Follow Marc on a Food Blog Tour

Over the past few years, the world of food bloggers has blossomed into a thriving global community of foodies spreading their passion through stories, photos and recipes. Whether through good writing, drool-worthy photography, or a rockin good recipe, not a week goes by when Im not blown away by someones post. I really dont like awards and best of lists because when it comes to food is there really a best of anything? But every now and then, there comes a post that sticks out, and the guy who doesnt use recipes makes an exception to his rule. Here are 5 of my favorite food blog posts from this year (in no particular order).

Pasta con le Sarde

On We Are Never Full, Amy and Jonny gracefully weave experiences from their travels, lessons in world history, and simply good food into an engaging narrative that leaves you hungry and smarter after reading it. This post about Sicilian Pasta con le Sarde also left me more fit as I ran to the grocery store to pick up items to make it.

Nyonya Laksa

I was lucky enough to spend seven magical days this year in Singapore, putting on seven delicious pounds. Im not sure if it was the slurp of Katong Laksa or the tender bite of Nyonya Kueh, but I fell in love with the local Peranakan cuisine while there. Somewhere between shooting celebrities and sporting events like the Tour De France, photographer Russel Wong manages to write a food and travel blog called The Wong List. Two weeks after getting back from Singapore, just as I was starting to miss the titillating tang and piquant prick of Peranakan food, this recipe for Russels Moms Nonya Laksa showed up.

Green Tea Mille-Crêpes

Gorgeous photos aside, I love how Stephanes blog Zen Can Cook teaches home cooks fancy restaurant techniques in a way that normal people can understand. If you search through his archives there are hundreds of recipes worth making, but this Green Tea Mille-Crêpes caught my eye because its one of my favorite desserts.

Chinese Rice Dumplings (Zong Zi)

My favorite dish at a dim sum restaurant is Zong Zi, or Chinese rice dumplings, something about the bamboo leaf wrapped sticky rice with a savory sweet pork, mushroom and shrimp stuffing makes it a magical one ball meal. Thats why I was so excited when Jun from Indochine Kitchen posted a recipe with detailed step-by-step photos of making Zong Zi.

Iraqi Taffy (Mann al-Sama)

If you live in the West and have watched the news anytime in the past 40 years, you probably have an image of the Middle East being a war torn wasteland full of bad people. For me, food is about bringing people together around something we all have in common. I love how Joumana opens a window into a culture few of us understand, through tantalizing food and interesting stories on her blog Taste of Beirut. These sweet Iraqi treats literally translate to Manna from Heaven and while I imagine they taste heavenly, theres a more earthly story behind their name. Thats it for 2011, but see you in the New Year!

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Marc Matsumoto is a culinary consultant and recipe repairman who shares his passion for good food through his website norecipes.com. For Marc, food is a life long journey of exploration, discovery and experimentation and he shares his escapades through his blog in the hopes that he inspires others to find their own culinary adventures. Marcs been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, and has made multiple appearances on NPR and the Food Network.