A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing LA professional chef, Gaby Dalkin. Known for her awesome blog, What’s Gaby Cooking, Gaby shared what it’s like to be a full-time professional food blogger, and even suggested some super simple recipes you can make in your own dorm room. Read on to discover everything we talked about.
1. How did you come to the decision to start blogging full time?
Right after I graduated from college, I decided to go to culinary school. During my time in culinary school, I applied for a professional chef job that I was totally under-qualified for, yet I somehow managed to land the job! During this time, I started blogging on the side and once my blog really started to pick up steam, I made the decision to start blogging full-time. Hence, What’s Gaby’s Cooking was born!
What was the hardest part about culinary school?
Throughout my life, I had always been an extremely picky eater. I had never even had a mushroom prior to starting culinary school. So I really had to branch out and try eating new foods. This ended up being great, as it broadened my horizons and introduced me into a whole new world of food and recipes.
What’s the best part about being a professional blogger?
The people I get to work with, and choosing the brands I get to work with, as this is incredibly important to me. I choose brands that I fully believe in, and that provide value and insight both to myself, and my readers. I started working with Unilever and Make Meals that Do More, which is a program than encourages healthy eating habits, teaches cooking skills, and even promotes sustainability.
What’s about the most challenging part of being a professional food blogger?
The most challenging part, is time management! With creating recipes, taking photos, etc, you really have to be incredibly organized and it takes a lot of time. So managing time wisely is essential to running my blog as smoothly as possible.
What is one creation you are most proud of?
I’ve really gotten into the creation of food “bars” as I think they can be such an easy way to entertain people and satisfy all guests. So for instance, we recently created a burger bar that was really cool, and taco bars are also popular. It’s important to feature an assortment of proteins and cheeses, so people can really personalize their own meals-whether it’s a burger, taco plate, etc.
What is your favorite meal to cook?
Well while I absolutely love making a grilled cheese sandwiches, if I am feeling more up to the task, I especially enjoy making lobster rolls! I like to make a mayo, avocado dressing for the rolls, and it’s so good and easy to make!
How can college students make time to cook?
One of the best ways to practice cooking, is to just start off with one recipe, and learn how to master that recipe. For instance, one super easy meal is veggie fajitas, as you can just whip up the ingredients and toss them into a pan. And once you make your meal, save some for the next day, and you’ve already got lunch prepared!
Still feeling overwhelmed?
Here are some super easy recipes straight from Gaby’s blog. Rest assured, they are super simple and delicious! Choose from tomato basil pasta, dark chocolate chip pretzels, or pumpkin pie chocolate pancakes.
OK I love Gaby Dalkin! How can I follow her recipes?
Well first off, same! Make sure to follow Gaby Dalkin on instagram at #Gabydalkin. Also be sure to check out her new cookbook, What’s Gaby Cooking available on amazon.