FAQ
How can I contact you?
You can reach me via email at savorysimpleblog (at) gmail (dot) com.
May I use your recipes on my website?
If you’re interested in sharing one of my recipes you may do so, however you must reference my site and link to the original post.
What kind of camera are you using?
I use a Nikon D70. My apartment doesn’t have great natural light, which is ideal for food photography. I invested in two Lowel EGO Digital Imaging Lights
What program do you use to edit your photos?
I use Adobe Photoshop CS3.
Would you be interested in promoting my event?
At this time I’m not using the website for promotional purposes.
Will you add me to your blogroll?
I keep a small blogroll that only includes sites I regularly visit.
Where did you attend culinary school?
I was in the Culinary Arts program at L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, MD. I graduated in December of 2010.
What do you do for a living?
At the moment I’m working for a recreational cooking school. Previously I’ve worked as a line cook and pastry chef. This was a career change for me. I spent 10 years working in IT before attending school.
Why are some of your recipes measure by weight instead of volume?
When baking, it’s important to measure by weight as often as possible for consistent results. It’s not as much of an issue with cooking, when you’re adjusting ingredients to taste. But a cup of flour will vary in weight depending on the brand and how densely it’s packed. I highly recommend investing in a digital scale. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
I’m a new blogger. Do you have any advice?
- Post frequently.
- Learn to take good photos.
- Make your site easy to navigate.
- Be passionate. Write about things you personally find interesting and exciting.
I see you have an Amazon Store. Are you profiting from it?
When you buy a product from Amazon through my store, I get a very small percentage. This barely helps me cover the cost of ingredients, but it’s something. If you see something you like, I would truly appreciate you buying it through me. To be clear, I will never ever list an item that I don’t personally own and recommend. The only exception to this rule is the camera listed under ‘Photography.’ I currently use a Nikon D70 and I’ve listed Nikon’s D7000, the upgraded model I hope to own someday. The Nikon D70 is an older model and you will only be able to find it used.
What are your favorite foods?
There are too many to name. Avocados, risotto, tikka masala, cheese, ice cream, lemon curd, cake… not all at the same time!
What is your least favorite food?
Pickled ginger!
What’s your favorite cookbook?
The book I find myself reaching for most often is The Flavor Bible
I was just thinking, I wonder if she does her own photography? And you answered my question. Your pictures are beautiful. I’m thinking of investing in a light box to take mine as just like you my apartment light is not ideal by any stretch of the imagination. Your blog is really pretty and I want to eat all your food it looks so tasty!
Thank you! I’m still learning and you can clearly see some pictures are better than others. I now have 2 Lowel lights plus their backdrop and it’s a great setup.
Very beautiful blog!
Thank you so much!
I smiled as I read your FAQ above — because I, too, changed careers after 10 years in the corporate world, bailing out to be a writer. My other blog (Waltzing Australia) reflects the first step in that bailing out — going to Australia for six months. Today I’m a freelance writer and food historian. While it’s the food connection that created the initial link, it’s always fun to find someone else who took the leap and changed directions into something more creative. Hope the new career brings you joy for years to come.
Thank you! The transition has been unnerving at times, but I’m so much happier than I was when I lived in the 9 to 5 business world. I have always wanted to visit Australia, I’m so envious of your extended trip!
Well, if you want to get yourself ready for that dream trip, my book, Waltzing Australia, is great preparation. It offers more than the tour guides will tell you about Australia.
I will definitely reference your book when the time comes!
Oh — and as a P.S. — yes — it can be unnerving, but even when it’s tough, I don’t regret it. Just go out to lunch with some friends who are still doing 9 to 5,and in about an hour, you’ll be so glad you left, you’ll hardly be able to contain the joy. I do wish you great success in your new endeavors. Anything food related is fun!
Hi, I love your blog. I am just starting off in my food blog adventure and I was given a camera so sort of play around with shots and try to make it all look pretty.
I hadn’t thought of buying lights etc so this is something I will have to look into!
I’m only 3 years into my 9-5 finance job but I sit at my desk thinking of cooking lol although I’m not sure I’m ready for the leap! Well done on being so brave and for your fantastic blog! xxx
Your photos are absolutely stunning!
Thanks for stopping by to look at my blog! I really enjoy perusing yours. I’m not much of a cook, or even that interested in improving, but I can certainly appreciate your passion for it. Especially with such beautiful photos!
Your blog is so lovely! I adore the pictures your take! And the layout is fantastic. So easy to navigate. What made you decide on changing careers? I ask because I have been thinking the same thing.
I was bored working a 9 to 5 job and sitting at a desk all day didn’t agree with my back. I considered different options and the one I always came back to was culinary school. Not an easy road to take but I’m glad I did it.
Your pictures are phenomenal! Wow! Color me very impressed. :)
Such a lovely blog you have! Your photos are beautiful. I look forward to checking in again.
Love your blog! Beautifully presented and gorgeous photography! Glad I found it. :)
Beautiful blog, beautiful pictures. I “liked” your pumpkin ravioli. The presentation is delicious!
Your blog is fantastic! Layout, content, photography, everything! I only had a few minutes to flip through it but I can’t wait to check out some of your recipes and stories. Keep up the good work!
The Flavor Bible is one of my favorite cookbooks! Glad to see someone else who loves it just as much.
Your photos are gorgeous! Your recipes sound wonderful! P.S. Can you come over to my house and take my photos … just kidding … unless you are in the neighborhood.
Very nice blog and great pictures as well! I really need to learn to take better food pics. I am a chef of 25 years and a graduate of the CIA. I love the passion you exhibit in your writing and I commend you on your culinary knowledge as well. I wish you all the best!
Just read through your tips for new bloggers! Really handy stuff, at the moment I’m trying to learn more about food and currently researching the right culinary school, if you have any tips around that, it would be great!
You have a beautiful blog. Really inspirational. I can’t wait to try some of your recipes. I’m making lots of preserves at the moment so I think Apple Chutney will be the first one I try! Thanks for the ‘like’ on my post.
Emmy
Thank you for the “likes” on my postings! Your blog is beautiful. Your pictures are amazing … ahhhh if only I could take photos like that! I’m having a hard time taking food pictures – nature photography is what I excel at. Taking images of food is a real challenge and you have the gift for sure!
You have an amazing blog, the recipes and photography delicious. I am glad you decided to follow your passions of food and photography, what a great combination!
Everything looks so delicious and your photography really makes your posts pop off the screen. Keep up the good work!
I’ve nominated savorysimple for versatile blogger award – you can find the nomination@ momwhearingloss.wordpress.com – really enjoy your blog
Happy New Year! I hope your celebration was filled with lots of love and yummy food :)
I was just stopping by to let you know that I nominated you for the versatile blogger award. http://inherchucks.com/2012/01/01/another-blogging-milestone/. As silly and chain-mailish as this may seem, if nothing else it shows how much you have inspired me with your blog.
Thank you for continuing to share your delicious recipes with us. I hope one day I can make food as fancy as you :) I look forward to more tasty treats in 2012!
I love your blog, so I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. If you’d like to participate, please click on the link for the rules.
http://swellkid.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Thank you so much for following my blog! I am so glad you did because it lead me to your blog which is truly exception. I am sure you have gotten this from a lot of commenters already, but I thought I would reiterate how exceptional all of your photos are.
Your blog is sooo lovely! I love your photos! :) I’m currently in IT (10+ years now) but my interest is in cakes and just been planning to take some certification. I wish it turns out well soon. And I wish I can take photos like you! hehehe Great site :)