We interrupt this weeks scheduled Food Network snark session due to head cold.  Seriously, I just can’t be all that sharp witted when I’m thinking in a fog, and whether I’m going to dish out praise or shame on a Food Network celebrity, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.  This usually entails at least two days of research on the topic, and I have not had those two days this week.

A subject that I don’t have to research meticulously are my favorite food blogs and food bloggers.  I visit these sites each and every day.  I subscribe to their feeds and wait with baited breath for the next recipe, bit of insight, or personal tidbit that they are willing to share with the world.  I comment on their blogs, and they have taken the time to do so on mine.  A few of these people I call friends, the rest I wouldn’t mind getting to know better.

Without Further ado, I present to you…

My Thirteen Favorite Food Blogs and Food Bloggers

1. Simply Recipes and the venerable Elise Bauer.
   Simply Recipes was the first food blog I came across that I simply had to keep going back to.  Not only are her recipes fantastic, but her writing style is so warm and personable that after a few visits you start to feel like a part of the family.  I’ve traded emails with Elise on several occasions, and I have to say that she is just as nice in that venue as well.  This is a person I hope to meet some day.
2. Confessions of a Cardamom Addict, and its completely sweet host, Jasmine.
   While Elise may have been my first experience with a truly good food blog, Jasmine was the first to offer me encouragement in my blogging exploits.  She gave advice, warm feelings and graciously welcomed me into the blogging community.  For that she will always hold a special place in my heart. (By the way Jas…  You once commented that I wouldn’t even remember your name by the time I was getting 1,400 page views a day…  I still remember ya, Sweety!)
3. La Mia Cucina, and the ever flamboyant Lis.
   Lis not only posts some of the best baking recipes I’ve ever seen in my life, but was also one of the first regular visitors to Cooking by the seat of my Pants.  On top of being a mightily good baker, a good friend and complete sweetheart, Lis has a writing style that will alternately keep you in stitches, or really make you think.  She made third on this list because she’s been pestering me to bake anything since May of last year.  Because of her constant harassment encouragement,  I signed up for the Daring Bakers, and was supposed to begin this month.  But the source of all my baking woes forgot to add me to the roster!!!!! (That’s a subtle hint, Lis…  Is my name on the list for February?)
4. The Homesick Texan and the wonderfully talented Lisa.
   Lisa’s passion for Tex-Mex cuisine is matched only by her pride in the state of Texas itself.  As an expatriate Californian in Texas, I really wasn’t aware of the patriotism most Texans have, but it’s just as infectious as the food and Lisa has a devoted fan in this newly adopted Texan.
5. The Perfect Pantry and the very eloquent Lydia.
   It’s pretty easy to tell that Lydia is a professional writer. The perfect pantry delves almost daily into the contents her pantry items and with each she provides a recipe, a history lesson, and other useful facts and tidbits on the featured item of the day.  Not only is Lydia a joy to read, but she is one of my most frequent commentators here and generally an all-around joy to communicate with.  My only regret is that she lives so very far away.  I’d love to meet her one day.
6. Confections of a Foodie Bride and the always vivacious Shawnda.
   Shawnda is another fellow Texan.  Seems her husband lives on carbs and protein alone, but she’s managed to showcase her talents in this venue numerous times. On top of being a rabid foodie, Shawnda and her husband Jason are newly crowned wine makers!  How cool is that?  One day I hope to make it down to their neck of the woods to say hello and meet this powerhouse and her hubby in person.(and perhaps ample a bottle of her house wine in the process.)
7. MeatHenge and the notorious “Dr. Biggles, PHm (Or was that “professor of Meatology?).”
   Biggles is, quite simply, a guy I’d like to hang out with on a Sunday afternoon. there would probably be too much beer, a lot of smoke and charcoal fires, and some grade-A meat coming off the grills. (And yes, I’d bring my own grill to the party.)  Biggles is just that kind of guy.  If you take the time to read his stuff, you realize that this is a guy who isn’t interested in putting his “Internet Face” on.  Biggles is just Biggles, and that’s more than enough for me. To top it off, his comments here are usually enough to put me at risk of spewing coffee out my nose and on to my monitor.  I look forward to getting them. Hey Doc.  I’m planning a trip out to Cali sometime in the next year or so…  How do a few rib eyes sound?
8. Kitchen Wench and the ever effervescent Ellie.
   To be honest, The first time I visited Kitchen Wench I wasn’t that impressed.  It took two or three trips back (based on suggestions from other bloggers) before I finally saw what everyone else did.  I read some of my favorite food blogs for the food, the recipes and the occasional tidbit.  I read kitchen Wench because of Ellie.  Let’s face it.  Some foodies take themselves as seriously as a restaurant critic, and they come across that way. (I just make fun of the fact that I’m a food snob!) Ellie’s recipes are wonderful, but for me the joy is in the writing itself, and in knowing that I’ll have a smile on my usually sour “daddy” face for at least an hour after visiting.  Keep up the great work, Ellie!
9. Sass & Veracity and the dynamo that is kellypea.
   I can’t really say enough about kelly.  Her food looks delish, she lives in “Paradise” (A.K.A. San Diego…  It’s nice, I’ve lived there) and her writing style is something I wish I could emulate, though I doubt it would fit me as well as it does her.  She’s outspoken, passionate, kind and talented, with just enough “fruity as a nutcake” thrown in to make the whole thing fun.  You gotta love any blog that’s tag line reads “Fat Free Opinions on a Food-Centric Life.”  I’m all ears, Kelly
10. The Well Seasoned Cook and the perpetually perky Susan
    Susan’s blog is one of those that I read for the sheer joy of viewpoint.  The well seasoned cook is a good read, informative and downright fun. She’s also running a blog event right now, so be sure to check her out!
11. Smitten Kitchen and the ever passionate and quirky Deb.
    Deb describes herself as “…the kind of person you might innocently ask what the difference between summer and winter squash are and she’ll go on for about twenty minutes before coming up for air to a cleared room and you soundly snoring.” I don’t agree.  Just go check out her blog, all written from a kitchen that only takes up 80 square feet! (Now you have no excuse not to make great food!  If she can do it in 80 square feet, s can you!)
12. Souvlaki For the Soul and my mate PeterG
    Peter is pretty new to the food blog scene, but he made a splash with me from the get-go.  I love his passion, and really, that’s what carries all of us foodie-types through the day, especially when we’re writing about it.  his love fro Greek and Asian cuisine is infectious, and well worth a read.
13. What’s Cooking and my newest fave blogger Ben
    Last but not least for this list is Ben.  He’s only been around for a short time, but the fact that he focuses on Mexican cooking in a blogosphere overloaded with upscale trendy recipes was enough to enamor me from the beginning.  I expect great things from What’s Cooking in the future.  You heard it here first, folks, this kid’s gonna be big one day.

There you have it.  My thirteen favorites (for the moment.)  Take a bit of time and go check out some fabulous and talented people.

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