Name: Jennifer Bartoli
Blog name and URL: Chocolate Shavings; www.chocolateshavings.ca
Where were you born? Paris, France
Where are you living now? Toronto
Why did you start your blog? I started my blog as a college hobby, and a fun way to showcase my photography, my writing and the recipes I was concocting now that I was living on my own. It quickly turned into more than that, and it helped jump start my career in the food and media industry.
How did you decide on your blog name? After a lot of brainstorming, I kept coming back to Chocolate Shavings. I wanted a name that would echo the little culinary tricks that make a meal really special, without a ton of effort. For me, most meals feel like a celebration and a sprinkling of chocolate shavings is the perfect example to illustrate that. If I order a cappuccino and a few speckles of dark chocolate shavings are nestled on top of the foam, I know I'm in for a real treat!
What do you blog about? I like to share meals that I've enjoyed creating, some of my experiences working as a Food Specialist in the Canadian Living Test Kitchen as well as fun DIY projects and tableware that I'm currently coveting.
What post are you most proud of and why? I'm not sure I can pick just one, but this year I've loved my Spring Potato Salad with Radishes, Aspargus and Capers. It's a really simple recipe but just captures everything I love about springtime cooking.
Which post do you wish received more love and why? My Chocolate and Persimmon Tarts -- it's a fun twist on a classic indulgent tart that came about as a I was determined to use some fresh Persimmon in a recipe ( I usually just enjoy them on their own).
Which post’s success surprised you and why? My Brioche Lobster Rolls! I knew my love for lobster was an everlasting love story, but I didn't know just how much others liked them too! My tips for the ultimate lobster rolls? Homemade mayo (and not too much of it!) as well as buttery and sweet toasted brioche buns.
What is one (non-kitchen) gadget you can’t live without? My phone! I absolutely love taking spur of the moment photos in my everyday life, so easy access to Instagram is a must! (@JennBartoli)
What is one kitchen gadget you can’t live without? The basics ( a good chef's knife, pan etc) but for everyday cooking, a good set of tongs -- I like the ones with silicone tips!
Favourite food, care to share a recipe? One only? That's torture! Maybe a good caprese salad. That's definitely a staple dish I always love. Here's my take on it
What else should we know about you that may or not be in your “About Me” page? That I spend my work days creating recipes in the Canadian Living Test Kitchen? Also, I've completely revamped the look of my blog and it will be going live sometime this month, so stay tuned!
What makes your blog unique? I'd say the fact that I'm a French expat. That really influences my attitude towards food and cooking. Other than that, I love photography and styling ( and tableware in general ) so that's also a big part of what my blog is about.
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Gorgeous photos and lovely to know more about Jennifer.
🙂
V