A Chat With Liz Berg of That Skinny Chick Can Bake

The moment I took my first peek into That Skinny Chick Can Bake, I knew I was in trouble. Sweet, rich, irresistible desserts are one of my most vulnerable (favorite) weaknesses. Fortunately for me, I’ve learned to live with it.

Today, I’d like to introduce Liz Berg. She owns and operates That Skinny Chick Can Bake and has transformed what was once an interest into quite the popular baking blog. Liz has been blogging for over 6 years and has recently been featured on a local television show. On her website, Liz focuses on delectable desserts, such as cookies, brownies and cakes, but also shares recipes and stories for appetizers, sides and main courses. On top of that, she also discusses “Skinny Tips,” which helps in keeping all this delicious food from getting the best of us.

If you’d like to follow Liz, you can do so on Twitter and Facebook.

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1. Can you please tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I spent most of my childhood in central Iowa where my dad was a Physics professor and my mom taught calligraphy at the Design College. Despite it being a small town, we were exposed to cultural events via the university.

2. Where do you call home?

I now reside in Indianapolis, Indiana.

3. Do you remember when you first discovered that baking was your passion? What sparked it and how did you respond?

When I was in high school, my mom went back to grad school. She let her 4 daughters have full reign of the kitchen and besides helping to make dinner, I loved whipping up desserts. I remember making lemon meringue pie from the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.

4. How long have you been creating and sharing recipes on your website?

I will have been blogging 6 years in March.

5. What type of learning do you prefer, learn as you go or something more formal? Where do you find the information you use to progress?

I am pretty much self-taught, using recipes with good instructions. I also gained a lot of insight from some of the old Food Network shows that taught the basics.

6. What is your favorite part of baking and blogging?

Sharing with my friends and family and seeing their pleasure at eating something truly wonderful.

7. What do you think is the most challenging aspect of what you do in the kitchen?

Cooking for a very picky family. My husband has a huge list of foods he does not like and my daughter is even worse! My sons are good eaters, though, and give me nice feedback.

8. Have you had challenges and successes with regards to your website? If so, can you share some of them?

Growing a blog is definitely a challenge. There just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything like sharing on social media, replying to comments, visiting other blogs as well as cooking, writing and photographing. My latest success is going out of my comfort zone and appearing on some local TV shows as a lifestyle expert.

9. Do you bake for friends and family? If so, which do you enjoy more, the actual food preparation or receiving their feedback on your creations?

Yes, most of the food I make is for friends and family. I enjoy their feedback best of all—my friends have learned to give honest critiques (and my family definitely doesn’t hold back!).

10. What’s it been like interacting with those who visit your website? Is it rewarding?

Many who visit my blog are fellow bloggers and I love that! I’m also happy when I can help a reader with a question about a recipe—and love when they’re shocked that I actually responded in a timely manner.

11. What sparked the idea that you could create a following by writing about what you do in the kitchen?

I was very naive. I had no idea the work it would take to build an audience. At first, I just typed out some recipes and took not so great photos in my kitchen. I knew I had excellent recipes, but it took a few years to figure out how to present it in a beautiful and interesting way.

12. What are some of the most popular recipes on your website? Which ones do visitors simply love?

It varies, but pies and cakes that aren’t too difficult get good traffic. My classic apple pie and white cake are two prime examples.

13. What’s your favorite part of baking?

The presentation for sure. I love garnishing and making a beautiful dessert. Berries and whipped cream can make an ordinary dessert extremely tempting.

14. What is it about baking that keeps you so motivated to continue on?

Positive feedback from my friends, family and readers. And the new opportunities blogging has brought to me, like the TV appearances I mentioned before.

15. If you could offer advice to someone who may be interested in learning more about baking, what would it be?

Buy a basic cookbook and just start trying out recipes. Ask a good baker, whether it’s your mom or a friend, to teach you how to bake a favorite recipe. Watch some of the cooking shows to see cooks in action.

16. Do you have any favorite cooking related websites that you visit regularly? If so, which ones?

Mostly I visit blogger friends to support their blogs. If I’m looking for recipe inspiration I love Epicurious, Fine Cooking and some of the Food Network chefs like Alton Brown.

17. What do you think the future holds for you in regards to the cooking and baking world? Where would you like to see yourself?

My goal is to get a balance between home life and blogging. I’d like to cut back to posting only 3 recipes a week. I would also like to start making a few videos to demonstrate some easy recipes.

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