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What are the benefits and drawbacks of relying on international food influencers for your cooking inspiration?

Dotty Lilford

Hey there!

Thanks for asking for my thoughts on whether relying on international food influencers for cooking inspiration is a good idea or not. In my opinion, there are both benefits and drawbacks to doing so.

Firstly, the benefits. International food influencers can definitely provide a wealth of diverse and interesting cooking ideas. They might introduce you to new flavor combinations, give you inspiration for using ingredients you haven't tried before, or simply provide a fresh perspective on traditional recipes. Additionally, following international food influencers can be a great way to learn about different cultures and cuisines, broadening your knowledge and understanding of what people all over the world eat.

However, there are also some drawbacks to relying solely on international food influencers for your cooking inspiration. For one thing, many of these influencers are only sharing the "highlight reel" of their cooking experiences - the beautiful, perfectly plated finished products that look amazing on Instagram. As a result, it can be easy to forget that cooking is often messy, imperfect, and takes lots of practice and experimentation. It's important to remember that even the most talented chefs and kitchen creatives have their fair share of kitchen disasters, and that following a recipe or technique isn't always a guarantee of success.

Furthermore, it's important to remember that international food influencers may not always be attuned to the ingredients or cooking equipment that is readily available in your area. Some of their recipes may require hard-to-find ingredients or expensive equipment that might not be feasible for many home cooks. Additionally, some of their ideas may not translate well to your own culinary preferences or dietary restrictions. It's important to use your judgment and consider whether a particular recipe or cooking approach is a good fit for your own lifestyle and tastes.

Ultimately, my recommendation would be to approach international food influencers as just one source of inspiration among many. While their ideas can be exciting and enlightening, it's important to also seek out other sources of inspiration, such as cookbooks, food blogs, or even your own friends and family. Experimentation and practice are key to becoming a skilled home cook, so don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes along the way. As with any kind of social media, it's important to take everything with a grain of salt and remember that everyone's kitchen journey is unique.

Hope this helps! Happy cooking!