For San Diego Foodies

The S.D. food blogging population is exploding lately! I’m so glad that more and more San Diegans are joining our little group of people who seek out the best food our city has to offer - in our restaurants and in our kitchens. The latest food blog comes from Lisa over at Comfort Food. Here’s how she describes her site: “Because it’s a cold, cruel world out there, and good food’s the best comfort. Nothing fancy or high-brow here–just simple, homey food.” So far, she’s shared a lot of great recipes. My favorite part of Lisa’s site is her inclusion of Rebellions & Fiascos, where she confesses how she rebels against recipes and how they go wrong sometimes. Very endearing admissions, indeed. Welcome, Lisa!

The Food Blogosphere

One of the biggest challenges I’ve found as a food blogger is taking well-lit, attractive photos of food. I only seem to be able to pull it off in natural light. At dinner with friends last week, I mentioned my problems with food photos. A friend mentioned that his camera actually has a special setting for taking photos of food! I thought that was so cool! Has anyone else heard of this?

I’m typing this post during the Chargers halftime (no more penalties, defense!) so it’s Sunday which means it’s football day! Look at this darling Steelers pizza that Indira made over at Mahanandi. Now how can I incorporate a lightning bolt into my cooking?

Most Intriguing Recipes

I have tap Indira again for this hearty recipe for Honey Whole Wheat Bread. I just wanted to reach through the computer screen and grab a piece and butter it up!

And I can’t ignore simple, dark chocolate confections like Oswego Tea’s Dark Chocolate Truffles with Fleur de Sel. They look gorgeous and I bet they taste even better.

For All Foodies

The Accidental Hedonist offers 7 interesting tips about wine. I’m trying to learn more about the world of wine. It just seems so complicated! But tips like these de-mystify wine for me slowly but surely.

You know those times when you have a ton of ingredients on hand, but you just can’t imagine how they could all go together in a cohesive recipe? Use Cooking by Numbers and just click what you’re got in your pantry and fridge. Hit “Find Recipes” and you’ll see what your options are. Hey, this could really help with the Pantry Project.

As you know, I don’t drink coffee, but I thought some of you would want to know about the Starbucks Challenge. Is it easy or hard to get a cup of fair trade coffee at Starbucks? And why should you care?

For All You Lushes

How to Beat the Hangover Blues - This the most detailed list of tips for easing your pain before, during, and after a drinking session. Some of these tips are new to me and much appreciated!

Droogle - I guess it’s kind of like Google… but for drinkers! Search this drink database for anything you need to know about liquor and cocktails.

The WebTender - Very similar to the Cooking by Numbers site mentioned above, let this search engine know what kinds of alcohol you have on hand, click a button, and you’ll see what yummy cocktails you can mix up.

Ever wonder how to infuse vodka? I’m Mad and I Eat offers some valuable tips to get you started.

Thanks for another great week, everyone! Happy Cooking and Eating!