcia miller says
I used to love reading cookbooks and I still do, but now days I read more food blogs. They are so much easier to access. I am always trying new recipes and food blogs give me ideas.
Sylvia says
I read food blogs for the inspiring photos and recipes. They are are another window into creativity that can be eaten and enjoyed with family and friends.
Celesta says
For me, it’s the whole package — the recipes, the blogger, even the comments. If you spend much time thinking about food and planning and cooking meals, reading food blogs is a great way to get inspired and feel connected. Thank you for the chance to receive this intriguing cookbook, Celesta
Sarah L says
There are so many things to love about food blogs! The recipes, step by step instructions with photos and stories of course. Food blogs have given all of us such amazing access to indulge in all of our food cravings!
Jeffrey says
I love the content of food blogs. The recipes are great and sometimes they spark ideas on creating dishes. I love food, some people eat to live…I LIVE TO EAT!!
Mary Lake says
Love cookbooks and I even collect them and give them as gifts. Reading the stories of the authors and cooks are a favorite. I always note a favorite recipe in each book. My daughters have claimed some of my older ones already and I am sure this one will eventually go to one of my granddaughters.
Suzanne says
I love reading food blogs primarily because it helps me to stay on track with my healthy lifestyle. It’s so easy to slip back into old & bad habits and over the years I’ve discovered what works best for me is reading about others who are on the same journey as I am. Being immersed in blogs and reading of individuals with the same values, not only do I relate, but it keeps me grounded & inspires me, leaving me with a thirst to discover more.
Ginger Henderson says
I am a cookbook addict and I read a ton of food blogs! The blogs have a sense of community in the food world that is like no other. I am in the process of starting my own food blog and so many cooks and writers have been willing to answer questions and share their ideas which is amazing! I still love the actual cookbooks though and the feeling when a new one arrives and the need to read it cover to cover and then planing the week’s menu with flagged recipes! Cooking balances me and is a huge stress reliever.
Mary W says
I enjoy reading food blogs because I find them entertaining. I like to see the beautiful photos which take a lot of work and talent to produce. I am inspired by the recipes and stories associated with each post. When I am at a loss at what to cook for a meal, food blogs jog my motivation and solve my cooking block.
Maneesha Pradhan says
I read food blogs in hope of finding something new. Learning techniques or getting ideas. I may not always cook it the way it is but it inspires me to make the dish my own way.
Lois says
I’ve always been a cookbook girl and am quite new to the world of blogging; a blog gives you so much more sense of the person and because there are new posts on a regular basis, it’s like you have your own great foodie friend sending you special, personal updates on what’s new and delicious in the world of food. And I’ve just snacked on a piece of fresh sourdough that your blog helped me to make… Thank you!
Claire says
I love reading food blogs because it takes me into the world of food, which is a world that makes me so so happy! There is nothing more pleasurable than curling up with a new cookbook or opening a new blog email and reading all the recipes step by step. Each cookbook/post teaches me more and more about the world of food which continues to evolves recipe by recipe thanks to the genius and dedication of all the wonderful food bloggers, chefs and cookbook authors out there. You ask if I prefer the stories or recipes, but they are all both stories to me!!!
Jerry says
For me I believe its two parts. The recipes of course are the enticing portion which draws me in. However the stories shows us the sense of passion, the love of food and the gathering of love and family which is the core to our well being. Its what draws us all in together!
Valerie Tornquist says
I love reading food blogs primarily because of the awesome recipes ideas and lovely photos. Once I find a blog with trusted recipes (like your blog :-)), I start following the blogger and their everyday adventures :-) Many of the blogs I follow include parenting and travel posts which is so much to read about.
mary miedaner says
I love to find recipes that can become family and friend favorites.
AMZ says
I love to try new recipies and to get new ideas of what to cook or new methods to try.
Andrea D. says
I enjoy reading food blogs for the recipes – of course – but also to learn about the inspiration behind them. It gets me into the creative spirit to concoct something new in the kitchen!
Emily says
Reading blogs is like having a friend tell you about their recipes.
Susan says
I read blogs for inspiration and for keeping me updated on methods and ingredients. I appreciate the personalities behind the recipes, I like the positiveness, and, for some reason, a it actually gives me hope in our world.
Lisa says
For me, reading food blogs provides an amazing opportunity for learning about food stories, traditions, journeys, inspirations. Then when I try new recipes from the blog I have a different connection to the food I am preparing and it feels as if I am connected more to the author and it feels more heartwarming.
meryl waters says
Passionate & creative people sharing recipes, stories & techniques. I’ve learned so much by reading them while being entertained.
Jenice says
I live alone and Bloggers with their stories feel like family. Love the recipes also because I’m always looking for something new to try.
Michelle Correa says
I love the quick and easy recipes you post! You are an inspiration to women and I look forward to your new posts each time. Your risotto cooking demo at Golden Earthworm Organic Farm was insightful and so delicious! You are awesome :)
Tanya C. says
I like to read food blogs because I like to read how the recipe comes alive. The way the blogger writes about the food, as if I can almost smell and taste it. I’m very visual and if the blogger is good at what they do, cooking and writing, then it’s like I’m siting in their kitchen as they make the plate just for me.
Susie Jungemann says
I love to travel. I’m a travel agent, so I love to read blogs about food from other cultures. Blogs give us all an insight to people’s passions from all over the world. I love to read the creative recipes plus learn about the person behind the blog.
“travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer’……..
Thank you! I love your cookbook!
Pat Mazzei says
I love to read recipes and blogs. You can get the feel for the recipe and the love it is made with.
Thank you so much for sending the book to my home! I will make the recipes with “Lots O’ Love”
Beverley Hart Press says
I enjoy reading recipe books and food blogs because they tell a story that has meaning to the food they write about. It makes me feel closer to the heart and soul of the recipe. Which always makes the food taste so much better and enjoyable. Besides all the beautiful photographs and delicious recipes it’s a great way to learn more about the author. Which brings the chef right into my humble kitchen.
Thank you for hosting this fabulous giveaway xoxo
Lisa says
I like blogs for both of the reasons you listed. The recipes are great but sometimes hearing about life is just as nice.
Georgiana Craster says
I like to read food blogs because I love food, cooking, inventing and more importantly eating it!
Kristina Smith says
The recipes, the stories (esp. trials and errors) and most of all, the photos! Mmmmmmm…
MaryB says
I love reading food blogs. I get such great recipes and ideas from them. The stories associated with them are also fun.
Scott says
I read food blogs, particularly yours Emily, in search of inspiration for my own meals. The recipes are critical however, like discovering a new wine region or style of cheese making -they are not the same without the story. Thank you.
Carole Klopschinski says
I enjoy food blogs for all the reasons you stated. The stories bring the food to life and the interesting combinations of ingredients each person has is inspiring for people to get out of their ruts. I would love to win this book and share the recipes with friends over good wine.
amy walker says
I absolutely LOVE the recipes, but it’s a great way to see ways others live all over the country, even the world. It’s really great learning experience for me!