Blogger Spotlight:The View From Great Island
This week, we're proud to feature L.A. blogger Susan Lightfoot Moran of The View from Great Island in our Blogger Spotlight. For those new to the column, we highlight a member of The Daily Meal's Culinary Content Network, a limited group of bloggers who write about food and drink, every Friday.
We look to this group of talented food writers for inspiration and participation with 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 remain up to speed with what is happening around the country and the world — from fine dining to home cooking.
Without further ado— Let's meet Susan!
The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?
Susan Lightfoot Moran: The mission of my blog...hmmm, I have to admit that I'm not one of those bloggers who cooks for the love of feeding and nurturing others...I'm more selfish, I cook because I have a voracious appetite. I'm inspired by flavor, texture, and color, and I guess my mission has always been about finding that next great meal.
How'd you get started?
I started the blog after we made a cross country move the same year my youngest daughter started college. The family was suddenly spread out all over the place and I wanted to keep in touch. Sharing what I was cooking with my daughters seemed a natural way to do that.
What are some foods you can't live without?
I'm being honest here, the two things I absolutely can't live without are coffee and wine.
Are there any foods you can't stand?
I'm a pretty broad eater, but I don't eat organ meats, squid, or sushi.
What is your proudest post?
One of my favorite posts is the one I did on homemade clotted cream. I love the idea that you can take a common food like cream and transform it so radically, and so simply.
What is your biggest blog blunder?
My biggest blogging blunder has been that I didn't rename my blog when I had the chance, early on. I'd prefer a shorter, snappier, food related title, but the opportunity for that has passed, I think.
Do you have a memorable comment from a reader?
I wish I had saved great comments over the years, but I didn't. My favorite ones are when readers tell me that I make food they want to eat. It sounds simple, but there's no bigger compliment that that.
What's on your cooking playlist?
My playlist is constantly evolving and expanding, and the walls of my office are covered with post-it notes. I've actually already in fall mode, even though the temps are in the 90s here. I'm digging out the bags of frozen cranberries and counting my cans of pumpkin :)
What are some other blogs you love?
OMG that's like asking me to choose a favorite child! The truth is there are so many I couldn't single out just a few...the blogging world is an incredible pool of talent. The single biggest influence on my cooking style has to be Yotam Ottolenghi. I'm endlessly inspired by his creative approach to food.
What are some food apps you love?
I'm currently obsessed with UberEATS!
What is the best thing about blogging?
The best thing about blogging is the sheer scope of it. There are so many different types of activities involved in a day of blogging that there's no chance to get bored. Blogging calls upon so many different skill sets, and challenges so many parts of my brain, I love it. Plus I'm my own boss, what could be better?
The worst thing?
The worst thing about blogging is the clean up ;)
Is there a recipe you're currently obsessed with?
I made some Lemon Crunch Bars a few months back and I can't get them out of my mind...I keep reincarnating them in slightly different forms on the blog!
What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised to learn how often I have eggs for dinner...I'm all cooked out by the end of the day, and just want to sit on the couch (with my wine!) and watch the news. Fried eggs are sometimes all I can muster.
What are five of your all-time favorite posts:
That question makes my mind spin — I have over 1,000 great recipes on the blog! Here's a few things I'd like to eat today—
Antipasto Skewers
Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce
Bucatini with Burst Tomatoes
Fattoush
And for dessert, Blueberry Zucchini Cake with Lemon Buttercream!