What happens when you give one of the nicest, most creative people the chance to create and publish a cookbook? You get a book filled with delectable photos, wit and outrageous recipes. Have you heard about Matt Armendariz’s from Matt Bites new book On A Stick? There is something about eating food on sticks that swoons kids and adults. Matt goes way beyond the kebab or skewered stuff we have come to know. This book has a gamut of goodies including savories: Mac n’ Cheese, Fish n’ Chips and Chinese Meatballs. Also sweets: S’mores, Candy Apples and Donut Holes. Bring it.
*inspired*
Matt was one of the first life changing bloggers I met shortly after I began my blog. The story goes something like this: Marla launches MarlaMeridith.com back in 2009 (right after learning the word blog.) She attends her first blog conference BlogHer Food in San Francisco. With eyes and ears peeled she watches Matt passionately talk about food photography, creativity and design. She enjoys the photography/food styling panel so much, raises her hand and admits to shooting food with her iPhone, publicly.
*thank goodness*
With trembling hands I introduced myself to Matt right after his presentation. I was greeted with a grin that could brighten anyones day. Since that very moment I have gotten to know Matt much better. I respect him as both a professional and a friend. We all had a blast this year at Food Blog Campin Mexico. I now thankfully shoot my food photos with a DSLR.
*cool stuff*
Matt has photographed books before, but this is the first one he has authored. He works with his uber fabulous food stylist partner/husband Adam Pearson. Their collaboration can be seen on many projects both online and in print. Adam has super cool projects going on too including the fun & fresh CB2 blog. The images below are from the fun book launch party at Border Grillin LA.
*from carnivals to fancy cocktail parties*
Back to fun food on a stick….I came up with this recipe inspired by all the goodies in Matt’s book. From kitschy to high class, he has it all covered. He also shares fun dips in the book ’cause food on a stick is even better when you can dip it. Because I think you guys should own this book like now I am gonna purchase one for you. Cool? You can also grab one for yourself and all your friends at my Amazon store.
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:131]
BLT Recipe Links
- Bacon, Avocado, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich Umami Girl
- BLT Pasta Let’s Dish
- BLT with Roasted Duck Jenn Cuisine
- Fried Tomato BLT Fresh Tart
- Low Fat BLT Pasta Salad The Examiner
Clever! I’d probably love it with a little ranch or blue cheese. I guess my favorite food on a stick would be a roasting marshmallow. Normally I’m not a fan of marshmallows, but it’s a simple comfort.
One comment only for me as I *think* I have a review copy of the book on it’s way but just have to say that I cannot wait to do more events with Matt & Adam…and you! We have to firm up early winter 2012 travel plans…and figure out what fabulous locale they will be hosting photography “class” from and be there, or be square…haha!
Marla, your evolution as a blogger, photographer, cook…just remarkable.
I am so blessed to have you in my life 🙂 And to have been fortunate enough to attend an event with Matt and Adam too!
Love this!! Can not wait to get my copy of Matt’s book, lovely photos girl!! Talk soon 🙂
I love hearing about your inspiration and about Matt!! What a great book!
Marla – these are ADORABLE! Love them. Great pics too.
What a fun way to serve BLT’s!
A cool book which I’d love to own! Matt is such an inspiration.
Cheers,
Rosa
Food on a stick, no doubt my favorite are corn dogs! yum…wish I had one now!
I follow you on Twitter!
I tweeted about the giveaway! (nella22)
Looks like a perfect summer picnic!
I subscribed to your email!
My favorite food on a stick is a corn dog!
I love fruit kabobs on a stick and would love this book.
chicken!
Absolute genius!!!
So cute, and so clever, what doesn’t taste better on a stick? 😀
My favourite food on a stick are shish kebabs.
*kisses* HH
My favorite foods on a stick has to be grilled veggies. They are so fun to make and eat, and are delicious and healthy!
Those kebabs looks great! Can’t wait to take that to a bbq this summer =)
My favorite food on a stick is probably a fruit kebab. It’s so refreshing and just a lot more fun to eat because it’s on a stick lol!
I already follow you on Twitter!
I “Stumbled” this post!
My favorite food on a stick is probably grilled vegetables!
This is such a creative recipe, and I really love the look of Matt’s new book! Wonderful job to both of you! Hmm… my favorite food on a stick would be chicken/pineapple/pepper kabobs… so fresh and delicious! Also, my husband and I went to the Carlsbad flower fields yesterday and had an amazing time. If not for your photos, I would have never known about it! Thanks for the wonderful posts, Marla. 🙂
I’m an email subscriber
My favorite food on a stick is a toasted marshmallow – hot off the fire!
Yellebelly, something about the simplicity of a toasted marshmallow. No doubt BIG smiles for all 🙂
I love banana on a stick dipped in chocolate and peanuts
Miranda, love the classic flavors of chocolate, nuts and bananas. You can’t go wrong there 🙂
I love a good corn dog! But, your BLT on a stick looks awesome! What a great idea for my daughters lunch!
Oh yes, avocado would be amazing on this! When I make BLT’s, I always add avocado. I call them BLATs.
My favorite food on a stick would probably be barbeque chicken kebobs. Yum!
I thought I already was. but NOW I’m following you on Twitter!
My fabvorite thing on a stick is fruit dipped in chocolate. YUM.
I LOVE a good corndog! Or anything grilled on kebabs.
I follow you on twitter.
I also have you in my google reader! 🙂
Fantastic, every thing tastes better on a stick! Can’t wait to get a copy of this book!
Favorite food on a stick has to be grilled veggies! I love this concept..what a fun book.
Oh I have had my eye on this book! The BLT kabob look amazing! I love BLTs. My favorite food on a stick is probably grilled veggies, especially mushrooms, onions, zucchini. Although, once I try the BLT on a stick I might change my answer 🙂
I follow you on Twitter!
And I added you to my Google Reader, glad I came across your blog! I like it a lot!
I hardly ever eat food on a stick, and I should. I love dainty little hors d’oeuveres and your selection from the book has completely charmed me. I am much more interested in this cookbook from reading your post than from the corndogs on the front. 🙂 Thanks.
Hi Livia….glad you like my mini BLT’s. Those are actually my recipe inspired by the idea of food on a stick. Matt has lots of healthy, not fried recipes too in there. Something to suit everyone 🙂
Chicken Satay is probably one of my favs on a stick – BUT these BLTs on a stick could easily become my new fav!
Grilled chicken!
I subscribe through RSS.
My fave food on a stick is corndogs 🙂
follow on twitter @throuthehaze
so cute and so simple! you went from iphone to dslr fast! and learned it fast too!
Thanks Marci….quite the learning curve going from iPhone to BIG camera. Every day is a learning experience that’s for sure!
Ooh this is SO fun – such a cute idea and so many possibilities for others. Would love to win the book 🙂 my favorite food on a stick would have to be … ice cream but otherwise I’d say kabobs or chicken skewers mmm. I’m happy with simple and delicious.
I follow you on twitter!
I get your rss feed!
Stumbled 🙂
These kabobs look delicious but I will stick to cookie dough truffles on a stick as a fav!
Maris, I really don’t think cookie dough truffles can be beat 😉
Your BLT skewers are so cute. I love anything on a skewer, such fun to eat! Matt is an amazing photographer and I hope improve my photography using his tips.
I follow you on twitter now!
I tweeted the giveaway!
I’m already subscribed 🙂
I stumbled!
Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and a smokey almond, topper with a balsamic drizzle.
My favorite food on a stick is Malaysian Satay – chicken or beef skewers grilled over an open flame and served with homemade crunchy peanut sauce!
Meredyth, you had me at “crunchy peanut sauce” sounds delicious! I am a big fan of Malaysian cuisine.
So cute! Yum!
Marla these are too cute! I love food on a stick. Something about it. My kids love food on a stick too so I know what I’ll be trying these soon. I need to go run out and get Matt’s book too. Love him!
My favorite food on a stick is probably something boring…but with the temperatures rising here in Florida there is nothing like a popsicle! 🙂
Heather popsicles are always a hit & the perfect treat on a stick – especially where you live. I am looking forward to making all kinds of pops as the weather heats up 🙂
Fresh-dipped corndogs!!
I subscribe via email 🙂
I love Fudgsicles- such a good childhood memory 🙂
And I’m following you on Twitter!
One of my fondest memories from my childhood was to attend the county fair and eat corndogs or cheese on a stick.
I am following you on Twitter @lyndacooks
lynda clark lyndaclark81@yahoo.com
I am an email subscriber.
lyndaclark81@yahoo.com
I am Stumbling you.
lynda clark
lyndaclark81@yahoo.com
I have Tweeted about this Giveaway:
@lyndacooks Lynda Clark
@MarlaMeridith Check out the Giveaway for Matt Armendariz’s new cookbook, On a Stick at https://192.163.193.237/~marlamer
http://twitter.com/#!/lyndacooks/status/70349514015379456
BLT on a stick – it’s such a fun way to serve up a classic! I love it! Great job Marla!
Oh how perfect! These photos look awesome. I’ve heard of this book and it’s on my Amazon wishlist lol. I’m liking tomato and moz balls on a stick right now! Thank you so much for offering this giveaway.
Lisa, that is such a great idea for a party appetizer. So simple & pretty too. In the book there is a recipe for Panzanella on a stick which is like what you are doing. There are gorgeous pieces of fresh basil wrapped around the mozzarella balls. OMG….
Matt – is one of my favorite bloggers, photographer and I have my heart on that book. Food on a stick is something i can live by! I didn’t realise I was not subscribed to your blog – so just did! 🙂
Definitely any type of ice cream!
Grilled veggies or fresh seasonal fruit maybe with a little dip on the side
Hey Tricia! You are so right , even fresh fruit is better on a stick! A sweet dipping sauce is always a nice side. Matt has fruit skewers like that in his book too 🙂
I’m supposed to getting this book to review imminently and YOUR review has made it so that I can barely wait! These kebabs look delicious….the perfect treat! And Matt’s other recipes sound so fun!
Matt sounds like such a fun person — and what a great book, Marla! Food on a stick definitely appeals to all. And thanks so much for hosting this giveaway — my fav food on a stick is teriyaki beef! 🙂
Cheese fondue! I suppose that’s more “food on a skewer,” but I do love some crisp veggies (broccoli, cherry tomato) dipped into melted cheese.
Anything on a stick fascinates and thrills me but BLT’s are just too brilliant 🙂
These are adorable! My favorite food on a stick is either chocolate covered banana or grilled shrimp kabobs (lol totally different from one another).
Caprese kabobs. now give me the book – stat
Great fun recipe and book! My favorite food on a stick is a toasted marshmallow for sure!
I follow you on twitter and “like” you on facebook 🙂
Very cool recipe. I love when things are positioned differently like this!
beautiful pictures Marla~~~what lens do you use? 😛
And I don’t know if you’ve tried korean cuisine, but I love “dduk-kotchee” (sounds so strange…) It’s rice cakes with sesame seeds and slathered in hot paste. Crispy outside, and gooey inside. have you tried it? have a beautiful day!
Ellie, I use two lens. Canon 24-70mm 2.8 and a 50mm 1.4. In this post mostly my 24-70 🙂
Love Korean cuisine, but I have not had the “dduk-kotchee” <—— love the name though! Sounds like such an interesting way to have rice. Thanks & I will look for it.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Matt’s book. These BLT skewers are such a fun way to mix up the classic sandwich.
Oh Dara, your will have LOADS of fun with this book!! I truly can’t wait to see the recipes you come up with, also your lovely photographs 🙂
I love food on a stick! It’s just way more fun to eat. My all time favorite is chicken with peanut dipping sauce. Oh so very good! Matt’s book sounds like a blast!
Heather, you would love this book! Chicken with peanut sauce is a favorite over here too. My kids love going for Thai food and having chicken satay with sweet peanut sauce. Our favorite place ever is called Siam in Telluride, CO.
That’s daaaahling. Kids would love it. I see this at a picnic!
Charissa, you can bet on it that these BLT skewers will end up at may potlucks, BBQ’s and lunch boxes this summer! My kids thought they were so cool 🙂
What a fabulous idea!
I love those guys!
and your photos are making me so hungry!
We love anything skewered on the grill. Great giveaway!
I follow you on Twitter!
PS. I LOVE the suggestion of mozzarella balls wrapped in basil, maybe some cherry tomatos too!
Now what do you think about marshmallows AND chocolate truffles on a stick!?
Lisa, what do I think of marshmallows and chocolate truffles on a stick? O.M.G. Beyond fabulous girl!
And tweeted the giveaway. Alismom121
That looks like a great book. I will buy it if i dont win it. I love steak satay with peanut sauce and cake pops!
Perfect party food. I love how easy yet so delicious this recipe can be.
I love corndogs- so bad for you but so good!
Angelina, it is great to have a splurge every now and then. Believe it or not I have never actually tried a corn dog!
I would agree that corndogs are my favorite! (and I live in MN where anything and everything get’s on a stick and deep fried at our state fair!)
Oh I’m going to have a look at the book on Amazon, it looks really interesting! 😀 Thanks Marla!
these look SO good! Love this one
So cute! I would love to own that cookbook!
Hi Marla, thank you for the link to my BLT post. I remember you from the Blogher Food conference in SF a few years ago. Don’t think we had the chance to meet in person, but your enthusiasm was contagious even from afar! Hope all is well.
I loved reading about your history with Matt. I just got his beautiful book in the mail yesterday and can’t wait to try some of the fun recipes.
Cool huh! I feel so blessed to know him 🙂
I’m so glad I didn’t miss the chance to enter this giveaway. You started your blog in 2009?! Are you serious? It’s so professional I could have sworn you had started it much earlier. You will go far and beyond my friend, I just know it.
As for Matt, he really is a lovely person.
As for his book, I want it so bad!
And my favorite food on a stick is corn dogs. I love corn dogs.
Damaris, I always have a big grin when you pop in for a visit. I hope we all get to spend time together again at Food Blog Camp next year. I love your blog, your thoughts and YOU! Thanks for your uplifting inspirational words. They keep me moving on the “fast track” 😉 xo
Yes I think avocados would be a great addition. BLTA kabobs!
Love this idea!!! I wish it was lunchtime lol
oh these look so delicious!!!