FAQ

Where did you learn to bake?

A few years ago I enrolled part time in a local culinary school program focusing on baking and pastry arts. I lasted for almost a year before I had to quit largely for financial reasons (culinary school is expensive!). I am very grateful for the experience, however. It gave me a lot of confidence, I learned a lot of basics and built a foundation from which I could keep learning in my own kitchen.

Now I’m almost completely on my own, with other food bloggers, magazines, and cookbooks to inspire and teach me.

Why did you start blogging?

I started a personal blog several years ago to share photos and experiences with friends and family. As I developed my passion for baking, I started posting  more and more recipes. Eventually the recipes took over the blog and I decided to create a new space devoted solely to my explorations in baking. And I haven’t looked back.

How did you come up with the name for your blog?

In college I became a huge Monty Python fan. In fact, there was an entire class devoted to the subject and I loved it. The title for my blog was inspired by one of my favorite phrases from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, “And now for something completely different”.

What camera do you use?

I shoot with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi Digital SLR with the standard package lens. I upgraded last year from a basic point and shoot camera and it has made all the difference in capturing my food on camera. I’m still very much an amateur when it comes to photography, and I’m having a lot of fun learning as I go.

All of the photos on this website are licensed through Creative Commons.

I have a question about a recipe, can you help?

Of course! Leave a comment on a post if you have a question and I’ll do my best to answer back in a timely manner. You may also email me at completelydelicious [at] gmail.com.

I appreciate all feedback, good or bad. Have you tried a recipe you found on this blog? I’d love to hear about it!

Can I substitute ______ for _______?

I get many comments and emails from readers wanting to know if they can substitute ingredients in a recipe they’ve seen here. Maybe they have a food allergy, are trying to make a recipe healthier, or simply don’t have the ingredient listed on hand. I do a lot of substitutions in my own baking and so I know it can be tricky. Unfortunately, unless I’ve tried a substitution myself, I’m hesitant to recommend it to you. If you do try a substitution and have success, please leave a comment, perhaps other readers would find that information useful.

On a related note, if you are looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or other diet-specific baking recipe, sorry, but you won’t find them here. However, there are a lot of fantastic blogs dedicated to such things that are sure to give you much better advice than me.

How do you bake all of this stuff and not weigh 300 pounds?

I get asked this question a lot. And my answer is, every thing in moderation. I am a firm believer that life without dessert and carbs is no life at all. I also have a sweet tooth that cannot be tamed. That being said, I am also passionate about being healthy and try to eat right most of the time and exercise often. When I bake a cake or make 3 dozen cookies, I enjoy a generous serving (or two, or more) and then try to give the rest away. My coworkers, friends, and family are all very spoiled.

Do you ever post recipes for meals and savory dishes?

This is another frequent question. And I do also enjoy cooking, and I like to think I don’t suck at it. However, I’m not as passionate about it. Baking is what I love and what this blog is all about. If you’re looking for something to make for dinner, try browsing Tastespotting and Foodgawker (that’s what I do!), I’m sure you’ll find some good help from other excellent bloggers.

I am trying to branch out into more savory baking, for variety’s sake, and also to expand my horizons. You can find these recipes in my recipe index.

Would you like to review a product or host a giveaway on your blog?

Generally, no. But if you have something that you feel would be particularly relevant to my readers, feel free to email me at completelydelicious [at] gmail.com.