Blogger Spotlight: LeMoine Family Kitchen
"Let me start with this," writes Angela LeMoine, the voice of LeMoine Family Kitchen. "I'm a lucky lady, my friends. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and together we have two beautiful boys. I'm a stay at home mom, life is busy and crazy and I wouldn't change a thing!"
LeMoine comes from deep Italian roots — to which she attributes her serious love of cooking and feeding others, especially her family. Her recipes, however, don't just stick to the Italian classics. LeMoine dabbles in other cultures' cuisine and provides meal planning tips for her readers, too.
LeMoine is this week's featured blogger; check out her interview with us below:
What is the mission of your blog?
Angela LeMoine: I hope to inspire others to get in the kitchen and cook delicious, easy meals for themselves and their families.
How'd you get started?
I had been posting photos of my meals on Facebook for a while and friends started asking for recipes. One of my friends suggested I start a blog and just share the recipes there, and the rest is history.
What are some foods you can't live without?
Pasta! Growing up in an Italian-American home, pasta was always a staple. It's a delicious and quick-to-make meal and the possibilities are rather endless.
Are there any foods you can't stand?
Sorry, I really can't do the stinky cheeses! Blue cheese, gorgonzola... all of it. I can't go near it.
What is your proudest post?
That's really hard! I feel as though that changes frequently. I love my Eggplant Parm Nonna's Way because it reminds me of my Nonna. My Slow-Cooker Braciole recipe brings me back to our last trip to Italy, and certain Christmas cookies are super nostalgic for me, too.
What is your biggest blog blunder?
When I look back at some older posts from when I first got started I cringe a bit at the photos. While the recipes are tasty, some of the photos are just awful!
Do you have a memorable comment from a reader?
Not one specific comment but nothing beats having someone tell you that they tried a recipe and it was a huge hit! It truly makes my day every time.
What are some other blogs you love?
Cooking Classy, Cooking on a Budget, Amuse Your Bouche, Feed Your Soul.
What are some food apps you love?
I haven't really explored apps yet.
What is the best thing about blogging?
I really love spending time in the kitchen cooking and creating different meals and dishes. It calms me and keeps me from falling too far into a dinner rut.
The worst thing?
It is incredibly time-consuming, everything from cooking to photographing to getting the recipe down perfectly to writing the post then promoting it. But it's a necessary evil in a way.
Is there a recipe you're currently obsessed with?
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Summer Corn Salad
What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?
I have a degree in environmental policy. After my B.S., I applied and got accepted into a culinary business program but decided to decline because I knew that starting a family would ultimately be more important to me.
What are five of your all-time favorite posts?
Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Cups