Pinch My Salt

Food, Recipes, and Photography

The Minimalist Blogs

by 23 Comments

Although my Google Reader is bursting at the seams, I just subscribed to Mark Bittman’s new blog at The New York Times. It’s called Bitten. Cute, huh? I’m not a Bittman groupie, sometimes I like him, sometimes I don’t. But I generally enjoy his simple approach to food and I try to check out his weekly column from time to time (remember that wonderful Tomato Paella?). But now that he’s blogging, I think I’ll be paying closer attention. From what I’ve seen so far, the blog is informal, interactive and full of good information and recipes. It definitely meets my basic criteria for a worthy food blog.

I loved his recent post about why he refuses to buy vinaigrette.

On another note, I’ve really been enjoying Bittman’s latest cookbook, How To Cook Everything Vegetarian. The book is a great resource for anyone, vegetarian or not, who is interested in incorporating more vegetables and whole grains into their diet. But it’s not a book about health food. It’s filled with every meat-free recipe you can imagine. And it’s a huge book. I think it’s well worth the 2o bucks or so you’ll pay for it on Amazon. Don’t believe me? Go read Heidi’s review of the book on 101 Cookbooks.

So, go check out Bitten if you’re ready for a daily dose of Bittman. And if you’re ready for a great new cookbook (who isn’t?), pick up a copy of How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Good Food.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Scott says

    I'm with you, Bittman is kind of hit or miss. He hits the mark often enough, though that I usually go straight to The Minimalist in the print version. He's exactly right on vinaigrette. Once you get your proportions right, you'll never go back to the bottled stuff...
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  2. Erin says

    Hey Nicole, I've actually never made any of his recipes, but I keep adding things he's been posting to my delicious bookmarks. Did you see the quick macaroons from today? Those sounded like I'd probably happily stuff my face with a few dozen. Ha ha...
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  3. Nicole says

    Scott: I used to buy that Girard's Champagne Vinaigrette but I've even moved away from that now. It's so much more fun to make your own dressing and now I have more room for other condiments in the fridge ;-) Erin: Yep, I did see those macaroons. I had to quickly look away :-)
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  5. Kalyn says

    I keep reading people who say his recipes are hit and miss, but I'd say more hit than miss. I want that cookbook! I resisted buying it at Costco and now I regret it.
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  6. Nicole says

    Janelle: You're welcome :-) Kalyn: I think the majority of his recipes are very good. When I said sometimes I like him, sometimes I don't, it was more of a personality thing :-) But I definitely recommend the cookbook, it's a great resource!
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  8. Genie says

    Nicole, I love the strawberry header! Great stuff -- and it reminds me that I still have some frozen summer strawberries that need to be used. Thanks for pointing me in the Bitten direction -- I do really like Mark Bittman's recipes and writing, and agree with you -- he has some great stuff in his cookbooks. How To Cook Everything ties with The Joy of Cooking as my go-to cooking Bible.
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  9. Jonathan says

    I LOVE Mark Bittman. Although I began the Heady Pepper before discovering him, I feel that he and I share a similar style. Um...ok maybe just the fact that we're both Jewish and balding. He's famous (sorta) and I'm not. He's got a production crew and a NYT blog and I've got...well...me and a hand full of fans. Thanks Nicole:) Anyway I'm excited about the blog too!
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  10. Nicole says

    Babeth: You're welcome! Genie: Thanks! That strawberry photo is one of my faves :-) Jonathan: I do think you guys share a similar style. Kind of :-)
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  11. Jonathan says

    Yeah "kind of". I guess I get a bit overly excited at times. He's more mature...understated, yet has the humor and the finesse. I could learn a great deal from Hr. Bittman.
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  13. Cee says

    Nicole, Love your blog! I've tried many of your recipes and have loved them. In addition to your great recipes, I'm so grateful to you as a great source of information. Many thanks for sharing so much with us, your loyal readers!
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  15. jessica says

    your blog looks so chic these days! thanks for commenting on my blog. it's nice when someone whose blog you admire visits you personally. one of my things was paring down the google reader. it really sucks because it feels like you are cheating on friends, but there were just so many that i was SKIMMING or opening and then saying "ok, this one later..." and doing that everyday. so there is an idea. scary idea. but an idea :) babysteps girlfriend!
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  17. Nicole says

    Cee: You don't know how much your comment means to me! Thanks for taking the time to let me know that you've tried my recipes and that you're a loyal reader. It really made my day! MommyKnows: That was cute :-) Jessica: I know, I keep thinking I need to pare down the reader but instead I keep subscribing and subscribing :-) But I have a system. If it gets out of control and I haven't looked through the feeds in a while, I just 'mark all read' and get on with my life. No more guilt about not reading everything. Claudia: Yes, the paella was definitely a hit among the food blogs...with good reason!
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  18. kickpleat says

    i thought you had disappeared, but in fact, it was that i had an older rss feed. i've now updated and so glad to catch up on all your posts! phew, that was a close one.
    Reply

  20. amanda says

    i heard an npr interview with bittman about his new book. it really made me want to check it out. i can't wait to see what comes from your photography class! i've fallen into anti-social blogger mode for oh... the past six months, but i still really wanna get together soon.... and let's forgo the stone brewery. i'm sad to hear their food isn't that great, but they still have me with their beer! ;-)
    Reply

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