Blogger Spotlight: Chew Nibble Nosh

This week, we're proud to feature Christine Carlisle of Chew Nibble Nosh 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.

In addition to blogging at and creating Chew Nibble Nosh, Christine Carlisle is a mom who understands the value of a quick and healthy dinner. Christine is dedicated to perfecting simple, gourmet recipes for the "everyday foodie" to enjoy.

The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?
Christine Carlisle: To help provide realistic, attainable, delicious recipes for busy home-cooks.

How did you get started with your blog?
I was always "that friend" people went to for recipe ideas. After some nudging from a few of my friends, I decided to put my love of cooking and my love of writing together, and that's how Chew Nibble Nosh was born. It started out as a resource for friends and family, but has blossomed into a lot more, and I am so very grateful.

What are some foods you can't live without?
I can't live without olive oil, garlic, fresh fruits and vegetables, and chocolate (preferably in warm, gooey brownie form).

What are some foods you can't stand?
Bubble Tea... I just don't get it.

What is your proudest blog post?
I would have to say my Fattoush Salad with Chicken and Grilled Flat Breads post. It was the very first recipe I posted. I was a nervous wreck. It's short and sweet, not the best read, and the pictures could use some work, but putting that very first post out for the world to see was a huge hurdle for me to jump. I jumped it, and haven't looked back! 

What is your biggest blog blunder?
I called Brussels Sprouts, "Brussel Sprouts" the first time I wrote about them. I instantly heard from many loyal sprout-lovers. Lesson learned.

What is your most memorable comment from a reader?
Oh, I hear lovely things every day, and I absolutely love hearing from my readers. But every once in a while, a weird one pops up and instantly becomes memorable. One woman yelled at me in a comment because I was "promoting the obesity epidemic in this country" by posting a cake recipe ( I know she was yelling, because she wrote in all caps).  For every nasty comment, there are 10 wonderful comments. I've learned that having a good sense of humor is a necessity in this business.

What's on your cooking playlist?
I listen to a lot of Broadway and big band music in the kitchen. I like to keep it happy and up-tempo.

What are some food blogs you love?
Skinnytaste, Smitten Kitchen, Em-i-lis, David Lebovitz... there are so many. Lots of talented people out there!

What are some food apps you like?
Epicurious, Pinterest, NYT Cooking.

What is the best thing about blogging?
The best thing is connecting with people all over the world.

What is the worst thing about blogging?
My mind is always spinning with things I should be doing for my blog, and I never get around to most of them.

What recipe are you currently obsessed with?
My Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Ice Cream Cake recipe.

What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?
I am not against having Lucky Charms for dinner.

Five of your all-time favorite posts?