Allergy-free Inspiration
Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 08:54AM 
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for me. I’ve been working on the shoot for my first book, The Intolerant Gourmet, and travelling back and forth to London for meetings and tasks. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in no way complaining. I love the new experiences that are coming with this project: the people, the work, the food are just all fabulous and I’ve found it necessary to pinch myself once or twice, not quite believing that this is my book. Because I’ve been so busy (and because I’m currently without a camera, although not for much longer) it’s not been as easy to settle down to blogging and I feel I’ve been neglecting my lovely site. That’s not to say that I haven’t been cooking, in fact, book two is beginning to take shape and I’ve never felt so driven or inspired to create delicious dishes for all to share. Inspiration can strike in the funniest of places, and train journeys have been one of my main opportunities to focus on ideas, thoughts, processes; the only frustration being that once the journey's over, I’m rarely heading home to my own kitchen.
I love a little mental meandering though, and there is nothing better, as far as I’m concerned, than roaming through plans in your head, matching tastes, textures, scents; desperate to get into the kitchen and let the ideas take shape. In those cases, the concepts are all mine, sparked by the site or smell of something delicious that I long to adapt into an allergy-friendly favourite. On other occasions, inspiration isn’t quite as forthcoming, and that’s often when I’ll decide to stop, sit back and read about other people’s creations. Food blogging is increasingly seen as a business opportunity, not so for me. Speaking personally, food blogging is about inspiration, passion, sharing and pleasure. Simply put, I want to read about good food, borne from the joy of cooking and made to share. So with the thought of sharing in my mind, and because I needed a little burst of inspiration myself, I thought I’d offer up a handful of my favourite food bloggers and their recipes that both inspire and make me hungry! Some are allergy-free bloggers, others vegan or veggie, one or two can eat anything, they’re all amazing.
Have cake, will travel is literally filled, page to page, with beautiful food photography and heavenly vegan food. Celine can make a sumptuous chocolate mousse out of cannellini beans. Seriously, what’s not to love.
The Particular Kitchen is a long-standing food blogging friend of mine, her lovely and always healthy recipes make me feel well just looking at them. She’s recently started a holistic nutritional business, so if you’re in need of a consultation, Molly is the way to go. I especially love her version of Pumpkin Pie.
Closet Vegan is a great source of inspiration and I’m yet to see a post of his that doesn’t get my attention, plus, the man has style and that’s always good. All hail Rainbow Quinoa and Rice Salad with Lime Dressing, delicious.
Nordjlus is one of the most beautiful food blogs you will ever see, Keiko’s photography is exceptional and she is also a very, very nice person. Slow roasted tomatoes are a favourite of mine and her post does their sweetness real justice.
Sprouted Kitchen is a pleasure to read, in terms of style, content and layout it’s the closest I’ve come to feeling like I’m browsing through a beautiful cookbook, on the web. The photography and writing are sharp and inspiring, which is sometimes exactly what I’m looking for. This recently posted Roasted Eggplant and Zataar Pizza is just crying out to be adapted.
Any favourites of yours I should know about?
Reader Comments (8)
You're the inspiration, Pippa! Thank you for the lovely shout-out, and I am so excited for you and your amazing book. The photos look stunning! Lots of love xx
Wow, that's inspiration in itself! Love your selection of bloggers, a few I hadn't heard of before but they look great, thanks!
Molly, thank you my sweet! I can't tell you how pleased I am with the photos and the styling. Can't wait to show you the finished product! xx
Sarah, thanks so much. So glad I could introduce to a few new bloggers, they're all fabulous.
Not jealous one teeny tiny bit about your book. Nope, not at all :-) Thanks for the links, off to check them out.
Pig x
Ahh, Pig, thank you! Seriously though, when are you going to write a book? I would definitely indulge in it! Hope you like the links x
Just popping in from your spotlight on Pocket Change. I don't have any particular allergies, but will check back for help with others that do. Good luck with your cookbook!
Hi Pippa,
Love the blog and the book! It makes being intolerant so much easier! Just wondered when the next book will be out and what will be the focus of it? I have already powered through half of your first book and I have only had it a few weeks, so dying to know when the next one is out!!! Thanks Pippa!
Hi Kevin
Thanks so much for your lovely comment and I'm delighted that you like the book. I'm impressed you've got though so much of it! The second book should be out in early 2013!! I know it seems a long time but there will be lots more on the blog inbetween and the second book will be packed full of lovely food and treats so worth waiting for!
In the meantime, happy cooking!
Pippa