Blogger Spotlight: Chef De Home
This week, we're proud to feature Savita Verma of Chef De Home 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.
Savita Verma is based in Tustin, California and is the blogger at and creator of Chef De Home. Along with being a cook and food blogger, she is also a computer engineer and holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science. Verma firmly believes that eating at home is the best way to eat healthy and believes that everyone can be their own "chef de home," or home cook.
The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?
To cook healthy and delicious food at home and eat everything in moderation so we never have to diet to stay healthy.
How'd you get started with your blog?
I have a Master of Science degree in Computer Science, and I started designing my blog as a hobby with no intentions to monetize. I always loved cooking for my family. For a long time, my blog was where two of my passions for programming and cooking met. Over time, I felt a great connection with the food I posted and started receiving great feedback. This is when Chef De Home became a blog and eventually, I started treating it like a career. [pullquote:right]
What are some foods you can't live without?
Cherries, salads, and churros!
What are some foods you can't stand?
Overly sweet desserts and mayo.
What is your proudest blog post?
Egg Curry is one of my very simple yet favorites of my many posts. I still receive appreciative emails from people around the world for this recipe that I posted four years ago.
What is your biggest blog blunder?
My biggest blunder was treating blog as "hobby" for a long time but expecting to achieve career-like results.
What is the most memorable comment you received from a reader?
Even though I cherish every comment left by my readers, one sweet person made my Vegan Fresh Green Soup for her grandparents and left feedback that really touched my heart. She said, "I made this recipe to bring to my grandparents this weekend and they LOVED it! They barely eat anything these days, but my grandpa even got up for seconds — I'd call that a success in my book. Thanks for the recipe!"
What are your favorite food blogs?
Closet Cooking and The Pioneer Woman.
Favorite food apps?
foodgawker and Pinterest.
What is the best thing about blogging?
Being your own boss and sharing food you love from comfort of your own home.
Worst thing about blogging?
Blogging is a very demanding profession. It is much more than just cooking and taking photographs of delicious food. I wish there were 48 hours in a day!
What recipe are you currently obsessed with?
I feel a personal connection with each and every one of my recipe. It's hard to pick just one!
What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?
I'm a self-taught photographer. I had no clue about how to take food photos for my blog for a long time. I took courses and even read books to improve my food photography skills. These days, whenever I have time, I cook my old recipes again to update the photos.
Five of your all-time favorite posts: