Paying It Forward

First, I want to give credit where credit is due. A week or so ago, I saw this tweet: 

Rachel Stephens ‏ @rsteph211 {New Post} paying it forward to other #foodies tinyurl.com/7262d9r

I clicked on the link and saw that Rachel had written a blog post featuring some of the other food bloggers that she admires and enjoys reading. I quickly realized that like Rachel, I have been influence by so many others in my oh so brief blogging career. I started typing these sometimes coherent ramblings back in early November 2011 and, although I know I've made progress in both form and function, I realize I will continue to learn much from those of you that are much more experienced. So, thanks Rachel for inspiring me to do the same -- highlight some of those that have helped me get from there to here.

• Alecia at Mangia, Gioia writes that she comes from a Sicilian-Cuban family. I can't imagine a better mixed ethnicity for a foodie! Although I am not a vegan, or even a vegetarian, her recipes are interesting, and the food looks amazing . Here is one of my favorites Creamy Open Face Stuffed Peppers.

• Anneli is a private chef living in Southwest France. Her blog covers a very broad spectrum of foods and always makes me want to try what she is cooking. This post about Patatas Bravas with Spicy Chorizo made me very hungry. 

• Sivestro over at Silvestro's Salento is writing from southeast Italy. His posts focus on fresh local ingredients, and they are beautifully presented. On top of that, he runs a cooking school! So if you have ever thought of going to Italy to learn more about cooking, he may be your guy. Here is one my favorite posts from Silvestro. Warning: if you read this post, you might as well plan on booking your trip to Italy. Gli scampi: langoustines  

• Melissa Clark is one of the big names in the food blogging world (yes, there are many others). I like reading her blog because it seems so personal -- like you're reading a note from someone you know well. Her blog, cleverly titled Melissa Clark - Food Writer, is well worth reading. She recently posted about spaghetti with garlic and chiles (and a few anchovies). In it she talks about garlic smuggled in from France and Calabrian Chilies. You want to know more, don't you?

• Jen writes a blog called Three Little Piglets.  You gotta love that right? Maybe it was the name, maybe it was the pasta e fagioli post. Whatever it was, I try to read all her posts. Check her out.

This is where I get in trouble because I'm going to call it quits here. I realize I've failed to mention a lot of bloggers that I read either regularly or occasionally. For that, I apologize. There are so many of you that are doing really great work out there and inspiring "rookies" like me to forge ahead.

To all of you -- thanks and keep paying it forward.