Blogger Spotlight: Basil Momma
Heather Tallman is a busy mom of two who likes to cook; as she puts it, "Now, I don't just mean whipping up some Hamburger Helper between swim practice and Zumba, I mean researching the perfect recipe, tweaking it to be my own and making magic on the LG."
She first created her food and Indiana lifestyle blog, Basil Momma, in an effort to record cherished family memories, but it has since grown to be a wonderful resource for food, travel, and real-life advice/empathy for families in Indiana and around the nation. As a member of The Daily Meal's Culinary Content Network of food bloggers, we were able to chat with Tallman and feature her on this week's Blogger Spotlight. Check it out below:
The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?
Heather Tallman: To educate readers on how to eat well for their budget and needs, share family travel stories and talk to consumers about local food and the food of Indiana.
How'd you get started with Basil Momma?
I have kept food and family life journals for several years. In 2008, I was off of work for a month due to a major surgery. I decided to create a private blog to preserve some of our family stories, notes, and recipes. Little by little, I showed friends and family. A friend showed her editor and then I was asked to write a newspaper column (which became syndicated). I then started my own food related podcast: Around the Kitchen Sink (which remained on the new and noteworthy list on iTunes for six months) which I ran for three years. I branched out into local television, radio, and print media, and today I am still working from my home office talking about food, family, Indiana agriculture, and recipes.
What are some foods you can't live without?
I really can't live without herbs, chocolate, tomatoes, and cheese. And bread. Oh, and pasta.
Are there any foods you can't stand?
Eggs. (Shudder)
What is your proudest post?
I have a few, but I have written a lot about not only food but my history of cancer and my mother's untimely death this year due to a cancer-related infection.
What is your biggest blog blunder?
I have made Google mad a few times and didn't know it.
Do you have a memorable comment from a reader?
I did have one call me a Big Agriculture shill once.
What's on your cooking playlist?
Dixie Chicks, Adele, Bruno Mars, anything I know the words to.
What are some other blogs you love?
That's like picking a favorite child!
What are some food apps you love?
Actually — I don't use any. But I do visit Epicurious, Yummly, Cooking Light, and The Pioneer Woman a lot.
What is the best thing about blogging?
Reaching an audience that lives just like me with the same struggles, the same successes, and the same stories — and we all learn from one another.
The worst thing?
My inability to prioritize my time, and the fact that people think I don't work.
Is there a recipe you're currently obsessed with?
Right now I am trying to perfect a chocolate soufflé that doesn't fall.
What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?
That I cannot make a decent pancake to save my life.
What are your all-time favorite posts?
Choice At The Pump: How Ethanol Can Fuel Our Future