Hi-I’m Shanon. It’s nice to meet you. Welcome to a little piece of my world. The Curvy Carrot. My “side project.” My cathartic release. My labor of love.
Scout.
I’m currently a 30-something food lover, living in beautiful Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (i.e. eating my way through the various cheeses and local foods of the area…love it). By day, I am a physician…extending my love of art into my day to day life….I look at skin biopsies under the microscope for a living, which I think is much pretty the coolest thing ever. By night and weekend, I am spending time with my boxer brindle, Scout, my two cats, Cosmo and Jinx, and probably listening to music while baking/cooking away in my kitchen for my friends and co-workers. I’ve got post-it notes with recipes and ingredients in my pockets everyday, drawings/designs all over my paperwork, and food pretty much on the brain at all times..when I am not thinking about skin/medicine or how incredibly amazing life in general is.
Cosmo.
My philosophy on food: I don’t eat meat. I eat eggs every so often, I drink milk rarely, and I inhale cheese. I eat seafood every once in a while. I’m not a vegan, although I do try to post recipes that are vegan-friendly and sometimes I will experiment for weeks on a vegan diet (which, inevitably gets interrupted by a piece of glorious, melty cheese.). And, in the meantime, I try to keep it as healthy as possible. I treat myself (sometimes a lot). Because life is too short to not enjoy amazing food. And because of my love for food and photography (and some gentle nudging..ok…prodding by my best friend, Annie), I started this blog in 2010 to form a creative outlet and share some of my family and favorite recipes with you.
My philosophy on blogging: Blogging is an individual thing. It’s not about hits and impressions, comments, Twitter/Facebook followers or accepted submissions on Tastespotting or Foodgawker. I strongly believe in only doing something if it’s fun and healthy for you-not because it’s a competition or something that stresses you out. Which is why you won’t see me posting something every.single.day. I only post recipes that I have tried and loved…and there are a lot that I don’t post because they aren’t recipes that I really liked. I believe in the ever-growing community of food bloggers/foodies out there because it makes the world of food lovers and recipe sharers a little bit smaller. And that’s a pretty darn good world. I’m glad to be a part of it. And, as a side note: I just have to say how amazing Milwaukee is as far as a place for foodies. Watch this city, people. It’s an up and coming culinary treasure.
Jinx aka “The Girl”
Many of you have asked, so I will tell you: I’m self-taught. No food training. No formal photography training. I use a used Canon Rebel DSLR and white cardboard (and hopefully good natural lighting.) My neighbors probably think I am weird because they see me climbing over various pieces of furniture in order to get a decent angle, and they probably wonder why my smoke alarm goes off constantly (because it does inevitably when my oven temperature is set to 400 degrees.) I like to keep it simple. And delicious.
Thanks for stopping by.
Gretchen - Love it Shan!
Ryan Des Jean - You never cease to amaze me with your ENDLESS talents and abilities.
Jane - Your very proud mother told me about your blob. I must say I was very fascinated. I love the way you present most of your recipes with dialogue, like you are talking to the baker before their attempt! Love it!
relopro - your approach is terrific…creative, informative, and friendly!
thanx for sharing ! best wishes and success with all your goals! (MIke)
aunt carole - I didn’t know about your web page. I got a tear in my eye when i saw the Rosebud CR. This brought back days sitting at the long bar and watching my mom kneading the dough knowing that we would be smelling the sweet smell of the cinnamon from the oven soon. MOM was a great cook and the only mom that could take one potato and feed 6 kids. Thank you Shanon xoxo
P.S. Love the picture of the Scout
Kellie - So proud of you, Shanon!
Brandie - Hi Shannon,
Your food blog is sooooo amazing! I’m so impressed. I’m the biggest cheese lover as well so am so excited to try some of the recipes! By the way, I’m making those pina colada cupcakes tonight to take to Andy in Chicago tomorrow.
Seeya later!
Brandie 🙂
nesrine - from a internal medicine specialist to our future dermatopathologist…..loved your blog.
Margaret C. - Denver - Fantastic blog! Great recipes and your comments about them. It’s like I am chatting with a friend over a glass of wine! Keep ’em coming, girlfriend!
nikki - i just came across your blog from tastespotting and it is fantastic! you have a new follower, keep up the awesome writing & photography, it’s all superb.
Jackie - I just came over to your blog from Annie’s Eats. I love your healthy choices as well as your indulgent ones. A perfect balance. I’m a new reader and follower.
Jackie
Jane - I just found you through Annie’s Eats. Am really excited about your recipes. At age 69 I’m working on dieting and changing my eating habits so like the healthy choices but don’t want to feel deprived. Keep up the good work.
Jacqueline - Not going lie, I used to think pathologists were boring. But between you and Annie – I’m really thinking it might be a field I should consider!
Jess (Sweet Potato) - Curvy Carrot… love the name!
Susan - I love it, shan!!! Great blog, great name, beautiful pictures. Hmmmm… DElicious:)
Kristin - Just wanted to say love your food blog! Keep the great recipes & photos coming!
Jacqueline - I saw the cake plate with the ribbon at TJ Maxx – and immediately recognized it from your blog 🙂 Love that store too!
rice kernel - I love your approach. I started memorializing our family’s recipes recently, which are mostly healthful (with the goal of eating a rainbow a day) but occasionally decadent. Looking forward to trying your creations and following your journey in the kitchen.
Kelly - Nice blog Shannon! Great vegetarian recipes that I can make in a short time. Somehow they are hard to come by, don’t know why. AND THE PICTURES!
lacey - Yay! Congrats on the 1-year anniversary! Great blog with great ideas!!!!! I still have yet to make the french onion soup, but I am bound and determined to do this! (oh by the way, we have eggs now, hahaha!!!!) Your mom keeps me posted on your walks with Scout, and trips to the grocery out there, must be fun!!! Good luck with Dartmouth this year! Congratulations again!
Marie-Philippe - Hi!
I just discovered your blog! I love your recipes and pictures 🙂
Jeanette - I am a pescetarian too, so your blog is very helpful!! I love the wide array of recipes you use, not to mention your photos are great! I feature a weekly resipe post on my blog (to inspire me to bake/cook more) and I would love to try one of yours out!! 🙂
Keep up the great work!
– jeanette
http://www.simplychicforcheap.wordpress.com
pat tobin - Delicious looking foods, can’t wait to try some you make healthy look soooo good
Shelby - Great blog and great recipes! It seems that we share many of the same loves! Keep up the great work, I have always wanted to start a blog, or something similar, to share my passion of cooking as well as living a happy and balanced life. You may just have inspired me!
Mamas Gotta Bake - I love your recipes and your photography, and that you’re in medicine! Wow, you do it all. Keep it up!
Keicko - Loved your website; very impressive. I love to cook and simply follow some recipes; I am really in to making things from scratch and have been working on my ravioli. I would like to learn the whys of cooking rather than simply follow rules…so I can be more creative. Are there any classes in the upper valley that offer this or a book you recommend… for starters.
srlacy - Hi Keicko-
I absolutely recommend The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg. It basically takes any kind of food out there and gives a list of what flavors go best with it. It’s by my side constantly in the kitchen-I have created several of my own recipes using that book as a guide.
As far as classes go, King Arthur Flour company offers several classes here, mostly in baking. I haven’t yet had time to sign up for one, but I do know that they run a little bit pricey. If I hear of any others, I will let you know!
Shanon
Rachel - I am thankful to have found your blog! Your recipes look scrumptious and your photos are just amazing! Did you take any photography classes or are you self-taught? I am trying to learn angles and shadows through process of elimination and many SD cards 🙂 When I created my blog I failed to realize the importance of great pics… I have learned that it doesn’t too much matter how great the recipe is, you must have a great shot to go along with it.
Thanks again for sharing all of your creativity!
Rachel
srlacy - Hi Rachel-
Thanks for the kind words! I am self-taught…I have attended one photography conference. I know what you mean by trying so many different things-I am still learning. 🙂
Anna - Nice to meet you, your recipes are very nice, and certain to be copied!
Ciao Anna
Laura - I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and the healthy recipes. I’m nominating you for The Versatile Blogger Award from our blog. Just a small way to say, “Thanks for the great blog and recipes…and, of course, keep it up!” Find more about the award on my post about it: http://wheninoz.com/2011/10/28/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Jessica - I just found your blog…I am so excited! We are a vegetarian household and your recipes look fantastic! Thanks so much 🙂
Ben - Ashley told me about your Blog. I love it. I learned something in your introduction – I did not know the term for someone who only eats fish. It is amazing you can find the time, but I guess we all can for those things we find important.
Erin L. - Are you from Noblesville by chance?
srlacy - I am!
Erin L. - I went to school with you! Beagle is my maiden name. I thought you looked familiar.
srlacy - Hey Erin! Nice to hear from you!
Erin L. - Well the site looks amazing and your photography is beautiful. Congrats! I’m excited to try a few things! A friend of mine is staying with me for a few months and she is allergic to beef and pork.
Denise T - I had some leftover pumpkin on hand and it’s breakfast time…so I Googled Pumpkin Pancakes and came across The Curvy Carrot and couldn’t resist checking out the site. What a great name and philosophy! I’ll definitely be bookmarking your page and checking it out. Keep up what looks like a fun project 🙂
Kim - I love your recipes! What a wonderful page!!
MaLinda - You have a wonderful page! You’re great at what you do, especially for someone self taught! Would you consider doing some decorating tutorials? I love the way you pipe, like on your Chocolate Chip cupcakes, Funfetti cupcakes, and White Chocolate cupcake. It looks like a 1M, but not sure how you swirled them! Would love to see a post of you’re piping techniques.
Kristen - I was googling around for a white chocolate cupcake and found yours. I’m wondering if you’re fom VT/NH? That’s what I think when I hear Upper Valley. I grew in West Windsor and my family does all their shopping in the Upper Valley.
srlacy - Hi Kristen-
Yep-I live in NH currently. What a small world! 🙂
Kristen - Yes, what a small world!! I’m in upstate new york right now but I’m dying to move back!
Nina - I love your blog!!! I’m gettingmy own place in 2 weeks (it is about time honestly) and I can’t wait to try out your lovely recipes! They already think I make “weird” food at home (my brother usually won’t touch the food I’ve made, unless it’s pancakes!) and that might be true 🙂 I already have a bunch of your recipes bookmarked and am planning on going through your blog to find more… there is only one problem. I get to hungry!
I love this blog. Amazing!
Carla - Wow, I love your blog (and clever name)! I am an Annie’s Eats’ lover and was directed over here. Fantastic recipes and photos! 🙂
Amanda - LOVE IT!!!! I’m already obsessed with your blog!!!!
Katie - Love your blog and the blog name (very cute)! The recipes you have are awesome 🙂
Did you ever live in Indiana, central IN, by any chance?
srlacy - Hey Katie-
Yes, actually I am originally from Noblesville, IN. Thanks for the nice words! Do we know each other?
Katie - You know, I’m just not sure! Maybe we met eachother once or something through a friend! Anyhow, love the blog. Keep up the great wotk girl.
Link Lovin’: Vegetarian Reuben « Rollin' Oats Market and Cafe - […] Drum roll……..Vegetarian Reuben with tempeh! Yum!! Today’s feature blog is from The Curvy Carrot who brings us Healthy and Indulgent Meals Dangling in Front of […]
Tess - Do you allow me to sign-up for your blog posts? I love your recipes… if possible, I’d like to! God bless!!
srlacy - Hi Tess-
Apparently the subscription service is not working with the website right now. I have been encouraging people to either follow me on Facebook (I update my posts there regularly) or follow me on Flickr for the most recent posts. Hopefully in the coming months this can get fixed!! Thanks for your interest, and it’s nice to meet you.
Shanon
Patty - You have a great blog going on here. I really like it. I follow you on Facebook and will definitely share your postings. Keep up the good work and good luck in all you do in the future.
Abbe - I’ve just discovered you.
This is a beautiful blog, and the sentiment behind it (doing it because you enjoy it, and not for the *look at me* factor), makes it even more attractive.
Plus – I’ve just spotted a recipe for soured cream and choc chip muffins that I have to try before I die!
Morgan - I found your french onion soup on Pinterest and thought I’d see what you’re all about. You had me at “boxer.” They’re the best! Mine plops herself in front of the sink when I’m in the kitchen so she can be right in the thick of things. It makes washing dishes a bit of a challenge but I don’t mind.
srlacy - Hey Morgan-
Aww! Scout does that, too. She has to be by my side constantly. And, secretly, she’s a huge scaredy-cat.
Jill Thurow - I just happened on your blog/website. Good for you, continued success in your endeavors. I am looking forward to trying your recipes.
Sally - In reference to your Butter Top White Bread, if I were to use Gluten Free Flour, what equivalents should I use? So looking forward to trying this but cannot have the flour.
srlacy - Hi Sally-
I don’t want to steer you wrong here, as I have very little experience in gluten-free baking. I would recommend gluten-free resources (online or recipe sites) to answer this question. I would assume you could substitute similar equivalents for this, but, again, I am not sure.
Rebekah - Hello! I just nominated your blog for the One lovely Blog, and Inspiring Blogger Award 🙂 http://likethistrythat.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/we-interrupt-our-regularly-scheduled-program/
Love your blog!
Kelly - I love what you have to say about your blogging. I feel the same way, but I am in competition with myself sometimes. 🙂 I’m looking forward to browsing through your blog some more. And, how can you be a doctor AND blog?
Vanessa - How can I view all recipes in a certain category all at once? 🙂
srlacy - Hi Vanessa-
Unfortunately, right now, the template I am using does not allow this. However, I have created a Flickr account to address this issue (upper right hand of the page). I’m in the process of undergoing a complete new web design, which should take care of the problem. I know, it’s a total pain, and I really really dislike it. 🙁
Jessica - My family and I have really enjoyed your recipes! Happy holiday!
Lynn Cote - Hey curvy- Hope things are going well.Love the new design! Keep up the good work! Miss you! Lynn
Dolores - I never saw the old website so I have nothing to compare it to but I do like what you have here. It’s easy to navigate, nice big photos of delicious food and great little notes that you have added too. It’s clean and simple, easy to read. good stuff!
You’re pretty awesome!
Madeleine Crum - Hi there!
I’m an Associate Editor for the Taste and Food sections of The Huffington Post.
We’re doing a roundup of sliders recipes, and would love to feature yours! We will include a photo from your blog, and a link to your recipe, but not the recipe itself. Please let me know if this is okay with you!
Best,
Madeleine
srlacy - Hi Madeleine-
That’s fine with me.
Jenny - I saw a picture of Scout and I had to comment. He looks exactly like my 5yo female brindle boxer, Bella. When I saw his picture, I could have sworn that was my dog!!! I have never seen a boxer that looked so much like her before!
Phyllis - Curvy Carrot, How do I sign up for your newsletter?
srlacy - Hi Phyllis-
Right now I do not offer a newsletter, but you can follow the blog via Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. You can also follow the blog through Google Reader, as well.
Jim - Too bad i don’t bake. I should be able to make the pudding at least. Thanks for the idea ad tips. Jim
Susan - I have recently pinned your buffalo cauliflower photo but can’t seem to get the recipe when clicking on the picture or going to your website. Any suggestions?
Kim - Do you have the Rosebud’s butter bread version without using a commercial yeat? I would like to try it using my own ‘mother’.
srlacy - Hi Kim-
I’m sorry but I do not have one.
Laura - Love your site! My husband and I live in Milwaukee too and we’re both vegetarian. It’s been wonderful finding your blog!
Carmen - Just saw your recipe for caprese eggs-ben..made my mouth water. Thought I would send you my hollandaise recipe…from my 1968 Oster blender cook book..
Put in blender:
4 egg yolks
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 Tbs lemon juice
dash of Tabasco
Process on low until mixed. Pour a steady stream of melted
1 stick butter until mixture is completely emulsified. This may be kept warm over hot (not boiling) water. Yields 3/4 cup.
omg..I still use this blender 45 yrs later..
And now on to poaching eggs..I use a splash, at least a tablespoon of lemon juice, instead of vinegar but both work.anyway using more acid you don’t need to ‘spin’ the water.the whites stay together nicely..if they don’t, your eggs aren’t fresh…I time my eggs with the toaster..when the toast pops..the eggs are lightly poached.
Love your blog.
~C~
KateLin - Found your blog through pinterest and i am now in love with it!!! Your recipes are amazing, thanks for using your personal time to post them!
Victoria Brewer - Hi and thank you for the wonderful recipes and photos. I’m starting a blog for Citarella which is a very well known gourmet market in Manhattan and will be inviting people to follow us as well. I hope to make it as warm as yours. My ex husband is from Janesville. I love Wisconsin.
Best of luck.
michelle - Your site looks amazing, can’t wait to try some of your recipes. Thank you for your work and sharing with me. I have passed your site to some friends, as we are all trying to be healthier but still enjoy eating.
sandra - I would ask you to marry me, but gay marriage is not yet legal, and to be honest I don’t really like girls either. Anyway, that is how much I love your blog and recipes. You are amazing!
Kathryn - Hi
I am looking for the email sign up on your blog to get email alerts when you post something new
I cannot find it, help!
kathryn
srlacy - Hi Kathryn-
I am finding that it is completely dependent on what type of computer/internet format (Mozilla, Internet Explorer, etc.) that you are using. Some people are having difficulties; others are not. In the meantime, you can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Flickr. In the next month, the website will be relaunched and I hope that this issue is addressed.
Andrea H - Hi there – I just wanted to leave a note to say I’m loving your blog. My hubby and I are recent vegetarian converts and I really appreciate finding good recipes as many of my cookbooks are now useless. I’m in my final year of Pediatrics residency in Minnesota, but will be moving back home to the Southeast after graduation and as such will only be able to convince friends and family to eat at our place if the meatless food is DeLiCiOuS. On a side note, the hubby and I lived in Hanover for 2 years while he got his MBA at Dartmouth. The main memories I have of the area are the fabulous cheeses, the fresh mesclun at the Co-op, and the melt-in-your-mouth dinner bread at Molly’s. Congrats on finishing up residency and I wish you well in both your professional life and your blog-tastic cooking!!
Dominique - You are absolutely amazing! I am a chiropractor and have the same views (and hobbies!) that you have… I even have a boxer! I tried your almond cupcake recipe (exactly what I was looking for. Dense, delicious cake – I switched vanilla extract for cherry extract in the frosting!)and I am hooked on your blog. I feel like I’ve found my blog soulmate. Thank you so much for posting, I look forward to trying all of your wonderful recipes! 🙂
srlacy - YAY! So nice to meet you, too! Aren’t boxers the best? Everytime I take her for a walk, people ask about her. And, of course, she starts prancing because I think she knows they are talking about her!
Thanks for the kind words…in a few weeks, the site will be relaunched with a completely different look. I am so ready for a face lift.
Nice to meet you!
STEFFIE - ive stopped by quite a few times but it wasnt until now i found out your in Milwaukee! I was born and raised there for 22 yrs when I moved to Orlando for love. I still consider it my true home and it warms my heart though that you are in my hometown! You can bet you have a fan now! <3 steffie
srlacy - Hi Steffie!
Yes, I love MKE! (Don’t worry, I will take good care of it for you!) Thanks for the kind words!
good love: World Vegetarian Day - […] ♥ The Curvy Carrot is another vegetarian blog I adore. I recently tried her Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteaks, something I normally wouldn’t consider since I’m not a huge fan of meat analogues, but can I just say YUM? Plus, I completely agree with her philosophies on food and blogging. […]
Kim - I’ve been following your blog for a while and wanted to take the time to say Thank You for posting all of these wonderful recipes. I’m from Wisconsin as well (although have since relocated to Oregon) and definitely appreciate your “cheesy” contributions. In fact, I’ve shared your broccoli cheese soup recipe with three people this week. Happy cooking!
srlacy - Thanks for the kind words, Kim! It’s nice to meet you!
Jessica - I LOVE your blog! Everything is always so tasty, even my meat loving hubby enjoys eveything I make from here. We (I’m speaking for everyone who reads your blog) miss you! Hoping all is well.
Amanda - I just found your blog through the Beyond Meat post about Irish-themed vegetarian and vegan recipes. I’m in pathology, as well, have wanted to start a food blog for quite some time, and the pretty much eat the same type of diet that you described above. Oh, and I worked with Annie during some of my pathology rotations. Such a small world! I’ll definitely be checking out more of your posts! 🙂