My 5 Favorite Recipe Blogs That Might Be Your Favorite Too

I was taking a peek at my site the other day, trying to look at it critically and with fresh eyes, when I realized my blogroll was woefully out of date. I made the list when I originally started this blog, which was over a year ago. Since then, I’ve subscribed to, stumbled upon, looked forward to and become a fan of some new favorites. So, I started a list and updated the links for my favorite recipe blogs. While I was at it, I figured a recommendation from a friend for good reading or good eating is nearly always appreciated, so I decided to turn the new list into a post of its own. That way I can highlight them for you and really give them the attention they deserve.

The themes of these blogs run the gamut from vegan and raw, which I am not, to omnivorous, which I am not. But, I’ve found wonderful recipes that fit my kitchen just the same. They don’t all have a nutrition focus in particular, but they continually churn out whole foods recipes and fabulous photographs that get me excited about shopping and cooking. Here are my top 5:

101 Cookbooks

Let’s start with the very best, shall we? This is my first ever and still favorite blog for recipe ideas. Her culinary creativity fuels at least one meal a week for our family. I would go so far as to say her dishes are fool-proof. Like, for instance, Walnut Miso Noodles, which I’ve made dozens of times…I would consider this the perfect healthy pasta sauce.

Her two cookbooks are also a treasured part of my arsenal of dinner ideas. I blab on and on about how fantastic she is in this post, but I also get around to highlighting some must-makes from her beautifully photographed books.

Smitten Kitchen

Comfort food is her specialty, but it’s usually made with a twist. Nearly everything is cooked from scratch and she offers up basic cooking tutorials, too, for those of us in need of new skills or a refresher course.

This tasty bowl of beta carotene and plant protein was a particular favorite on a recent spring evening: Carrot Soup with Tahini and Crisped Chickpeas.

My New Roots

From her home base in Copenhagen, Sarah offers whole food recipes and continued, biweekly inspiration for a plant-based diet.

I was incredibly motivated by this post and its gorgeous photograph: Recipes and Tips for Healthy Travel. The next time I need to get on a plane you can bet I’ll be escorting a backpack full of healthy, homemade snacks through security. No more zesty pretzel mix in a foil tear pouch for me.

Oh She Glows

Who doesn’t want to glow from the inside out? (Diet seems a little easier than going the pregnancy route.) More plant-based wisdom can be found here with practical, everyday recipes.

I became a dedicated fan after I tasted this: Cranberry Apple Orange Vinaigrette. It’s pink, it’s fruity, it’s delightful, it’s delovely. Then I moved on to her Homemade Mocha Nutella and never looked back.

The Full Helping (Previously Choosing Raw)

Gena shares her simple approach to a vegan and raw lifestyle on this friendly blog. But more importantly, she got me to eat an avocado by hiding it here: Cherry Berry Beet Avocado Smoothie.

I think five is a good place to start for now, don’t you? Go take a peek and tell me what you think. And these are just the latest. I’m sure by next year I’ll have at least another handful of favorites. Since a recommendation from a friend is nearly always appreciated, I’m leaving it up to you to point me in the direction of your must-reads in the blogosphere….so I can pretend I’m keeping the blogroll sort of up-to-date.

Give it to me: what recipe blogs are inspiring you lately?

Kristine Duncan, Registered Dietitian

I’m a Registered Dietitian, the author of Veg Girl RD, and a vegetarian who loves to eat. I’m a nutrition nerd who teaches at the University of Washington and Skagit Valley College. I also write about nutrition professionally for magazines and books. If you want to know more, check out my About page.