Todays spotlight is on self-professed buttercream and dessert addict Shelly from CookiesandCups.com. Her blog is fun, engaging and loaded with delicious recipes for cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more. Shes even got some great recipes for yummy appetizers (sans the butter and cream) plus some tasty dinners. Oh, and her stuffed garlic bread recipe is literally to die for. Just sayin. Without further ado, keep reading for a short interview with the woman behind the blog and good eats.
How did you get into blogging?
I started my blog back in 2008 when my kiddo started kindergarten. I had begun baking cakes and cookies for friends and family, and I wanted a place to show off my creations.When the blog started to grow, I decided I wanted to share the recipes for the things I was making, beyond just pictures, so people could bake along with me! 10.5 years later I am still at it, and my hobby has turned into a full-time job that has been SO much fun along the way.
What started your journey into health?
I have always been an 80/20 gal. I try my best 80% of the time, and the other 20% I allow myself the grace to eat that slice of cake. Certainly, there are times when I fall off the wagon, but as I've gotten older, Ive realized that it's ok. I have found that if my mind is in a good place, my food choices seem to fall in line with that.
Do you follow a modified diet?
I don't really. Like I said before, I try my best to eat mindfully 80% of the time, and for me, that means real foods: fruits, veggies, whole grains. But there is always dessert in my house; I run a baking and cooking website, so sampling is part of the gig!
What is something most people don't know about you?
I am a pretty open book. But I will say that I have this weird talent of being able to name the year that pretty much any movie was made. I really have no idea why or how I seem to be able to recall this (fairly) useless knowledge, but seriously, it's something I can do!
What is your favorite Bobs Red Mill product?
By far my favorite Bob's Red Mill Product is the Super Fine Cake Flour. It's truly the best on the market. Your cakes will thank you.
What is your favorite Bobs Red Mill recipe?
The Classic Coconut Cake! I am working on a version of this cake for my website, and it's been tough to top this awesome recipe!
One tip for finding time to cook and bake amidst a busy schedule?
I really love making a large batch of quinoa on Sunday, so we have it for the week. We make burrito bowls and salads a lot and I find having the quinoa already made is a huge time saver.We throw in whatever we have on hand in the fridge, like chopped veggies and shredded rotisserie chicken to keep it extra easy. With my boy's busy schedules after school, it's nice to have something healthy prepared and easy to grab!
Oats person or smoothie person?
We do a little of both in my house, but I would have to say we lean more towards smoothies. It's just an easy way to get everything in one place!
Any exciting announcements or plans for your blog this year?
I have lots of plans this year for my blog, like more food-travel articles, a new design so it's extra easy to navigate, and more dinner recipes!
Who are some of your favorite influencers or bloggers?
I follow lots on influencers and bloggers on social media. Some of my favorites are Jessica from How Sweet, Jenny from Picky Palate, and Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere.
What do you like to do when you aren't working on your blog?
When I'm not working, you can generally find me at Target, Sephora, or on the sideline of a soccer field. That about sums it up!
Favorite season or holiday?
Christmas 100%. I just love it so, so much, and usually, begin the decorating process right after Halloween. Although, I will say that on December 26th I am fully ready to put away all my decorations!
What is your top baking tip?
Top baking tip . . . hmmm . . . that is a hard one. I will say always scrape the bowl! I know this sounds so ultra-simple, but I have watched so many beginner bakers make cookies, and they don't come out even because they haven't mixed their ingredients properly.Scrape the dang bowl as many times as you can.
Three words to describe yourself?
Happy. Reliable. Cozy.
Quinoa or rice?
Quinoa all the way.
Favorite food brands?
I use a ton of butter because I bake so much, so I'd have to say Challenge Butter is a huge favorite. I also am pretty partial to anything Trader Joe's . . . they just do it right!
* Follow Shelly at the links below!
IG:https://www.instagram.com/cookiesandcups/Blog:https://cookiesandcups.com
