Hi, I’m Alanna! Recovering pastry chef-turned food photographer, stylist, videographer, and award-winning cookbook author.
THE BOJON GOURMET is a celebration of the sweet, savory, and occasionally boozy recipes that I create in my San Francisco kitchen. Most are based around seasonal produce, with whole grains and flours, eggs and dairy from happy animals, excellent chocolate, and the occasional tipple playing back-up roles. Many of my recipes are vegetarian, gluten-free, and some are even vegan.
I started this site in 2009 during a stint of funemployment and borrowed the term “bojon” (no job, backwards) from a friend. One facet of the tao of Bojon involves immersing oneself in the present moment, and I never feel more zen than when I’m creating, photographing, writing about, and (mostly!) eating something delectable. Read more about the Tao of Bojon here.
I dreamed of being pastry chef since I learned, at the age of eight, that such a job existed. I studied baking and pastry at Tante Marie’s in San Francisco, and worked as a baker, pastry cook, pastry chef, caterer and personal chef for many years. Three years ago, I escaped the restaurant industry to work full-time on my blog and food photography. My work has been seen around the web and in print, including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Go Gluten-Free, GFF Magazine, and The New York Times.
My first cookbook, Alternative Baker: Reinventing Dessert with Gluten-Free Grains and Flours, was released in September of 2016 and won the IACP Award for Best Cookbook: Health and Special Diet 2016. To read more about my journey to becoming an author, see Why I said Yes to a Cookbook (and read about why I said No to the first offer).
If you like nerding out on uncommon GF flours, you’ll love my regular column in GFF: Gluten-Free Forever Magazine, Alternative Baking, where I feature 1 flour and 3 new recipes that use it in every issue. You can subscribe by mail or download PDFs of new and back issues here.
If you like nerding out on food photography, join our mailing list and find out about food photography workshops in California. To learn more about my food photography journey and the materials I use, see this post. My images can be purchased for commercial or private use here.
I’m available for food photography and videography, recipe development, and sponsored posts for delectable foods that I love and use in my own kitchen. For more on how we can collaborate, see this page or get in touch via email: AGoodie[at]gmail.com.
On the rare occasions that I’m not thinking about food, I can be found dancing, hiking, playing ukulele songs about love and baking, and hanging out with my two favorite guys.
I hope you enjoy The Bojon Gourmet! You can peruse recipes from the archives, search for specific ingredients, and subscribe to receive new posts via email.
You can also say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Thanks for stopping by, and happy cooking!
Nice bio, Alanna. Such a lovely blog and producer thereof…
Oh man–the image of your cat a-stretched takes the cake.
And, I truly dig the Tao of Bojon (and now know how to pronounce it rightly). Duly added to the lexicon!
Thanks, Suzuki! Glad you're digging the Tao. Thanks for reading. : )
I stumbled upon your blog while searching for recipes. I do that a lot. Search for recipes. I kept clicking on recipes and becoming more excited by the moment. I was just wondering if I could make sweet potato cinnamon rolls this morning. And there you have them. Beautiful. This is one of the best blogs I have seen, beautiful photographs.
Thank you!
Thank you for the incredibly kind words. I'm overjoyed that you're enjoying the recipes and images. Please let us all know how things turn out. Happy baking!
Ps. I like reading recipes, too.
You have great photos on your blog! You should have talked more about food photography at the meetup on Saturday. :)
Thanks, Angela – your photos are great, too! It was really nice to meet everyone, and I'm looking forward to the next Bay Area Food Bloggers meet-up, and to reading more of your blog. :)
Hi Alanna, I'm Ana from Fooduel.com. It is a site in which users vote recipes from 1 to 10.
There is a ranking of the best recipes and a profile with your voted recipes. Each recipe has a link to the blog which belongs the recipe. This way you will get traffic to your blog.
It's easy, fast and fun. The best Photo recipes will be here.
You are invited to enter, add your blog and upload a recipe with a nice photo.
You are able to see your stats:
-Number of visits to your blog from Fooduel.com.
-Number of votes received every day
-Number of votes received by each category
-Number of votes for each grade (1-10)
-Number of votes for each recipe.
We would love that you participate with some recipe. Looks Amazing!
Best regards
Which camera and lens do you use, please?
Hi Vanessa, Lately, I use a Canon Rebel T2i with a 50 mm macro lens f/2.5 (available through Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I53V/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006I53V&linkCode=as2&tag=thebojgou-20)
Cheers. :)
A graduate of a full program at UC Santa Cruz?? Which college did you reside in and how did you get to baking and cooking? Kresge? Off-campus? Resident kitchens?
I graduated 2011 and now studying music in Bali when I wanted to bake and I stumbled upon your site and recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. Found some tips there to make my Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut cookies! ^^ Thank you. Will be in Santa Cruz coming back to America but if I'm ever in San Francisco, will be thinking about Tante Marie school and you.
Yes, I picked Kresge solely because not having a kitchen was unthinkable! I always loved cooking and baking, but went to college because I didn't find a cooking school I liked, and because my favorite English teacher told me I should. (I should really invoice him for my student loans.) I liked Tante Marie's and would definitely recommend it. How cool that you're studying music in Bali.
Hope the cookies turn out great. :)
Wow! I just came across your blog while searching for a granola recipe on Pinterest and am a new fan! I am a high school student with a passion for food and photography (I keep a blog called Cannella Vita). I study classical ballet, and love yoga, so I found your bio fascinating! I am your newest fan!
Hi there! Your blog is fantastic, and so is your photography! Thank you so much for the sweet note, and for reading! :)
I just stumbled across your blog after putting one of your recipes on Pinterest. Decided to look up the info about the lentil and spinach soup and – Voila, started reading your blog. Will have to bookmark your blog now. Thanks for such an interesting read.
Hi Denise, thank you for reading, and for the sweet note! That means a lot to me!
I love your blog – you have the best gluten-free cookie recipes! I wanted to go to culinary school too but my parents told me to go to college instead. Now I study nutrition and teach others to love movement & food. Although I gave up the dream of owning a bakery, I want to write a healthy cookbook. I love your little tips, your attention to detail and cooking slowly, which I find missing from most cookbooks and amateur blogs these days. Do you have any favorite cookbooks or chefs/bloggers to learn how to cook like the best without going to culinary school?
Hi Kathryn! Thank you for the sweetest note ever – I'm all warm and fuzzy! I went to college at the encouragement of some grown-ups, too, before going to pastry school. Studying nutrition and teaching others to love movement and food sounds beautiful – good for you! I'm so excited for you to write your cookbook – that's awesome!
I'm not a very technical cook (I'm trained as a baker/pastry chef), but my very favorite cookbook author is Deborah Madison (Local Flavors and Vegetable Soups are the books I use the most). I'm sure you know Deb Perelman (smitten kitchen) and Heidi Swanson (101 cookbooks) – other favorite bloggers/authors. I also really like the cookbook Once Upon a Tart – great recipes and fun writing. Mollie Katzen (Moosewood) and Alice Waters (Chez Panisse) are other ladies I've learned a lot from. And I love love love Cook's Illustrated (magazines, books, or website – well worth the membership fee). I'll add more if I think of anyone else.
Thank you for writing – please keep in touch! :)
Ooh, one more – Sunday Suppers at Lucques by Suzanne Goin.
Hi Alanna. I have all my ingredients to make my gluten free pie crusts for my daughters but I did not buy xanthan gum because it's so expensive. Can I use tapioca starch instead? Happy Thanksgiving!! Susanne
Hi Susanne! I don't think that tapioca starch is as powerfully sticky as xanthan gum. Without the gum, the dough may be more brittle to roll out, and the final texture less flaky and more delicate. If you can spring for the xanthan gum, I would advise you to do so; otherwise, the dough will probably still be ok, just harder to work with and less flaky. You could also try adding a tablespoon or two of ground flax or chia seeds for added stickiness. I wish I could magically transport some of my xanthan gum to you – I have a giant bag that I will never use up! Either way, please let me know how it goes.
I think I'll just spring for it. I have a feeling your recipe is going to be the best after all the ones I've read. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Awesome! Please report back! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
I just wanted to say I am loving your recipes and your blog, thank you so much for sharing!!
Aw! Thank you, Leila!
Hey Alanna, I really love the new look you have now on the site..especially your portfolio ♥
I wanted to email you about an event I'm having in 2014. What's the best way to connect?
Happy New Year. Looking forward to all your new recipes next year ;)
Angela
Aw, thanks, Angela! You can write me at AGoodie@gmail.com.
I just found your website and am thrilled to begun looking around it. Do you have a cookbook out or one forthcoming?
(If you don't, you should.)
Best,
Nancy Devine
What a sweet note, Nancy – thank you! I don't have a cookbook out, but I'm doing some preliminary work in the hopes of publishing one in the not-too-distant future. Thanks for the words of encouragement! :)
Hi Alanna!
Love your site!
I just wanted to let you know that I clicked on the "recipe" link in the sentence above, "You can peruse recipes by type, search for specific ingredients, explore the archives…" and it was a broken link. I would want to know!
Best,
Marni
Oooh, thank you Marni – I really appreciate your telling me! Fixed it. Seems to be some weird bug, probably related to the fancy code my sweetie wrote for the recipe indexer. Tech support! :) Thanks for reading!
Just wanted to say that I enjoy reading your blog and "Love" your recipes. They are simple and the ingredients are usually staples in my pantry.
Aw! Thanks for the sweet note, djones! I'm so glad you're enjoying the recipes – which ones have you made? Happy cooking!
I stumbled upon your website through Foodgawker and I'm so glad I made it here. I've been admiring your recipes and photos for almost a half an hour now! I really love all your beautiful photos and your recipes sound delicious! I also have an orange tabby that I like to cuddle against his will, (thankfully sometimes he gives in) they are the best! I'm so glad I found your site and I will definitely be back!
Aw! Thank you, Isadora, for the super sweet note! I'm loving your site, too, and your kitty is adorable!
Hi Alanna! It is good to read how you are balancing a lot of different interests. I just graduated with my MFA from Davis and I'm floundering a bit at the moment trying to figure things out. I'm also interested in food, dancing and whiskey so your blog is quite fun!
Best,
Jamie
Hi, Jamie! Thanks so much for the nice note – sounds like we have much in common! I'm really glad you're enjoying the blog, and I hope you're able to embrace your inner bojon during this time. All my best!
Ran across your pin on Pinterest. ..Term "Bojon" caught my eye, since I just finished a research project about Bojons in Pueblo, CO. In that case the label was a derogatory term for Slovenian immigrants. Now, the Slovenian-American community has adopted the description as an expression of ethnic pride/ self-identity.
That's so interesting – thanks for stopping by!
I was desperately looking for a savory biscuits recipe involving goat cheese. And then I found you. And got mesmerized by your blog.
Truly inspiring!
Aw! Thanks for the kind words! I'm so glad you're enjoying it here. :)
Love your bio and the explanation of the blog name. Great meeting you at the Nomiku event last week!
Thanks, Diana! So lovely meeting you, too. Wasn't the food delish??
Like so many others who have dropped you a line, I was searching for a chocolate chip/peanut butter/oatmeal cookie recipe using buckwheat flour that would turn out better than the one I concocted myself…unbelievably, you had that very recipe! Now, because of your finishing techniques, I am researching salt flakes, fruit bitters, and devouring your photographs and recipes which are truly eye candy. I live just over the GG Bridge from SF and have access to so many of the ingredients you talk about here…your blog is a real treasure. Nice "no job!"
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for stopping by, and for the incredibly kind note – it has truly made my day! Those chocolate chip nut butter oatmeal buckwheat flour cookies are my favorites; we were totally on the same wavelength, huh? Let me know if you're ever in SF and want to get a drink. :)
Hello Alanna! I am astonished by your beautiful photography!!!! Definitely got a "signature" look going on with all those darling trickling and pouring shots :D
Aw, thanks for stopping by and for the kind words. :)
you have such amazing photography. beautiful light and i love the salt sprinkling or liquid pouring in motion.
Aw, thank you.
Incredible site! Your work is stunning – I just wish I could reach into the screen and take a bit of every recipe. Your man is very blessed indeed to be able to eat so well. :)
Awww, thank you!
I just want to say that you are “oh so amazing”, just discovered your blog and are getting a lot of inspiration for my healthy living! Thank you!
Aw! Thanks so much for the sweet note!
Hi, I found your recipies on Pinterest and your blog through them.
Thank you for the inspiration, both in regards of a healthier gluten free lifestyle but also for the beauty to all the senses that you fantastic photos capture.
Crossing my fingers you'll get to make a cookbook, I'd buy it as soon as I hear about it. :)
All the very best,
Malin in Sweden
Hi Malin! I'm so glad you found your way here. Thanks a million for the kind note. :) Keep your eyes peeled for a cookbook announcement, coming to the blog soon! ;)
Oh my god what a beautiful place you have created here. I really need to read it from the beginning. Greetings from Sweden! :D
Oh, thank you!! Your blog is gorgeous, too – I'm so glad to have found it!
Hi Alanna! We've emailed you to request permission to share your Matcha Mint Chip Ice Cream on BeautifulNow, because we think it's beautiful! And we think our community of 800K fans will agree. But we haven't heard back from you yet. Please let us know by end of day today so we can include it. The post will run next Wednesday on BeautifulNow and will be featured on our social platforms. Feel free to email if you have questions. shira@beautifulnow.is
Hi Alanna.. Loved the zen of Bojon!! I have been a long standing admirer of your photographs.. even before I held a camera or knew that i would be interested in food blogging one day.( I blog at http://www.lapetitchef.in … ) But you know what? I Love reading the posts just as much!! Made the Mumbai mules couple of days back..changed a little, but we loved it. Its a beautiful space.. PS: I am completely with you on the Tao of Bojon!! :) Love!
Hello, My name is Dominica. I'm a blogger and advertiser from Gravesend, Kent, UK.
I am interested in co-operating with your amazing brand.
I write a fashion, beauty, diy and more blog.
I also share a lot of my personal life with my audience.
Here http://its-dominica.blogspot.co.uk/ you can check out my blog.
I am hoping to hear from you, please email me back at: dominica.s@hotmail.com !!
Thank you, Dominica S.
Hi!
I just wanted to thank you for creating such a beautiful resource. I recently moved away from the Bay Area and started my sophomore year of high school on the east coast. Whenever I find myself missing California more than usual, browsing through your posts never fails to cheer me up. Thanks again :)
Olivia
Hi Olivia! This sweet note completely made my day. Thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the site. I’m sorry you had to move away from CA, though – booooo! Wishing you the best with the rest of the school year. <3
xoxo,
A
I stumbled across this precious gem on accident (I was looking at your Apple Galette with Rum Spiced Dulce de Leche, gluten free). Your aesthetic is phenomenal! Just commenting some love and appreciation.
Aw!! Your love and appreciation completely made my day. Thank you. <3
Hey lovely Alanna. For some reason I think it was fortune that made me stumble upon your blog today. I’ve been blogging very sporadically for almost four years now but never really put my ‘all’ into it. However, I was let go from my steady job just before Christmas last year and now I’m doing a bit of soul searching, trying to decide what to invest my energy into whilst I’m still ‘bojon’ (haha – I love that term!). I feel a bit lost and a little bit low in confidence at the moment. I’ve decided to plunge my free time into tidying up my blog and really encouraging to see what you started during a similar time of uncertainty (and where you are today!). You’re massively talented, genuine, warm and humble. Thanks for sharing these honest moments with us. You’ve encouraged me hugely today. Laura xx
Hi Laura!! I’ve been a Mess fan for years, so thanks a million for stopping by and for the kind words – this means so much to me! I had no idea you weren’t a full-time blogger – I’m floored. And how harsh to be let go just before the holidays. Ech. I have no doubt you’ll find your way, being massively talented, genuine, warm and humble yourself. I’m around if you ever want to chat! xoxo
Great site! So happy to have found it! But I can’t seem to find a recipe for gluten free pizza crust? Am I missing it? I saw the pizza recipes but not how to make the crust?? HELP! :)
Here it is!
I just found you randomly via Fb while checking out a recipe that was posted.I have not seen one thing on your blog that I wouldn’t make;EVERYTHING looks wonderful!!Can’t wait to try some of the recipes.I signed up for emails so as not to miss a thing!Thank You !
I just happened upon your blog searching for a recipe. What a treasure you are! I look forward to trying all of your chocolate recipes and as a chocolate sommelier I appreciate a good chocolate dessert. Your photography is stunning and who knows, maybe one day we will meet? My small company of artists creates the only accessory line for fine chocolate. Everything is eco friendly and made in the United States. We have a chocolate storage box, an aroma kit that several bean to bar chocolate makers use to train staff, chocolate tasting sheets and chocolate envelopes to store opened bars of chocolate. If you feel inspired check out our website: projetchocolat.com. In the meantime you will inspire me!!
Well that sounds completely amazing – sign me up! :)
Hi, Alanna. Just so you know, the term Bojon is an ethnic slur to disrespect Slovenians. It’s one of those words that can be used safely only by Bojons to playfully slam each other, but, used by non-Slovenians, is considered a pejorative. In any case, I lived in the Bay Area for 30 years before moving to OC, love to cook, and look forward to trying some of your recipes. I just wish you had researched the term before using it (it’s a cute turn of phrase, though).
Hi Alanna,
Love your site and the book. I’ve made two cakes from it and they were amazing! I was wondering if you could share some other GF blogs or books that have inspired you along your journey. I realized I have a sensitivity to gluten a few years ago and had a hard time finding good GF recipes. I love pastries so that was a tough blow so your blog + book was the light at the end of the tunnel! Thank you for writing this and helping me expand my library. Cheers!
Aw, thank you so much Carol! Kudos to you and your GF journey. I love Aran Goyoaga’s book and blog. Kimberley Hasselbrink’s book and blog. Gluten-Free For Good cookbook by Sam Seneviratne. Blogs: Heartbeet Kitchen, Snixy Kitchen, Salted Plains, London Bakes, Green Kitchen Stories and all of their books. And Flavor Flours by Alice Medrich is superb. Hope that helps! :)
Hi Alanna
I stumbled across your blog and love it. Made the teff tahini brownies last night…really good…never would have thought of chocolate and tahini together. And you have an orange kitty! I have my second now, Xena, first passed away, orange cats are so fun loving crazy. Looking forward to trying more recipes!
Aw, I’m so sorry to hear about your kitty. Xena sounds like a perfect name for a cat! Thanks a bunch for trying out the brownie recipe and for the sweet words!
I am absolutely loving Alternative Baker! I cannot get enough of it. Thank you for doing this hard work to elevate gluten free baked goods to the level of divine. I have tried so many disappointing GF recipes in the past and it has been such a GIFT to happen upon your delicious work!
Thank you so, so much!!
Aw, this completely makes my day!! I’m SO glad you’re liking the book and recipes. Many thanks for the sweet note!
Hey Alanna-
I just got your lovely cookbook and have a question for you. I am not aiming to make primarily gluten-free pastries, but love the addition of whole grains, so I was wondering if you tested these recipes with all purpose flour in place of the sweet rice flour in many of the recipes. I’m going to play around with ratios a little bit, but I thought I’d see if you thought it would work to use the primary alternative grain that a recipes calls for and then use AP flour instead of the rice and/or millet/oat combo you use in a lot of them. Thanks so much!
-Laura
Hi Laura! I’m psyched that you got my book even though you’re not gluten-free – that’s awesome! I think your plan sounds perfect. You can probably leave out any tapioca flour or cornstarch as well if you’re using AP. Let me know how it goes!
Hi Alanna,
I’m a silent follower of you for many years. I love your work ! I’m getting into serious food photography now. I have Rebel t3i and I don’t think I’m upgrading sooner. I’m a bit hesitant to approach potential clients armed with a Rebel camera and a 50mm 1.8 lens fearing that my photos won’t come out sharp. Do you still use your Rebel to shoot this amazing photos ? I’d very much love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks and all the best !
Hi Farwin, Thanks so much for the sweet note! I ended up upgrading to the Mark 3 two years ago and I’m quite happy with it. But I think that as long as clients know what your work looks like, you should be fine shooting for them with the equipment you’ve got, especially if it’s for web or social media use where most people will be viewing the images pretty small. If you use a tripod, then you can keep the ISO lower and have less grain for sharper images, and no camera shake.
FYI I’m starting to teach photography workshops; if you’re interested you can find out more here: https://bojongourmet.com/learn-with-me/
Thanks for reading all these years! -A
Thanks for the response Alanna. I really appreciate it. I wish I could attend one of your workshops. I’m in Ireland. But I’m hoping to pretty soon :)
Hi Alanna
Love your Blog
Love your recipes
Love your video
Love your passion!
Thanks!
Ann
Hi there,
My name is Warrick Bourke, I was a student athlete at Gannon University and I loved/love reading your blog. The reason for this message is to reach out and connect.
I am currently working with a digital health and nutrition company and was wondering if you would be interested in being a contributing writer.
The publication is called “The Daily Nibble” and will be launching next month.
Let me know if you are interested and I look forward to hearing from you.
Warrick Bourke
of course i’m a fan! I saw this recipe with teff flour and it reminded me of you. I wonder if it falls into your niche?
http://yumuniverse.com/authentic-ethiopian-injera-100-teff-flat-bread/
Ethiopian Injera: Gluten-Free 100% Teff Flatbread
and i hope your niche continues to intersect with mine (forever!)
http://www.healthyway.com/content/eating-rules-european-kids-know-that-americans-dont
10 Eating Rules Foreign Kids Know That Americans Don’t
Hi Alana,
We have a great friend in common (hint: her name is Katherine..) and she introduced your recipes to me. My 2 kids and I have Celiac disease and I am avid home cook. I’ll cut to the chase – you absolutely revolutionized my baking, particularly pastry. At last a pastry dough that is generally predictable, flaky and absolutely delicious. We’ve made all your pies (my daughter adores the hand pies!) and have adapted the dough for other recipes. Thank you!!!
Hi Sarah! Aw, this completely makes my day! I’m SO glad you’re enjoying my GF recipes. That pastry dough was what prompted me to write a cookbook in the first place, I was so proud of it. I hope we get to meet in person some day! Until then, happy baking.
Hi Alanna,
I recently bought your cookbook after stumbling onto your blog. I can’t thank you enough for being the person to “crack the code” on delicious GF baking! My 8 year old daughter has celiac and type 1 diabetes, so finding recipes with healthier, less refined GF flours and sugars that won’t send her blood sugar soaring is a gods end for her and the family. I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting myself with various flours but it’s so time consuming to get the right ratios, so having it all figured out by a trained chef is wonderful. Your recipes are delicious!
I was wondering if you could offer some baking advice for GF CINNAMON ROLLS? I can only seem to find recipes using standard rice and potato flours and xanthum gum. I saw that you do have a cinnamon roll recipe online but using white and wheat flours. Which GF flour would you recommend using for this type of dough? I’d love to make them for Christmas for my daughter who hasn’t been able to eat any since diagnosis 3 years ago. Thank you!!
Hi Heidi,
Your sweet note completely makes my day. That is exactly why I wanted to write this book, and it’s very gratifying to know that all the recipe testing and tweaking that went into it is being enjoyed by lovely readers like you and your daughter! Thank you very much for taking the time to write. :)
As for cinnamon rolls, I have yet to brave a GF yeasted cinnamon roll. I do have a biscuit version in the book (a variation of the raspberry swirl biscuits) and I also published a buckwheat variation of that recipe in issue 10 of GFF Magazine (you can download the PDF here if you like!) I’m also nervous about getting a smooth, stretchy yeasted dough without the use of potato flours and gums, so I’ve been procrastinating testing out yeasted GF cinnamon rolls too! I would probably use a mix of flours similar to my pie dough blend.. Let me know if you give the biscuit version a go, or if you find a promising yeasted recipe that I can play with.
I will definitely give the cinnamon swirl biscuits a try. I’m sure she will love them, even if they aren’t quite the same type of dough. Since it’s more of a biscuit type dough, I am curious if you could also use this recipe to make a gf version of monkey bread with it. I’ve personally never made monkey bread but have seen it can be made with premade biscuits in a can. Do you think this recipe could be used similarly for that recipe?
As for a yeasty dough, I will continue my search and try some experiementing with your pie dough recipe and let you know if I have any success! Thank you so much for the advice and recipe link! Happy baking!
Sounds like a perfect plan! Please let me know how you like the swirl biscuits.
I’m not sure about the monkey bread; it could work great, or it could be a dense, gummy mess.. I’d suggest testing out a small batch of it to see whether it has promise! GF flours handle moisture differently from wheat flour, so it’s often a bit of a gamble. Please let me know if you try it – GF biscuit monkey bread would be SO good!
Just got your book, absolutely love it! But can you tell me which recipe the picture on page 10 is? I’ve wrecked my mind trying to find out!
Sorry about that! I think you’re talking about the chestnut fig scones, a variation of the blackberry cream scones (page 25). :) Thanks for getting my book, let me know what you try from it!
Awesome! Thanks for answering! Is the recipe in the book or on your site? I tried to see how I could search for a recipe on your site, can you help? Sorry for being a pain!
Hi Alanna,
I had the good fortune of seeing you at Diesel Books in Oakland (now East Bay Bookstore) and got to taste several items of yours from Alternative Baker which I found scrumptious. I love to bake (with gluten) and I hadn’t found many things worthy of making for gluten free and non gluten free friends, but several of your items convinced me it was possible. I got the book and immediately tried a bunch of things. Made the pear and pomegranate clafoutis with vanilla, saffron and pistachios (really tasty!), the buckwheat bergamot double chocolate cookies (melt in your mouth) and the pistachio lime and matcha snowballs (terrific and delicious!). However, if you reprint the book, you should change the notes for the tiramisu recipe. It was absolutely delicious BUT in the recipe you tell the reader to make the vanilla chiffon cake recipe first, but that cake is ROUND, not rectangle. Unless you are paying really close attention, you bake the cake and return to the tiramisu and realize you should have baked the cake in a RECTANGLE shape! (Look at the pictures on p. 49 vs. 180). Then because gluten free recipes tend to be dry, I would double your syrup recipe. In your existing recipe, all the syrup gets sucked into the cake, leaving little of the syrup. With a doubling, the eater gets the chance to pour on some more of the sauce which I think enhances it. At any rate, keep up the great work. My husband, who doesn’t like anything gluten free happily munched on your pistachio, lime and matcha snowballs!
Hi Abby, I remember meeting you at Diesel! Thanks so much for getting the book and trying those recipes, and for the feedback! I’m so glad to hear they’ve been hits. I tested the tiramisù using a round pan and thought it worked fine, but you can certainly bake the cake in a rectangular pan if you prefer. Love the idea of extra syrup – I’ll try that next time! :)
What a beautiful website you have here. The photos are gorgeous, the recipes inspiring. You are at the top of your game.
Thank you!
A Fellow Food Lover in Wisconsin
Well that’s the sweetest note ever! Thanks very much for the kind words!
The term caught my eye as well. The Slovenian/ Italian community in Pueblo is large. I have many family members who lived in the area. You may find the food history interesting ,especially the style of seasoning. One of my favorite treats is Potica or Povatica a nut filled bread. Love your site and recipes and the humor behind the name !!!
Aw thanks for the sweet note!
Stunning food art! Wish your recipes were also refined sugar-free. But, hey a girl can dream. Love, love your blog.
Thank you for the sweet note! You can make most of my recipes refined sugar free by swapping in coconut sugar, maple sugar, or unrefined muscovado sugar for the organic sugar. I usually use more commonly found organic white and brown sugar to make the recipe more accessible to more people but I always encouraging experimenting with recipes for your own dietary preferences. Please let me know if you adapt any!
Your quick and dirty sourdough focaccia is my go-to recipe! I make my own mozzarella and use the buttery whey in place of water and the combo of that plus the sourdough is magical. I can make and bake this so fast it’s amazing.
SOOOOO, I do have a question re: this recipe. Once the dough has risen, any chance it can be put in the fridge overnight for a second rise? I made my current batch too late in the day to bake it … :-)
Apologies for the slow response here! Did you end up trying the second rise in the fridge? I *think* that would work, as long as it doesn’t get overproofed. I’m so glad you’re loving this recipe! Fresh mozzarella sounds absolutely superb.
Hi Alanna,
I hope you are well! I am looking to bake some irish bread scones or muffins. Would you happen to have a gf recipe or know a good resource? My job is closed for 2 weeks so I stocked up on ingredients to try some of your new recipes. I recently made your mushrooms with grits again and your gf lemon bars for the first time. Both were a big hit with family and friends.
As always thank you so much for the beautiful blog and wonderful recipes.
Hi Lena,
Thanks so much for trying my recipes and for the kind note. I’m glad the grits and lemon bars were both hits! I’m sorry for the delay here.
I’d love to work up a good GF Irish soda bread or scone recipe. I have an old glutenous recipe on my site, and I think I would try these flavors in the GF scone recipe in my book, which is a great base. Please let me know if you give it a try!
Hi Alanna, you read my mind. I have made your scones (from the book) quite a few times…the blackberry (used blueberries), the peach, and the roasted banana.. all delicious so I will give them a try with currents and caraway seeds. Can the scone recipes in your book be doubled? 8 is NOT enough ;)
I saw your post about Catamus. I hope he is thriving on his new diet!
Aw thanks for the sweet words! Catamus is hanging in so far. <3
I'm so glad you love the scones. You can absolutely double the recipe. Just form the dough into 2 rounds. You could even freeze one to bake off later!
Hello,
I was quite certain I saw a bread recipe via your Instagram posts with a recipe using sweet rice flour. At the time I had difficulty finding an organic product. I did locate some but now can’t find the recipe :( Hoping you might be able to assist.
Thanks a bunch,
Ruthie
Hm, was it this pumpkin bread recipe perhaps? Or do you mean more of a sandwich loaf?
Wondering if the calorie counts are per serving or for the whole item. For example, the calories listed for the maple glazed pumpkin bread are 420 ….seems like a lot per slice, but not enough for the whole loaf.
Thank you for the wonderful GF recipes! My husband was diagnosed with celiac last year and our (dessert focused) family and friends have barely noticed thanks to your amazing recipes and cookbook.
I’m so glad you all are enjoying the recipes, especially your celiac husband!
I just checked the pumpkin bread and that calorie count does appear to be correct for 1 of 10 slices (I added a note saying as much!) It’s such a tall loaf, one slice is pretty hefty. You could cut the slices smaller or in half, or leave off the glaze if you want to bring the calorie count down. I’m also thinking you could swap a portion of the oil with some plain yogurt. Please let me know if you give the recipe a go!
I absolutely love your cookbook and website. I am wondering, will you ever publish a gluten free or low gluten bread cookbook, and will you ever publish a savory foods cookbook?
I follow a sort of low FODMAP diet. I cheat and do okay with a little garlic and gluten here and there. Cheese is fine most of the time too. Your recipes are quite perfect for my dietary and aesthetic needs!
Aw thank you for the sweet words Beth! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes and photos. If I did make another cookbook I would definitely include savory and bread recipes. At the moment I’m channeling efforts in the website and hope to have a bread recipe or two up this year!
Hi Alanna-
I love your site/recipes. I was so interested to find out your history and I come from a family of Bojons. However, that term came from an ethnic group of people from the Slovenian region where my family arrived from and settled in Crested Butte, with many other Bojons. I laughed when I saw why you use that name!
Cheers!
Karin
Haha, totally! I found out the other meaning of Bojon after I named my blog after “no job” backwards. :) Thanks for reading and for the note!