Recipes Occasions

Blogger Spotlight: Seduction Meals

Angela Carlos|

This week, we're proud to feature Terry Dagrosa of Seduction Meals 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 Seduction Meals, Terry Dagrosa is an experienced digital marketer and self-taught cook with a penchant for creating irresistible romantic meals designed for two from her favorite local and artisanal products.

The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?

Terry Dagrosa: The mission of SeductionMeals.com is to share tips and inspiration on preparing a home-cooked romantic meal for two. We cover everything from recipes (ours and fabulous ones we find online), cocktails, music playlists, must-have products, inspiring cookbooks, table settings, and more.

How did you get started with your blog?

I was always intrigued by the connection between food and romance and the passion people put into creating a romantic rendezvous around a meal. Every time I'd ask someone to tell me about their "Seduction Meal," you know, that one dish to "wow" that someone special, the response was so passionate and they couldn't wait to tell me about their go-to recipe, a secret family tradition, or how they would make every detail just so. Some of the meals were as simple as could be, others quite elaborate. And if someone wasn't a cook they had amazing tales of that memorable dish/romantic date — often the first home-cooked meal together. I love that!

What are some foods you can't live without?

I do love a good steak, in-season, sun-ripened tomatoes, good sushi, Greek yogurt, figs, cheese and bread, raw almonds, chocolate, and avocados.    

What are some foods you can't stand?

Caraway seeds. I'm not really crazy about liver, but I've experienced a gourmet-like creation and it was pretty tasty. I tend to stay away from mass produced meats, poultry, and seafood; it's sad and scary what they are allowed to do to our food these days. I do my best to buy fresh, organic, and local whenever possible.

What is your proudest blog post?

We've won several design awards for SeductionMeals.com over the years, and I am very proud of that. I'm especially proud of winning top honors from the Web Marketing Association having been awarded the Standard of Excellence Award in the blog category a couple of years ago. 

What is your biggest blog blunder?

I don't recall a specific blunder, but I'm certain I've made a few.

What is your most memorable comment from a reader?

Someone asked my advice for a romantic meal and set up for an engagement dinner at his house. He loved the suggested recipes, music playlist, and tips. And the next day, he was so excited to tell me how wonderful the night was — and that she said yes! That was pretty amazing.

What's on your cooking playlist?

I love all kinds of music, depends on my mood and what I'm cooking.

Sometimes loud and rocking (Radiohead, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Clash, Old 97's, Bowie, Lucinda Williams) or melodic and sexy (Bebel Gilberto, Cafe de Flore, Crowded House, Sade) or Reggae (Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals).

What are some food blogs you love?

You'll find them on my site under Blog Love and there are so many more I could add to this lest. I love Zen Can Cook, The Kitchn, He Needs Food, Cannelle et Vanille, Local Milk, The Food Department, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Drizzle and Dip, Food Wishes, and Blue Kitchen.

Favorite food apps?

Pinterest, Mode, and Yummly. Pocket is also a great app — it's not a food app, but it allows me to save all the great food stories I want to read later.

What is the best thing about blogging?

I love creating things, taking pictures, learning what others are doing in the space, sharing links, and discovering great recipes. I especially like connecting with bloggers and followers; and more than anything I love hearing from readers and followers — it makes my day.

Worst thing about blogging?

Being on a computer as much as I am. It's no secret running a site/blog takes up so much time. But if you love it you do it. There is so much more I would love to do with Seduction Meals — it's a never ending quest, but I do have to make an effort to step back from time to time. It can be quite obsessive, this blogging thing! 

What recipe are you currently obsessed with?

Speaking of obsessive. More than a recipe — I am totally obsessed with the cookbooks and recipes of Yotam Ottolenghi. A dear friend made dinner for me the other night and turned me on to Yotam's cookbooks: Jerusalem and Plenty. I seriously want to make every single recipe! I can't wait to one day visit his restaurants in London. I absolutely adore Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food.

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

That I don't know how to properly use kitchen knives. It drives my boyfriend crazy so he just bought me an amazing Wüstof knife set — and I'm trying, I really am.

Five of your all-time favorite posts? 

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