Sommer from A Spicy Perspective is a mother to two little ones and a cook to many. Her site is going to leave you craving some seriously tastey looking meals! Consider that your warning and proceed with caution!
What inspired the title of your blog?
After hunting for just the right title, a friend reminded me of a funny situation in which a waiter once said to me, “Spicy food for a spicy personality.” We’ve been laughing about it ever since! I do like to cook up spicy food, on occasion. However the title refers to a need for spice in life. A Spicy Perspective offers easy and artful recipes, plus spicy or thought-provoking stories.
What would you do differently if you were to start your blog over today?
This could take a while… Blogging requires a serious amount of learning. I feel like I still learn something new every week that I wish I had been doing all along. First off, I would have started my site on WordPress, instead of having to move everything over a year later. Second I would have taken a photography class BEFORE starting. I’ve loved the learning process, but sometimes I look back at an older post the cringe at the pictures. Third, I would have asked a million questions about what elements of social media were worth my time. Fourth, I would have posted pictures of my family from the get-go. It took me a long time to get comfortable with that.
What is your ultimate goal for your blog?
Originally I started the blog to have all the recipes from my cooking class online. My students were constantly emailing me when they lost their copies and I thought a site with catalogued recipes would make it easier. After I started, I quickly realized the blog could have a life of its own. I still view A Spicy Perspective as a learning resource, but also feel like it’s a creative outlet for me, and it has become a great little side-business. My goal is to stay open-minded as opportunities present themselves and see where it takes me.
In what ways have you benefited from blogging?
It’s therapeutic to blog. You offer a little piece of yourself to the world every time you post. Maybe they love I, maybe not. But either way, it increases your capacity to put yourself out into the world, free of fear and insecurity. Blogging has also helped me rediscover my love for writing. Sometimes your passions get lost (for a time) in motherhood. Blogging has given me a new sense of self, and reminded me that although my family is TOP priority, there is more to me than “mommy.” Also, let’s not forget the fantastic new friends you make that actually understand this crazy online world you live in.
Can you share a recipe that brings you the highest reviews from family and friends?
That is tricky! My husband’s family is Hungarian so I might have to say authentic Chicken Paprikas is everyone’s favorite.
Hungarian Chicken Paprika: But friends that eat with us often always ask for Cioppino. As far as desserts go, we are a shortbread family and my Dulce de Leche cookies are a continual request from friends and family alike.
Other popular posts from A Spicy Perspective:
Fresh Focaccia Loaves: “You can buy decent focaccia at the bakery, but NOTHING beats homemade bread!”
Asheville’s Curate: “The Pupil becomes the master.”
Asian Beef and Bok Choy Salad: “I opened my bottle of fish sauce and was slapped in the face with a pungent reminder that things are not always as they seem.”
About Kat
Everything looks so good. My hubby loves Spicy food. I’ve never had Hungarian food. Maybe I’ll try making the Hungarian chicken paprika.
dramaqueensmum recently posted..Del Monte Fruit Naturals coupon from Vocalpoint
can’t wait to check her out!!
anne recently posted..Meatball Subs-The Easy Way
Yum! Looking forward to checking out some of the food posts!
Life As Wife recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: County Fair
I’m hungry off just THOSE pictures. Yum! Happy SITS day!
michelle @ this little light recently posted..DJ Got Me Fallin’ in Love Again
Twitter: Annieandisabel
says:
My mouth is watering just reading this….I might be in trouble once I get to her blog!!!
Anna recently posted..After the Loss of Twins Delivered at Six Months, Amy Celebrates The Miracle of a New Baby Girl!!
Twitter: SweetMJ
says:
Its good I just ate lunch or those pictures would be making me hungry…yummy
Michael recently posted..I Am That Girl
Twitter: Omgyummyblog
says:
Dare I say all her photos and food look YUMMY! Nice to read a food blog as I am busy cooking for the upcoming Jewish Holiday (yes my oven is on even as the temperature breaks into the 90s!)
OMG! Yummy recently posted..‘Baking with Dorie’ iPad App and Great Grains Muffins
I admire anyone who can cook. Can I hire you for a week to teach me everything you know?
Happy SITS Day!
Twitter: decondemand
says:
Ohhh looking forward to reading more….Always drawn to food blogs with yummy pics!
Marie Cole recently posted..Wine Cellar For A Fella(r)
Twitter: divinemsmb
says:
Oh I love MILD spice….cant handle the hot stuff…
Stop by to see how a little child can chagne the world!
M recently posted..How I love you….
Yea!! I love food blogs!
Jen @ Our Fine House recently posted..Bathroom Reveal!
I’m ready to try your recipes! Everything looks awesome! Can’t wait to get into them! Congrats on your SITS Day!
Leah Rubin recently posted..My Marriage and Al Gore
It looks like a yummy blog. Congrats on being featured today. I’m off to check out your blog
Happy SITS day! Love the jumpy picture – I have pics of my kids doing that same thing last summer!
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..6 Months = Major Growth in a Baby. But What About a Blog?
Twitter: bestoffates
says:
Spicy food makes my tongue hurt, but I love those photos so I’m going to take a chance anyway.
Megan (Best of Fates) recently posted..When Poo Attacks
Twitter: thesatevepot
says:
Yay! Always love features of fellow foodies. My husband and I co-author, and we just had the discussion about “putting yourself out there.” He was talking about the first time he hit “publish” and sat back with kind of this nervous feeling of… well, it’s out there now.
The Lucky Wife recently posted..DIY Tile Photo Coasters {Christmas Gift Idea}: Day 96 of The 100-Day Countdown to Christmas
Twitter: teamrasler
says:
I agree that blogging helps you remember you have a self outside of motherhood. Great interview and delicious photos!
Jessica recently posted..Who am I not to be?
Happy SITS day!
http://semperwifey.blogspot.com
Semper Wifey recently posted..Military Monday Returns…
Mmmmm, I’m suddenly hungry!!
Jamie recently posted..[color kreyv]: Coral
I am becoming addicted to cooking blogs. Now, if I could only start liking the actual cooking itself.
Katherine recently posted..Where Fairies Live
Twitter: BoonieSooze
says:
Spicy food for a spicy personality reminds me of a visit to a Japanese restaurant in town, where the chef at our table if anyone wanted that super hot spicy mustard, and everyone turned it down EXCEPT for my shy, retiring sister, and the cook winked at her and said with his Japanese accent, “Oooooooohhhh! Hot -ah- Mamaaah!”
(We loved that!)
I’d be interested in knowing WHAT social media Sommer finds to have been most helpful! Sommer, if you’re reading this, please follow up on that one for me.
I think your pictures are amazing, and I’m really looking forward to checking out your blog! Fun!!!
Susan in the Boonies recently posted..World Champion Inappropriate Giggler
Love the look of this site! I’m always looking for new ideas to feed my family, and I’ve been feeling a bit bored with it all lately, so this will be great. I’m with Susan though – more details on Sommer’s fave social media would be great!
Life In A Pink Fibro recently posted..Where in the world does it all come from?
Everything looks yummy and your photography class paid off! I would also be curious about your social media comment, perhaps you should write a post on that, I think you might have lots of takers:) Happy SITS day to you and I feel like I need to go cook something!
Shannon from ‘Mynewfavoriteday’ recently posted..Help Wanted…Inspiring Halloween.
I love cooking blogs, and this one seems fantastic! Can’t wait to check it out.
“…it increases your capacity to put yourself out into the world, free of fear and insecurity.” Couldn’t have said it better myself. Every time I hit the Publish button, my heart flutters a bit. Thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one who feels like blogging is intensely personal, regardless of what you write about.
Amanda : Grace & Gusto recently posted..The three R’s
Oh my gosh I love this!
♥ theMRS.
theMRS. recently posted..Mini Date: Pita Pit!
I’m hungry just looking at the photos above! Heading over there now to read more and get hungrier!
Mrs. Crafty recently posted..Getting Social
Yum. Those pictures are amazing. Going to check out the blog!
Those pictures are superb!!!! I’ll check out the blog now!
KnottedFingers recently posted..Grief’s Rolling Tides – Mourning a Child
Wow – the pictures and food look amazing!
Amy ~ Eat. Live. Laugh. Shop. recently posted..Homework.
Yummy! I love food blogs. Really love them! I just love food! Can’t wait to check it out!
And if anyone is reading this and wants to come over to HELP ME! with a little problem, I would greatly appreciate it. Really don’t know what to do here…and would love some advice! I’m about to go crazy pregnant lady on my two neighbors, and reeeeally don’t want to do that.
Swizzlestickmama recently posted..HELP! : Odd Neighbor Behavior
Thanks everyone! I had a fantastic SITS Day. I’m glad to make so many new friends.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective recently posted..How to Make Marshmallow Fondant
I believe this is now my new favorite blog! Great feature!
Breann recently posted..Week Two
I can’t wait to bake those Bribe-the-Teacher Brownies!! They look SO yummy!
Oh, yum! The food looks yummy.
Happy Wednesday!
Mrs. Southern Bride recently posted..Sometimes
How beautiful your photos are! I want to try to make something from your blog this weekend- my dad is visiting. Sheesh- who needs cookbooks anymore….
Craftwhack recently posted..The Abominable Woman
This makes me laugh!! I just recently got called “Spicy” by a waiter (blogged about it) on my birthday. So funny! This looks like something I’m going to love, glad to have found you!
Aubrey Anne recently posted..Just talking
Love cooking blogs and your pictures are awesome! Can’t wait to check it out, better late than never!
Bernice
Successful Woman’s Resource Center recently posted..10 ways to naturally boost your energy
Twitter: SortaSuperMom
says:
Beautiful pictures! She might not have known how to take great pics when she first started blogging, but with pics like that NOW- she has definitely perfected it. I can’t wait to see more of her stuff on her site!
~SortaSuperMom
http://confessionsfromboystown.blogspot.com
Amber recently posted..Banking on Potential
I’m now starving.
Your kind of cooking is right up my alley. I’m bookmarking your page and making meal plans accordingly
Jamie G recently posted..Dreadlocks Update Month 4
I love to cook and love food blogs! I really can’t get enough of them. Keep up the great work and look forward to following. Congrats on the feature!
Lindsay
Twitter: kg_photography
says:
As a photography buff, I was instantly drawn to the images. I love food photography and the food blogs that I stalk bring me in with the photos. I can sit and flip through a cookbook for hours and I’m currently trying to get into the habit of taking pictures as I cook.
Wonderful feature. Thank you.
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Kimberly Gauthier Photography recently posted..How I Took This Shot: Scentsy Wickless Candles & A Foam Board
Your pictures are beautiful! I want to take a photography class, too…I bet it helped tons! I completely agree that blogging can be therapeutic. Heading over now to check out some of your recipes
Michelle recently posted..Feta Stuffed Burgers w/ Caramelized Onions
I’ve been craving spicy food like crazy lately, so I’m hoping to find some great things on your blog! Happy SITS day!
http://semperwifey.blogspot.com
Semper Wifey recently posted..Military Monday Returns…
I’m nothing if not a shortbread woman! So I must check out the Dulce De Leche recipe.
Margaret Almon recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Joy Bursting into Rainbow Mosaic Panel by Margaret almon
Oh yum. I seriously need to check out those recipes.
Lady Jennie recently posted..Honey-Mustard Pumpkin Soup
Heading over to read your blog – HAPPY SITS DAY!
wm
Working Mommy recently posted..Lesson #146 – You CAN Do More With Less (Guest Post)
I love Sommer’s blog she is so talented!
Diane {Created by Diane} recently posted..Cookie Monster Cookies
Twitter: heather_artiste
says:
Now I am hungry!
Heather recently posted..Bare Escentuals Ready Shadows – Dream Sequence
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oh wow those pictures look so good I wanna eat my computer
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