Okay, so you have your favorite blogs, right? I have LOTS of them. My Google Reader is full of blogs that I enjoy. By far, I have more recipe and food related blogs than any other kind.
The reasons I subscribe vary, but usually it’s because something on a blog appeals to me. Sometimes it’s just the recipes, sometimes it’s the photography, sometimes it’s the personality of the blogger. Or a combination of these things. Or even other things. But I subscribe to lots of blogs mostly so I don’t lose track of them. If you have something that appeals to me, chances are, I will subscribe.
(Note to self: Work on my blog roll and share all my favorites here.)
I wanted share something that I’ve been doing that works great for me with my Google Reader. When I am planning my meals for the week – or even just on the search for something to make like chocolate chip cookies – I don’t go to the main Google search engine first. I go to my Google Reader.
Here’s my thinking: All of the blogs I subscribe to appealed to me for one reason or another, so rather than sorting through all the possibilities on the main Google search, I would rather narrow it down and find the recipe I am looking for from the blogs that I already subscribe to.
If you use Google Reader already, just go to your Reader and type whatever you are looking for in the search box at the top of your page. If you’ve kept your Google Reader a bit organized with folders, you can click the little drop down menu box and search only certain folders. Or search everything by leaving it with “All Items” selected (I usually do this).
If you don’t use Google Reader, you can find out more here. But in a nutshell, it’s a place that you can read all your favorite blogs (by “subscribing” to them). It makes reading your favorite blogs as easy as checking your email.
Don’t want to use Google Reader? Already use another feed reader? I’m not sure if others have this capability, but I would guess that they do. Just check your favorite feed reader for a search box and do a test search.
Oh, and what do I do if I don’t find what I am looking for? That’s when I go to trusty Mr. Google. Or I search other food blogs, in places like FoodBlogs.com, Food Blog Search, or FoodBuzz. Or I put out a plea on Twitter.
This has worked for me – do you have a favorite way of searching for recipes? I would love to hear about your favorite methods.
(Be sure to check out Works-For-Me Wednesday to see what’s working for other bloggers!)
Kristen says
So smart! I never thought to do it this way.
I typically use Food Blog Search, but this narrows it down even more!
Kristen at Batterlicker says
Great idea! I normally do a Google search, but that can end up taking a long time to wade through and decide what to make. Think I'll take advantage of your recommendation. 🙂
Daniel @ The Food Addicts says
Thanks for the great tip I never utilize the search feature in reader but yet I use the search feature so often in gmail.. go figure…
Lynn says
This is a great idea. You sound very tech-savvy! 🙂