I love covering the ins-and-outs of the Pittsburgh food scene, and sharing events, specials, and news with our readers. But, I also love to be in the kitchen, cooking for my own family and friends. Like everyone, I have my own well-worn, tried-and-true recipes that show up on my dinner table week after week. But every now and then I need a little culinary inspiration. These seven Pittsburgh-based bloggers share the recipes, photos, and ideas we all need to create a little culinary magic.
Chocolate Moosey: Chocolate Moosey is the brainchild of Carla Cardello, a Pittsburgh-based food photographer and writer. She created the blog to share made-from-scratch recipes that she’s developed in her home kitchen – and to share her incredible food photography skills. Her recipes (thanks to her background as a recipe developer) are spot-on, easy-to-understand, and delicious. And (always nice to know) Carla is just as warm and friendly in real life as she is on her blog.
One Recipe To Try: German Chocolate Pecan Pie
The Hungry Hounds: Husband-and-wife team Paul and Rebecca Shetler Fast are creative home cooks with day jobs – and serious culinary skills. Their beautiful blog, filled with mouthwatering photos of their creations, is a testament to their individual, unique styles in the kitchen. Paul is the resident food scientist, experimenting with sauerkraut and bread-making, while Rebecca focuses on unique flavor combinations. Their combined efforts bring their readers elevated but do-able dishes, using local and seasonal ingredients.
One Recipe To Try: Salted Caramel & Pear Bread Pudding
Simply Romanesco: Romania-born Dana Cizmas grew up watching her grandmother in the kitchen, but didn’t start cooking for herself until a few years ago, after a move to Pittsburgh. She shares her culinary adventures on her blog, Simply Romanesco, filled with recipes that remind of her of homeland, and her family. It’s a wonderful peek into rustic, Romanian cooking, with old-school recipes like Chocolate Cake with Walnut Brittle and Apple Sharlotka.
One Recipe To Try: Apple Pancakes
Culinary Cory: As a life-long foodie, Cory Van Horn shares his homespun recipes, kitchen tips and tutorials (like How to Roast a Pumpkin) on his blog, Culinary Cory. The dishes are easy to follow – and easy to find, thanks to a helpful navigation bar, leading readers to Breakfast & Brunch, Slow Cooker, Dessert recipes and more. You can also find a link to his awesome vintage cookware shop on Etsy, WanderBoys.
One Recipe To Try: Hoisin Chicken Wings
How Sweet It Is: Pittsburgh-based Jessica Merchant’s blog, How Sweet It Is, is a beautiful site devoted to every kind of food, from healthy vegan options to down-home comfort classics. Filled with stellar photographs and fun, festive recipes that are easy to follow, How Sweet It Is is definitely worth checking every day. Merchant has also just released a new cookbook called Seriously Delish, with some of her favorite recipes, most of which haven’t been featured on her blog.
One Recipe to Try: Warm Honey Fig Dip with Blue Cheese and Garlic Pitas
With The Grains: Food and event stylist Quelcy Kogel launched With The Grains in 2011, as an outlet to share her personal baking stories with the world. The blog is a beautifully-photographed, intimate peek into Kogel’s life in Pittsburgh, plus project-worthy recipes that use quality, seasonal ingredients. They’re wonderful, and worth the effort.
One Recipe To Try: Whole Wheat Cranberry Cake Donuts with Whiskey Cider Glaze
Emily Levenson: Eating well and feeling good is the crux of Emily Levenson’s self-titled blog. She’s a holistic health coach, with a specialization in food sensitivities, and shares recipes that cater to those who have specific food allergies, including dairy-free, gluten-free, nightshade-free, wheat-free, corn-free, egg-free, and soy-free options. And an added bonus? They’re also really delicious.
One Recipe to Try: Sriracha Burgers
What Pittsburgh-based food bloggers have we missed? Share with us in our comments!
Aimee Girod says
Hi, I am Aimee, owner and blogger on the Meatlessmentor.com. I blog about a plant-based lifestyle, sharing great recipes for folks trying to make the change even if it is just one day a week. Hearty recipes that even carnivores and kids will love. Check it out for your next Meatless Monday!
Emily Catalano says
Hi Aimee! Thank you so much for sharing your blog – it looks awesome! I’m looking forward to trying some of your recipes!
Gia says
Seduction in the Kitchen, She is a Pittsburgh Native living in Cleveland but writes about Pittsburgh and the recipes there all the time!
Emily Catalano says
Thank you for the tip! I just checked out her site – she has some really good stuff! I’ll definitely be bookmarking it 🙂