Behind The Blog: Kaitlin Lunny of I Can Cook That

Kaitlin Lunny of I Can Cook That

Welcome to the 3rd edition of the Philly Grub’s blog article series “Behind the Blog”. This new series will shine a spotlight on bloggers in our local area who like to write about food, recipes, and/or the local Philly food scene.

Next in the spotlight is Kaitlin Lunny of I Can Cook That.

Name:
Kaitlin Lunny
Age:
twenty-something
Location:
Old City, Philadelphia
Blog Name:
I Can Cook That
Blog URL:
http://www.icancookthat.org
Blog Focus:
Recipes/learning how to cook.
Launch Date:
2011
Why did you start blogging?
I began blogging as a way to teach myself how to cook. I didn’t expect anyone to actually read my blog, it was more of a catalog to see my progression and to take note of what I could do to improve.
What do you like best about blogging?
I love the challenge! It’s so much fun to try new recipes from different cultures, or experiment with a new method of cooking. Plus, you get to eat your “art”!
What platform do you use?
WordPress
How do you promote your blog?
Mostly through social media.
Do you write all of the blog posts yourself?
Most of the time, but I accept guest blog posts from vetted writers.

What are your favorite/most popular blog posts?

Slow Cooker Nutella French Toast Casserole which was just a result of all of those snow storms we had last year, but really became a popular post among visitors to my blog — http://www.icancookthat.org/2014/01/slow-cooker-nutella-french-toast-casserole-with-caramelized-bananas.html
This was my take on Nomad Pizza’s Truffle Pecorino pizza- http://www.icancookthat.org/2013/10/wild-mushroom-truffled-pizza-topped-with-runny-eggs.html
I adapted a recipe from a cookbook called “The Cookbook of Ellen M Emlen”, which is a recipe book from from the 1860’s that The Historical Society of Pennsylvania found in their collection. – http://www.icancookthat.org/2012/11/pumpkin-eggnog.html

What is your favorite “foodie” or food blogging experience so far?
I get to work with Cooking Light a lot, which is amazing. I actually started cooking because of the magazine so it’s crazy that they even know what my blog is!
What are your favorite cuisines/meals/recipes?
There are very few foods I don’t like, and part of the fun of my blog is trying as many different cuisines as I can. I tend to gravitate towards seafood dishes, or dishes with pasta/rice as a base though — probably more so because I am mostly cooking on weeknights and want to eat ASAP.
What are your favorite Philly area restaurants?
Wedge and Fig, Vernick Food & Drink, Nom Nom Ramen, Vedge, Ariana, and Noord are my current favorites, although my top restaurants are constantly rotating. I’m still not over the closing of Koo Zee Doo though (yes, I know it’s time to let that go).
Who are your favorite Philly area chefs or food business personalities?
I love the work Chef Marc Vetri does through his foundation for school lunches. I recently met Chef Joncarl Lachman and he couldn’t have been nicer. Honestly, every interaction I’ve had with a Philadelphia-based chef has been great – they are all super approachable.
How often do you go out to eat at Philly area restaurants?
Once a week, As much as my wallet will allow!
How often do you cook at home?
Almost everyday
What are your favorite stores/shops/markets to shop for food products?
Reading Terminal Market is my happy place. I also love Ippolito’s Seafood, Esposito’s Meats, Di Bruno Brothers, and Wegmans.
Tell us a few things you think our readers would find interesting about the local food scene.
I love the inclusiveness of the restaurants and chefs in Philadelphia. There is definitely a mentality of support rather than competition among most restaurants.
Tell us more about yourself.
Hum. I have a cat named Boo Radley… haha
Food and drink related activities pretty much sum me up! I also love going to live music, traveling, and am attempting to learn to be a better photographer (of more than just food).

What other food blogs do you follow?