Mandy Merriman, the Blondie, is the chef/photographer/blogger behind Baking with Blondie. She started her blog 2 1/2 years ago while her husband lived at the law school for hours every day. It was then when she not only fell in love with baking & cooking, but the world of blogging, food styling, and cake decorating.
She tries 3-5 brand new recipes every week that range from the perfectly healthy, to the scrumptiously savory - but not without a quick stop over to the sinfully sweet. She believes that everyone can create something special in the kitchen not only for themselves to enjoy, but most importantly to share with their most treasured loved ones. And with a little snark in the right direction, they can have just as much fun making it as she did the first time.
Mandy's recipes have been featured on The Huffington Post, Cooking Channel, and many other online publications. You can catch her cooking segments every month on Studio 5, Fresh Living, The Daily Dish and Good Things Utah.
She currently lives in West Jordan Utah with her husband Ryan, a former collegiate distance runner and current attorney (hooray to finally be out of law school!), and her 4 year old blonde-haired-blue-eyed son. She loves to run, is addicted to Netflix, and dreams of someday being on the Food Network.
Mandy's recipes have been featured on The Huffington Post, Cooking Channel, and many other online publications. You can catch her cooking segments every month on Studio 5, Fresh Living, The Daily Dish and Good Things Utah.
She currently lives in West Jordan Utah with her husband Ryan, a former collegiate distance runner and current attorney (hooray to finally be out of law school!), and her 4 year old blonde-haired-blue-eyed son. She loves to run, is addicted to Netflix, and dreams of someday being on the Food Network.
I'm so happy you found my little corner of kitchen happiness, enjoy every sweet or savory morsel.
xo,
blondie
FAQ:
Just who are you, anyway?
I am a wife of an attorney (currently doing a couple clerkships), mother of an adorably curious toddler and terrorist, Music Performance graduate, professional musician by night, commander of the dishwasher/vacuum driver by day, and a natural blonde every moment in-between.
What kind of camera do you use?
This is where things get entertaining (and has quickly become the punch line of my blog) - I use a Kodak EasyShare C743. I've never taken anything remotely close to a photography class, and I don't have the funds to buy a fancy camera. Laugh it up, friends. I know I am!
Can I pin/use your recipes/pictures?
Pin away. If you use my recipes on your website, please link back to my blog (as I have done when I try a recipe that is not all mine). I prefer you do not use my pictures unless you have my permission first.
You seem to use the term EVOO often in your ingredient lists, what is that?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It's a Rachael Ray/Food Network thing.
What kind of alcohol should I add to your fruity drinks?
I've honestly never had a drink in my life, so I can't help you there.
Never a drink in your life? You must be a Mormon.
Yes I am.
What's your favorite snack?
Popcorn. But not microwave popcorn. Air-popper popcorn. Our popcorn machine gets used a couple times a week. Little butter, lots of salt - just the way I like it.
How the heck do you have time for blogging?
The Manchild takes a very long nap every afternoon, and I only blog about food (no crafts, house remodeling, fashion, DIY, tutorials, etc). It's easy for me to keep a food blog going when I'm already making meals for my family on a daily basis. Plus I don't do the step-by-step picture recipe tutorial thing.... drives me crazy! I think I know what 4 eggs in a bowl look like - who's with me?
Why don't you post any fish/seafood recipes on here?
Not a fan. Never have been. My poor husband... he loves the gifts the sea has to offer. If we're out at a restaurant, he'll almost always order something with fish/seafood in it to get his fix.
I want to make your recipes, but there's too much butter, cream or sugar in them. Can I use substitutes?
Unless you have some special allergy/diet restrictions, I'm gonna say Don't Do It. The ingredients are there because they are the best fit for the recipe. So if you're trying to 'health' up a dessert or meal... and get cranky because it doesn't taste very good, are you surprised? From what I've learned, substitute ingredients will never taste as good as the real thing. But definitely make the best decision for you and those you are serving it to.
How many pounds have you gained since food blogging?
None. I run in the morning before the manchild wakes up or hit up a Zumba class in the evenings. Ryan's lack of miles run since his years on the college cross country/track team (during his undergrad) have yet to catch up with him.
Do you do sponsored posts/sponsored giveaways?
I definitely do sponsored posts, and would love to do a giveaway of your product, or a collaborative giveaway with your blog! Please email me at bakingwblondie@gmail.com
I am a wife of an attorney (currently doing a couple clerkships), mother of an adorably curious toddler and terrorist, Music Performance graduate, professional musician by night, commander of the dishwasher/vacuum driver by day, and a natural blonde every moment in-between.
What kind of camera do you use?
This is where things get entertaining (and has quickly become the punch line of my blog) - I use a Kodak EasyShare C743. I've never taken anything remotely close to a photography class, and I don't have the funds to buy a fancy camera. Laugh it up, friends. I know I am!
Can I pin/use your recipes/pictures?
Pin away. If you use my recipes on your website, please link back to my blog (as I have done when I try a recipe that is not all mine). I prefer you do not use my pictures unless you have my permission first.
You seem to use the term EVOO often in your ingredient lists, what is that?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It's a Rachael Ray/Food Network thing.
What kind of alcohol should I add to your fruity drinks?
I've honestly never had a drink in my life, so I can't help you there.
Never a drink in your life? You must be a Mormon.
Yes I am.
What's your favorite snack?
Popcorn. But not microwave popcorn. Air-popper popcorn. Our popcorn machine gets used a couple times a week. Little butter, lots of salt - just the way I like it.
How the heck do you have time for blogging?
The Manchild takes a very long nap every afternoon, and I only blog about food (no crafts, house remodeling, fashion, DIY, tutorials, etc). It's easy for me to keep a food blog going when I'm already making meals for my family on a daily basis. Plus I don't do the step-by-step picture recipe tutorial thing.... drives me crazy! I think I know what 4 eggs in a bowl look like - who's with me?
Why don't you post any fish/seafood recipes on here?
Not a fan. Never have been. My poor husband... he loves the gifts the sea has to offer. If we're out at a restaurant, he'll almost always order something with fish/seafood in it to get his fix.
I want to make your recipes, but there's too much butter, cream or sugar in them. Can I use substitutes?
Unless you have some special allergy/diet restrictions, I'm gonna say Don't Do It. The ingredients are there because they are the best fit for the recipe. So if you're trying to 'health' up a dessert or meal... and get cranky because it doesn't taste very good, are you surprised? From what I've learned, substitute ingredients will never taste as good as the real thing. But definitely make the best decision for you and those you are serving it to.
How many pounds have you gained since food blogging?
None. I run in the morning before the manchild wakes up or hit up a Zumba class in the evenings. Ryan's lack of miles run since his years on the college cross country/track team (during his undergrad) have yet to catch up with him.
Do you do sponsored posts/sponsored giveaways?
I definitely do sponsored posts, and would love to do a giveaway of your product, or a collaborative giveaway with your blog! Please email me at bakingwblondie@gmail.com
I'm so happy you found my little corner of food blog land. I hope you enjoy looking around and find a thing or two you'd like to try.
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| Tracy Hill Photography |
You go, girl! I like this blog and I like your goal of cooking three Pinterest recipes per week! I just looked up your Quinoa recipe - I am always looking for ways to use Quinoa - mainly because I bought some last year, used it in a recipe, and it was a total bomb. I still have some I need to use up! Good luck with those recipes!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE this blog! Nice work, Blondie :).
ReplyDeleteLoving your blog! I just found you. Can't wait to see your up and coming posts! I have a new blog and I've been a little MIA lately, it's time to get back on the blogging wagon!
ReplyDeleteah, blondie. love yer blogetty blog. i love that you focus on the food. it's most important. you rock.
ReplyDeleteI just found your fun blog. Love it. I totally have to agree about changing (lightening) up my recipes. Yes, you can try-but it won't taste the same! It's a dessert for heavens sake! Looking forward to future posts.
ReplyDeleteI think your photography is SO impressive! (Especially since you say you don't have a super nice camera and haven't taken a class... that's inspiring to me!) I've enjoyed the few posts I've looked at so far... keep up the awesome work!
ReplyDeleteFound your lovely blog while searching for a lasagna roll recipe (I have one of my own but wanted something new and with meat and found yours!) and see you are the wife of a law student, like me. I have never heard the term "law school widow" and totally plan to use it, as that couldn't be more TRUE, lol.
ReplyDeleteI just started a recipe blog last month. I love your creativity! I'm adding your blog address to my favorites list. You do an awesome job. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are adorable, write like a dream, and I want to come to your house for dinner... or dessert! I came across your blog and am your newest follower. I would love if you’d visit me at : the daily savant : and (if you like) follow with GFC and Blog Lovin'!
ReplyDelete: signe
thedailysavant.blogspot.com
Absolutely LOVE your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteJayma | http://GoingBarefootblog.blogspot.com