Let’s Talk: This Is Why I Blog
So I warned you a couple weeks ago at the onset of this Let’s Talk series that I was going to talk about anything and everything. And today’s schpeel would most likely be considered one of those “anything and everything” posts. If you’re usually here for recipes and tips, this post might not be for you so feel free to check back Monday for the most amazing dessert bars on the planet.
But for the rest of you (hi, mom), this Let’s Talk post is up close and personal. And truly, I wish I had you guys right here in my kitchen sitting on the island stools and chatting. Keeping me grounded and laughing.
Lately, I’ve really been thinking about why I blog. The reasons why probably don’t matter a whole lot to anyone else but me. However they actually impact the look and feel and face of my blog quite a bit. So can we say they really affect all of us? Yes, let’s say that.
Eight years ago when I started this blog, I truly had no intentions of still blogging in 2015 – it wasn’t even a thought in my mind. I didn’t know that my blog would start to get comments from random readers across the interwebs or that I would move from mykitchencafe.blogspot.com to www.melskitchencafe.com or that I would go from 10 pageviews a month (again, hi mom) to over 2 million pageviews a month or that I would look back and realize how truly terrible my photography was when at the time, I thought I was a budding food stylist (ha!).
I mean, none of that was even on my radar. I really just wanted to make food and share the winners on a real, live food blog instead of boring all my family members by posting them on our family blog (which, by the way, am I the only remaining person on the planet that still has a family blog? just curious).
And on a personal level, blogging has seen me through quite a bit: four major moves (from Utah to Wisconsin to Minnesota to Idaho), two new babies, a bout with cancer and subsequent radiation, two major health-related surgeries thrown in there and lots of other personal ups and downs.
Through it all, this little food blog has grown and morphed and changed beyond my wildest expectations over the last almost decade. When I first started, there were only a handful of food blogs widely known and even then, if you said the word “blog” most people thought you were swearing at them. Now, there are thousands and thousands of food blogs and new ones starting every day.
Entering the food blog world when I did was sweet timing and I’m grateful for it every day; I think it plays a big part into why my blog has grown (new social media avenues don’t hurt either). But as my blog has grown, it’s taken on some new challenges and I’ve had to really stop and ask myself why I blog.
What started out as 100% a hobby (I posted whenever I wanted to with literally no thought to anything except for which really bad picture to choose to post with the recipe) has evolved into something that takes a lot of time. Lots and lots and lots of time.
I average about 40-50 hours of work on my blog each week and while this is a choice (no one is forcing me to do it), it definitely sometimes feels overwhelming. As most of you know, I have a large-ish, busy family (+ a cat, a dog, two cows, and 11 chickens if that matters at all).
Hi, guys.
These faces are and always will be my first priority. I try my very hardest to avoid the time-sucking computer/social media work while my kids are awake since I don’t work outside the home and several of them aren’t in school full-time yet (and of course during summer, all their blessed souls are home) which means if at all possible, blogging tasks are relegated to afternoon naptimes (when I can structure my older boys’ time for quiet activities while littles nap) and kiddo bedtimes (hence the reason I stay up way.too.late). Although they do get a lot of hands-on chances to help cook in the kitchen (we’ve talked about that before remember) since all the cooking and baking is done during reasonable daylight hours.
Blogging is more than just food, though – it’s website functions that break, keeping up with social media (blah, totally a subject for another time), paying hosting fees and putting a lot of money into development and design and fixes, hiring an assistant (my cute sis – she’s awesome!) to help keep up on the hundreds of comments and emails I need to respond to each day and manage the aforementioned social media tools as well as many other projects. It’s the highs of really positive comments and the lows of mean-spirited ones.
And sometimes, you guys, I want to stop. I want to stop blogging and just read novels 40-50 hours a week instead. Or maybe exercise more. Or sew? I think I used to know how to do that. Or wait…sleep. I’d like to sleep.
But every time I have a little crisis (my husband seriously deserves a therapist’s salary for talking me off the ledge each time), I go back to why I started blogging in the first place.
To share my tried-and-true favorite recipes with the world.
I know that sounds cheesy and a little trite but it’s so, so true. And every single time it’s what causes me to recenter and realize that even though there are a bajillion other things that go into this blog now that it’s grown, that – THAT is the reason I’m still blogging.
Other food blogs will come and go. Many of them will surpass me in numbers and social media followers and revenue and cookbook deals and sponsorship opportunities and all the other things that come along with blogging. And I’m not going to lie, the overachieving, perfectionist side of me struggles with that sometimes. But every time I decide to go down that route (finally say yes to a publisher, start working with more companies to promote their stuff, burying my face in social media and never resurfacing just to get another “like”), it doesn’t take long (I’m talking mere hours) before I’m completely miserable. It’s not me. It’s not how I blog. To business-savvy, eagle-sharp minds, it’s stupid and naive – I’ve had more than one fellow blogger and family member and acquaintance tell me I’m shooting myself in the foot by blogging the way I do – for not capitalizing on more opportunities and that I’ll never get ahead.
Is it bad to admit that I’m ok with that? All I ever wanted, actually more than I ever wanted, in blogging I have right now. Call it unmotivated or unambitious or what you will. I call it staying true to my roots.
I have loyal readers who are so dear to me, it’s unexplainable. Your comments and stories and wittiness and recipes (ah, I love the recipes you send me) make all the endless work of blogging worth it and totally counteract the minor instances of negativity that come through.
And there’s the food. I love food. I love good food. I don’t post a recipe unless it rocks. No filler recipes. No content just because. I only post because if I didn’t, I’d explode from having to keep that ridiculously awesome recipe to myself instead of sharing it.
At the end of the day, just like eight years ago, it’s still about the food. But amazingly and kind of crazily, it’s also about the people who come here – you’ve made this a community. Maybe just to me, I don’t know, but as awkward and socially problematic as it sounds, you are a very bright spot in my day and have become some of my dearest friends (even though I haven’t met many of you) and I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you.
This is not all to say that in the future I won’t decide to take opportunities that come my way or that little bits and pieces of my blog won’t change. There are some exciting things in the works as I speak, in fact, but those aren’t the aspects that drive and motivate me to keep blogging.
Phew.
No, really, phew!
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest. You certainly deserve some type of reward if you really truly made it to the end of this post. I try to keep super personal, weirdo emotional, blogging-specific things like this out of daily posts because for the most part, I know you come here for great food. And I’m totally ok with that. I love it and don’t intend to vomit up all my feelings all of the time.
But I guess today I just wanted to make it known, even though I hope you know it just from being here day after day, that I value sincerity and realness and that’s what I hope to convey through blogging. I don’t have ulterior motives. Sometimes I don’t even know what tomorrow holds for blogging let alone the next five years.
I just blog.
And I’m so happy you are still around.
I enjoy your blog and am amazed at all the time and energy it takes to make a blog look so awesome. You are doing great and my family sure appreciates you sharing your tried-and-true.
Wonderful post! I love your blog and it is always the first place I look for a recipe. You have never let me down! My family has loved every recipe that I have made from your blog. Thank you so much for continuing to blog!
Hi! I can see by all your comments that I am not alone in feeling your a true inspiration and the bravery it took for you to put your feelings out there is both inspiring and eye opening to the “Whole Hearted blogger” you are and for all the right reasons. I am probably twice your age and look to your blog as one I would love to build not in food but in genuineness. Keep up the hard work and be proud because should you choose otherwise you would be missed!
I for one am so thankful that you blog(and my family is thankful too!;) Your site is my go-to place when a need a great recipe. THANK YOU and keep up the wonderful work you’re doing!!
Hi Mel,
I just want to take the opportunity to say that I love your blog. Your writing always feels so personal that even though you’re writing for thousands I always feel like you’re talking just to me — like we are friends even though I live thousands of miles away and we’ve never met. I love your recipes and have made many of them, but sometimes I visit your blog more because I just feel like visiting with you and seeing what friendly, personal thing you’ve shared most recently, and this latest post is a perfect example of that. I enjoy the little window on your life replete with kids and chickens and cat and dog and cows. You’re giving a lot more to your fans than just good meal suggestions. Thank you for sticking with it!
I’m so glad you blog! You are my favorite food blogger by a long shot and I easily cook from your site more than any other. I also send people here all the time. And, yes, my family knows who Mel is, too π
I feel like we should all pay Brian in cookies to take him from unpaid therapist to paid π
Mel, I’m one who has been reading your blog for years now. There has never been one recipe of your that I’ve tried that we haven’t absolutely loved. Thanks so much for your hard work and your willingness to share with us.
I love your blog for this exact reason. Thanks for keeping this blog what it is. I love your amazing recipes and that everything is from scratch (I haven’t bought cream of anything soup in years and your green enchilada sauce tops anything you could find in a store). So many blogs now a days seem so business-y and fake. You keep it real and I don’t feel like I’m watching TV commercials. Thanks Mel! You rock
At the risk of sounding totally ungrateful, where is the post for those gorgeous S’mores cupcakes pictured at the top? You did say it was all about the food! (=
Oh, and I do love your blog!
Mel! Just wanted to say that I still love and read each post of yours. I not only love your food and posts like the one above, but I love you! Just sayin’!!!!! π xo
You are incredible! Thank you for all the work you put into your website! You’re seriously my favorite food blogger ever.
You are amazing. Few people could accomplish what you do. You provide us with inspiration in the kitchen, and for life in general. Everyone needs to hear that they are wonderful and worthy every so often. You have inspired me to tell the people that I love and rely upon that they are awesome, too. Telepathic hugs and kisses from someone who relies upon you.
You are the best. If you hadn’t decided to start a blog so long ago, or stopped after a few years, I know the world would be missing out and my table would surely not have as many winners as it does. My very favorite recipes are from your site and I’m always amazed at how much you give to your blog, like the yellow cake that was tried over and over so many times. You are a good wife and mother and your posts brighten my day. I’m so happy I found you probably 7 1/2 years ago. I wish I could remember what I made first. I remember thinking I had died and gone to heaven when I tasted the whipped cream cheese frosting on your banana bars, though I’m sure that wasn’t the first thing I had made. Funny thing, with so many recipes, I had forgotten about that wonderful frosting until a few weeks ago. I digress, just wanted to say thanks for sharing your amazing recipes. Cooking is my favorite hobby, right next to peek a boo with my baby girl, and playing with my 3 boys, and you have helped me immensely. So many other sites have one or two awesome dishes but I love that I can trust literally everything on your site. Thank you for giving up so much of your free time, and I’m happy you found something that worked for you and you have made it work for you, and done so much more. You must be exhausted, so take a nap once in awhile! Thank you a million times over.
Yours are the recipes I keep coming back to — the ones my hubs loves and always requests. Keep on blogging. I don’t know about all the social media stuff because I don’t tweet, hashtag, instagram, facebook or any of that other stuff. I, too, like good food and love the people who share so I don’t have to recreate the wheel!
I really enjoyed this post! Your blog is my go-to for recipes, since I know everything on here is amazing. I’ve especially gotten so many compliments on your chewy chocolate chip bars and the ginger chicken asparagus stir fry.
Thank you so much for sharing all these wonderful recipes! Can’t wait to read more.
Thanks for sharing! I enjoy your blog and have read it ever since I first discovered it a few years ago. I have four boys (no girl to go with them-=) and I’m always looking for good, but not too complicated recipes. Your blog is one of my go-to places to find something good to feed my family. I so appreciate that! And your row of little people is beautiful – of course they are your top priority!
Mel,
You hit it right on the head: it’s all about priorities, and yours seem to be just right. Kids and family first, then work. There’s nothing wrong with what you’re doing; on the contrary, everyone should be supportive of your goals. If you blogged rather than spent time with your kids, you know you’d be criticized about that, too, so there’s just no winning with some people. Those are the people whose comments you should always ignore.
Honestly, I’m surprised you blog as often as you do; some bloggers (and ones that view blogging as a full-time, money-making job, not just for fun) don’t post more often than 1-2 times a week, so I think you’re totally fine. If you posted every day, I’d personally wonder if all of the recipes really were as good as you claimed, anyway.
Keep up the good work!
Great post Mel!! I could write a comment equally as long as your post about why I read your blog and what it has done for me over the past few years… I promise I won’t. Just like so many of the other commenters here, I love that I feel like you are one of my dearest and closests friends and I often find myself, when reading a post, wishing we were neighbors. That’s what makes me … And … I’d say the majority of your readers keep coming back. Your blog/you make people feel ‘at home’. Your sincerity and ability to connect with your readers is unique and wonderful!!! Everything that you shared in this post is exactly why I’ve always thought you blog .. So it is coming thru in the day to day. I come here day after day (there is never a day that I don’t look at your blog for one reason or another) and as ‘cheesy’ as it sounds it makes my life better and it makes me better. Thanks for being who you are and for staying true to who you are.
I adore your blog!! I make “Mel’s” recipes multiple times a week and they are always wonderful! I am never afraid to make one of your recipes for the first time for company because I trust you so much. I love that you share little bits about you and your family, it makes me like you even more because you are so real and relatable. I don’t comment often but I LOVE your blog! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your hard work to make cooking so much fun and enjoyable for me and my family!
Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed this post.
Mel,
After reading this post, like others, I wanted to thank you! I’ve been avidly following your blog for about a year, but haven’t commented before this. Thank you for your hard work! I’m typically on your website daily and get excited when I see one of your emails in my inbox. I’ve always been interested in cooking for my family in a wholesome way, but when my youngest was diagnosed with multiple severe food allergies over a year ago, I’ve have been forced to cook differently. I have to now be cognizant of every single ingredient that I use. This means that highly processed ingredients/products are a “no can do”. My greatest appreciation of your recipes is that you don’t include processed ingredients. Because of this many, many of your recipes I can adapt to meet my son’s allergy needs. This means so much to me! Also, even though you no longer live in the Mid-West, I still appreciate your mid-western values (I’m from Wisconsin). All of my “new” recipes come from your website and my husband will now ask if this is from Mel’s website. Two nights ago, I made your Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Casserole (with added chicken….great suggestion π and my 7 year old told me that it was the best thing that I had ever made!!! Anyway, this may be the longest comment ever but again I want you to know how much I appreciate what you do!!!!! Selfishly, I hope that you continue your blog for a long time, but trust that whatever God has in store for your future will be what’s best for you and your family.
I’ve only commented once before (on those delicious cheesy zucchini bites that constituted my 5-year-old son’s first willingly and happily ingested serving of vegetables in three years…literally), but I adore your blog. It has truly changed my relationship with my kitchen and my family’s relationship with meal times. I have always loved food and, before I had my kids, I really enjoyed cooking. But, learning to balance work, the baby/toddler years, and other obligations really overwhelmed me. I took a break from doing much real cooking for a couple of years. I knew that my kids would never learn to eat a varied, healthy diet if they were only ever served spaghetti and chicken nuggets, but I just couldn’t seem to fit real meal preparation into our lives. Your blog changed all of that. I found it a couple of years ago and I’ve been a menu-planning, cooking, baking machine ever since. Something about your posts just makes me want to get into the kitchen immediately. When I first found your site I spent hours and hours pouring over the archives, trying to decide what to make first. I’ve since tried many, many, many of your recipes — at least one or two every week — and I love them. So does my family. Even my 5-year-old picky-pants has tried and loved a few things that he definitely would not have tried without your blog. I love that most of your recipes are simple and straightforward, and that even those that are more complicated seem doable because of your careful, thorough instructions and, perhaps most importantly, your humor and encouragement. I love that I know that everything I try from your blog will be delicious before I even try it. I am tremendously grateful for all of the time, energy, planning, and hard work that you put into this blog. It is truly an act of service and I cannot thank you enough. Your blog has helped me provide my family with the foundation for what I hope will be a lifetime of healthy eating habits and the joy that comes from sharing real, delicious food with family and friends.
I’m so happy you blog. I’m not exaggerating when I say that your blog and recipes are what took cooking from a chore to a hobby for me. Almost everything I make comes from your site and my family is used to hearing me say “Mel says…” Or “It’s from Mel.” And they know who I’m talking about! My 7 year old said the other day, “You really like Mel don’t you?” Yes I do. So thanks. π
Mel,
I have been following your blog for several years. I appreciate the fact that when I go to your website my computer doesn’t freeze up because of all of the popups, adds, and videos. Your food is fantastic! My family’s #1 favorites are the banana bread, chocolate chip bars, and sweet & sour chicken. I know I can always come here when I need a great recipe. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Thanks for staying true to who you are Mel! I will follow you to the end but there never will be a true end because your recipes will continue to be made in my home even when the posts cease. You’ve made me a better cook and turned me into a baker, a darn good one at that. B
I started looking for recipes online after I made steak for my (then) boyfriend and he thought it was a pork chop… Wha wha. Now my aunts, uncles and cousins ask what I brought to family gatherings so they can get some before it is gone. I give credit to you! I know stuff about food. I make good food. I could not have done it without your help. Like so many others I am pretty confident we would be friends in real life (no really, we would). Thanks, Mel. Thanks for selflessly teaching and sharing. You have made mine and, clearly, Mr. Pork chop’s lives better.
You’re awesome Mel! Thanks for all your hard work!!
As a loyal follower for years, can I just tell you THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I love your blog. Your blog taught me how to cook. I got married when I was 20, and had previously survived off of canned soup and cereal. I found your blog, and had this giant resource of recipes I knew would be amazing, and written by someone who I felt like was a friend! People comment all of the time now that I am a great cook, and I always laugh. Because I am still a clueless cook, but a clueless cook with Mel in my back pocket! I think you are so genuine and lovely and hilarious and I would love nothing more than to pull up a stool at your counter and chat and cook with you. Thank you for keeping up your blog and making me smile and making me fall in love with cooking. I’ve always been in love with eating, but now I can make all that delicious food myself. I want to be just like you when I grow up π So thank you again for this incredible labor of love you present to the world- It’s changed at least one life! (And tell all of the people who send you rude e-mails to go suck a pinecone)
I love your blog, your recipes, and the way you write – I love it all. Many times, I tell my family “It’s one of Mel’s recipes” and they know it will be good. I am amazed at what you can accomplish with your family and all the critters around. I know your life will get busier as the kids grow and with all the activities they (and you) will be involved with. I selfishy hope you will continue your blog forever. As long as you blog, you’ll have followers who greatly appreciate your efforts. Thanks so much!
Along with others I love that this blog isn’t one big advertisement. Thank you for the time you put in. Family comes first so I hope you find a balance that YOU are happy with!
I’ve never commented here before, but want to add my thank you and appreciation of your blog. All the women in my family use your recipes! I love the way you write, it ususally makes me smile. My daughter has been cooking your recipes for 3 months trying something new each time and her family loves the results! I appreciate not having to fight advertisements as I’m reading your blog. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Love your blog! Thanks for all the hours you spending bringing to us a piece of your life and those great recipes. You are the first blog I think of when trying to get a menu together or
ways to use certain ingredients. I know when I pick one of your recipes I can count on it to come out tasting fantastic. Please keep up the good work!
umm, I love the blog, and love this one. I love when people talk about hwy they blog…it gives me hope that maybe one day I can do it…when I have more time. I love your recipes also, but sometimes it’s nice to see the real person you know?
Keep up the great work (with the blog and the family)!
I am definitely in the ‘so many recipes, so little time’ class. But what good are all of the recipes, all of the cooking, and all of the eating if you’re not connecting with others at the same time? No one wants to cook and eat alone! So, for what it’s worth, I really appreciate the personal stuff and the opportunity to get to connect with you.
I absolutely love your blog! I have followed it for so many years, I don’t know when I first saw it. Thanks for all the great recipes (you are the first place I go to). Thanks Mel!!
Nope, you’re not the only one that still has a family blog. π My sister kept sharing recipes that she’d found from your site, and then my aunt kept talking about you, and now I refer to you like I’ve known you for years. Thanks for sharing good food with all of us!
I am so glad I found your blog six or seven years ago! I remember the My Kitchen Cafe! I’ve made several recipes for here, some many times like the Classic Oatmeal Cookies, which I love…but not this time as I put way too much salt in them accidentally! It didn’t stop me from eating two, though. I had to “test” them to make sure I wasn’t imagining. Keep up the great work and we won’t begrudge you a few days rest!
Thanks for sharing! I totally feel like I need to give the reasons I blog just on my little family blog all the time. I think I worry that people will judge me like I judge them. But I’ve never judged you. I really love your style and pretty much all the meals I make come from you because you get me through the dinner planning slumps! Keep it up, girl! You rock!
Dear Mel,
I’ve read this blog for many years, but have never commented. However, I’m always impressed by your easy writing style, your sweet family, and of course your perfect recipes. I’m long past the time of having my 3 little ones around; they are all grown-ups! But you remind me of how I *tried* to be as a young stay-home mom. π <3
Although I eat a plant-based diet, I still come to your blog first, and save lots of your recipes. Many have become my favorites and some I go back to very often, like those perfect pancakes and hearty chili. Your chocolate caramel pecan pie was the absolute hit of last Thanksgiving!
I admire your decisions about why you blog. That is the reason so many people are drawn to this place, and you have created a perfect environment that not only shares good good food, but fosters that sense of community. As you certainly know, making money is far from the most important thing in our lives, and you will look back on this time and be thankful that you realize it now.
I hope you continue to prioritize your family first, and are able to squeeze in time for the blogging that you love. Your writing stands out above the rest of the blogs I read, and you are so generous to share your cooking and writing talents, and your sweet personality, with the world.
Thank you for giving the time to create Mel's Kitchen Cafe!
Sharon Pinder
Mel,
Thanks for sharing the story about why you blog. I have to tell you, we love your recipes! I’d say about 80% of our meals are from you. Your blog is always the first my husband and I check when looking for a new meal for dinner or to take to a potluck. I also enjoy your special posts containing how-to videos and product recommendations. Your blog is perfect, and I can’t think of a thing to change or add! Thanks for all of your hard work to provide such awesome recipes for your readers!
I totally remember those beginning labels (those chocolate PB cookies are so good) it’s amazing, it doesn’t even feel that long to me. You know what they say, time goes quick when you’re having fun with those you love. I used to wake up and read 8+ blogs almost everyday. I don’t read anything but you anymore. I just became so sick of “mix cool whip with jello packets and call it good” recipes all so they could get more money from sponsors. Mel keeps it real. That’s what I want. Real. Recipes that are good for my family. You took us from baked chicken covered in a cream of something sauce to all from scratch quick and oh so delicious healthy meals. I’ll never be able to repay you for changing our eating habits and getting my boys to eat good for you foods. thanks a million. You are incredible.
I sure appreciate all the time you put into blogging! Yours is always the one I read first. I love your down to earth recipes. Btw. If you haven’t made the grandma pizza from cook’s country, you must asap!!
You’re known around here as my cooking BFF Mel. My whole family knows you, and we all love your fabulous recipes. Thank you for the incredible amount of work you put into this fun, educational, inspiring blog. You help me help my family, and I am very grateful.
Thanks for sharing the “blogger” behind the blog – I think it’s really good for the the blog readers and the blogger to connect in this fashion – let’s us know why you blog and also reminds you why you blog…lol…if that makes sense…anyway …you have a lovely family and while I’m not a big commentator on the blog itself..I do read the posts on an almost daily basis – love to look at what works for you in the kitchen and what doesn’t
I just found you this year..cookies for my grandsons;)
You have a BEAUTIFUL family..those Littles are adorable..
Keep doing what you are doing..it’s wonderful.
Hi Mel. I’ve followed you for years and years and just have to tell you thank you for making my job as a mom and a food lover so much better! I always know if it’s a recipe you’ve recommended, it will be awesome. I have a great trust for your taste and advice! Thanks for sharing your time, energy, and sanity on our behalf!
Oh yeah, I remember at least one of your old blog headers! I don’t always comment, but I am here everyday to read your blog & check out your recipes. And I am sooo thankful you share them! I found your blog when I decided to start cooking “clean”–using less processed stuff, like cream of anything soup. I liked what I tried from your recipe stash–it was easy & really good food, and you explained everything so well. I can’t tell you how many of your recipes have become part of OUR family, or how many people who have asked for MY recipe and I direct them to your site. You are my go-to source for any food (take that Betty Crocker!) You are amazing!
This was wonderful! Thank you Mel! We love your food so much! We seriously make something of yours almost every day for one meal or dessert or something else. You are a well known name in our family and loved for your delicious food you share. Thank you! You may remember my teenage girl wrote a short English paper about your blog. You mean a lot to our family even though we don’t personally “know” you, but thanks for all you do and for keeping it real and for keeping it the way you want, not what other people think. You truly are a rock star in my book!!!!
Another huge fan of MKC and you – I feel like I know you and your family and I so appreciate you sharing some of yourself and them.
MKC is the only blog in my feed reader … all the others have worn out on me and taking a peek on occasion most reminds me why it is MKC that I love!
And, I have learned so much … me an almost 60 year young scratch cook, i.e. you can teach and old dog … π !!! Although a fairly new (maybe 2 years) ready, I have gone back and read all of your flour and bread posts and cried for joy the first time I made the fluffy dinner rolls and found the roll/bun recipe of my dreams.
I know at some point you might choose to cut back or stop so I am grateful every time I see a new recipe. Personally, I am NOT a cookbook fan and would prefer getting recipes online. I do click through on ads of interest – I know that generates the most and I do hope your advertising is adding some $$ to your time investment.
Thank you for everything!
Love this post, and am so thankful you choose to keep blogging! Like other commenters, your blog is one I check daily (though, I do save it for last because you set the bar too high for the others!) and can ALWAYS count on for fabulous recipes. When in doubt I always check your recipes for something I need to make for a party or a potluck. Without fail, even if I’ve never made the recipe before, it’s always a hit! (example: tricolor pasta salad-people hadn’t even finished before asking me for the recipe!) Your recipes are staples in our house and I’m so, so thankful that you share them with the internet world! π You’ve definitely stayed true to your brand story of “tried-and-true” recipes; each time I read a post I feel like you’re sharing a treasured family recipe and we’re being let in on a family secret.
Also, this may sound weird, but I’ve often told my husband I wish I could text you for advice on what to bring to a party or family gathering! π Thanks for all you do and for staying true to yourself! We love ya, Mel!