Though I was once a photo editor in college and though I was quite into photography in high school, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that both my camera equipment and my patience are insufficient for proper food photography at this stage in my life.
I used to attempt it, but I don’t have the right lens for my DSLR and iPhone pics really only suffice in a pinch (when I just absolutely have to show you guys something).
However, just because I no longer try and fail to photograph my food, that doesn’t mean I’m not eating gorgeous and delicious meals on the regular.
As the cold weather has begun to creep into Virginia, I’ve been staying home and cooking a lot more.
This happens to work out well, because I’ve been trying to be more financially responsible and eat/drink out less often.
It also works out because I tend to be antisocial in the winter. I don’t like to be cold. Sue me.
Regardless of why it’s happening, it’s been enjoyable.
My new crock pot is my new best friend and there’s nothing better than a warm, fragrant comforting meal waiting for me after a long day at the office (or a long day of football watching).
The main source of inspiration for these meals has been courtesy of my blog friends, with their fabulous abilities to whip up creative recipes that I can borrow (okay, steal) and enjoy.
I’ve been reading food blogs for probably three years now, and I always see dozens of recipes I want to try.
I star them, and then instantly forget about them and go out to eat or make something lame instead.
But, no more. I’ve been on a blog food kick lately, and I may never go back to my old ways.
It all started with How Sweet Jess’s Crockpot BBQ Beer Pulled Chicken.
(Photo courtesy of How Sweet It Is.)
I’m not a big chicken eater, but I like any recipe that gives me a reason to buy more beer.
I made it for Mr. T and I to feast on while watching American Horror Story one night, but the leftovers went on for days.
Side note: leftover BBQ pulled chicken tastes fabulous atop cheesy nachos. True story.
In addition to that I’ve made three recipes courtesy of Steph at CookinFanatic.
Four Ingredient Pesto Feta Pasta topped with Fried Egg.
Four ingredients? This girl gets me. I’m a simple cook and the easier a recipe is, the more likely I am to try it.
That’s why I also made this:
I made this Pesto Feta Egg Bake for quick work breakfasts. So good and easy.
Then it was time to show the old crock pot some more love.
(Photos courtesy of CookinFanatic.)
I made this Steph’s 1-2-3 White Chicken Chili this just week. I’m not sure why I’m making so many chicken dishes lately, when I don’t really even like chicken, but this was great.
Plus, when you cook chicken in the crock pot you don’t have to touch it very much. Major plus. Raw chicken is gross.
As you can see, my blog-fed lifestyle is going rather well. These are all dishes I never would have come up with on my own, that are easy enough for a laymen like me to cook, and are just plain delicious.
I don’t plan to stop there. I have many more recipes on the to-do list.
Like these Crockpot Meatballs from Stylish, Stealthy and Healthy.
Or this Sweet Potato & Lentil Soup from Yes, I Want Cake.
Just to name a couple.
In life, it’s best to know your strengths and your weaknesses.
My weakness is coming up with awesome recipes and taking amazing pictures of them.
My strength is eating delicious recipes created by others and giving out credit where credit is due.
I can accept that.
Do you ever make other bloggers’ recipes? What are some of your favorites?
All the time, it’s the only place I get my recipes from. Works out nicely that way. Crock pots are gods gift to women.
I have a running list of foods I need to make from other bloggers, so far only 2 have been made out of about 12. No loss though, it’ll be that much better when I get to it
Yum, that white chili sounds awesome (I don’t really do the traditional kind because of an unfortunate food poisoning incident a while back). I do the same thing with blog recipes- I think they’re the only recipes I really use these days.
Ah, that’s sad. Regular chili is one of my faves. Bring on the red meat! I feel you though. For me, it’s that rotel cheese dip people always take to parties. Gagggg.
I agree, I’m totally biased to blog recipes now. I love that you get someone’s direct feedback on how it turned out or if they hit any complications along the way.
And thanks for the shout out soul sista, you can cop my crock recipes any day.
I’m totally copping the one you posted today. I’m glad to know that if I want sausage or balls, you’ve got me covered
I refer to the baking blogs pretty much for everything nowdays. Even Martha and Paula got kicked to the curb for most things. I like it bc a lot of them show you the steps (or the way I refer to it as “what it should look like by now” if you’re attempting something completely out of your element).
Agreed. I’m no wizard in the kitchen, so how-to pics definitely come in handy.
Isn ‘t the crock pot the best thing ever?! I can’t get enough of it this year. And I’ve been dying to make Jess’s pulled chicken – you just reminded me how good it looked!
So good!
i am guilty of doing the same thing. I love to cook, but just not as clever as some of these bloggers out there. Where do they even think of some of those recipes?? Crazy! LOL…I love a good crock pot dish as well. I see a pot roast in my future!
I love using bloggers recipes. I think theyre some of the best. I think Im too hungry right now to pick out a recent favorite. But to be honest, I havent tried a bloggers recipe that I didnt like. So that has to say something right?
i am so glad you liked the chicken. btw – i tried it on nachos last week. o.m.g.
Thanks so much for the triple shout out girl, so glad you enjoyed all the dishes!!! That BBQ chicken looks super fabulous as well (as are all of Jess’s recipes, that girl’s got some serious talent like woah!) Plus you just gotta love a good crockpot recipe esp during the colder months – totally with ya on that
All the time. I love Can You Stay for Dinner and With a Side of Hope.
I’m a big fan of Peanut Butter Fingers’ wheat germ brown sugar cookies.
Haha I’m good at that too. Actually, I’m really good at book marking blogger’s recipes, but when i want to make something for dinner, I usually just google what I’m feeling, and make the first recipe version that comes up that I have most of the ingredients, lol
Food is definitely my favourite part about blog surfing. Whether it’s a food blogger or not, I just like to check out what everyone else is eating!
The pesto pasta with the egg looks fantastic. Thanks for posting the link to the recipe. I’m going to check out her blog for more!
I used to try to take pictures of food too and I sucked at it. Everything looked revolting. But I do excel at eating it.
We eaters have the real talent. Don’t let those cookers fool anyone.
I honestly just got a crock pot last week and have used it three times. SO amazing……especially since we all have a cold in this house and I’m experiencing morning sickness simultaneously. haha
That’s one of my favorite parts of reading food blogs – gaining inspiration and learning new recipes/techniques for cooking. I will forever be indebted to Polly for her cornbread recipe, Mama Pea for her African Peanut stew, and HEAB for getting me into unsweetened chocolate.
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I always make recipes that I find on blogs, and have almost given up on recipe books. You should see the organized bookmarks that I have on my computer, all full of recipes that I MUST make. I am so excited to have a big cooking day soon!
I love making other bloggers recipes. I really like Kristen from Iowa Girl Eats recipes. She usually has some great ones.
Are you on pinterest? That’s where I save all my blogger recipes. So convenient. If you’re not, I’ll send you an invite.
I like Mama Pea’s recipes even though Im not vegan. Every single thing that I’ve made from her, Jason has really enjoyed too and he’s definitely a meat guy. Also, I like Daily Garnish too.