Adventures in food: Top food blogs

Food blogs have been getting renewed attention following the release of Julie and Julia, a movie telling the stories of famed cook Julia Child and blogger Julie Powell, who chronicled her year-long journey through Child's Master the Art of French Cooking. However, blogs aren't just about the recipes and techniques -- they're about sharing the stories, the discoveries, the humour and often the mistakes behind our love affair with food.

But where to start? There are thousands of food blogs on the Internet, and everyone has their favourites based on personal preferences and abilities. Even if you're not a die-hard foodie, this baker's dozen of food blogs will have you reaching for the pots and pans:

101 Cookbooks. Got a shelf full of unexplored cookbooks and clippings? That was the dilemma facing writer Heidi Swanson when she started this blog. Now she writes about the recipes that come into her life through her cookbook collection, her travels, her friends and family and even her own creations. The posts combine anecdotes and recipes along with tips and substitutions for making them a success.

The Amateur Gourmet. This popular blog proves you can't take cooking too seriously. When it comes to awards, Adam Roberts gets the nod for humourous writing as well as the reviews, recipes and "how-to" section. His style is a little off-beat -- think Condoleezza Rice Pudding with Berries of Mass Destruction -- but the recipes won't require a diploma in cooking.

Canelle et Vanille. It's not hard to see why this blog is as famous for its photography as its recipes. Inspired by her favourite childhood aromas, this site is the brainchild of Spanish pastry chef and food photographer Aran Goyoaga. It's easy to get lost in the visuals and the stories, but the detailed recipes shouldn't be overlooked!