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Friday, March 26, 2010

Blog Bites #2: The Copycat Edition

The first edition of Blog Bites was fun for me, but before we get to the round-up of last month, here's the theme for the next round:


Blog Bites #2 is the Copycat Edition!


The idea is quite simple. Think of some food or beverage that you enjoy but have never made at home. It could be something you enjoyed at a restaurant, on vacation, at someone else's home, at a catered event like a wedding, from a street vendor, or something you typically buy from the store in a package or jar or can. Chances are, some other food blogger has made this at home and blogged about it. Use their inspiration and make this dish at home, then tell us about it.


There are many reasons why you may want to replicate something at home. It can be a money saver, because restaurant dishes can sometimes be replicated in the home kitchen for a fraction of the cost. You have greater control over the ingredients and can skip a lot of the additives and excess salt and sugar that are abundant in store-bought food. You may simply want to make something that you tasted in a place hundreds of miles away or a couple of decades ago. I for one get a particular thrill from chasing restaurant-style recipes and getting them close enough after a few attempts. 



The Rules
  1. From now until April 25, make something at home that you have previously only eaten at a restaurant or from the store or in someone else's home. 
  2. The recipe has to come from another blog. This is the whole premise of the Blog Bites event, so please turn to other blogs for inspiration. Entries that do not meet this rule will not be accepted. 
  3. Write a post telling us about the recipe you tried, with the following: (a) a link to the recipe on the other blog that inspired you, (b) a link to this post, (c) a picture of your final dish.
  4. Please do not copy recipes word for word from another blog- that would be both illegal and unethical. If you want to note the recipe on your blog, re-write it in your own words, with whatever modifications you made to it. Or just give us the link to the original so we can find the recipe there. I am calling this the copycat edition because we are trying to replicate the taste of something we enjoy, not to encourage plagiarism.
  5. Send me the link (URL) of your entry, either by leaving a comment on this post, or using the contact form. 
  6. You can send in as many entries as you like.

This time, I won't do a running round-up. Check back on April 26 to see all the entries. 


And now for last month's theme- cookers. Over two dozen bloggers sent in some incredible entries that show you just how versatile cookers can be. Pressure cookers were the favorite, hands down! 
Here are some great ideas for what you can do with the cookers in your kitchen. For the juicy details of who made what and what their inspiration was, please visit the running round up. 

Pressure Cooker

Soup

Appetizer

Curries and Dals

Rice

Meat & Fish

Dessert

Rice Cooker
Main dishes

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Thank you for your participation, I see so much inspiration here. I look forward to your entries next month!
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55 comments:

  1. MeeraMarch 26, 2010 9:53 AM

    Lovely roundup and a fantastic theme!! As I am reading, i have finalized what I am planning to make. Imperial Cocktail - from you know where!!;-D

    ReplyDelete
  2. radioactiveganMarch 26, 2010 10:45 AM

    Thanks for hosting this, it was a ton of fun. I'm already trying to think of a great recipe to copy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. PJMarch 26, 2010 10:55 AM

    okay, i know now exactly what i want to make for this.. if only, it would turn out half as good as the original though :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. RachanaMarch 26, 2010 11:08 AM

    What an interesting theme Nupur! I'll surely participate in this event.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LavanyaMarch 26, 2010 1:11 PM

    ooh- sounds fun! I have a few ideas! Does the recipe have to be exactly the same or can it be adapted?

    I actually did manage to bust out the pressure cooker (to make a brown rice khichdi and your gopium adapted rajma) but not quickly enough..lol..Also I need to resume taking photographs of the food I make- I have completely stopped doing that (and food posts without food pics aren't half as fun are they?..:))

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownMarch 26, 2010 1:14 PM

    thanks for the roundup, Will surely take part in "copycat edition", it will be fun.

    ReplyDelete
  7. PattyMarch 26, 2010 1:23 PM

    Ooh a copycat challenge sounds exciting I can't wait to get started! Those cooker recipes are making my mouth water ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. RV @ Food for 7 StagesMarch 26, 2010 4:28 PM

    This is an interesting event Nupur. Can I send this one

    http://sourashtrakitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/dixie-stampede-homestyle-cream-of.html

    ReplyDelete
  9. NupurMarch 26, 2010 4:58 PM

    Meera- Really? :D Funny thing is that I'm planning to make a frozen dessert from your blog!

    radioactivegan- Thanks for participating and I hope you send in an entry for this round too :)

    PJ- Well, you might find that it is better than the original!

    Rachana- Thanks, I am looking forward to your entry.

    Lavanya- You can certainly adapt it, the idea is to use a recipe from another blog as your inspiration.
    Yes, most often when I don't post something that I want to, it is because I don't have a pic.

    Priya (Yallapantula) Mitharwal- Thanks, I sure hope you send something in.

    RV- Well, I see in that post you recreated a memorable restaurant soup, but the other rule is that you have to get the recipe from another blog (and not a general website). So I'm afraid it does not fit in with this event.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mints!March 26, 2010 11:45 PM

    Great idea. It has started getting warm here so I will make something to cool off :)

    Nice round up :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. RujutaMarch 27, 2010 2:20 AM

    Hi Nupur,

    Lovely round up and so many amazing recipes to try out...
    So sorry to miss out on ur event...i had some lovely rice recipes made in pressure cooker to blog abt but your rules were that the recipe should be from some other blog :((((

    ReplyDelete
  12. MiriMarch 27, 2010 6:09 AM

    Thanks for the round up! looking forward to the next one :) Now to go look for that perfect pasta dish :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. MyvegfareMarch 28, 2010 3:41 AM

    lovely event and lovely roundup, I tried something from Ramya vijaykumar's blog, but it is still in my draft never got the time to post it, hope I will participate this time!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. radioactiveganMarch 28, 2010 6:13 PM

    I've got my first entry in this month's blog bites up: http://theradioactivegan.blogspot.com/2010/03/just-corndogs.html
    I'm hoping to get another one in, if I can find the right recipe. Thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  15. MayaMarch 30, 2010 6:07 AM

    Hi Nupur,
    Thanks for acknowledging my entry. This is the very first time I have participated in any blog event, and I enjoyed it. I'm hoping to send it another entry soon :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sandy a la ModeMarch 30, 2010 10:10 AM

    Thanks for entering my giveaway! I love what you do on your blog!! I'm always up for trying new recipes!

    ReplyDelete
  17. TheCookerMarch 30, 2010 7:12 PM

    Here is my entry to the next edition of Blog Bites:
    http://the-cooker.blogspot.com/2010/03/gooey-goodness.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. indosungodMarch 30, 2010 8:26 PM

    Nupur,
    my entry for the Blog Bites #2
    Fish Cutlets
    http://indosungod.blogspot.com/2010/03/fish-cutlets.html

    ReplyDelete
  19. NeeLMarch 31, 2010 1:14 AM

    Hi!!

    lovely theme you have here, and I have tons of recipes from other blogs which i want to try. Not sure how will the final rendition be, nevertheless quite zinged up! This is the first time I shall be participating :)

    Cheers!
    Neel

    ReplyDelete
  20. Priya SureshMarch 31, 2010 2:40 AM

    Thats a wonderful roundup Nupur..loved this month"s theme too..will send my entry..

    ReplyDelete
  21. Priya SureshApril 02, 2010 2:30 PM

    Hi Nupur..

    Here is my entry for copycat edition..do check and let me know whether is prefect for this event..

    http://priyaeasyntastyrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/04/chettinad-mutton-kuzhambuchettinad.html

    Thanks
    Priya

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pavithra SrihariApril 03, 2010 1:30 AM

    Can you please check if my post is eligible for the entry

    http://bingeonveg.blogspot.com/2010/04/sesame-powder-ellu-podi.html

    ReplyDelete
  23. SS blogs hereApril 05, 2010 10:56 AM

    Hey Nupur! Thanks for hosting another edition of Blog Bites. This month's theme is very interesting and I'm sure there will be plenty of cool entries! :)

    My entry for this month is Lasooni Dal http://ss-blogs-here.blogspot.com/2010/03/lasooni-dal.html It is a spicy dhaba style dal from Sailu's Kitchen. Hope this is ok for your event.

    Cheerio!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Vaishali SharmaApril 05, 2010 7:13 PM

    Hi Nupur

    Please find my entry for Blog Bites 2# CopyCat Edition

    http://www.zestyflavors.com/2010/04/ooo-gooey-eggless-black-forest-cake.html

    ReplyDelete
  25. Preeti KashyapApril 07, 2010 7:23 AM

    http://relishingrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/04/venthiyam-dosai-fenugreek-crepes-and.html

    This is my entry. Hopefully, I have got it right this time :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. ruchikacooksApril 07, 2010 11:54 AM

    Nupur, I have posted an entry today (Kothu Parotta) at http://ruchikacooks.com/?p=2424

    It is from another blog and I have included the details about her as well.

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownApril 09, 2010 3:22 PM

    Nupur, here is my entry.

    http://mharorajasthanrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/04/cauliflower-butter-masala-for-blog.html

    ReplyDelete
  28. SS blogs hereApril 09, 2010 4:20 PM

    Hi Nupur,

    I may have another entry to your event. I just posted Paneer Stuffed Bell Peppers from Aparna's blog Apy Cooking. Here is the link to my post http://ss-blogs-here.blogspot.com/2010/04/paneer-stuffed-bell-peppers.html Please have a look and let me know if the post fits your theme and if multiple entries are good for the event.

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  29. MonikaApril 09, 2010 10:43 PM

    i loved this idea here is my post

    http://monikamanchanda.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/i-am-a-copycat/

    ReplyDelete
  30. MonikaApril 10, 2010 8:00 AM

    thanks nupur i had missed out the link updated the post now... please check and let me know

    ReplyDelete
  31. SangeethaApril 10, 2010 2:04 PM

    yay! I made it to blogbites this time with a post. here it is:
    http://sangz-samayal.blogspot.com/2010/04/hotel-sambar.html
    hope you like it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousApril 11, 2010 8:54 AM

    Hi Nupur

    This is my first receipe and first entry in a blogging event. I made
    Tofu Tikka inspired from Tandoori tofu on your blog

    ReplyDelete
  33. MeeraApril 11, 2010 10:27 AM

    I just blogged about your pav bhaji and imperial cocktail. Delicious!!

    http://enjoyindianfood.blogspot.com/2010/04/nupurs-imperial-cocktail-pav-bhaaji-for.html

    ReplyDelete
  34. BalaApril 11, 2010 12:09 PM

    Hi Nupur,

    Thanks for including my entry for the first Blogbites. Here is my entry for the copycat edition:
    http://bala-shankar.blogspot.com/2010/04/mango-cardamom-dutch-baby-pancake.html

    Cheers!
    Bala.

    ReplyDelete
  35. The Taste TinkererApril 11, 2010 1:18 PM

    Hi Nupur - Here's my contribution to the BlogBites - Copycat Edition:

    http://thetastetinkerer.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/unniappam/

    Love the idea!

    Thanks
    TT

    ReplyDelete
  36. KanchanApril 12, 2010 6:08 AM

    Hey Nupur ..

    blogged about your Dal Makhani :)

    here is the link :

    http://personaltadka.blogspot.com/2010/04/buttery-silky-dal-makhani.html

    So whats next ??? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  37. MeeraApril 12, 2010 10:51 AM

    Here's my entry for Misal

    http://enjoyindianfood.blogspot.com/2010/04/chaklis-kolhapuri-misal-for-blog-bites2.html

    ReplyDelete
  38. radioactiveganApril 12, 2010 11:32 AM

    Hey, I made another copycat recipe! http://theradioactivegan.blogspot.com/2010/04/do-not-call-me-little-jamie.html

    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. chakhlereApril 14, 2010 5:56 PM

    Hey Nupur,

    Here is my contribution for the blog bite event.

    http://chakhlere.blogspot.com/2010/04/cauliflower-and-potato-in-spicy-creamy.html

    Happy Hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  40. MyvegfareApril 16, 2010 10:53 AM

    hi Nupur,
    Here is my entry for the copy cat edition, hope it is perfect!!
    http://samayalarai-cookingisdivine.blogspot.com/2010/04/stir-fried-veggies-with-avocado-pulkas.html
    Thanks for the event!!
    can I send another one..

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnamikaApril 16, 2010 11:03 AM

    Here is my entry for Blog bites #2: http://thepathtaken.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/blog-bites-2-instant-dhokla/

    I have another one lined up. Hope I can submit two entries!

    ReplyDelete
  42. MeeraApril 18, 2010 10:07 AM

    Here's one more entry from me -
    http://enjoyindianfood.blogspot.com/2010/04/anupamas-mango-mastani-for-blog-bites-2.html

    If everything goes per plan, I may be able to submit one last entry. Let's see!:-)

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousApril 18, 2010 5:33 PM

    Here's my entry for Blog Bites Copycat Edition
    http://thoughtsandpots.wordpress.com/2010/04/18/pistachio-heaven/

    Shilpa

    ReplyDelete
  44. Priya dharshiniApril 19, 2010 3:28 AM

    Hi nupur..
    here is my entry
    http://priyasfeast.blogspot.com/2010/04/tomato-thokku-tried-and-tasted.html


    Bye
    Priya

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnamikaApril 19, 2010 6:08 AM

    Nupur, as promised, here is my second entry: http://thepathtaken.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/blog-bites-2-doodhi-kofta/

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownApril 19, 2010 12:46 PM

    My entry: http://divya-dilse.blogspot.com/2010/04/vegetable-manchurian.html

    ReplyDelete
  47. Rajee ManiApril 20, 2010 6:34 PM

    Hi Nupur,

    Here's my entry to the event.

    http://heartycook.blogspot.com/2010/04/mango-quick-bread.html

    Hope it qualifies for the event.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  48. MySpicyKitchenApril 21, 2010 3:46 PM

    Nupur,

    My entry is Egg Roll

    http://myspicykitchen.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/egg-roll/

    ReplyDelete
  49. harini-jayaApril 23, 2010 11:01 PM

    Hi, here is my entry for the event..
    http://tamalapaku.blogspot.com/2010/04/jaangri.html

    ReplyDelete
  50. Bong MomApril 23, 2010 11:02 PM

    Hi Nupur

    Here's my entry:

    Peanut Green Chili Chutney from The Cooks Cottage

    http://www.bongcookbook.com/2010/04/jyotsnas-peanut-and-green-chili-chutney.html

    ReplyDelete
  51. MeeraApril 24, 2010 2:38 PM

    This is the last one -
    http://enjoyindianfood.blogspot.com/2010/04/indrajeets-good-night-for-blog-bites2.html

    Thanks, Nupur!

    ReplyDelete
  52. The Rambler and The Reluctant CookApril 24, 2010 9:27 PM

    Modaks copied(though not to the tee) from Aayi's Recipes

    http://cuisine-virtuelle.blogspot.com/2010/04/modaks-sweet-and-savory.html

    ReplyDelete
  53. suviApril 25, 2010 12:55 PM

    I hope this makes the cut:
    http://servedwithlove.blogspot.com/2010/04/bobotie.html

    Sorry, I know I am a few hours late in making the deadline, hope you can include it in the round-up.

    ReplyDelete
  54. RachanaApril 25, 2010 2:21 PM

    Hey Nupur,
    Here's my entry for the 'Blog Bites # 2'.

    http://sizzlenspice.blogspot.com/2010/04/falafel.html

    Thanks
    Rachana

    ReplyDelete
  55. Jaya MApril 26, 2010 6:37 AM

    Nupur,
    I posted my entry today, got confused with the deadline.My apologies for that , If you can still consider my entry that would be really great .Thanks.

    here is the link-

    http://spiceandcurry.blogspot.com/2010/04/learning-and-inspirations-huli-podi-for.html

    hugs and smiles

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving a comment- I try to respond to every single one.