When I started writing my blog in 2008, I was 23. At that time, I didn’t know that I wanted to create a space on the internet centered around cooking, recipes and the kitchen.
Not because I had the foresight to think that one day, I’d cash in on French Style Beef Stew.
I started a blog because I liked to write. Also, I didn’t have that many friends at the time. I liked having something to do after dinner on weeknights. Truth.
I didn’t start this site expecting that I would become the next Rachael Ray or Martha Stewart (I mean…if I did, I would have purchased a .com web address instead of a stupid .net).
Now, I bet everyone says that they’re just blogging out of love for it but if I had to place a bet I would guess that 99% of the people who say that are jumping out of their skin each time the phone rings, hoping it’s a book publisher, literary agent or TV producer calling to ask where they should send your bags of cash.
I’m not saying I wouldn’t like bags of cash, but I started blogging because I was bored, basically.
I started blogging because I liked writing and my friend Joey told me, over beers, that if I started a blog then people would probably read it.
I started blogging about recipes because I like to eat, I like to cook and I like to share both of those things with other people. Do I like it when someone emails me out of the blue to tell me they tried and loved one of my recipes?
Yes. I also like compliments.
What I am getting at here is that even though part of what I do for a living includes helping companies build their brands, I’ve always struggled to define my own brand among the hundreds of thousands of food bloggers who are basically doing the exact same thing I do.
I think it’s because I didn’t start my blog intending to start a brand, I started my blog because I like putting words on paper (on screen?) and the title, In Good Taste popped into my head one night when I was cleaning out my coffee pot.
Now that I have some readers and enjoy what I do here, I want to make sure I am reaching the people who want to read it.
This summer, I invited some discussion on my writing from a number of literary professionals (let’s leave it at that).
During this process, I received some fiercely critical feedback on my writing (I asked for it!) and that feedback included the lack of branding on this site.
More specifically, it addressed the title of my blog: In Good Taste. The feedback was something along the lines of: “I’ve always struggled with the connection between [my] blog name and [my] voice/vision. “In Good Taste” is way too vague. It’s holding her back. It doesn’t really mean anything and actually sounds more like the name of a blog I’d expect from a 50-something, not a 20-something.”
I’ve mulled this over quite a bit, not because I agree with it, but because if there is something about the space I’ve created here that is difficult to understand, then I want to do a better job defining it. I want this to be a place where people like me – young professionals, busy adults with active, full lives – can pop in for an accessible recipe.
It won’t always be a 20-minute meal. It won’t always be an idiot-proof recipe that anyone can cook. I want people who like to cook but think they don’t have the time to come here for inspiration and ideas and whether they cook twice a week or seven times a week I consider that a success.
‘In Good Taste’ is for you if you stay out until 3am on Friday nights drinking beer and eating pizza but then you go for a nine mile run on Saturday.
It’s for you if you would rather have date night at home instead of going to fancy restaurants and it’s for you if, occasionally, you’d rather stay home on a Saturday night and make a turkey meatloaf than go to the latest night club and you aren’t afraid to admit it on public forum.
It’s for you if when you’re having friends over, you buy way too much cheese but there is never any leftover. You work hard and you play hard.
In Good Taste is the place where I want 24 year olds whose refrigerators contain little more than Taco Bell hot sauce packets and a bottle of cheap Sauvignon Blanc to come to look for recipes that they can make when their parents come to town, if for no other reason than to prove that they can cook like grown-ups. It’s also for the 34- year old bachelor who is a little embarrassed to admit he is only capable of grilling steaks and making breakfast.
You aren’t afraid to live a little, but you want to be tasteful too.
So, internet. Help me out. What would you like to see more of here? Less? Do you think In Good Taste is having an identity crisis or should I shut up and make more s’mores cookies?
————–
Part of why I am posting this recipe today is because I don’t particularly like beef stew. I tried it because it was cold and January and it’s budget-friendly.
The dish itself was perfectly fine – the meat was tender and juicy, the vegetables flavorful and fresh – but I still wasn’t enthused about it.
I almost decided not to post it, because I’m not a huge red meat lover.
But if I only posted my favorites here, this would be the “Sweet Potato Fries and Chocolate Chip Cookie” blog and I can’t imagine that title would appeal to the masses.
So, sometimes it’s not about me, but about who could be out there searching for the perfect beef stew recipe that’s a little more elegant than an Italian Style Beef Stew but still perfect for a cold Sunday afternoon.
It’s a hearty, simple and classic recipe that will stick to your ribs, and it’s an elegant, elevated twist on a comforting recipe.
It’s In Good Taste.
The Recipe
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1½ pounds beef top round, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch chunks
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 1 (14½-oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, broken up and juice reserved
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs tied together with kitchen string + tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound oyster, chanterelle, or white mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
- Heat oil in medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
- Add all remaining ingredients except mushrooms and thyme leaves to Dutch oven; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour.
- Add mushrooms to pot and simmer, covered, until meat is fork-tender, about 1 hour longer. Remove and discard thyme sprigs. Serve sprinkled with thyme leaves.
40 Comments
Woodcutters Shiraz Australia Wine Review
February 7, 2017 at 12:23 am[…] Wine and Food Pairing Suggestions: For a grown up meal, serve this with grilled lamb, lamb burgers or French-Style beef stew. […]
Kelley
March 29, 2012 at 9:41 amMaris – I am not your target-age audience, more like twice that age would be closer to the truth. However, I read your blog because you have a sincere ‘voice’ and you have simple and good tasting recipes using fresh ingredients. I am not an advanced cook and do not like complicated, time-consuming recipes and meals but I do want to improve my skills and my health, using real food. Your blog is my first go-to for something new to try or to see your take on something ‘old’. As I said earlier, you produce good tasting recipes and that fits your ‘brand’ perfectly — In Good Taste. No matter what age reads your blog. Listen and follow your heart; it’s what has gotten you where you are today. And myself and others will continue to follow you.
LeslieM
February 26, 2012 at 5:18 pmI second what Tara says. I am not your demographic – more like your mom’s! I am already know how to cook. But I enjoy your blog, your point of view and the ancedotes you share. I think it is fine to post a recipe that you think is good but not outstanding – we don’t cook our favorite thing every night of the week. Keep up the good work.
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
February 22, 2012 at 2:49 pmJudging by the amount of readers and commenters you have here, I don’t think any of us are bothered by whatever perceived lack of branding your colleagues noted. 😉
Honestly, I’d just like to see more *you.* I love the recipe posts, yes, but I also like the posts where we get glimpses into your life and anecdotes about you and your relationship to food and life. Making those quality posts is what’s going to define you as a blogger, I think.
Jamie
February 18, 2012 at 8:18 amMaris, this is an excellent post and you cover two distinct subjects that have been on my mind constantly lately. You are so right: no matter what people say about why they blog, too many of them are doing it for fame and those bags of cash. And sadly this shows in their blogs. And much of it is just plain bad junk food. But there is a definite difference between wanting our blog to lead to fame and fortune and trying to turn what we have started on our blog into a professional career. And that is where “branding” comes into play and I am no expert! I have found a niche as you have and people are happily recognizing this. I chose the title of my blog Life’s a Feast by process of elimination (everything else I thought of was already taken!) and whether Life’s a Feast fits me and what I do or not, people now recognize it and associate with me. So I have become that blog name. I love what you are doing here with your space (please no oreo-stuffed, candy-topped cupcakes made from boxed mix please!) and admire you for it. So don’t worry; figure out what you want and stick to it. It is already working.
natalie (the sweets life)
February 13, 2012 at 12:25 pmahhh as a blogger i can relate, and often i worry i don’t spend enough time or thought in my branding. then again, i blog because i love it and it’s a fun hobby that is so different than my ‘real life’ job! 🙂
keep doing what you’re doing, i’m a fan!
camille
February 12, 2012 at 5:02 pmI don’t think you should shut up, but I do think you should make smores cookies…
Also, I know I’m not the target of this exercise since I’m reading it regardless of the brand, but I don’t think there’s a disconnect betwen the name of the blog and what you write about. Sometimes it’s “in good taste” because it’s about food that can class up a table, and sometimes it’s the pun meaning where it’s just about straight up tasting good. Works for me!
Kat
February 9, 2012 at 9:48 amI think part of having one’s own blogging “trademark” comes with building your own brand and making it your own over time. Kind of like a title of the book doesn’t matter as much as its content, especially if it can’t deliver the title’s promise (there are so many blogs with catchy titles and puns and play on words that after a while of “oh, isn’t that clever” you just get tired of that – it’s not the title that keeps people coming back, it’s the content). I think the key is having your own voice. You’ve built up a pretty strong readership over the years, so you definitely have your own unique voice and style (and good taste!) that keeps readers coming back, regardless of what these literary professionals say!
Jenn
February 9, 2012 at 8:25 amI think the “identity crisis” haunts all of us bloggers at some time or another. My blog name is similarly vague, and I chose it that way specifically because I didn’t know where this was going to take me and I wanted the freedom to define my “brand” so-to-speak as I went. I think it’s rather rare for a food blogger to have a fully designed branding strategy when they start out, and it’s kind of fun to see how everyone evolves 🙂
A Plum By Any Other Name
February 9, 2012 at 6:35 amYour description of Friday night lights into Saturday morning workouts sounds suspiciously familiar. I’m glad to hear there are more of us freaks out there. 😉 I like your combination of healthy food and sweets. It’s you!
Joanne
February 9, 2012 at 6:02 amWell, I also started a blog when I was bored at home and I can’t say I thought about it’s future much when I was coming up with a name (or choosing to start on blogger instead of wordpress. Arrgh.) It’s voice has certainly changed a LOT throughout the years…
I actually think you’ve done a pretty good job. I always know when I come here that I’ll find GOOD food. It might be fancy, it might not…but it’ll always taste good. And be doable.
Blond Duck
February 9, 2012 at 5:36 amMust find whipped PB… 🙂
Carolyn
February 9, 2012 at 5:26 amInteresting post, Maris. I started my blog out of fun and because I was bored too. But in terms of branding, I kind of stumbled into that one when I was diagnosed with diabetes. Now it’s a low carb, gluten free blog, most of the time. Perhaps the title doesn’t directly convey that, but I am sticking with it because it’s true, I really DO dream about food all day!
I like what you are doing here, I say keep up the good work!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
February 9, 2012 at 3:15 amWhat a tough question, Maris. I would never guessed that you even think about all these by simply coming to your blog… Identity Crisis, really? Your blog is wonderful! Well… I am not sure or understanding what “branding” means…do we need it? LOL. See, I am not the best person to answer. If we make a brand, then we sort of need to stick with it right? Hm… Maybe I’m just very confused. I don’t know how you can improve your blog but continue to share the best of your recipe you created with us. I have so many things I want to improve but never thought of branding. You got me thinking… Let’s move on to beef stew. I love beef stew Maris! This one looks so good. Keep us inspired by your delicious recipes. 🙂
ea-the spicy rd
February 8, 2012 at 10:52 pmSince my 3 am beer drinking days are over and I’m not a huge fan of stew either, I’m not sure I have any advice for you, but I always enjoy reading your posts and love your easy recipes, so I say blog about what makes YOU happy, and hopefully everything will fall right in to place 🙂
Marsha @ The Harried Cook
February 8, 2012 at 8:23 pmMaris, I have always loved your blog, and I think it is lovely place to visit – .net address and all 🙂 at least you’re not ‘@blogspot.com’ like me 😀 You have a very attractive site, a nice style of writing, and I love the title of your blog!! Keep on keeping on… 🙂 Love this stew… mmm… I adore beef stew and this looks absolutely flavorful and delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Melissa@IWasBornToCook
February 8, 2012 at 7:48 pmI get what you’re saying, but I already love what your blog stands for…as long as you stay true to yourself, your interests, etc. it will continue to be a success! You’re doing just fine!
Winnie
February 8, 2012 at 7:39 pmMaris- I’ve always felt your blog is classy (lovely writing/recipes), and I think the title fits perfectly. I’ve also always felt you’re very mature and that you know both who you are, and who your target reader is (as you’ve outlined above). At 41, I am not necessarily your target, but I still enjoy your blog; also, I kind of hate that everything these days is about branding, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing here.
Liz
February 8, 2012 at 7:31 pmI love visiting you…and never questioned your blog’s name or purpose. I love your voice and your recipes…and that’s all it takes to get me back. I keep making beef stew and pot roast, hoping one of the recipes will make my youngest a fan. None have so far…but I’ll keep yours for my next try 🙂
Lisa
February 8, 2012 at 6:50 pmMY blog IS an identity crisis and has been from day one. I don’t have a theme, I don’t fit into any niche, and (obviously) I don’t self-host or try to brand myself. I just cook, bake and now I’m writing a story about my first love which has nothing to do with anything other than a sudden need to journal and go back in time. I go where the ‘wind’ takes me. I started my blog to share a love of food, and when you and I both started, that’s what about 85% of food bloggers did. Miss those days. Would I reject a good offer? Hell no, but I sure ‘ain’t’ chasing it.
Love the simple, light beef stew! Mmmm Dijon.
Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious
February 8, 2012 at 6:46 pmMaris, I have been blogging for over 3+ yrs and I feel like I haven’t found a “brand” yet that defines me. My friends though like and are my loyal followers because they like how simple (yet delicious) the recipes that I post. Keep it up 🙂
peachkins
February 8, 2012 at 3:46 pmUh, shut up and make more S’mores cookies?? Just kidding.
You know, I started a blog because I have a passion for writing and I love eating and cooking. I also want something where I could pile up my recipes and food photos and remind me of my experiences, sort of like a diary.
I love your blog that’s why I keep coming back and “In Good Taste” is a great title because it’s easy to remember/recall and a person can relate to it.
Sarah Caron
February 8, 2012 at 2:37 pmI think many of us who are long time bloggers didn’t think about branding when we launched our sites either. I sure didn’t. If I did, I would have chosen a name I could readily pronounce for my blog (fact: I mispronounced the name of my blog for over a year. Until I looked it up).
I love In Good Taste. I love that you have a unique name for your blog and that you write about being that single girl who likes to cook and sometimes — but not always — likes to go out too. You’re real and so is your blog.
Dana
February 8, 2012 at 1:05 pmI always enjoy stopping by In Good Taste, and always get the feeling that you know exactly who you are and who your audience is. I think you are definitely on the right path and am excited to see how everything unfolds!
diane boyd
February 8, 2012 at 12:20 pmI got here from a tweet by @chownandchowder. I too am a blogger (health/nutrition blog) and enjoy reading others! I love the sincerity of your writing. Keep up the great work!
rebecca
February 8, 2012 at 11:59 ami think you know who you are my advice is be Maris you will end up getting married with kids before you know it don’t box yourself in let it evolve with u
mzt1
February 8, 2012 at 8:20 amYour blog & your recipes are amazing & you also had me at “no fuss.” But, they are not just for the twenty or thirty-something crowd, or for that matter single people. They work just as well for families and anyone over the age of 40 who loves to cook. So keep on blogging!!!!!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
February 8, 2012 at 8:18 amThis looks great! Hope you’re well
Blond Duck
February 8, 2012 at 6:51 amCould you use chicken?
I have the same problem with my writing….I know how you feel. Maybe you need to hire your own pr.
Simply Life
February 8, 2012 at 6:38 amI LOVE your blog and the name of it! I think it’s creative, friendly and welcoming!
Kitchen Belleicious
February 8, 2012 at 6:30 ammustard makes everything better! I love adding it to my sauces and marinades! This stew looks amazing- beyond amazing. I am with your mom( i guess that is your mom’s comment since it says mom?) you had me a no fuss! LOL!
Mom
February 8, 2012 at 4:19 amYou had me at no fuss!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
February 8, 2012 at 2:03 amThat’s a tough question Maris! I started off my blog in the same way-it was to show my sister overseas what we were eating instead of just describing it (food obsessed family here 😛 ). I’m not sure what my “brand” is as such, but I would say that it reflects my interests and I don’t cover anything that doesn’t interest me. So I’d say just keep going and only write about what interests you (as opposed to what you feel people may want to read). Because there will a group that will feel akin to you and what you are genuinely passionate about and will continue to read your blog.
Amanda
February 7, 2012 at 11:35 pmI had a blogging identity crisis about 2 years ago, but I had a cooking blog and the problem was that I really don’t cook very well! Haha! I can follow a recipe like a pro, but making up recipes is not my forte. I ditched my cooking blog and started a mommy blog because writing about my kids was what I really wanted to do.
I enjoy most of the recipes you post, but maybe you should stick to recipes you love. I doubt many readers are going to try a recipe when you lead with saying you didn’t like it that much.
Maris Callahan
February 7, 2012 at 11:39 pmgood point 😉
Brandy
February 7, 2012 at 10:47 pmMaris, I know what you mean. I am also a fellow blogger one year in the making and have heard similar feedback on the brand that I’ve chosen. Being in marketing, I’ve struggled with the “identity crisis” so to speak, especially when I’m trained to listen to market feedback and half of my feedback was “I just don’t get it”. But I also felt that I had an interesting brand in the making and decided that if I was going to keep it, then I needed to do a better job of helping my audience or viewers get where it came from.
I think you have created an excellent brand (even if you didn’t want to) and I think your following and viewer feedback should make its case that your “brand” is resonating with the audience you want it to . . .
Thanks for the post!
Maris Callahan
February 7, 2012 at 10:49 pmTotally get it! It’s a lot of trial and error and there is no right or wrong way to blog which is part of what makes it so complicated! I am not so much worried about clicks/page views but at this point I don’t want to be falling on deaf ears (eyes? heh) if there is something obvious I could be doing to interest more people.
Terra
February 7, 2012 at 10:28 pmGorgeous! I love the addition of the the Dijon mustard, great mix of flavors:-) Hugs, Terra
Carol Sacks
February 7, 2012 at 10:21 pmI wrote a comment a few minutes ago, but I don’t think it came through. I think you have a lot of poise. I can’t imagine having the confidence to begin writing a blog at 23, ask for constructive criticism a few years later, and then share that feedback with readers. I like your blog and your recipes and wish you the best, Maris.
Maris Callahan
February 7, 2012 at 10:50 pmThank you! I just peeked at your blog and it’s beautiful! Adding you to my reader now!