Have you ever attended an event that you’re pretty sure will change your life? Maybe that sounds dramatic, but there was something so invigorating about being at BlogHer Food all weekend. Among people who share the same passions as me, but in so many different ways. There were non-stop moments during the weekend that made me want to scream, “I love blogging!” And so many times when I just wanted to run to my laptop and blog my little heart out. You know, if the internet at the Westin in Atlanta had actually worked.
But the conference also brought forth so many things that make me thinking I’m blogging all wrong. That make me think I’m the worst food blogger in the world. Questions running through my head, preventing me from actually getting a post down.
For instance: I have a Master’s Degree in writing, so why is my writing so bland and boring? Why do I rely on the endless use of adverbs and adjectives in my prose? Why am I not more creative with my cooking or inventive with my recipes? Why do I never ask permission when I adapt a recipe from someone else? Why don’t I comment on more blogs and immerse myself deeper into the community? Why don’t I know the difference between “1 T parsley, chopped” and “1 T chopped parsley”? Why do I often blog with Days of Our Lives on in the background, despite the fact I don’t watch Days of Our Lives and it’s simply what’s on after the 12:00 news and I’m too lazy to find the remote and turn it off? And, of course, the infamous- Will my readers think I have a problem because I post an alcoholic beverage or dessert every Friday it’s my turn to post?
You can see why I’m paranoid, right? While all of this blogging talk was informative, it was also paralyzing. How will I ever write my next post knowing what I now know? Being among so many incredible bloggers (See? Another adjective) had me craving to be better myself. Better at writing, better in the kitchen, better in the blogging community. And if I couldn’t be better, how could I be anything?
But then I remember why we started blogging in the first place. How it was to show the world that, unlike Martha Stewart, we are not perfect. We are constantly striving to be, but we know perfection is a lofty (impossible) goal. How perfection is overrated. And how many of you probably wouldn’t be interested in reading this blog if we were perfect. I think (hope) part of the reason you keep coming back here is because you can relate to us in some way. And because you have the same goals and ambitions that we do.
I think about all the people I’ve met who I never would have crossed paths with if not for blogging. I remember the first time I met a blog friend across state lines. And I think about this little life I’ve carved out for myself that I never in a million years could have imagined. I never thought I’d be traveling across the country to talk about blogging. Or calling people I met over the Internet my true friends. Or hanging out in a hotel in Georgia all weekend long sitting and conversing with people I feel like I’ve known my entire life. That, to me, is what blogging is about. And despite all my flaws- in writing, in the kitchen, and in life in general, I’m pretty content here with this little blog and what it’s grown to be.
Yes, I know I used “I” about a million times in this post so far; a major no-no. But I don’t care. Because this post really is about me. But it might also be about you, too. I hope it is.
With that said, here’s a recipe for Wheatberry Salad with Chipotle Chicken. I know I need to work on my segues. I’ll worry about that after my next blogging conference. For now, I’m just happy I figured out how to spell segue.
Wheatberry Salad with Chipotle Chicken (serves 8-10):
Print this recipe!
• 1 C wheatberries
• 1/2 t salt
• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo
• 1 T olive oil
• 12 oz. green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 2 red peppers, chopped
• 2 C yellow corn kernels, fresh or frozen (if frozen, thaw)
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 5 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 T lime juice
(The wheatberries are missing from the photo above since they were busy boiling away)
Start by rinsing your wheatberries in a strainer. Put about 3 1/2 C of water in a medium saucepan with wheatberries and salt. Bring to a boil over heavy heat and then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for about an hour, until the wheatberries start splitting and get chewy. Drain and cool.
Despite what you might have heard, you don’t need to soak wheatberries overnight. Trust me, I didn’t. And I thought they were the perfect consistency.
Now, move onto the chicken. Mix chipotle peppers and garlic. Brush over chicken breasts and place in a dish. Let marinate for at least 40 minutes. I put my chicken back in the refrigerator while it was marinating.
Heat 1 T olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken to pan. Cook for about 7-9 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
Let chicken cool while you get all of your veggies ready.
Cook green beans in a small saucepan of boiling water for about 3-4 minutes. I like my green beans best al dente. Place in strainer and rinse under cold water immediately after cooking.
Once the chicken is cooled, cut it into cubes, fit for a salad.
Put wheatberries in a bowl and add in chicken, green beans, corn, red peppers, and green onions. Crumble goat cheese over the top.
There were so many flavors in this dish, I didn’t want to overdo it with a heavy dressing, so I simply sprinkled about a tablespoon of lime juice over the top. The perfect tart touch. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Many of this salad’s flavors contrasted with each other. And I found that fact to be part of what made it so delightful. The spiciness of the chicken was balanced by the creamy zing of the goat cheese. And both of those flavors were tempered by the cool crisp of the veggies.
Plus, since I live with Chris and Chris alone, there were plenty of leftovers. I mean, this salad serves 8-10 and there are 2 of us. You do the math (Fine. Even though I hate math, even I can do it when it’s that simple). We were eating this salad as a main dish, but it would also make the perfect picnic or BBQ side dish.
But as an entree, the chicken combined with the wheatberries did make for a deliciously filling and satisfying meal. You may even be able to tempt salad skeptics to the light side.
Of course, you can add and/or omit any vegetables or ingredients you want. That’s part of the beauty of the salad.
I’m already looking forward to the next blogging conference, so I can learn to be better at what I love to do so much. And while I know a simple panel or course won’t improve my blogging and cooking on its own, every little bit of knowledge I soak in will change me in some small way. And little by little, improvements will start to show.
Do you ever feel paralyzed by wanting so badly to be better at something?
My best advice (and I’m certainly no expert) is to simply continue on with what you love and what you’re passionate about and results will start to show… Eventually.
[Sues]
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I DEFINITELY feel this way about blogging sometimes. I also feel this away about teaching group fitness classes!! I want to be the absolute best, the most knowledgeable, the most motivating, the toughest, the most fun, ahhhh! Enough to make my head explode
In any case, this dish looks incredible! Wheatberries rock! They had such amazing texture to a dish. And I love chipotle anything.
I can definitely relate with you – I have very similar thoughts running through my head all the time too! It’s very refreshing to read your honest thoughts about blogging, and I completely agree with your advice on continuing to do what we love.Great post, and recipe looks good too
Great recipe and post! I have yet to make it to a conference but really want to – I know I have SO much to learn! Thanks for sharing even these tips that made you think!
Great post! As a blogger, I feel the same way (and struggle with wanting to start my own, but feeling overwhelmed). I also feel the need to point out that in the your second paragraph you wrote “fourth” (the number) when you mean “forth” (the direction). I love all your posts and am glad you had a good time at the conference.!
@Cat haha thanks! See? I’ll never be perfect, even when I proofread 392 times. Arghh
Those are my bloggy goals–friends and writing and a fun activity
Baby steps!
Do you think this would work with quiona? I’m hesitant with the wheat berries and have this thing of quiona I need to use…
I think that we all tend to have these moments of criticism in our blogs. My blog has changed focus so many times but I’ve found that I’m happiest when I write for myself…and let the other components and pieces fall where they may. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you and Chels have been so great to me and a bit of a blogging inspiration. Keep up the great work!
@Bee Yes! I think quinoa would be great in this salad, too
I love this post! I love this community and knowing that there is still so much to learn and so many ways to improve, I think it makes it more exciting. On another note, I need to start cooking wheatberries!
This is a very timely and relevant post. Love the salad recipe too!
Great post! I feel the same way about Eat, Write, Retreat and am struggling to pull together everything I learned and experienced for a post. And I am so energized to do so many things now, just need the hours in the day!
I love wheatberries, so good and chewy!
Love the chipotle with the chevre and the chewy wheat berries! I totally need to make this.
Laura
Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the conference. The salad sounds so nutritious and super flavorful with chipotles, I like the addition of goat cheese here too.
Yes, yes, and yes. I felt the same way at the conference, and have been thinking the same things since getting back home.
The best part is that we do always keep growing and learning, and as long as we keep ourselves open to new experiences, we’ll continue to grow.
As someone with a degree in English (although sometimes you certainly can’t tell so from my writing, lol), I enjoy the way you write on your blog. Who cares if each post is a written masterpiece? Reading your posts, I feel like I’m actually getting to KNOW you. Your personality comes through in flying colors. Waaaaay more important IMHO. Oh, and the recipes rock, too…especially the Friday desserts and drinks.
What a wonderful recap! Needless to say, I felt very much like you, and i welcomed those feelings. Every time I feel inadequate, I push myself and accomplish more. I also felt very empowered after the conference, which made my days much brighter:) The best part was meeting people I knew from the blogs and Twitter, but I was also sad I did not manage to meet everybody I wanted to (you two included). It is a cliche, as Michael Procopio said, but it’s so true – there was not enough time!
I love your post, and agree with you wholeheartedly! And this chicken looks amazing!
I guess I’ll try to get to know you better through your blog, until another chance to meet IRL:)
Imperfect? I LOVE this blog! I did a double-take when you referred to it as a food blog because I totally don’t think of it that way. I would be here no matter what you were writing about because I love your style. And Chelsee’s. (Hi Chelsee!) You ladies are awesome and I wish you were my neighbors. Cheers.
Love your honest thoughts on blogging .. made me smile.
The salad made me hungry! Looks so good!
Its so nice to hear that great, veteran bloggers (at least that’s how I think of you gals) still worry about blogging at times. I’ve just started blogging and while I love it, it can be tough, much tougher than expected.
I love your blog, so keep on keepin on! I am going to make this recipe over the weekend!
I bet it was amazing to participate in the event, I would’ve loved to be there too! This salad sounds so tasty!
This is a great post – I also have a writing degree, and wonder why I let my writing skills slack on the blog. It definitely shouldn’t be that way, but I also think it has a lot to do with time – if I managed my time better, my posts would be stronger.
I have to think that every blogger feels the same way. You call the shots and therefore everything is more personal. Your writing reflects that you are a young, fun and bubbly person and obviously people keep coming back
It’s most important to be your authentic self and although we’ve never met, I think you stay true to who you are.
Great post. I think many bloggers have these same emotions/questions… even those of us who don’t do it full (or even part) time. All I can say is – keep up the good work. Whatever it is that you girls are doing, it is fabulous!
If the conference made you question your voice it would have paralyzed mine , so I’m glad I didn’t go. Your recipe today is wonderful and the photos are a great tutorial. I resist the push for sameness that I see popping up all over the blogosphere. Enough ‘thou musts” have been thrown out there to rival the Ten Commandments. I know that change is inevitable but never let someone else make you over in their own image. If you step back and listen to their voices you’ll find that many of them have nothing to say. Sorry for the soup box. I’ll stop now.Blessings…Mary
sues- you guys are awesome. i love reading your posts because i can actually RELATE to them. especially that one time you mentioned running through your apartment complex trying to find light on the balcony? i can relate (only mine is trying to move a sleeping chow out of the shot, or tripping over a overly-loved pit bull who wants to eat what i’m photographing).
with self doubt and critique comes betterment. i’m looking forward, masochistically enough, to feeling completely dejected at blogher in San Diego later this year. it’s good to know how much better we can be!
Love your points and I think blogging is about reflecting who you are…that’s why blogging is so interesting…we are all different, and perfection is not the issue.
Your salad looks delicious and packed with lots of healthy ingredients. Hope you are having a great week
You’ve managed to say what I’ve been feeling.
I feel so recharged and recommitted after this past weekend. And I’m so glad I got to know you two!
Delicious! There are so many flavors and textures in this salad it just has to be good! I’m going to try it with kasha, just because that’s what I have.
AND…I love your blogging style! I think we all tend to be our own worst critics.
great advice, me thinks. and i loved this post