Amanda | Once Upon a Recipe's interview
Interview by LydiaWe interviewed Amanda | Once Upon a Recipe!
Visit the blog: Once upon a Recipe.
"Food is love - I love to make it, eat it, and most importantly, share it."
Hello Amanda | Once Upon a Recipe, so tell us...
When did you begin your blog, and what inspired you to start it?
I started Once Upon a Recipe in the fall of 2010 as a way to write and share about one of my favorite things – food! I had become seriously obsessed with reading other food blogs and began to think - hey, I could do this too! I was inspired by the idea that writing and taking photos for a food blog would motivate me to constantly experiment in the kitchen and make amazing and delicious things. Food is love - I love to make it, eat it, and most importantly, share it.
Are you involved in the blogging community - how do you attract new readers?
Yes! The list of other blogs that I follow is honestly a mile long - from food to design to fashion. And I seem to add more blogs to that list on a daily basis. The Internet is a magical thing that gives us the opportunity to connect with people all around the world who share the same passion. Pretty rad, no? Social media is pretty hip too. While I can't tweet to save my life (seriously Twitter, why are you such a mystery to me?), I check and post on Instagram more times per day than I'd like to admit. I hope to constantly attract new readers by posting quality (vs. quantity) content that keeps them coming back for more.
Who are your culinary influences?
The women in my family really inspired me to start cooking, especially my mom and my Nana. I loved to act as my Nana's helper in the kitchen. I also helped my mom make meals growing up, as she worked full-time and needed help getting dinner started. Those days may have been filled with many packages of Lipton Sidekicks and canned corn, but they got me thinking about food and creating meals. These days, I am constantly inspired by many talented food bloggers - including Joy the Baker, Megan from A Sweet Spoonful, Emma and Elsie from A Beautiful Mess, and many others (seriously, so many!) - as well as talented chefs like Michael Smith and Giada de Laurentiis.
If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show what show would you choose?
While I love watching shows like Chopped and Top Chef, I could never handle the pressure of being a contestant! I have seriously felt sympathy anxiety when contestants on Chopped open their baskets and are faced with the task of making a 20-minute dessert that includes olives or mustard. However, I'd love to have a cooking lesson from Michael Smith.
What is your earliest food memory?
Baking cinnamon rolls with my Nana. Cinnamon buns were our specialty. My Nana taught me about patience in the kitchen, attention to detail, and how to always leave room for dessert. I started my blog after she passed away, but I wish she could have seen what I've been up to.
How does your hometown of Alberta influence your cooking?
Well, Alberta is famous for it's beef. Sadly I choose to eat little red meat and rarely prepare it myself. Our long cold winters (hello minus 40 degrees, CELSIUS) certainly demand meals that can warm you to your bones - think hearty soups and stews and comforting carbs!
Is there any dish, ingredient or type of food you refuse to cook?
I have a thing about eating or cooking animals that could be household pets (ie. rabbits). Just...no.
When you have a last minute get together, what are your go to dishes?
I'll be honest - keeping it cool under the pressure of a last-minute get together is not my specialty. I am a planner and I like having time to prepare. However, I have become a master of one-pot pasta meals where I throw whatever produce I've got hanging out in my fridge together with pasta and good tomatoes, quality olive oil, maybe a little white wine, and lots of freshly grated parmesan. You just can't go wrong with pasta and cheese. Baking really has my heart though, so if I've got the time, you can expect a batch of freshly baked scones or cookies to be sitting on the table.
What are your goals for your blog? Where would you like to see it in the next year? Five years?
I've never really focused my thoughts that far ahead when it comes to blogging. I just hope to continue to share delicious recipes with lovely people and constantly grow my readership. Without readers, a blog is nothing!
Anything else you would like to share?
It is physically impossible to lick your own elbow.
Thanks for having me!
xo,
Amanda
(You totally just tried it, didn't you?)
Thank you Amanda | Once Upon a Recipe for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Lydia - 11/01/2013
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