I believe cupcakes deserve their own food group and seafood gives me the heebie jeebies.
I can get behind that kind of food philosophy! Her strong feelings about seafood aside, the thing that drew me to Rachel’s blog, Little Chef Big Appetite, was the fact that she likes to cook a little bit of everything. Even though she’s a tee-tiny little thing that I want to keep on top of my flour canister like a non-creepy Elf-on-a-Shelf, and could probably eat whatever she wants, her recipes are healthy and flavorful.
Rachel talks about why she started her blog and shares a few of her favorite recipes –
Why did you start your food blog? I started my blog in college at the University of Pennsylvania as a way to share my love of healthy food and cooking with my friends and family.
How would you describe your approach to eating/health? I try to eat healthy most of the time so that I can “indulge” worry-free occasionally. I make sure all of my meals have lots of protein and fiber, so that way I am less likely to snack on unhealthy things throughout the day. When I do treat myself, I love wine and anything that has the words “cookie” or “cake” in its name.
Have you always had an interest in healthy food or did it come later in life? My interest in healthy food came in college. Before then my diet consisted of fried chicken fingers, pizza, and Easy Mac. Once I got to college, I began to realize I wouldn’t be able to keep that up without packing on the pounds. I started researching healthy foods and learned my way around the kitchen by watching my dad (who is still the best cook I know).
What is your favorite ingredient to use in the kitchen? I love cinnamon. I think it is such a versatile spice. I can add it to pancakes for breakfast in the morning and also to stews and braises for dinner. If I had to choose a favorite food, it would definitely be peanut butter – straight from the jar with a spoon (no, it’s not the healthiest choice, but it’s certainly a delicious one!)
Has blogging changed the way you view food and cooking? Yes, visually. Before I would make a meal and then just scarf it down so quickly that I never really cared or thought about presentation. Although now that I take pictures of my food for my blog, I make sure my food looks as good as it tastes. After snapping a few photos, then I dig in immediately.
Favorite recipe to date?
My Gluten-Free Almond Butter Cookies are little bites of heaven. There is no flour, butter or oil in these babies, but they are INCREDIBLE.
Three Recipes You’d Like To Share With Our Readers:
Buckwheat Pancakes (They’re Gluten-Free, too!)
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Rachel 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.
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Honey Thyme Mashed Sweet Potatoes