Hey there! Thanks for visiting Unconventional Baker. Happy to see you here. I'm guessing you're here because you've got a question. Below you'll find the most frequently asked questions I get.
When are you coming out with a print version of your book, Unconventional Treats?
I'm currently working with a Canadian publisher for a Canadian release of the book, with international releases to follow. However, I'm quite delayed with this project. As soon as I have more concrete details about the release date I'll update this space.
How long have you been running this site for?
Since February of 2013!
What kind of Vitamix do you use / recommend?
This is the one I have, it's kind of old. Still works like a charm. There are these really nice newer ones that are shorter, so they fit under you cupboards better, whereas the taller one that I have needs to be stored off the counter or with the jar separated from the base, because otherwise it's too tall. The only downside with the low profile Vitamix is that it doesn't blend smaller size batches (like 2 cups) as well as the narrower container. I also use a Magic Bullet for quick, easy small batch blending, or this immersion blender when I want to quickly blend things right in a mixing bowl or pot.
Are there any other tools you recommend for making your recipes?
Yes, as a matter of fact I have a whole page listing my favorite tools and equipment.
What kind of camera do you use?
I really like the Panasonic Lumix line, the GH4 is the current model, and then I use a micro lens. The Lumix lens that gives a similar effect was a bit out of my price range, so I went with a Nikon lens and an adapter to make it fit the Lumix camera. So the lens I'm using is Nikon 50mm f1.8D AF with a Nikon to Micro 4/3 adapter. A bit of a hack way to do it, but that's what works for me.
Is it ok if I post your recipe on my blog?
No, sorry. If you'd like you can share a photo and a link back to the recipe on my blog, no permission needed. I'd like to keep all my recipes and writing exclusive to my blog. Please do not use my photos in any other manner without prior consent.
If you were inspired by one of my recipes and adapted it significantly into your own creation, please attribute it and link back to the original recipe.
What if I find your recipe and / or photos on another website without proper attribution (as per point above)?
I'd really appreciate a heads up. Thanks for looking out for me! Just leave a comment on the recipe on this site and I'll take it from there.
Can you please share nutritional content of each recipe?
I prefer to keep the focus of the blog on whole foods and recipes, rather than counting values. If you need those numbers, which I totally understand, I recommend looking up one of the many free recipe calculators online where you can fill in the ingredients and get exactly the values you're looking for.
How do you get your cakes and chocolates to look so neat, or make that swirly pattern, or get those really pretty cake sides?
Well partly it's practice but I go into all the little tips and tricks I know for dessert presentation in the Unconventional Treats video series.
Can you share more nut-free, oil-free or (insert your allergen)-free recipes?
This website has a huge audience with many different kinds of needs and I often get different baking inspiration ideas which naturally cannot fit every niche. That said I always love hearing what people want more of. If you'd like substitution ideas for any ingredients you're trying to avoid, please ask in the comments section on the recipe you're wondering about. And also feel free to let me know anything you're looking for in terms of new recipes or classic recipe adaptations. Who knows, maybe it will spark off new ideas for me, and I'll get more inspired to bake things we can both enjoy!
Can you include grams vs cups?
Most of my recipes do not require gram precision, but this is something I'm keeping in mind for the future. For vegetables and fruits that come in a wide range of sizes I've started including gram measurements. For all other ingredients I'm more of a "scoop it into a cup and go" kind of person. The easiest fix I can recommend is to purchase some measuring cups, as they are inexpensive and very easy to work with.
What if I have a different question about a recipe?
The best place to ask your question is on the exact recipe in the comments. I respond there fastest and others may have the same question too.
Is there anything I can do to thank you for all the recipes you release?
Thanks for asking! One of the best things you can do is leave feedback comments on recipes you've made. Whether it's a brief note or something more detailed, the comments always help me to know the best types of recipes to focus on and they help others to gauge whether a recipe is right for them.
Leaving comments also lets Google know that a recipe is worth promoting, and that's one of the biggest helps you can give this website.
If you want to support this website financially (because it costs a lot to run a site of this size and keep sharing recipes!), you can always purchase a copy of Unconventional Treats for yourself or as a gift for someone. I also have several themed mini recipe ebooks you may like to check out.
If you have a question that hasn't been answered on this page, let me know at (connect at unconventional baker dot com).
Thanks again for stopping by and hope to hear about your baking adventures in the recipe comments!
x Audrey