Howdy, fellow food enthusiasts and curious minds!
Behind the Kitchen Curtain: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Food Blogging
Today marks a truly special occasion here on our blog. In a unique collaboration with a fantastic group of fellow food bloggers, we’re pulling back the curtain to shine a much-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals who stand by our sides: our significant others. You know the old adage, “it takes a village to raise a family”? Well, while running a successful food blog might not require an entire village, it absolutely demands an extra set of hands, a keen eye, and an unwavering reservoir of emotional support to keep these recipes not just warm, but sizzling H-O-T!
The journey of a food blogger is often perceived as glamorous – endless delicious meals, beautiful photos, and creative freedom. But beneath the polished surface, there’s a whirlwind of recipe testing, countless dishwashing sessions, late-night edits, and the constant pursuit of that perfect shot. This is where our partners become invaluable. They are more than just bystanders; they are our silent (and sometimes not so silent) cheerleaders, our honest taste-testers, our impromptu hand models, our tech support, and our shoulders to lean on when the culinary experiments don’t quite go as planned.
In a rare moment, we’re inviting our very own sous chef, hand model, editor, and personal food therapist into the spotlight. It’s time to turn the tables and ask them a few questions, giving them the credit and appreciation they so rightfully deserve. After all, the passion projects and delicious creations you see here wouldn’t be possible without their constant encouragement and practical assistance. Today, we put the focus on them, because truly, we couldn’t do it without you!
An Exclusive Q&A with Mr. B: My Partner in Culinary Crime
Allow me to introduce you to the man behind many of my culinary adventures – my wonderful husband, Mr. B. He’s been an integral part of this blogging journey, offering everything from technical advice to critical (yet loving) feedback on new recipes. His perspective is unique, seeing the entire process from an outsider’s view while being intimately involved in its execution. Get ready for some insights, humor, and perhaps a few surprises as we dive into our Q&A session with him. Enjoy!
1) What is your favorite blog called?
Mr. B’s answer was delivered with a smirk: “I don’t really read any other blogs besides Climbing Grier Mountain. Do I get bonus points for that answer?” His loyalty is both heartwarming and humorous, a testament to his unwavering support for my work. While I know he occasionally browses other sites for his own interests, his playful declaration highlights the personal connection and dedication he has to our shared culinary journey. It’s a wonderful reminder that even when the work feels demanding, knowing you have such a committed fan makes all the difference.
2) What is your favorite prop?
Without hesitation, he said: “Newspaper!” This answer often surprises people, but for those of us in the food photography world, the right prop can elevate a dish from simple to stunning. A crumpled newspaper might seem ordinary, but its texture and vintage appeal can add an authentic, rustic, or even industrial touch to a food shot. Mr. B has seen me experiment with countless items, so his choice reflects an appreciation for the subtle yet impactful elements that contribute to the overall aesthetic of a blog post. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest items make the best statements in visual storytelling.
3) What is the weirdest thing you have seen your spouse do for a blog post?
His eyes widened a bit as he recalled: “Watching her walk on top of the table while photographing food. I’m pretty sure she should be wearing a harness of some sorts.” This memory never fails to make us both laugh! The pursuit of the perfect overhead shot, or capturing just the right angle, often leads to some rather unorthodox contortions. Whether it’s standing on a chair, a step stool, or yes, even precariously on a table, a food blogger’s dedication to visual perfection knows no bounds. His concern for my safety (and perhaps the integrity of the table) is a sweet testament to his watchful eye and the often-unseen gymnastics required for top-notch food photography.
4) If you could have your own blog what would you call it?
Mr. B’s creative side emerged with: “Geek in Wolves Clothes – it would be about my travels and everyday shenanigans.” This blog title perfectly encapsulates his personality – a blend of intellectual curiosity (“Geek”) and an adventurous, perhaps even slightly mischievous spirit (“Wolves Clothes”). Given his international consultant role and diverse hobbies, a blog dedicated to his travels would undoubtedly be filled with fascinating stories, cultural insights, and probably a good dose of unexpected humor. It highlights how everyone, even those supporting a blogger, has their own unique stories and passions waiting to be shared.
5) What do you do for a living and what are your hobbies?
He shared: “Job: I’m an international consultant for oil and natural gas. Hobbies: I play the guitar, fix cars and motorcycles, snow ski, fly fish, and mountain bike.” This response beautifully illustrates the depth and breadth of Mr. B’s life outside of our kitchen. His demanding professional career in the energy sector contrasts sharply with his diverse and active hobbies. From the melodic strings of a guitar to the adrenaline rush of snow skiing and mountain biking, and the serene focus of fly fishing, he embodies a dynamic balance of intellect, artistry, and adventure. It’s this multifaceted personality that brings so much richness to our household and, indirectly, to the energy of this blog.
6) Who does the dishes in your household?
With a wry smile, he admitted: “SHE DOES! Although, I am a great sous chef, so I try and help in the kitchen as much as possible.” Ah, the age-old question in any household, especially one with a prolific food blogger! While I confess the bulk of the dish duty often falls to me (a hazard of the job, perhaps!), Mr. B’s claim of being a “great sous chef” is entirely true. He’s excellent at prep work, chopping, stirring, and keeping things organized during cooking. His assistance in the kitchen significantly reduces the overall workload, making the creative process much smoother and the post-cooking cleanup slightly less daunting. It’s a true partnership, even if the sponges have my name on them most days!
7) What’s your favorite meal that Lauren cooks?
His answer, which often raises eyebrows, was: “Most people will think this is strange, but I love her brussel sprout hash.” This choice often elicits surprise, as Brussels sprouts can be quite divisive! However, for Mr. B, it’s a dish he genuinely adores. It speaks to his adventurous palate and perhaps my ability to transform even the most polarizing vegetables into something truly delicious. His appreciation for a dish like Brussels sprout hash over, say, a decadent dessert, highlights his preference for savory, comforting, and well-balanced meals. It’s a secret weapon in our culinary repertoire and a testament to the fact that even humble ingredients can become a favorite when prepared with care.
8) Team Tater Tot or Team French Fry?
His immediate, enthusiastic reply: “Gimme ur tots Napoleon. . .”, definitely Team Tot.” This is a classic question that divides many! Mr. B’s response, complete with a legendary Napoleon Dynamite quote, firmly places him on Team Tater Tot. There’s something undeniably nostalgic and satisfying about those crispy, golden bites. While French fries have their place, the unique texture and comforting appeal of tater tots clearly win him over. It’s a fun, lighthearted preference that reveals a little more about his down-to-earth taste in comfort food.
9) What is the one thing you’ve learned being married to a food blogger?
This question prompted a thoughtful response: “Food Patience. Whenever we are at a restaurant I always remind myself that the food will be photographed before we eat. I’ve also learned about the social media world and how people network through each platform. It’s quite fascinating.” This answer truly encapsulates the realities of living with a food blogger. “Food patience” is an absolute must – resisting the urge to dig in immediately while I capture the perfect shot, ensuring the lighting is just right, and sometimes even moving to a better spot for photography. He’s learned to wait, to understand the process, and even to offer helpful suggestions. Beyond the plate, his observations about the social media landscape are insightful. He’s witnessed firsthand the intricate web of connections, collaborations, and content strategies that drive the online culinary world, finding it both complex and utterly captivating. His appreciation for this dynamic ecosystem shows a deep understanding of my passion.
A Round of Applause: Celebrating Our Blogging Community’s Partners
Our collaborative day dedicated to significant others extends far beyond just my kitchen. We believe in celebrating the entire community of partners who support food bloggers across the globe. Each partner brings their unique perspective and contribution, enriching the creative output of their spouse or significant other. It’s a beautiful demonstration of how shared life experiences and unwavering support can fuel passion projects and foster success. Please make sure to explore the wonderful Q&A and appreciation posts shared by my fellow food bloggers. Each link below leads to a heartfelt tribute and often, a delicious recipe inspired by their partners!
A huge round of applause for all the significant others out there – thank you for being our rocks, our inspiration, and our biggest fans!
Discover More Partner Appreciation Posts and Delicious Recipes:
- Lauren from Keep It Sweet Desserts made M&M Kit Kat Cake
- Rachel from Rachel Cooks made Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Shanna from Pineapple & Coconut made Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas
- Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie made Homemade SpaghettiOs
- Amy from Very Culinary shared a Fabulous Video!
- Liz from The Lemon Bowl made Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeehas)
- Cassie from Bake Your Day made Something Fabulous
- Erin from The Law Students Wife made Chicken Stir Fry with Thai Peanut Sauce
- Heather from Sugar Dish Me made Bourbon Apple Shortcakes
- Dorothy from Crazy For Crust made Pretzel Toffee Peanut Butter Cookies
- Lauren from Climbing Grier Mountain shared At the Table with Mr. B
- Tanya from Lemons for Lulu made Something Fabulous
- Erin from Texanerin Baking made Healthier New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Jen from Jens Favorite Cookies made Chocolate Pudding
- Jamie from Thrifty Veggie Mama made Something Fabulous
- Diane from Created By Diane made Rocky Road Cookie
- Nikki from Seeded at the Table made Oatmeal Cream Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Meagan from A Zesty Bite made Something Fabulous
- Taylor from Greens & Chocolate made Something Fabulous
- Amanda from i am baker made Classic Cheesecake with Double Crust
- Kristy from Sweet Treats & More made Something Fabulous
- Lauren from Healthy. Delicious. made Something Fabulous
- Erin from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts shared a Round up of Hubbies Favorites
- Rachel from Set the Table made Mexican Chocolate Shake
- Julie from Julie’s Eats and Treats made Something Fabulous
- Stefani from Cupcake Project made Graham Cracker Waffle Cones
- Katerina from Diethood made Something Fabulous
- Betsy from Java Cupcake made Something Fabulous