
Name: Melissa
Blog Name: Books, Love & Lattes
Where were you born? Toronto
Where are you living now? Toronto
Why did you start your blog?
I absolutely love cooking and baking at any moment I have and I also love to read. I especially love trying new recipies and digging into the newest and latest cookbooks as well as old ones! I have a huge collection of cookbooks and love and use each and every one. I thought it would be fun to share my passion with others and start reviewing the cookbooks I read, sharing recipes and techniques as well as pictures of the recipes I reproduce.
How did you decide on your blog name?
Well, I love books and I love lattes and the two together are perfection in my opinon so it was pretty easy!
What do you blog about?
I primarily blog about cookbooks old and new with detailed reviews of each. Every cookbook tells a story and I admire all the love and hard work that goes into each one. Every review will have at least one recipe (sometimes more) from the particular book being reviewed, as well as pictures. My goal is to help others who may be interested in purchasing a particular book but not sure if they want to spend the money. I also love to share recipes. So if someone is just looking for a fun new recipe to try, I post recipes that I have tried myself along with notes on my experience making it (good and bad).
What post on your blog most encapsulates you and why?

I would have to say my cookbook review on Emily Richard’s new book, “Per la Famiglia”. I really put my whole heart into writing this post and I was able to culturally relate to many of the recipes and traditions described throughout the book. It brought back many beautiful memories reading and recreating the dishes and really took me to a warm place.
Which post do you which received more love and why?

My cookbook review of “Duchess Bake Shop” by Giselle Courteau. While this post didn’t receive a terrible amount of views, I do wish it received more. I truly loved this cookbook from front to back. It contains some of the best recipes I’ve seen, the photography is beautiful, and the recipes are easy to follow. It is a gorgeous cookbook and one that I will continuously admire and pull out of my bookshelf often.
Which post’s success surprised you and why?

My review of “3 Times a Day” by Marilou and Alexandre Champagne received by far the greatest amount of views ever. I guess the only reason it surprised me was because it was one of my very first reviews and I didn’t think it was perfect. It received an incredible amount of love and in a way I’m also not surprised as it was also a favourite cookbook of mine and I continue to cook from it.
What is your biggest challenge as a blogger?
Hmmm. Good question! I can’t say there are many challenges as I blog leisurely at my own pace. None of it seems like a chore to me, I do it for fun and I love it!
Share a couple of your favourite food blogs to read. Why do you like them?
- Sally's Baking Addiction
- How Sweet It Is
- Sprinkle Bakes
- Lovin from the Oven
- Joy the Baker
- Brown Eyed Baker
- 3 Times a Day
My new fav: Liv for Cake, a recently featured FBC member that I noticed!
I like these blogs because I love sweets! I like unique ways to create desserts that are tasty and also look great. I also admire great food photography and these have it all!
Favourite food - care to share a recipe or a restaurant destination?
Ahhh so many! Well I love pizza and all kinds of pasta. I make homemade pasta regularly and my husband makes amazing pizza and lasagna. Terroni and Pizzeria Libretto are my favourite go to places in Toronto. Nutella is my ultimate favourite dessert. I make myself a Nutella latte every single morning with my Saeco machine. Ricotta gnocchi have become a favourite of mine since making them for a blog post. Made with a basic tomato sauce and fresh basil, these are perfect and so easy to make, even for a busy moms like myself!
What are you working on next for your blog?
I am working on posting more unique recipes that I am trying out at home in my kitchen. I cook and bake a lot on my own but don’t always take the time to take pictures of my creations and/or write about it. I’ve made so many delicious things that I would have loved to blog about but never got around to doing.
What else should we know about you that may or may not be in your “About Me” page?
I am a stay at home mama with another little one on the way due in September. I love cooking for my family and friends and especially for my number one blog fan, my husband! I’ve recently designed and produced a line of matching mama and baby jammies that will be launching this month. (Stay tuned to my blog!) I am super excited about it and can’t wait to share it with everyone. Nothing more perfect than sitting in your jammies, reading a good book with a latte in your hand!
What makes your blog unique?
I think what makes my blog unique are the detailed cookbook reviews. Most reviews are quite brief and to the point (which is also fantastic!) But I do take the time to read the story and history the author writes about, break down the book and recreate the recipes.
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Lovely feature, Melissa. 3 Times a Day is a cookbook that we love not only for the beautiful photos and delectable recipes but because of the story that is told through food. Keep up the great reviews, looking forward to seeing your next book.
Thanks so much! 🙂