Blogger Spotlight: No Spoon Necessary

This week, we're proud to feature Cheyanne Holzworth-Bany of No Spoon Necessary in the Blogger Spotlight. For those new to the column, every Friday, we highlight a member of The Daily Meal's Culinary Content Network, a limited group of bloggers who write about food and drink.

We look to this group of talented food writers for inspiration and participation in The Daily Meal, whether for restaurant recommendations or new recipes to try out for dinner. Our editorial team covers All Things Food and Drink, and we tap the CCN to keep up to speed on what is happening around the country and the world — from fine dining to home cooking.

Cheyanne Holzworth-Bany is the blogger for and creator of No Spoon Necessary. She is a culinary school graduate and restaurant alumni based in Pinehurst, North Carolina. She was a pescatarian for over 10 years until she was forced to eat snails and frogs, which opened a new love for food for her.

The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?
Cheyanne Holzworth-Bany: No Spoon Necessary is a place for me to share my passion for delicious food through original recipes and photography.  My goal, specifically, is to put a fresh spin on classic dishes and traditional flavor pairing in an attempt to bring fun into the kitchen and fabulous food to the table.

How did you get started with your blog?  
I attended culinary school and always talked about starting a food blog. However, I was working in a professional kitchen and the crazy work hours prevented me from having the time to dedicate to a blog.  After my father was diagnosed with mesothelioma three years ago, I left the culinary world to take care of him. He was always my inspiration in the kitchen. One of the last promises I ever made to him was to finally start a blog.  I kept my promise!

What are some foods you can't live without? 
This is a hard question, there are so many!  But I would have to say sushi, cauliflower, lobster tail, chateaubriand, egg whites, popcorn, French fries, and cheese.

What are some foods you can't stand?  
Hmmm, I don't really have any. There are a few things I absolutely refuse to try, like beef heart or gizzards, and I will not eat veal.

What is your proudest blog post?  
I am proud of them all. Picking one would be like asking a mother which child is her favorite — even my very first posts when my photography was awful, I am still proud of those. It is nice to see how far I have come and those early posts keep me striving to better my photography and writing. I don't think I will ever be completely satisfied with any of my posts because I am a stickler and very hard on myself.  Regardless, I am proud of them all.

What is your biggest blog blunder?
The entire learning process of starting a blog — all of that was a one huge blunder!

What is your most memorable comment from a reader?
Honestly, they are all memorable. The kind and sweet comments make blogging fun and worth cleaning all the dirty dishes!

What's on your cooking playlist?
I don't have a playlist, per se.  But, I have a computer and big screen monitor in my kitchen, so I stream Netflix as I cook.  Right now I am in the middle of streaming House.  I obviously don't fully get to watch it, but I like the background noise and story.

What are some food blogs that you love?
That's a loaded question! There are honestly so many terrific blogs, we would be here all day if I were to name them all.  

Favorite food apps?  
I don't have one... at least I don't think I do.

What is the best thing about blogging?  
Having a record of everything I create is pretty terrific.  Also, the friends I have made and people I have met make food blogging fun.  

Worst things about blogging?  
That's easy — dirty dishes!

What recipe are you currently obsessed with?
I don't have a specific recipe I am currently obsessed with. Right now, I am pretty obsessed with anything that involves fresh summer produce or the grill.  

What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you? 
I eat popcorn at least two nights a week for dinner. The 94% Fat Free Pop Secret with popcorn spray butter and popcorn ranch seasoning.

Five of your all-time favorite posts: