Blogger Spotlight: 'Giggles, Gobbles, Gulps'

Blogger Linda Arceo put her professional writing skills and love for cooking to work when she created Giggles, Gobbles, and Gulps. On her blog, Arceo shares relatable food and drink recipes as well as travel experiences with her followers. Her claim to fame is her chili, and her recipes have garnered attention from major national media outlets such as Huffington Post Taste and the Today Show, to name a few.

The Daily Meal is fortunate to have this bacon-loving Latina as a contributing member of our Culinary Content Network of bloggers, and we are delighted to introduce her to our dedicated readers. Everybody, meet Linda Arceo:

The Daily Meal: How'd you get started with Giggle Gobbles and Gulps?

Linda Arceo: I started Giggles, Gobbles, and Gulps after winning the 2012 Woman's Day Magazine Chili Contest. I won for Best Beef Chili and received a lot of press. After that experience, I didn't want the fun to end, so I decided to use my years of experience as a writer and combine it with my passion for food, mixology, and travel by starting a blog.

What are some foods you can't live without?

This is a hard one because I love food so much, but I would say I couldn't live without chocolate, peanut butter, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Are there any foods you can't stand?

I absolutely despise deli-sliced ham and okra. I also can't eat anything fatty, so I always choose leaner cuts of meat.

What is your proudest post?

I really love the post I did for a bacon brand where I made bacon salsa. Yes, you read that right — bacon salsa! It is an amazing recipe, and when I created it I definitely patted myself on the back.

What is your biggest blog blunder?

In the beginning it was my photography. I still have a lot to learn in this area, but when I look back at some of my original photos — yikes!

Do you have a memorable comment from a reader?

I had one comment where someone questioned my heritage because I added bacon to one of my recipes. I am a proud Latina, 100 percent, and was amazed that someone could not appreciate regional differences and influences when it comes to cooking authentic dishes.

What's on your cooking playlist?

I love music with heart and soul. I like to listen to music where I can sing my heart out while I cook. Some of my favorites are Adele, Sam Smith and Sia.

What are some other blogs you love?

I love Souffle Bombay, The Pioneer Woman, and Pinch of Yum.

What are some food apps you love?

Yummly, OpenTable, and Tastemade.

What is the best thing about blogging?

That's a toss-up between the people and the experiences. I have met some pretty amazing people through blogging, many of whom have gone on to become some of my best friends. If it wasn't for blogging, I am not sure our paths would have ever crossed. Additionally, blogging has offered me some tremendous opportunities and experiences. I am so grateful for every single one — it's been a wild ride. It's been a wonderful four years so far and I am so happy my path led me to Giggles, Gobbles, and Gulps.

And the worst thing?

The competitiveness is difficult to manage at times. There are a lot of food, drink, and travel blogs out there, and it can be challenging to stand out all the time. If you are not careful, you can definitely burn yourself out.

Is there a recipe you're currently obsessed with?

My family really likes my bacon fried rice recipe (notice a trend here?), as well as my breakfast naan pizza. We also really enjoy pastelillos de carne.

What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?

I have a few hidden gems in my background. Most would be surprised to learn I was a pageant girl for many years. In college, I would have characterized myself as a full-blown vegetarian hippie, and I have met more celebrities than you can imagine. (I was a hostess trainer at Planet Hollywood for several years and also a movie extra.)

What are five of your all-time favorite posts:

My five favorite posts are:

1. Mexican Fajita Kabobs

2. Dessert Tacos

3. Slow-Cooker Pork Ramen

4. Ultimate Jersey Shore Rum Punch

5. Steak Enchilada Tacos