Just came across this.

http://www.ismyblogburning.com/

I like some of these challenges, and will probably enter some of them
myself now that I have a blog.

I already know of several challenges by quite a few blogs. One is the
Daring Bakers, which does some incredible stuff. Like twirling pizza
dough, and then making incredible pizzas. And making fantastic
caramel cakes. I don't know what this month's challenge is, and I
don't dare enter yet. I is skeered.
They don't post the challenges where you can see them. You have to
wait for the various bloggers to start posting their challenge entries
on various blogs, to enter. THEN, you find out what the next
challenge is. I is MORE skeered!!

And then there is Tuesdays with Dorie. When you cook a recipe from
Dorie Greenspans's book, Baking: From My Home To Yours. It is
prescheduled...
http://tuesdayswithdorie.wordpress.com/

And if you read some other blogs, there are various small challenges
here and there.

I am just starting to read this new blog..so I might find an
interesting challenge.

I feel so...daunted. There are some great cooks out there!!!


And one of my favorites is from Thursday Night Smackdown.
http://thursdaynightsmackdown.com/
She is fabulous. Profane, tells it like it is. She swears, she
cooks, she challenges and she deals with being bipolar or worse.
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

"Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
> Just came across this.
http://www.ismyblogburning.com/
>
> I like some of these challenges, and will probably enter some of them>
> myself now that I have a blog.

You can subscribe to the notices and IMBB will send you a list every month
of scheduled events and their details. My kid likes Thursday Smackdown, but
I have never seen it. I guess I hear enough profanity on rfc.

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:09:13 +0100, "Giusi" >
wrote:

>"Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
>> Just came across this.
>http://www.ismyblogburning.com/
>>
>> I like some of these challenges, and will probably enter some of them>
>> myself now that I have a blog.
>
>You can subscribe to the notices and IMBB will send you a list every month
>of scheduled events and their details.
How do I subscribe to them. On this site? Or where?

My kid likes Thursday Smackdown, but
>I have never seen it. I guess I hear enough profanity on rfc.
>
This is different, Judith... She is great. She is up for a food blog
award, cause she is so good. Check her out. It is not as bad as you
think, and she has wonderful taste. She is just very honest, and uses
a bit of profanity here and there.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

"Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
Giusi" >
>>You can subscribe to the notices and IMBB will send you a list every month
>> >>of scheduled events and their details.

> How do I subscribe to them. On this site? Or where?

There are different ways, but since I use Bloglines to track things, that's
my way. When you click on that little orange symbol it will ask you how you
want to subscribe.

I just looked at your page and in the address window you have the subscribe
button, too. At the bottom of your page you have a line "Subscribe to posts
Atom" as well.

I think you would find it useful to subscribe to and read the back copy of
"Food Blog S'cool" which was started by some very successful oldtimers and
gets contributions and questions from the whole food blogging world.
http://foodblogscool.blogspot.com/

Have a look. It could be a shortcut to knowing some of the things that make
the food writing world work. It's not quite the same as blogging politics!

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:49:47 +0100, "Giusi" >
wrote:


>I think you would find it useful to subscribe to and read the back copy of
>"Food Blog S'cool" which was started by some very successful oldtimers and
>gets contributions and questions from the whole food blogging world.
>http://foodblogscool.blogspot.com/

Yes, I have a link to that already. Haven't read much yet though. It
has been highly recommended by many food bloggers.

It's a learning process, but I am having a great deal of fun so far.
Just posting what I want to...

It was fun having some bloggers discover my site!! I got some first
reviews of my blog, and so far they have all been very positive! Of
course, I learned a valuable trick, from some site..in that it is
smart to visit favorite food blogs,and make comments on various
posts. I have been doing that..as I see something I really enjoy. And
the bloggers have been checking me out.

Now, to check out the "bigwigs" such as David Lebovitz, or Chez Pim,
or even Smitten Kitchen. Or even better known names..... I feel
intimidated by them....LOL.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

"Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio Giusi" > wrote:
>
>
>>I think you would find it useful to subscribe to and read the back copy of
>> >>"Food Blog S'cool"

> Yes, I have a link to that already. Haven't read much yet though. It> has
> been highly recommended by many food bloggers.

> Christine

Do read back in it. While most people are stuck in thinking food blooging
is a mere exercise in self-promotion, even way back then these folks knew it
would blow open the communication process concerning food and drink.

Almost everybody who is any good gets robbed or scraped. You can learn how
to find out and what to do about it. People post warnings about the current
thieves. There is some wonderful information on food photography. It's
reallythe most generous and open group I know-- food bloggers, that is.

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:36:45 +0100, "Giusi" >
wrote:


>Do read back in it. While most people are stuck in thinking food blooging
>is a mere exercise in self-promotion, even way back then these folks knew it
>would blow open the communication process concerning food and drink.
I never thought it was about self promotion, but more about the joy of
discovery and sharing what one finds. And venting.
>
>Almost everybody who is any good gets robbed or scraped. You can learn how
>to find out and what to do about it. People post warnings about the current
>thieves. There is some wonderful information on food photography. It's
>reallythe most generous and open group I know-- food bloggers, that is.
>
Yes that is one thing I need to tackle. I know about the ways to
protect one's writing/recipes, etc. I just have to do it now.

I know I am not the best food photographer around by a long shot. Koko
has pointed me in the direction of some tools..and I may indulge in
them. However, I don't think my pictures are totally horrendous so
far. Just not what they could be.

I have a question for all you food bloggers...do you get separate
dishes on which to take your food shots?

I think white dishes show the food off best..but I only have one or
two of those. I thought about getting a cheap set of white
dishes..just for food photography, but I want to keep it real too..and
show what it really is like at my house..LOL.

Christine, who has new posts up on the blog, and is working on a more
inflammatory one right now.
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

"Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio "Giusi" > wrote:

> I think white dishes show the food off best..but I only have one or> two
> of those. I thought about getting a cheap set of white> dishes..just for
> food photography, but I want to keep it real too..and
> show what it really is like at my house..LOL.

Most of my food posts are recipes I have developed or am developing, so
those I try to shoot on white or black, which is equally effective, I think.
I am a chef, not a photographer, so I forgive myself a lot, but over time I
have learned a lot and have gotten better in spite of myself. My DD gave me
a very clever tiny tripod for Christmas especially adapted to shooting
outside, which I like to do when possible. It's plastic and looks like
pop-it beads. In reduced light you just need a tripod-- or I do because my
arms shake just enough to crap up the photos.
I bought a plain white plate in two sizes and already had plain white
pasta/soup plates and classic soufflè dishes in sizes.

I am starting to do some writing on presentation because pro friends
encouraged it. In that case I'll use more variety and not shoot so close.
I think it will be fun to include my old work into my new work.

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:59:51 +0100, "Giusi" >
wrote:


My DD gave me
>a very clever tiny tripod for Christmas especially adapted to shooting
>outside, which I like to do when possible. It's plastic and looks like
>pop-it beads. In reduced light you just need a tripod-- or I do because my
>arms shake just enough to crap up the photos.
Sounds like the one Koko has. I want one of those.
>I bought a plain white plate in two sizes and already had plain white
>pasta/soup plates and classic soufflè dishes in sizes.

I can get some cheap white plates and bowls at the dollar store. This
might be a good investment, but then again, I don't want to pretend to
be someone or something I am not. So I might use all my dinnerware
too, and let it all hang out.

Might be fun to do something more elegant on my mother's china...with
her silverware.... Will have to play with that idea..
>
>I am starting to do some writing on presentation because pro friends
>encouraged it. In that case I'll use more variety and not shoot so close.
>I think it will be fun to include my old work into my new work.
>

I am interested in presentation. Learning a lot about that already.
There is some amazing work being done by amateur food bloggers...with
just regular cameras...and no special training. A lot of talent out
there in bloggerland.

I just posted an entry about feeling frustrated about people
complaining how they are cutting back on food costs, and talking about
it being depression era food cooking. They are talking about cutting
back to amounts I am considering extravagant, almost. I am starting a
series of posts coming from that..blogging my next few weeks on a very
limited budget, such as what I have in my wallet now. How about $50
for 2 weeks? Of course I am just one person. One of my favorite
blogs lately is this one:
http://thirtyaweek.wordpress.com/

She is cooking for two people on this amount, per week and she is
vegetarian.

I am trying to see if I can emulate her, living my omnivorous ways...
maybe get by with less.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

"Christine Dabney"
They are talking about cutting
> back to amounts I am considering extravagant, almost. I am starting a>
> series of posts coming from that..blogging my next few weeks on a very>
> limited budget, such as what I have in my wallet now. How about $50
> for 2 weeks? Of course I am just one person. One of my favorite> blogs
> lately is this one:
> http://thirtyaweek.wordpress.com/
>
> She is cooking for two people on this amount, per week and she is>
> vegetarian.
>
> I am trying to see if I can emulate her, living my omnivorous ways...>
> maybe get by with less.
>
> Christine

If you term search frugal and cooking you'll find a lot of people blogging
on the subject. I stopped reading them because many had the attitude to cut
food before video games and mall visits, and if it was cheap that's what
they fedc the family. I saw packaged fried foods I didn't know existed. A
week's groceries and meals was all crap in one case.
Single people underestimate the expense of catering to others' whims and
likes and overestimate other things, I think. I have strong feelings about
what constitutes a serving, and some people would starve if they only got
what I would give them.
OTH, a lot of people who don't cook think it's expensive to entertain
friends, so I recently tracked and published costs for a dinner party for 8.
I spent less than $7 per person and could easily have fed 4 more people.
That was appetisers, first course, meat course with accompanying vegetable
dishes and dessert. Food is much, much more expensive here than it is in
the US, too. I pay over $1.50 a pound for chicken backs, necks, wings for
making broth. Whole chicken costs close to $3 a pound.
I didn't include beverages in the cost because that can go anywhere in
price. Besides, everybody brings a host wine here.

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:42:53 +0100, "Giusi" >
wrote:


>OTH, a lot of people who don't cook think it's expensive to entertain
>friends, so I recently tracked and published costs for a dinner party for 8.
>I spent less than $7 per person and could easily have fed 4 more people.
>That was appetisers, first course, meat course with accompanying vegetable
>dishes and dessert. Food is much, much more expensive here than it is in
>the US, too. I pay over $1.50 a pound for chicken backs, necks, wings for
>making broth. Whole chicken costs close to $3 a pound.
>I didn't include beverages in the cost because that can go anywhere in
>price. Besides, everybody brings a host wine here.

That is one of my pet peeves too. I saw an article in the NYT about
entertaining during the holiday season, and they offered a party
professional $200 for a dinner party for 8 people. Most of the money
was spent on decorations, and about $100 on food. And it wasn't even
great food at that. I could have wowed someone with that budget!!

There was a followup discussion of it on Apartment Therapy: The
Kitchen. Most folks thought they could have done better, and there
were a few posts on that subject. Even they spend more money than I
thought was necessary. I could do much better than that...

And that is one of my challenges for myself. I will be hosting a
dinner party sometime next month, for about 8 people more or less. I
want to see if I can do well, and keep the costs down to much less
than that. Maybe half of that..or a quarter of that. I think I can.
I will be posting about it, since those articles sort of stuck in my
craw a bit, and made me feel like I could do much, much better.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

"Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
"Giusi" > wrote:

> That is one of my pet peeves too. I saw an article in the NYT about>
> entertaining during the holiday season, and they offered a party>
> professional $200 for a dinner party for 8 people. Most of the money> was
> spent on decorations, and about $100 on food. And it wasn't even
> great food at that.

I read that. Stuffed baked potatoes? That guy is a Frootloop!

> And that is one of my challenges for myself. I will be hosting a
> dinner party sometime next month, for about 8 people more or less. I>
> want to see if I can do well, and keep the costs down to much less> than
> that. Maybe half of that..or a quarter of that. I think I can.> I will
> be posting about it, since those articles sort of stuck in my> craw a bit,
> and made me feel like I could do much, much better. > Christine

I'm sure you are up to it. I don't approach it that way for a lot of
reasons, but published it to show you could eat lavishly and elegantly for
not that much money. You couldn't eat that meal in any restaurant here for
less than 75 euros, I made what I wanted in quantities that were planned to
be more than we needed, and all for that price. I did not run around
finding fresh truffles and handmade cheeses like I do when I work, but it
was special food, elegant food and at the top tier.

Giusi said...

> That guy is a Frootloop!


Can you actually call someone that??

I'll add it to my vocabulary!

Andy

"Andy" ha scritto nel messaggio > Giusi said...
>
>> That guy is a Frootloop!
>
> Can you actually call someone that??
>
> I'll add it to my vocabulary!
>
> Andy

You can if he spends half your budget using white styrofoam cups and torn
paper to decorate the center of your living room and then proposes stuffed
baked potatoes for the elegant dinner to serve under them.

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:11:40 +0100, "Giusi" >
wrote:


>You can if he spends half your budget using white styrofoam cups and torn
>paper to decorate the center of your living room and then proposes stuffed
>baked potatoes for the elegant dinner to serve under them.
>

And a supermarket cake with canned frosting...for dessert. All this,
plus some mushroom soup for about $100. Give me a break!!!

What did your menu look like, Judith? I am curious...

I could do so MUCH better than that...

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

"Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
"Giusi" > wrote:
> What did your menu look like, Judith? I am curious...
>
> I could do so MUCH better than that...
>
> Christine


http://www.judithgreenwood.com/think...roccan-supper/
is the post. The menu was spanikopita, bessara, baba ghanouj, lamb cooked
in chermoula, cous cous with green beans and galaktoboureko. I had to make
the harissa and the zazaar because I can't buy them here, but I liiekd them
so much I now make small amounts quite often. I had some harissa on my
cream cheese and rye crisp yesterday.

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:09:13 +0100, Giusi wrote:

> "Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
>> Just came across this.
> http://www.ismyblogburning.com/
>>
>> I like some of these challenges, and will probably enter some of them>
>> myself now that I have a blog.
>
> You can subscribe to the notices and IMBB will send you a list every month
> of scheduled events and their details. My kid likes Thursday Smackdown, but
> I have never seen it. I guess I hear enough profanity on rfc.

the hell you say!

your pal,
blake

On 2009-01-29, blake murphy > wrote:

> the hell you say!

.....anda helluva lot more creatively. Less spam, too.

nb

Michael "Dog3" wrote:
> Christine Dabney >
> : in rec.food.cooking
>
>
>>And one of my favorites is from Thursday Night Smackdown.
>>http://thursdaynightsmackdown.com/
>>She is fabulous. Profane, tells it like it is. She swears, she
>>cooks, she challenges and she deals with being bipolar or worse.
>
>
> I briefly glanced at the others but I really, really enjoyed
> thursdaynightsmackdown. I like her style. Thanks for posting these
> Christine. I've thought about blogging. I would never do a food blog
> because I'm simply not good enough to make it interesting. However, a blog
> on suburban angst would be right up my alley ;-)


Go for it, Michael. I'd read it.

On Jan 29, 12:04*am, Christine Dabney > wrote:
> Just came across this. *
>
> http://www.ismyblogburning.com/
>
> I like some of these challenges, and will probably enter some of them
> myself now that I have a blog.
>
> I already know of several challenges by quite a few blogs. *One is the
> Daring Bakers, which does some incredible stuff. *Like twirling pizza
> dough, and then making incredible pizzas. *And making fantastic
> caramel cakes. *I don't know what this month's challenge is, and I
> don't dare enter yet. *I is skeered.
> They don't post the challenges where you can see them. You have to
> wait for the various bloggers to start posting their challenge entries
> on various blogs, to enter. *THEN, *you find out what the next
> challenge is. *I is MORE skeered!!
>
> And then there is Tuesdays with Dorie. *When you cook a recipe from
> Dorie Greenspans's book, Baking: From My Home To Yours. *It is
> prescheduled...http://tuesdayswithdorie.wordpress.com/
>
> And if you read some other blogs, there are various small challenges
> here and there. *
>
> I am just starting to read this new blog..so I might find an
> interesting challenge. *
>
> I feel so...daunted. *There are some great cooks out there!!!
>
> And one of my favorites is from Thursday Night Smackdown.http://thursdaynightsmackdown.com/
> She is fabulous. *Profane, tells it like it is. *She swears, she
> cooks, she challenges and she deals with being bipolar or worse.
> --http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

Have you read Julie on Julia?( I think that's what it's called) It's
about a gal who decides to make every recipe out of Mastering the Art
of French Cooking by J.C., and writes a blog about it? I just got done
with it, and it was a pretty good read!

In article >,
"Giusi" > wrote:

> have learned a lot and have gotten better in spite of myself. My DD gave me
> a very clever tiny tripod for Christmas especially adapted to shooting
> outside, which I like to do when possible. It's plastic and looks like
> pop-it beads.

Sounds like the Gorilla pod line.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

In article >,
Christine Dabney > wrote:

> And that is one of my challenges for myself. I will be hosting a
> dinner party sometime next month, for about 8 people more or less. I
> want to see if I can do well, and keep the costs down to much less
> than that.

A little bit of wild rice goes a long way.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

In article >,
"Giusi" > wrote:

> "Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
> "Giusi" > wrote:

> > spent on decorations, and about $100 on food. And it wasn't even
> > great food at that.
>
> I read that. Stuffed baked potatoes? That guy is a Frootloop!

Why do you say that, signora? Lacking in elegance? What makes food
elegant? How it looks on the plate? What if the potatoes were piped
back into the shell instead of being put there with a spoon? Or is it
not like that at all? I did not read whatever you've referenced so I'm
really clueless, but your remark caught my eye.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:19:55 -0800 (PST), merryb >
wrote:


>Have you read Julie on Julia?( I think that's what it's called) It's
>about a gal who decides to make every recipe out of Mastering the Art
>of French Cooking by J.C., and writes a blog about it? I just got done
>with it, and it was a pretty good read!

Yes, that was one of the original food blogs. It was turned into a
book, which is now in bookstores.

And is being made into a movie, with Meryl Streep as Julia.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:01:09 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>In article >,
> "Giusi" > wrote:
>
>> "Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
>> "Giusi" > wrote:
>
>> > spent on decorations, and about $100 on food. And it wasn't even
>> > great food at that.
>>
>> I read that. Stuffed baked potatoes? That guy is a Frootloop!
>
>Why do you say that, signora? Lacking in elegance? What makes food
>elegant? How it looks on the plate? What if the potatoes were piped
>back into the shell instead of being put there with a spoon? Or is it
>not like that at all? I did not read whatever you've referenced so I'm
>really clueless, but your remark caught my eye.

This is from Apartment Therapy: The Kitchen:
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/r...r-party-070902

This was the original article from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/fa...=2&ref=fashion

See what you think.

Christine

--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

On Jan 29, 1:20*pm, Christine Dabney > wrote:
> On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:19:55 -0800 (PST), merryb >
> wrote:
>
> >Have you read Julie on Julia?( I think that's what it's called) It's
> >about a gal who decides to make every recipe out of Mastering the Art
> >of French Cooking by J.C., and writes a blog about it? I just got done
> >with it, and it was a pretty good read!
>
> Yes, that was one of the original food blogs. *It was turned into a
> book, which is now in bookstores.
>
> And is being made into a movie, with Meryl Streep as Julia.
>
> Christine
> --http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

Ugh- Meryl's too old to play someopne who's 30- WTF were they thinking?

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:08:55 -0800 (PST), merryb >
wrote:


>Ugh- Meryl's too old to play someopne who's 30- WTF were they thinking?

Meryl is playing the role of Julia Child. Not Julie.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

On Jan 29, 2:12*pm, Christine Dabney > wrote:
> On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:08:55 -0800 (PST), merryb >
> wrote:
>
> >Ugh- Meryl's too old to play someopne who's 30- WTF were they thinking?
>
> Meryl is playing the role of Julia Child. *Not Julie.
>
> Christine
> --http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

Oh, that's different! That will be interesting- do you know who's
playing Julie?

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:56:49 -0800 (PST), merryb >
wrote:

>On Jan 29, 2:12*pm, Christine Dabney > wrote:
>> On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:08:55 -0800 (PST), merryb >
>> wrote:
>>
>> >Ugh- Meryl's too old to play someopne who's 30- WTF were they thinking?
>>
>> Meryl is playing the role of Julia Child. *Not Julie.
>>
>> Christine
>> --http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com
>
>Oh, that's different! That will be interesting- do you know who's
>playing Julie?

Nope. Sure don't.

That blog was one that got me started reading food blogs. Then I
started seeing others mentioned in various places, and started reading
those. They are fun.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

On 2009-01-29, Christine Dabney > wrote:

> See what you think.

I've been following your blog adventures, but am a bit alarmed you're
already becoming more dazzled by "blogging" and blog politics than actual
content. It's sadly apparent that's the main concern of smckdwnthur is
....Lookatme! ...Lookatme! I couldn't give a tinker's damn about the
IUDfoodwhatever and what blogs are challenging what blogs to whatever and
how many times one can use the f-word. I want to see some good food content
with some good recipes that actually work. One of the food blogs I highly
respect is Simply Recipes. Simple, to the point, and solid dependable great
tasting recipes. I think if you concentrate on that, you'll do just fine.
Lord knows you have the recipe resources and cooking/writing skills to make
it work. I'd much rather hear how your worked up a recipe ...maybe screwed
it up... and finally prevailed, than about what you think of other blogs. I
can do those reviews myself. Be yourself and forget the blog-off bullshit.

jes my 2¢
nb

Michael "Dog3" wrote:

> I've thought about blogging. I would never do a food blog
> because I'm simply not good enough to make it interesting. However, a blog
> on suburban angst would be right up my alley ;-)
>
>


OY, I could tell you things....

;-)

gloria p

On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:17:26 GMT, notbob > wrote:


>I've been following your blog adventures, but am a bit alarmed you're
>already becoming more dazzled by "blogging" and blog politics than actual
>content. It's sadly apparent that's the main concern of smckdwnthur is
>...Lookatme! ...Lookatme! I couldn't give a tinker's damn about the
>IUDfoodwhatever and what blogs are challenging what blogs to whatever and
>how many times one can use the f-word. I want to see some good food content
>with some good recipes that actually work. One of the food blogs I highly
>respect is Simply Recipes. Simple, to the point, and solid dependable great
>tasting recipes. I think if you concentrate on that, you'll do just fine.
>Lord knows you have the recipe resources and cooking/writing skills to make
>it work. I'd much rather hear how your worked up a recipe ...maybe screwed
>it up... and finally prevailed, than about what you think of other blogs. I
>can do those reviews myself. Be yourself and forget the blog-off bullshit.
>
>jes my 2¢
>nb

I am not reviewing other blogs on my blog. I do mention something
that I see from time to time,and which makes me think of doing my own
thing.
The only place I have reviewed other blogs, AFAIK, is here.

Like you, I love Simply Recipes. But that isn't the only one I like.

And many of the challenges are for just that. To challenge oneself,
to try something new, and to see how one does. Just because folks
post about their sucesses or failures doesn't make it bad or
political.

We do the same here on rfc.

Christine
--
http://nightstirrings.blogspot.com

notbob wrote:
> On 2009-01-29, Christine Dabney > wrote:
>
>> See what you think.
>
> I've been following your blog adventures, but am a bit alarmed you're
> already becoming more dazzled by "blogging" and blog politics than actual
> content. It's sadly apparent that's the main concern of smckdwnthur is
> ...Lookatme! ...Lookatme! I couldn't give a tinker's damn about the
> IUDfoodwhatever and what blogs are challenging what blogs to whatever and
> how many times one can use the f-word. I want to see some good food content
> with some good recipes that actually work. One of the food blogs I highly
> respect is Simply Recipes. Simple, to the point, and solid dependable great
> tasting recipes. I think if you concentrate on that, you'll do just fine.
> Lord knows you have the recipe resources and cooking/writing skills to make
> it work. I'd much rather hear how your worked up a recipe ...maybe screwed
> it up... and finally prevailed, than about what you think of other blogs. I
> can do those reviews myself. Be yourself and forget the blog-off bullshit.
>
> jes my 2¢
> nb
>


That sounds like very good advice to me.

gloria p

On 2009-01-29, Christine Dabney > wrote:
> On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:17:26 GMT, notbob > wrote:


> And many of the challenges are for just that. To challenge oneself,
> to try something new, and to see how one does. Just because folks
> post about their sucesses or failures doesn't make it bad or
> political.
>
> We do the same here on rfc.

Agreed. I'm not criticizing, jes giving feedback. You are going to do what
you want and I support you in that. That's what a blog is. You go girl.

nb

Christine Dabney wrote:
> On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:01:09 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> > wrote:
>
>> In article >,

>>> I read that. Stuffed baked potatoes? That guy is a Frootloop!
>> Why do you say that, signora? Lacking in elegance? What makes food
>> elegant? How it looks on the plate? What if the potatoes were piped
>> back into the shell instead of being put there with a spoon? Or is it
>> not like that at all? I did not read whatever you've referenced so I'm
>> really clueless, but your remark caught my eye.
>
> This is from Apartment Therapy: The Kitchen:
> http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/r...r-party-070902
>
> This was the original article from the New York Times:
> http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/fa...=2&ref=fashion
>
> See what you think.
>
> Christine
>


I have to agree with the Frootloop description. What on earth would
someone who was trying to cut carbs eat from that menu?

cream of chestnut soup
large baked potato with chili or mushroom sauce
angelfood cake with canned frosting and coconut

I would have spent way less on the decor and more on a healthier,
more varied menu.

gloria p

On 2009-01-29, Gloria P > wrote:

> That sounds like very good advice to me.

Thnx for that, Gloria. I support Chris in whatever she does. After all, a
blog IS a personal statement. I was jes giving her my personal take on it.
I should do my own blog, shouldn't I?

nb

In article >,
Christine Dabney > wrote:

> On Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:01:09 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> > wrote:
>
> >In article >,
> > "Giusi" > wrote:
> >
> >> "Christine Dabney" ha scritto nel messaggio
> >> "Giusi" > wrote:
> >
> >> > spent on decorations, and about $100 on food. And it wasn't even
> >> > great food at that.
> >>
> >> I read that. Stuffed baked potatoes? That guy is a Frootloop!
> >
> >Why do you say that, signora? Lacking in elegance? What makes food
> >elegant? How it looks on the plate? What if the potatoes were piped
> >back into the shell instead of being put there with a spoon? Or is it
> >not like that at all? I did not read whatever you've referenced so I'm
> >really clueless, but your remark caught my eye.
>
> This is from Apartment Therapy: The Kitchen:
> http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/r...on/blogging-th
> e-new-york-times-how-to-throw-a-cheaper-holiday-dinner-party-070902
>
> This was the original article from the New York Times:
> http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/fa...=2&ref=fashion
>
> See what you think.
>
> Christine

Oh, my. I didn't realize that the baked potatoes were the main (They
were, weren't they?) course. My niece used to do a baked potato bar for
her husband's family's Christmas Eve gathering. Elegant never entered
into it, I think, but it sounded pretty tasty. This seems similar but
with no options for the topping.

I'm wondering if the party host didn't cook much, that being the reason
for the store-bought cake and (gackpuke!!) canned frosting. I don't
know. Blech. Gives me gooseflesh thinking about it.

I liked the snowflake idea. :-) And I think that sometimes what makes
an evening memorable is not the food at all, but *is* the decor and the
look of the table. And attitude is everything -- Mr. Monn seems
extremely confident and that attitude can have folks bowing and
scraping. I liked the snowflakes. :-)

Thank you for the links.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

In article >,
notbob > wrote:

> On 2009-01-29, Christine Dabney > wrote:
>
> > See what you think.
>
> I've been following your blog adventures, but am a bit alarmed you're
> already becoming more dazzled by "blogging" and blog politics than actual
> content. It's sadly apparent that's the main concern of smckdwnthur is
> ...Lookatme! ...Lookatme! I couldn't give a tinker's damn about the
> IUDfoodwhatever and what blogs are challenging what blogs to whatever and
> how many times one can use the f-word. I want to see some good food content
> with some good recipes that actually work. One of the food blogs I highly
> respect is Simply Recipes. Simple, to the point, and solid dependable great
> tasting recipes. I think if you concentrate on that, you'll do just fine.
> Lord knows you have the recipe resources and cooking/writing skills to make
> it work. I'd much rather hear how your worked up a recipe ...maybe screwed
> it up... and finally prevailed, than about what you think of other blogs. I
> can do those reviews myself. Be yourself and forget the blog-off bullshit.
>
> jes my 2¢
> nb

You've such a way with words, nb. Tell us what you really think. '-)
<grin>
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

On 2009-01-30, Melba's Jammin' > wrote:

> You've such a way with words, nb. Tell us what you really think. '-)
><grin>

I thought I did, and in a constructive honest way. I think I know Chris
pretty well. She's a conscientious cook and pretty good writer. I can
understand her admiring and being, as a noob, impressed with other food
blogs, but I say BE YOURSELF! Innovate, not emulate.

nb

"notbob" ha scritto nel messaggio Christine Dabney wrote:
>
>> See what you think.
>
> I've been following your blog adventures, but am a bit alarmed you're>
> already becoming more dazzled by "blogging" and blog politics than actual>
> content. > nb
>

What you are missing is that sometimes one just needs the inspiration of
"Weekend Herb Blogging" or "Presto Pasta Nights" after months and months of
doing your own thing.

You have also missed the feeling of community food bloggers have, Every
year we raise many thousands of dollars for one or another hunger project
through our blogs. No one can read all food blogs, but most of us read and
encourage a long list.

This newsgroup is not our readership, in large degree. There's a lot of
suspicion and scoffing that goes down here. For the most part, food
bloggers aren't like that.

Simply receipes is one of the most successful of food blogs, and Eloise
doesn't have to do anything else to make a living. She and her dad just
cook recipes from cookbooks and report on them. Most food bloggers have
other themes.