Julie Van Rosendaal

Career Trajectory: From Recipe Enthusiast to Culinary Influencer

We’ve followed Julie Van Rosendaal’s evolution from a childhood kitchen enthusiast to one of Canada’s most trusted food communicators. Her career began in earnest with the publication of her first cookbook in 2000, which laid the foundation for her multifaceted approach to food journalism. Over two decades, she’s expanded her reach through:

• Eight bestselling cookbooks including Spilling the Beans and Gatherings
• Weekly food columns for CBC Radio One’s Calgary Eyeopener
• Regular contributions to Parents Canada and Western Living magazines
• Three seasons co-hosting the TV series It’s Just Food

"Food connects us to our memories and to each other. What we cook at home tells the real story of who we are."
- Julie Van Rosendaal in her Globe and Mail column

Signature Works: Three Defining Contributions

Rhubarb Fool and Biscoff Icebox Cake (Dinner With Julie)

This 2023 recipe exemplifies Van Rosendaal’s talent for reinventing classic desserts with seasonal twists. The article combines:

• Step-by-step instructions for creating a no-bake summer dessert
• Historical context about icebox cakes’ mid-century popularity
• Practical tips for adapting recipes to dietary restrictions

What makes this piece particularly notable is its dual function as both recipe guide and cultural commentary, reflecting Van Rosendaal’s belief that home cooking serves as living history.

On the Grill: Warm Up an Evening on the Patio With Tapas (Calgary Herald)

Van Rosendaal’s 2024 grilling guide demonstrates her expertise in:

• Adapting international cuisine for Canadian home cooks
• Creating approachable recipes with complex flavors
• Incorporating seasonal Alberta ingredients

The article’s structure – pairing each tapa with suggested beverage pairings – showcases her understanding of modern readers’ desire for experiential cooking content.

Perfect Picnic Fare (CBC Radio)

This audio segment highlights Van Rosendaal’s strengths in:

• Creating make-ahead recipes for real-life scenarios
• Balancing nutrition with indulgent flavors
• Adapting cooking techniques for different skill levels

Strategic Pitching Guide

1. Home Kitchen Innovation Stories

Van Rosendaal consistently champions practical kitchen solutions that empower home cooks. Successful pitches should highlight:

• New uses for common pantry staples
• Time-saving techniques without specialized equipment
• Budget-friendly ingredient alternatives

Why it works: Her 2021 investigation into butter texture changes (Buttergate) demonstrated how she transforms everyday kitchen observations into national conversations.

2. Cross-Generational Cooking Trends

Stories bridging traditional and modern cooking methods resonate strongly. Effective angles include:

• Revivals of heritage recipes with contemporary twists
• Intergenerational cooking collaborations
• Adaptation of immigrant food traditions in Canadian kitchens

3. Seasonal Ingredient Deep Dives

Van Rosendaal’s approach to seasonal produce focuses on:

• Multiple preparation methods for single ingredients
• Storage/preservation techniques
• Historical context of regional food production

Industry Recognition

• Cookbook Author of the Year (2020, Alberta Book Publishing Awards): Recognized for Starting Out, which helped new cooks build kitchen confidence through fail-safe recipes.
• Digital Media Pioneer Award (2018, Food Bloggers of Canada): Honored for maintaining one of Canada’s longest-running food blogs while adapting to evolving content formats.
• Community Educator Award (2022, Calgary Board of Education): Awarded for creating virtual cooking classes that reached 1,000+ students during pandemic restrictions.