FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I noticed you note the weather and what you’re listening to on your blog posts. I’ve never seen this before. Why do you do this?
I note the weather because weather is one of the primary dictators of what we eat. We eat according to the seasons and according to what’s in season. We almost always consider the time of year and the weather outside when deciding what to eat, whether consciously or subconsciously (like when we get a craving).
I tell you what I’m listening to because food is about so much more than food; it’s about the atmosphere in a home or place. It’s about all five of our senses. If you smell sugar cookies and hear Christmas music, suddenly you are transported to a special, unique time and place. When we take all of this into account, then we’re not just in the business of passing along good recipes, but rather in the business of cultivating and documenting food memories.
The silverware in your photos is often oriented left. Are you left-handed?
Why yes, I am. Thank you for noticing!
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I am an extremely proud alumna of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. I have a degree in Philosophy and Theology with a heavy English Literature background.
How do you survive the long, cold, dark winters in Alaska?
That’s a great question! Cooking and blogging have been terrific ways for me to keep busy and stay engaged with the “outside world” when the temperatures are well below zero and it’s dark outside. One of the main challenges, though, is a lack of natural light for food photography. Then, I have to get very creative with the time of day that I cook and do my food styling, and I’ve had to learn how to use a photography lightbox and shoot with artificial light on occasion (natural light is always my preference). I also enjoy spending time with my family and my church, reading, watching t.v., and playing indoor games with my kids. Oh, and it’s important to take Vitamin D supplements during those months, too.
Can I share one of your recipes?
By all means. That’s why I’m here… to share. Please use the Facebook, Stumble Upon, Twitter, Google+, or Pinterest buttons featured on each recipe to make sharing easier. I do ask that you cite your source when publishing online or elsewhere. Thank you and share away!
Do you take requests for specific recipes or create recipes for readers?
Requests are always welcome! You may submit a request by means of commenting on the blog, using Facebook or Twitter, or sending me an email. Although I can’t promise that I will be able to create/find a recipe to match every request, there is always a possibility that your request might be featured on Alaska from Scratch. Your requests are an inspiration to me and I love to hear what you’re craving.
I love your photos. Can I use them?
Thank you! Please email me for permission before using one of my photographs.
Is there a quick way to locate a recipe without scanning through all the previous posts?
Yes we have multiple ways for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. Utilize the search function on the upper right of every page, the Recipe Index, the Recipe Archives, or the Recipe Categories on the lower right (below the Blog Her ads).
Do you personally read every comment on your site?
Yes (I really am at the other end of the line!). Your comments are an encouragement to me and your feedback is important. As the blog grows, I am unable to reply to every comment, but I do try to respond to specific recipe questions as quickly and as often as I can. Thank you for being a part of the Alaska from Scratch community with your comments and questions. You can also “Like” our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest to receive more personal, day-to-day updates from Alaska from Scratch. You can also view the most recent comments at the bottom of the homepage to see what other readers are saying.
Are there guidelines for commenting on your recipes?
I simply ask that you be respectful and kind when commenting, even when you disagree with someone about something. I love passionate responses as long they are consistent with the atmosphere on this site. I reserve the right to delete any comments.
I love your site, but you post so many recipes that I can’t keep up! Help!
I’m so pleased that you love my site! I highly recommend using the ZipList Recipe Box and Meal Planner features in the main navigation bar to save and organize the Alaska from Scratch recipes you want to make. ZipList also allows you to add recipes to your shopping list and find grocery deals near you. It’s a very useful tool (they also have a handy iPhone app, too!). Another fantastic way to organize and save recipes is by pinning them to Pinterest.
I love your site, but I wish you posted more often.
Thank you, I’m honored that you’d like to hear and see more from Alaska from Scratch. I aim for an average of three posts per week, usually on weekdays. I often increase post frequency around holidays and then decrease post frequency in the lull following major holidays. You can subscribe to our weekly email to get all of our new content and special announcements sent directly to your inbox each week. If you don’t feel like you’ve heard from me in a while, feel free to check in on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram or send me an email.
Can you tell me how many calories are in a serving?
My apologies, but I cannot. I can, however, refer you to some wonderful blogs that do provide such details for their recipes. Email me for more info.
What do the abbreviations mean in your recipes?
t = teaspoon
T = tablespoon
c = cup
oz = ounce
lb = pound
What does it mean when a recipe calls for 2-3/4c (or similar)?
2-3/4c means 2 AND 3/4 cups or two cups plus three-fourths of a cup.
I love your website. Do you do all the web design yourself?
Thank you! And no… actually, I am married to my amazing web developer (he is also my amazing Lead Pastor and the amazing father of my three children, too). If you’re a frequent reader of my blog, you will know him as “Pastor Alaska.” You can find him at Streamline Web Design.
Can I send you products for review/giveaways or hire you for writing, photography, or advertising purposes?
Contact me with the details and I will be happy to review your request. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. You can see this post for a sample of an Alaska from Scratch product review.
Can I interview you for a publication?
Thank you! Please contact me with the details.
Do you do guest blog posts?
Occasionally, I do. Contact me with your ideas.
Still have questions? Email me.
Practice hospitality. -Romans 12:13b