On a whim, at this time six years ago, I decided that blogging about food might be fun. I'd been writing for magazines about various things, including food, for a long time; and a food blog just seemed like a good idea.
I don't know how I even thought of it because I didn't even read blogs then. And I am not a techie type, so this whole venture did not seem likely to get off the ground. But I thought perhaps I could figure it out and maybe if I posted just once a week I could manage it.
Hmm ... what to make? Pizza came to mind as I had recently perfected my pizza dough. And I thought I could stretch it out over three posts and get this party started! So, knowing nothing about food photography or blogging, I grabbed my little camera and headed into the kitchen.
Of course, I had to choose a platform (whatever that meant) and a name for the blog (at least that part was easy). My husband is very polite and humorous, often simultaneously, and has said to me after nearly every dinner I've ever made for him, "Thank you for the delightful repast." How could I name my food blog anything else!
Then I thought I better look at some food blogs to see how long a post should be, how many photos, etc. I was shocked to find that there were people out there writing very long posts and including a huge number of photos AND doing this several times a week!
Well, that wasn't going to happen! Once I got a few posts up as quickly as I could manage, I went to the weekly schedule I've stuck to ever since. And after a couple months I began to add an additional photo or two when it was called for. But including a shot of the bowl/pan as each of 16 ingredients is added was definitely not my style! Not that there's anything wrong with that.
"Voice" was another issue. Writing for one's own blog is more personal than writing for a magazine. I had a difficult time loosening up and kept lapsing into a more formal magazine style.
Looking at other food blogs, I found a great many new bloggers at that time were trying to sound like the hugely successful Pioneer Woman. She's wonderful, but I just wanted to sound like ME, thank you veddy much! Note to anyone who wants to start blogging: Find your own voice.
I so appreciate all of you who follow the blog here and on Twitter and Pinterest. If you enjoy Delightful Repast, I hope you'll share it with all your friends, relatives, coworkers, social media peeps and mere acquaintances!
I so appreciate all of you who follow the blog here and on Twitter and Pinterest. If you enjoy Delightful Repast, I hope you'll share it with all your friends, relatives, coworkers, social media peeps and mere acquaintances!
What do you think? If there's anything you'd like to see on Delightful Repast -- anything I might help you with or something you'd like to see more (or less) of, let me know. Your comments mean a lot to me. Thank you so much!
And next week, the cake: Orange Vanilla Butter Cake (I love what orange and strawberry flavors do for each other). This one is the 6-inch version, which serves 6 to 8. Would you like this version or the 8-inch?
And next week, the cake: Orange Vanilla Butter Cake (I love what orange and strawberry flavors do for each other). This one is the 6-inch version, which serves 6 to 8. Would you like this version or the 8-inch?
If you like it, please Pin it and share it!
Fresh Strawberry Frosting
(Makes enough to fill and frost 8- or 9-inch 2-layer cake)
About 10 ounces (283 grams) fresh strawberries
1 stick (4 ounces/113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 pound (454 grams) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 Wash, dry, stem and slice strawberries; you should have about 1 1/2 cups. In blender or food processor, puree sliced strawberries until smooth; you should have about 3/4 to 1 cup.
2 In small saucepan over medium heat, bring puree to a boil. Boil gently, stirring frequently, until puree is reduced to 1/3 cup, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Note: When you think it's about "there," scrape it into a stainless steel 1/3 cup measure or glass measuring cup. If there's more puree than that, return it to the pan and reduce further.
3 With electric mixer, beat butter until smooth and creamy. Add about half the powdered sugar, and beat until smooth. Add the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, salt and remaining powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Jean
88 comments:
Happy 6th Blogoversary Jean!
And Happy 5th Blogiversary to you, Shaz! Did you think when you started out that you'd still ... etc etc!
6 years is wonderful, many congratulations! And I did enjoy reading how your blog got its name, Jean.
Delicious looking frosting. Happy Blogaversary!
Pauline, thank you! Yep, my husband is a sweetie!
Thanks, Lorrie! Wonder if I'll be having a 10th Blogiversary in 2020!
Oh, delightful Delightful Repast!...5 cleavers right off the bat! Of course, I like hearing about you-know-who and how he contributed to the naming of the blog, but the generalizations are very digestible too. “Find your own voice” – that’s cardinal. And was that a little self-amusement wordplay of the kind I like so much in my own blog – Re: “stretch out the pizza dough”? Lastly, I think a weekly blog is pretty ambitious actually. Especially one of quality, such as yours. Most of the frequent blogs I see are loaded with so much trivia that it’s almost “stream of consciousness.” Happy Blogiversary!
Sully, thanks so much. I knew you would catch that little bit of wordplay! I smiled as I wrote it. And it's always such an honor when I receive the coveted 5 Cleavers Award!
Ooooh, can I have a slice? :) Your cake is not only gorgeous, but it sounds oh-so-good! I made a strawberry cake last year. While it was good, it wasn't the greatest. I would love to try your recipe.
Have a beautiful Valentine's Day, sweet Jean. Hugs!
Thank you, Stephanie! I love that this frosting not only tastes great, but it's a pretty pink without any artificial coloring. Hugs, Jean
Beautiful cake Jean! Looks like a slice of heaven. And right now, in the middle of winter, who doesn't crave a taste of summer? Especially since it's been getting up to 80° here in California! Congrats on your blogging anniversary! You and I started blogging all most at the same time with my blog's (The Artist on the Road) first post being February 7, 2010! Over the years I've cooked more of your recipes than from any cookbook (or blog site for that matter)! You've kept my wife and I well fed for six years! Looking forward to all your tasty recipes to come.
Richard, thank you so much! I'm so glad you two enjoy my recipes (I now think of your wife whenever I make cabbage soup!). And, for all this time, The Artist on the Road has kept me relaxed as I enjoy a mini-vacation every time I read a post and admire a sketch!
What a delightful post. I too didn't really know what I was getting into when I started Sippity Sup. I face the same questions and challenges (and still do!). If my time blogging has taught me anything it's this: The true joy in reading a blog comes when you find a blog that no one in the world could have written save this one author. That describes your blog and it's why I keep coming back. Oh and the cake's nice too. GREG
Greg, that is one of THE best comments I've EVER gotten! That describes your blog as well and why I keep going back to it, though I hadn't thought of it in those exact words. Thank you.
Wow congratulations, such an amazing milestone! :) AND of course, this cake looks heavenly ;)
Thanks, Jane! Yes, it's quite a milestone -- rather took me by surprise. The occasion definitely called for a cake.
What a wonderful cake to ring in such a milestone!! COngrats... the cake looks amazing!
Thank you, Swayam! It would be a refreshing dessert after the delicious spicy curry you just posted!
Congratulations on your six years of blogging, Jean! Your cake looks absolutely scrumptious. I can just taste that icing; yum! A pretty and tasty dessert to celebrate Valentine's Day. Your hubby is a fortunate man to experience all your delightful cooking. Hope you have a wonderful day.
Blessings,
Sandi
Thank you, Sandi. He is also fortunate to be able to eat huge amounts and never gain a single ounce!
Dear Jean:
What a wonderful cake for your blog anniversary. Thanks for all your hard work as you bring so many wonderful recipes to blogland and bring so much joy to others. Thanks for sharing!
Bernideen, how sweet you are! Thank you so much. When I visit your lovely blog, with a cup of tea in my hand, I feel like I'm at a tea party!
A very happy bloggiversary to you. That cake is a work of art!. The frosting sounds yummy!
That looks and sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Your post has been pinned!
Cheers,
Jennifer
http://awellstyledlife.com
Thank you, Ellen! I don't do anything too fancy these days, I like to keep it simple.
Yummy! Thank you for sharing on SYC! Jo
Jean, we must have started our blogs about the same time. I think my first post was the last of January, 2010. Your blog always looks beautiful, professional, dignified, yet approachable. The only thing you might do to improve it would be to send that cake to my house asap. Lol. I know what you mean about one's 'voice.' No one really likes phoniness and/or copycats. Congratulations on six years!! xo
Jennifer, thank you. AND thank you for the Pin--all social media shares are MUCH appreciated!
Thanks, Jo! Love SYC!
Judy, thank you. That is so sweet! Wish I could send you over a cake once in a while. It would save me from eating too much!
Congratulations, Jean, on six years of wonderful blogging! Well done!
I have only recently found “A Delightful Repast” but have thoroughly enjoyed looking through your archives. My father was British and so I have a keen interest in your Tea recipes. Thank you so much for such a wonderful resource.
Next June when the berries are fresh in the garden, we will greatly enjoy this frosting and cake.
Best wishes for future years of blogging,
Lily
Jean, thank you for visiting my blog page and leaving your comment today. Your recipe for fresh strawberry icing sounds wonderful. I was in the cake business for four years back in the 90s, so I always am interested in cake things (still). Nice to meet you!
Lily, I'm so glad you found me and are enjoying my British recipes. Tea is the most "delightful repast" of all, and I frequently indulge in afternoon tea, so I *do* post a lot of tea recipes. Do let me know when your strawberries come in! Thank you.
Terri, you were probably in the cake business the same years I was really into cake decorating and taking courses in it. These days I rarely bother to get fancy. As you can see, I didn't even bother to smooth the icing, just left it rough. But I still love looking at what others do with cakes.
Kudos, Jean, and congrats on the bloggerversary! Beautifully done.
Thank you, PP! I just hope I can keep it up! :D
Happy Blog Anniversary,Jean! I am not really fancy for frosting, but this one looks really beautiful and tempting that I want to have a bite too.
Congratulations on your 6th Blogaversary! The frosting looks positively scrumptious!
Angie, thank you! Funny, I'm not a frosting fan either. To me it's there strictly for looks when the occasion calls for it. Even as a child, I always scraped the frosting off and just ate the cake. But THIS frosting I eat!
I almost didn't recognize you, Cranky! Thank you. I have to check out the new site!
Happy 6th year blogaversary! That Strawberry cake looks delicious! I enjoyed my visit.
A happy, happy blogaversary to you, Jean!!
What a way to celebrate! That frosting looks wonderful!
Happy Blogaversary!!! Here's to many more! Happy Valentines! xx
Is there a better way to celebrate such an important Anniversary, My dearest, sweetest Jean ?!?
Your cake is truly gorgeous, I truly would love to be a guest of yours :)
Thank you for this precious recipe for an important occasion ... Tomorrow is my hubby's Birthday .... !
With your passion for cooking you're so very important to me, and you're such a wonderful lady too, my darling, I thank you with all my heart !
Have a most beautiful Anniversary and weekend, my dearest one,
sending much love to you
Dany
Sylvia, thank you--you are soooo sweet!
Thank you, Cheryl! You've been at this blogging thing for quite a while now, too, haven't you!
Amy, thanks so much. Have a wonderful weekend!
Dany, thank you! I love visiting your blog--I always learn some fun bit of history, and it's soooo pretty! Isn't it fun to see the uniqueness of different blogs!
A beautiful anniversary cake. I've never met a strawberry cake I didn't like. I look forward to all of your future delicious posts. Happy Valentines Day! Hug!
Thanks, Bonnie! Hugs to you as well!
Happy Anniversary! So glad to have stumbled on your blog- and what a wonderful strawberry cake-Just love that it's naturally pink! (I find most food coloring makes mine look like pepto bismal!)
will be pinning and following
Cheers!
Christina, thank you so much! I'm so glad you found me! I'm a cat-lover, too, so I love your gravatar!
Good to reach that miles stone, and in other 5 it will be more years.
The cake looks so delicious.
Congratulations on your 6 years posting, Jean! That's a lot of recipes! Love hearing how you got started and how you got the name - how sweet is that? I am new to your blog, so I have lots of catching up to do! Love the recipe for the frosting - it looks so pretty and I think I could make it - your directions are so good and easy to understand. Hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day! xx Karen
Margaret, thanks so much. Someday I'd like to get out of the kitchen and learn to take beautiful scenic photographs like you. I so enjoy my armchair travels when I visit your blog.
Thanks, Karen. I do try to give very clear directions--thank you for noticing! I have lots of catching up to do at Beatrice Euphemie, too, and it's such a pleasure!
I will be featuring this post at No Place Like Home on Monday. Happy Valentine's Day, Jean!
Thank you so much, Sandi! And I'll be sure to tweet the link, inviting visitors to your lovely site. And I'll be posting the orange cake on Thursday.
Happy 6th! As you noted, we turned 6 at the same time, although I forgot to mention it to anyone! :)
The frosting looks amazing - I can only imagine the aroma and taste!
Thanks, David! Did you know that when I click on Cocoa and Lavender here it takes me to your Blogger profile rather than your blog? I'm going to email you about that. Readders, if you wish to visit the site, go to cocoaandlavender.blogspot.com.
looks delicious. :) happy blogiversary!
Thanks, TWG! Wish I had a piece right now!
Happy 6 blog anniversary. it is great achievement to blogging for that long time also having whip up delicious dishes like this cake. I am in love with fresh strawberry frosting. Thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning
Swathi, thank you so much. I think I'll be making this one a lot once strawberry season is at its peak.
This looks amazing and would be just the thing for my daughter. Thanks a million!
Thanks, Leigh! Be sure to come back on Thursday for the cake!
Congratulations on six years of blogging, Jean!!! I could just eat the whole bowl of icing...it looks that good. However, I guess a little cake would make it even better!!
Thanks, Kitty! Can't believe it's been six years. I have to admit, I had a little frosting left over and I ate it with a spoon!
Oh my Jean, the cake is beautiful and the frosting sounds absolutely delicious! Pinning. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks, Jann! We should be neighbors and wear a path taking each other treats!
Congratulations on your blog anniversary. I just realized that I hit 4 years of blogging in January.
The cake looks awesome and if I wasn't avoiding flour, I would give it a try.
Thanks for Sharing Your Cup!
Thanks, Art and Sand! If you're avoiding wheat flour, you should go to my Recipes index page and look at the Gluten-Free subheading. Congratulations on four years of blogging!
Congratulations on your sixth blogiversary, Jean! Love this beautiful, fresh frosting! It looks good and the flavours sound amazing. Sharing! Speaking of flavours - I do hope you will share your Orange Vanilla Cake with the Hearth and Soul Hop this week - I can't wait for the recipe! The hop is open now :-)
April, thank you. And thank you for sharing on your social media--much appreciated! I'll be posting the cake on Thursday (I post just once a week). Hope you like it.
Happy Blogiversary Jean! I'm wishing I could join you for a slice of this pretty cake and share the LOVE!
Renee, that would be grand! Thank you.
It's been a while since I've been here, mostly because I'm a slacker. I love that you blog is doing so fantastic. Happiest Blogiversary to you!
Yes, Mrs. Tuna! I was stunned when I saw your name! It HAS been a long time. Thank you for stopping in for my blogiversary. So glad you're back in the blogosphere--you're always hilarious.
Congrats on your anniversary and success!
Thanks, Hilary! Wishing you a wonderful 2016.
Congratulations Jean on your 6 Years! I think you are about 6 months ahead of me in this blogging world. What a way to celebrate with that amazing cake! Hope you had a great Valentine Weekend and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you so much, Miz Helen! Hasn't that time flown?! See you on (Full Plate) Thursday, Jean
Looks delicious. Congratulations on 6 years!
Thanks, CC! I'll be making another one over the weekend. I still can't believe it's been 6 years!
Happy anniversary! You definitely deserve cake! Love this story and how you got your blog name :-)
Karen, thank you! I'm glad you liked it. It isn't always easy for me to "get personal," but I do try! :-)
Congratulations Jean on 6 years of blogging. What an achievement! What an inspiring blog. Love your photos and recipes.
Thank you so much, CountryMum! I hope you'll come back for more of my photos and recipes!
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