Have you ever clicked on a food blog for one quick recipe, then an hour later you realize you just went down the rabbit hole of deliciousness? That’s what happened to me with this week’s Food Blogger Spotlight, Chanie from Busy In Brooklyn.
I’ve decided Chanie is the friend we all love to visit because her house is warm and welcoming, she always has a new craft to show us or a delicious recipe she wants us to taste. While we’re chatting about the latest kerfuffle at the school PTO meeting, she’ll suddenly offer a new time-saving kitchen idea she’s discovered.
I’ve never met her in person but I have a whole scenario going in my head. It borders on stalking. On that note, it’s probably time for Chanie to tell us about Busy In Brooklyn in her own words. . .
Why did you start your food blog?
I had just given birth to my third child and going back to work wasn’t an option for me. I had all this creative energy that I needed to put into something. As a stay at home mom who was trained in web design and loved to write, cook and craft, a blog just made sense. I never imagined it would grow as much as it has.
How would you describe your approach to eating/health?
I believe everything in moderation. I love to cook healthy meals with a focus on seasonal, from scratch ingredients, but as a busy mom that’s not always easy. I have learned to strike a balance somewhere in between. It’s OK to have a cookie every now and then, and it’s also OK to use jarred marinara sauce in a pinch!
Have you always had an interest in healthy food or did it come later in life?
My interest in healthy eating has definitely evolved over time. As a kosher cook who does not eat milk & meat together, I had to learn to be creative and resourceful in order to develop recipes that did not use processed ingredients like margarine and coffee creamer. When I got married I became more conscious of the foods I was preparing.
What is your favorite ingredient to use in the kitchen?
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)! They are so versatile. We make everything from stews to homemade falafel, crispy baked chickpeas and fun hummus flavors. It’s a bonus to find them fresh in the produce department (my kids love to peel them for me!), but they are also great dried and even canned.
Has blogging changed the way you view food and cooking? If so, how?
Absolutely. Blogging has made me push myself to experience new foods and be more creative. I force myself to think outside the box, especially around the holidays. I love to put my own spin on the traditional recipes I grew up with.
Favorite recipe to date?
That would have to be my roasted eggplant parmesan with feta. I took a favorite comfort food and made it easier, healthier, and even tastier. So many of my readers rave about it!
Three recipes you’d like to share with our readers:
Orange Creamsicle Pops
Summer Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Smoked Paprika Popcorn Cauliflower
Chanie is featured in our series of spotlights on healthy food bloggers. Be sure to check back next Sunday to meet another healthy blogger in our midst.
Also Read:
Pick a Peck of Homemade Sweet and Spicy English Cucumber Pickles
Pimp That Recipe: Caramel Apples for Fall
Food Blogger Spotlight: Vicky and Ruth from May I Have That Recipe