During one of our many lunches when she lived in DFW (sigh!), my dear friend Sarah Higgiston mentioned that I should start a restaurant blog for fun. And I remember thinking that was an incredibly cool idea, but could I really pull it off? I mean, I don’t even eat steak.

But as many of you who’ve been following my writing over the years already know, a serious number of my posts were dedicated to what I was cooking and where was I eating.

Outside of writing, spending time in the kitchen is my favorite creative outlet. Whether I’m simply chopping vegetables for a big pot of soup or whisking chocolate and cream over a double boiler for ganache destined for the top of homemade cupcakes, it’s my happy place. And trying new restaurants is always a highlight of every trip, whether it’s the three-plus hours it takes to get to Austin or somewhere in the Alps.

So, after posting about food and books and random things all in the same place, it was time for a dedicated home for my food-focused musings, hence the launch of Christa’s Great, Big Culinary Adventure. Whether you’re looking for something new to try for the big game, inspiration for a dinner party or a restaurant recommendation in NYC, DFW, London, etc., it’s all here.

Thanks so much to Jessica and Chris Dumoulin for bringing this vision to life with your brilliant design and technological savvy. Thanks to Will who sketched the apron from my favorite one in our kitchen. And last but not least, thanks to every one of you — you know who you are — who’ve encouraged me and shared in my excitement. Welcome and feel free to stay awhile, okay?

Xoxo,

Christa

P.S. I promised there’d be giveaways! Here’s how to qualify:

 

  1. Sign up for my newsletter at https://christasculinaryadventure.com/. The prompt is on the right of the first post, and no worries, I won’t be flooding your Inbox. You’ll just receive important updates from time to time — no advertisements or junk mail, just the good stuff.
  2. Leave a comment on my Facebook page or tweet me @christabanister with the dish you’re most looking forward to cooking or eating this Fall.
  3. That’s it! Best of luck to all of you!

*Someone will score my all-time favorite quick bread mix from Williams-Sonoma that’s perfect for Fall baking.

*Another person will win a $25.00 gift card from Starbucks for future lattes — pumpkin spice and otherwise.

*Another lucky someone will receive the just-released Two Peas & Their Pod cookbook. I’ve made so many yummy recipes from Maria Lichty’s blog and can’t wait to see what she’s got cooking in her first book.

*Someone else is going to become the master of pizza at home with Marc Vetri’s exceptional cookbook. From calzones to focaccia to the seemingly elusive restaurant pie, this book has got you covered.

*Is there a more stylish way to keep your recipes organized than something from Kate Spade? I think not. One person will receive her fun recipe book with plenty of storage for all those culinary gems.

* Last but not least, if you’ve ever wanted to take a cooking class but haven’t yet, I’ve got you covered with a gift card for a class at Sur La Table. I’ve taken several over the years, and it’s such a fun (and super delicious) time. If you don’t live close to a Sur La Table or don’t feel like road-tripping to the closest one, you can use the gift card online for the cooking swag of your choice.

Winners will be chosen randomly and will be announced on Tuesday, September 24, so make sure to follow the rules and enter ASAP. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies or authors listed above. I just happen to like their products.