Frequently Asked Questions

When did you start your blog?

December 2008

Did you go to culinary school?

No, I am self taught…which I can prove by all the burns on my arms!

What kind of camera do you use?

When I first started I used an iPhone for my photos (yup, I know). Then I graduated to a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot. And finally I made the jump to an amazing Nikon D80. As for lenses, I switch it up…but I mainly use either a   35mm 1.8   or a   17-50mm 2.8 macro.

Can you give me some photography tips?

Natural light! Natural light! NATURAL LIGHT! I cannot stress that enough. And plating goes a long way. Make it look pretty! People like pretty food, it’s just a fact.

How do you get your cupcake swirls to look like that?

Well for starters, 90% of the time I use the Closed Star Tip in the 14 inch pastry bag from Bake It Pretty. It is a huge tip and takes a while to get used to (that’s what she said—I’m sorry but I REALLY couldn’t let that one pass me by) but if you practice enough you will get the hang of it!

Do you eat everything you make?

YES! Of course! How else would I recommend it to you? Now that doesn’t mean I eat ALL of the cupcakes, cookies, or pot pies! Just means that I had one and gave the rest away! Unless it is from the Ass Friendly category…then I think that just automatically means I get to eat all of it.

What is your favorite recipe off your blog?

Eek! How can I pick just one? That’s like a total Sophie’s Choice moment! I will tell you that one of the most visited pages of all times are still the infamous Salsa Verde Sour Cream Enchiladas. No the picture is not that pretty…and they don’t sound like the greatest thing ever…but anything with that much cream/dairy just has to be amazing.

What can I make with _______?

If you are looking for a specific ingredient to use, in the menu bar at the top there is a search feature. If you type in what you are looking to use and hit search…it will find all the posts that have that ingredient used in them!

What does it mean when it says “TNCB original recipe”?

It means that that recipe has never been published before and it is my very own recipe.

Can I post one of your recipes on my blog/website?

If you have adapted the recipe (meaning changed the recipe) yes! I just ask that you please make sure and rewrite the directions so they are not my exact wording and give proper credit. Otherwise, please do not copy and paste my exact recipe, but instead just link back to that blog post for the recipe.

Can I use one of your pictures?

Please contact me at Jessica@thenovicechefblog.com concerning any use of photos.

Do you write your blog posts at 3 am all the time?

No that is just when they show up in your email. If you are subscribed to my blog via email, it sends the updates out between the hours of 3-6 am.

Do you sell cupcakes/baked goods?

It depends. If you have something specific in mind please contact me through email.

Now for the nosy non blog related people’s questions:

When did you get married?

October 2008

How old are you?

In my early twenties. The cradle robber Jorge is in his late twenties.

Where do you live?

Jacksonville, Florida but am originally from Houston, Texas. And in between those two cities, I lived in Tampa for 5 years.

Do you really speak just like on your blog?

Pretty much yes…except there are a lot more y’alls and fixin’ thrown in. In blog format I am able to edit most of those out. Oh and in life when I say something I don’t get to put a dash through it and start again…which usually means I find myself in a lot of unfortunate situations.

Where is your family from?

Texas! And before that Louisiana (in other words…not a single Yankee among us) :-)

Do you have kids?

Yes, but they all have 4 legs and hair all over.

Where is your husband from?

Jorge was born in Puerto Rico and lived there until he was 4. He then moved to Florida, where he has been ever since.

What color is your hair, because it looks different every time?

I tend to change my hair color like most people change shoes. Currently it is a blonde/brown hybrid.

How many animals DO you actually have?

Yes I know I am a zoo keeper at this point. We currently have 4 adopted cats and 1 dog, Brody.

What kind of dog is Brody?

Brody is a cocker spaniel. Yes, I know he does not look like one, but I promise he is! He is 30 lbs, 4 years old, and enjoys playing golf (no, I am not kidding).