Blog Appreciation: Joy the Baker

It is becoming increasingly more common for people to ask me what blogs I read. And I have to admit, it's a difficult question to answer. I'm not great at being put on the spot, and trying to sift through my brain and pick out not only my most commonly read blogs, but also ones that will suit the tastes of the asker (assuming I know a thing or two about them), is a challenge I have yet to master.

I like to think people are asking because they like what they see here and want to see where I likewise get my inspiration. But it's also entirely possible that the opposite is true and they are trying to find something else to fill their time with besides the drivel of my adventures. While I prefer the former (obviously), the motive doesn't actually matter - these people are looking for recommendations, and so recommendations I must try to provide.

This ongoing series will feature blogs I've long read and loved, newly found and adore, or somewhere in between. If you have any recommendations of your own, please do share! I'm always on the lookout for more inspiration and/or procrastination tools!

To me, it's only fitting to start off with my most oft-read, long standing, inspiration of a blogger - Joy the Baker. I've mentioned her blog before, and I can easily say it's my favourite food blog on the whole internet. The. Whole. Internet.

Joy is a well seasoned blogger that has been doing her thing since January 2008. And I've been reading since April 2008. It sounds creepy and weird that I know this, but this Black and White Red Velvet Cookie recipe was a food blog awakening for me. I feel like I stumbled on that page yesterday, but it was actually six years ago, and I've been a regular ever since.

While she is steadily gaining more and more (well earned and well deserved) success, her writing remains down to earth, honest and witty. Her photography is bright and uncomplicated. And her recipes are mouthwatering to read, let alone eat.

Joy tends to focus on the uncomplicated, accessible dishes that play on classics, or become classics themselves. She also shares tidbits of her day to day, travels, and all the other things that make bloggers real people. All in all, a must read/make.

What are some of your favourites?

NOTE: All photos are credited to joythebaker.com