Alanna's interview

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Interview by Lydia

We interviewed Alanna!

Hello Alanna, so tell us...

When did you begin your blog, and what inspired you to start it?

I was deep in a sourdough phase and was trying to find ways to use up extra starter. I couldn't find a good recipe for sourdough crackers online, so I made one up. They were the best crackers I'd ever tasted, and I wanted to share them with the world. I figured I would get bored with the blog and move on to other things, but, happily, I'm still going strong after nearly 4 years!

How many hours per week do you spend on your blog?

Probably 20+ hours, including replying to comments, doing social media stuff, shopping, photographing, and compulsively checking my stats. :)

Are you involved in the blogging community - how do you attract new readers?

I occasionally go to food blogger meet-ups in my area. I'm shy about self-promotion, but I force myself to mention my blog and hand out cards whenever I meet new people. I also spend a fair amount of time reading and commenting on other people's food blogs, some of whom have become my friends.

What is your earliest food memory?

My dad, who was a foodie before the word existed, introduced me to sushi at an early age. At five, I declared that it was my favorite food. (Along with chocolate and ice cream, it still is!)

Which of your recipes would you suggest to readers for a perfect meal?

Since it's the peak of summer, I would suggest starting off with Sweet Cherry Manhattans accompanied by Smoky Baba Ganoush and Sourdough Crackers. Then a salad of some kind: Melon with Feta and Mint, or Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette. Zucchini Cilantro Soup with Chile and Mint is my favorite summer meal, followed closely by Sopa Azteca with Roasted Corn and Zucchini. After all those vegetables, you deserve a treat: Roasted Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream with Bourbon and Chocolate, or Plum, Rhubarb, and Raspberry Cardamom Crisp with Dreamy Vanilla Ice Cream.

If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show what show would you choose?

I'm a huge Jamie Oliver fan (I'm a sucker for a British accent!) so I'd go on his show in a heartbeat.

Is there any dish, ingredient or type of food you refuse to cook?

I'm quite squeamish and dislike touching raw meat, so when I cook, it's mostly vegetarian. I also avoid processed and artificial foods. And I wouldn't be caught dead using a boxed cake mix.

Who are your culinary idols?

Deborah Madison, Alice Medrich, David Lebovitz, Deb Perelman, Heidi Swanson, and Alice Waters

What are your goals for your blog? Where would you like to see it in the next year? Five years?

I've always dreamed of publishing a cookbook! Hopefully, that will happen within the next five years. Meanwhile, I hope to continue improving my photography and readership, writing two posts per week, and connecting with other food bloggers all over the world.

Thank you Alanna for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Lydia - 07/12/2013

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