Food Blogger in the Spotlight: Heidi, Kitchen Talk and Travels

Our latest Food Blogger in the Spotlight is Heidi Roberts. Originally from the United States, she has made the UK her home and has brought her passion for food that she got from her dad. It seemed only natural that after many years of championing home cooking and using seasonal ingredients that she started a blog, Kitchen Talk and Travels; initially a food blog, however adding a travel element. Heidi sees herself as a story teller, constantly looking for experiences whether popular or new and unusual to generate content for the blog and instagram. At the start of lockdown Heidi started what is now a very popular instagram series of live cooking with friends and professionals and interview on her IGTV channel, which she hopes will one day lead to her own TV channel! Heidi can be followed on social media: Instagram (It’s Me Heidi Roberts), Instagram (The Kitchen Collector), Twitter, Facebook.

Why did you start blogging?

It will be 10 years ago this July that I started writing down a few thoughts and recipes, never thinking that anyone would actually read them. I just wanted to put my thoughts down on record. Of course, I soon realised the potential for fun and interactions with other like-minded thinkers and continued to write my blog as a means of communication. Another reason I love blogging is that I am always wanting to share what I have learned, grown, made with friends and family.

What are your favourite ingredients to cook with (and why)?

My favourite ingredients to cook with are fresh, seasonal vegetables and local ingredients when I travel.

What social media platforms do you use most/find most successful?

I am always on Instagram. I love how it connects people. It is where I started doing my weekly live sessions at the beginning of lockdown and will continue indefinitely.

Can you share the three most popular posts on your blog?

Some of my most popular posts are my recipes such as Greek Orange Polenta Cake, Bread & Butter Pickles and travel posts such as my visits to Grenada or the marvellous Mexico City.

Can you share any tips for newer bloggers who would love to set up a food/recipe blog?

I would tell a new blogger or someone thinking of setting up a blog to spend time thinking about the name of the blog and the layout before anything else. It is hard to change later and the content will come as you gain experience and confidence.

If you could go back in time to when you first set up your blog would you do anything differently?

If I could go back I would have done what I suggested above. I changed my blog name and host after some years and it was a hassle; however I now love the look.

Which blogs do you love to read for inspiration?

I like to read many blogs for inspiration and I have met loads of those bloggers who write them and we have become lifelong friends. Have a look at www.lavenderandlovage.com – Karen Burns-Booth always has such inspirational recipes and her photos are awesome; www.binnysfoodandtravel.com – Binny always has such a positive outlook and is inspirational. On Instagram I find inspiration looking at the accounts of www.instagram.com/canadiancataway, www.instagram.com/sourdoughclub and the beautiful www.instagram.com/lovecoastallife. There are so many others I read for inspiration and these are just a few.

What are your blogging plans for the next 12 months?

Over the next 12 months I would like to get my blog noticed and along with my Instagram account would love to lead into a career as a food and travel presenter. I have already started working on the plan for this.

What would be your perfect meal?

My perfect meal would be sitting outside somewhere in the Caribbean but probably Grenada, eating freshly caught sea food along with local dishes using the wide plethora of spices and ingredients the Caribbean is known for like nutmeg, cinnamon, chocolate and of course rum!