A Saskatoon-based website is receiving national recognition after it was named in this year’s Roast it and Post it, the National Post’s best Canadian Food Blogs.

“I’m shocked, but really, really happy, I’ve just been bouncing off walls, and flattered,” said Renèe Kohlman, who is a chef by day and the woman behind sweetsugarbean.com

“To be named one of Canada’s top bloggers that was just amazing.”

It all started when her friends suggested she go from posting pictures of her food on Facebook to sharing it with the world. Just more than a year ago, Kohlman made the plunge with the encouragement of many friends.

She said her photos just keep getting better as she strives to tell a story and create atmosphere.

“I’m learning more about lighting and propping,” she said.

In the winter, that means cooking, lighting and plating her food by 11 a.m. to take advantage of the best daylight coming into her kitchen. Long summer days will give her a little more time to cook and take photos.

Some of the recipes on the blog are ones that Kohlman has altered from other books or family recipes, while other are uniquely hers. Among her favourites, and the favourite of the blog’s many readers, are the desserts.

“The recipe index is massive when it comes to desserts, I love making desserts. Plus they photograph really well,” Kohlman said.

When stepping away from chocolate, Kohlman tends to reach towards what is seasonal.

“I try to use what’s in season more or less, especially with all the awesome fruit.”

Kohlman said she never expected the blog to gain the attention that it did – in the beginning it was her friends and sister that were her only readers.

Now she is even dreams of signing a book deal one day.

“I think every food blogger dreams of that, but who knows. Never say never,” she said.

“I try to keep it entertaining too, because there are a million food blogs out there. I want to have a bit of a distinctive voice, like ‘oh, yeah it’s Renee in Saskatoon, she’s kind of funny and she’s kind of quirky and her recipes look really great.”

While her world is full of food, that’s just the way Kohlman likes it.

“I don’t really ever get tired of cooking.”

Her food can be tasted by at PickNics Catering, where she works.

ahill@rawlco.com

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