Food Blogger Interview: Marlene Baird of Nosh My Way

There are some of the most creative food bloggers on the planet contributing to the Dishfolio.com community, and so we love to highlight their work. We chatted with Marlene Baird of Nosh My Way who talks about how it all started when she lost a significant amount of weight.  She began sharing dishes that she created with friends and family.  They kept bugging her to write them down.  But she being who she is had to take it a step further.  She created Nosh My Way.  A place for her to share recipes that is a bit healthier.  Recipes that are "Love At First Bite."  Her Mediterranean heritage definitely assisted her to a healthier lifestyle.  As she ventured out of her cooking comfort zone, she discovered a world of recipes just begging her to test out and healthify.

What got you into food blogging and what are your goals with your blog?

At first I was so darn excited to write my blog and share my recipes that I went overboard.  Sharing every day became a chore.  I share about three times a week now and love every minute of it.  You know how people pull out pictures of their dogs/cats or children?  I do that with food.  I have been blogging since late 2011 and have learned an enormous amount about it.  You have to be knowledgeable in WordPress, be creative, and know how to write, cook, and stage your dish.  I am still trying to discover ways to improve at every aspect of my blog.  Attending Food/blogging conference is key as well as social media, and on line community groups.

What's the most challenging ingredient you've worked with or wanted to work with?

I am still trying to find, Thai Basil, Galangal, and Kaffir leafs.  As far as which ingredient was the most difficult to use, I would say coconut flour.  It's super absorbent and is not equal in ratio to regular flour.

What cooks and foodies do you admire?

Famous foodie hero is Chef Jack Witherspoon (he is 15) and discovered cooking while battling Leukemia.

Foodie who is not famous would be my mother, because she never measures anything yet still manages to cook and bake to perfection.

Do you get passionate about any particular food issue?

GMO vs non GMO is a huge issue and one that gets discussed quite often around my circle of family and friends.

How's the money side of your blog?

I am monetized; however it's not a money maker.  So I remind myself that I didn't get into blogging for the money.  It's a hobby and actually done after a 40 hour work week.

Describe your all-time favorite recipe.

As much as I enjoy all of my Asian-inspired dishes, my all-time favorite is Steaks au Poivre.

How do you ensure you get great food photos for your blog?

• Take photos under natural light. Do not use your built-in flash. Ever!
• Move around to find the best light source. Don't feel confined to taking photos in your kitchen.
• Try taking photos from multiple angles. Some plates of food look better from above, or from the side, or at a 45-degree angle. Try moving around the plate and taking photos at various angles so you can pick your favorite later.
• Minimize clutter. If that spoon, napkin or busy background doesn't add to the photo, it detracts from the photo. Focus on what is most important but don't zoom in so much that viewers can't tell what the food is.

To what cookbooks do you go most often for inspiration?

I actually only own about 20 cookbooks, however, my current favorite: the Meat Cookbook, by Nicola Fletcher. My newest one that I haven't read yet, is called Steeped, by Annelies Zijderveld

What's your favourite kitchen tool?

My pairing knife can be my best friend in the kitchen

How do you ensure your content excels?

Next steps are to continue to learn from others and work hard at my writing and photography skills.  The cooking part is a bit more natural for me.

Thanks again to Marlene Baird of Nosh My Way for participating in this interview!

General Tso's Chicken

Try this easy Low Carb version of the family favorite General Tso’s Chicken and you won’t ever need to get take-out again.

by Marbaird

Soft Cocoa Peanut Butter Cookies

These Soft Cocoa Peanut Butter Cookies are low-carb, and an all-time favorite flavor combination.

by Marbaird