Adopt-A-Blogger: My New Foodie Friend
October 18, 2008 by Joan Nova in Blogging, Interviews | 7 Comments
Meet Holler
One day I read about an Adopt-A-Blogger event hosted by Kristin of Dine & Dish and immediately thought it would be a fun thing to do. The goal is to introduce and pair up experienced (that would be Holler) and newbie (that would be me) food bloggers with the purpose of nurturing, learning, and cross-promotion.
And so it is how I got to meet Holler who resides in Scotland, surrounded by hills and castles. Though we’ve only spoken by email, I just know she’s got a lovely Scottish lilt to her voice.
On the personal side, Holler is a trained artist who studied graphic design and printed textile design though she says that pursuit has been relegated to leisure time these days. She and her husband, Graham, have just celebrated one year of wedded bliss, are both vegetarians and enjoy holidays in Cyprus, Turkey and Gran Canaria.
The ‘foodie’ scene in her area is limited. There are about 14 supermarkets that she knows of, but specialty food stores are scarce and most folks are not as food-obsessed as Holler and her U.S. counterparts. She doesn’t get the Food Network or Top Chef, but she told me about a show called Come Dine With Me where 5 strangers are brought together to throw dinner parties for each other in their homes and at the end of the evening, the guests give the host’s food and hospitality a score. Sounds like a fun experience.
In addition, Holler co-hosts a blog event with Lisa from Lisa’s Kitchen called No Croutons Required which sponsors a soup and salad challenge. She says the last round-up called for soups or salads including fruit and there were some fabulous entries.
And ‘the verbatim’ in response to the rest of my questions:
What is the national dish of Scotland? Your area?
“Neeps and tatties [huh?], veggie Scotch eggs [looks delicious], Haggis, Cranachan, Clootie Dumpling [huh? huh? huh?], Scones, Oatcakes, Tablet and some of the most delicious cheeses such as Cheddar, Crowdie, Caboc, Strathdon Blue, Strathkinness and Bishop Kennedy.”
Do you have any suggestions for someone who is considering becoming a vegetarian?
Do you have suggestions for new bloggers?
“I would say to new bloggers, just have fun! Don’t worry about how little you feel you know, you will learn so much, so quickly, and most bloggers are happy to give a helping hand if you are stuck. Visit blogs you like, leave a thoughtful comment and you will soon have lots of new friends and be part of the most fantastic community.” [Amen!]
And, lastly:
Have you ever been to the U.S.?
“No…I would like to go, but I don’t think I will be visiting soon unless I win the pools!”
To which I reply:
You certainly wouldn’t have to spend $$$ on meals. You’ve made so many foodie friends who I’m sure would be happy to host a dinner (vegetarian, of course) for you in your travels. You could start in South Florida!
Click here for Holler’s post about me and foodalogue.
NOTE: Some recipes found on FOODalogue are offered without ingredient quantities. They're meant as a guide to food pairings and techniques to be experimented with … in your own kitchen … to your own spice and taste levels … to your preferred portion sizes … and to however many people you’re cooking for.
A perfect meal has multiple levels of flavor and textures, bright colors and tastes, and healthy(ish) choices. It's all about enjoyment. Enjoy the process, the presentation and the just rewards...eating!
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7 Comments
You’re very fortunate to be paired with Holler. She’s a great gal and she’ll show you around the blogging world.
Holler will be very helpful to you Joan. It looks liek you are well on your way to success:D
Aww shucks! Such nice comments!
Thank you for the great write up Joan! I am very pleased to have met up with such a lovely new friend.
I hope your blog goes from strength to strength!
Love Holler! It’s true, she’s a great match… adopt a blogger is such fun!
Joan, you are both lucky to have each other but I would swear that you were an experienced blogger, as you have such a beautiful site.
thank you, Ivy!!
I love the adopt-a-blogger idea. What a great way to get people together who share similar interests!
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