In my line of work as a food writer, I read a lot. At any given time, I have a stack of cookbooks that are my current reads piled up on my desk. I love to use the library as a resource, so I can sample many books without having to buy them. When I find a great idea, I will scan the pages and file them on my computer for later use. I am currently reading Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French cooking and am captivated by her upbeat tone.
In the last few years there has been a huge proliferation of food blogs, which can also be excellent resources for inspiration. Ideas and recipes on blogs tend to push the envelope a little more than those in books. When a publisher creates a book, editors work hard to make sure that recipes appeal to the most book buyers possible, are well-tested and consistent. Instead, blogs often showcase food experiments, like this blog that shows how (not) to make a giant English Jaffa cake, since the baker decides that the project is a bit of a failure. That kind of fun, whimsy and fearlessness about cooking is what keeps me hungrily reading food blogs.
Check out this novel idea from a food blog: How to Make Cupcake Kebabs. Thanks to Adam Kuban at SeriousEats.com for posting a link to this fun baking project on Cupcakes Take the Cake. I absolutely love the concept of cupcake kebabs...imagine a dessert kebab, maybe with pound cake, chocolate covered berries and brownie chunks...see how finding fun ideas can spark new creativity?
What are your favorite food blogs? Where do you get your food inspiration?