About Ali
Hey! I’m Ali, and I am so happy that you found your way here to Gimme Some Oven.
I created this little corner of the internet to celebrate life around the table and the good food that bring us all together. Here in our house, we gravitate towards recipes that are quick, easy, seasonal, (mostly) healthy, and big on flavor. So whether that’s whipping up a quick stir-fry or batch of cozy wild rice soup in the wintertime, blending up some refreshing gazpacho with sangria in the summertime, making our millionth batch of tacos and margs on Tuesdays, or baking up a warm batch of cinnamon rolls and eggs benny for sunny weekend brunches — my heart is never more happy than when my table is filled with good food and good people gathered ’round.
If that sounds like your style too, you’ve got a kindred spirit right here. ♡
A bit about me.
When I began this blog back in 2009, I was working as a full-time musician by day and cooking up a storm by night. Now, I have the privilege of doing all of the recipe-developing and writing for this site as my full-time job. And more than a decade into blogging, I can honestly say that I still absolutely love it. Seeing the recipes that I create here in my tiny kitchen show up on your tables around the world makes my heart deeply so happy, and I work hard to be sure that this site continues to be a trustworthy resource for you to turn to.
Beyond the blog, I’m a born-and-raised Kansas girl who’s currently living the expat life for awhile in Barcelona, Spain. We try to make the most of those crazy-cheap RyanAir tickets and travel on the weekends around Europe as much as possible. But when we’re home, you can find us soaking up sunny terraces with friends, taking the pups for long walks along the shore, enjoying endless tapas and glasses of vermut, and just enjoying our cozy little apartment here in the city center.
To follow more along with life and reflections behind-the scenes, feel free to follow my personal Instagram account. And for anyone interested, I also share there about our infertility and IVF journey too.
A bit about my food philosophy.
So what kinds of recipes will you see here on Gimme Some Oven?
Short answer: a little bit of everything.
The food that I share on the blog is the food that we eat here in our home. And as an omnivore married to a vegetarian, the majority of the meals in our house are now plant-based. (So some of you long-time readers may notice that meat dishes have become less common on here.) One of the things I also love about living in Barcelona is that the markets here are strictly seasonal — as in, you couldn’t find fresh watermelon or tomatillos here in December if you tried — which has been great extra motivation to cook with seasonal produce as much as possible.
The majority of our meals during the weekdays fall in the 30-minutes-or-less category. But I also love cozying up with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine on the weekends and diving into recipes that require a bit more time, like our favorite Swedish cinnamon buns or Spanish paellas or DIY maki rolls for “Sushi Sundays.” You may notice that we also have a major weakness for Mexican food, noodles of all kinds, soups and various kinds of cookies around here. And while most of my recipes are on the healthier side, I definitely also enjoy indulging in some indulgent sweets and comfort foods on occasion.
So as always, please always feel free to take whatever recipes you love on here and leave the rest. And if you ever have specific recipe requests, don’t hesitate to let me know because I love to cook what you’re craving!
Thank you.
More than anything, I just want to say thank you so much for being here, and I hope that this site can play some small part in making your days a little brighter and tastier. Cheers, everyone. ♡
Love,
Ali
I love your page & every single recipe I have tried has been amazing! Your instructions are very detailed and easy to follow as well. Thank you for sharing your yummy recipes!
Jennifer, you’re too sweet, thank you for your kind words! We’re so happy you’re a fan! :)
Hi Ali. I would very much love to try your recipes, but sadly I am barraged by adds and the recipes are difficult to get to. Perhaps a little less emphasis on the adds?
Hi Diane! Thanks for your honest feedback. We’ve made some changes with our ads this month — especially on mobile — so hopefully they won’t be quite as invasive (or numerous). Thanks for visiting the site!
Hi Ali! So glad I found your blog! I actually just moved to KC and started my own food blog. I really love all the colors and movement on each of your pages. I’m looking forward to trying some of your recipes!
Thanks Naomi, and congrats on your move to KC, and welcome! You will LOVE it! Also, thanks for your sweet words about the blog, we’re happy you’re a fan. :)
Was just reading your “making self rising flour “. This is all fairly new to me …….I have to use a gluten free all purpose flour in my house. How can I make my GF self rising flour …same way ???
THANK YOU….marcella
Here you go! We hope this helps! :)
i am looking forward to making your enchilada sauce and enchiladas…your instructions are excellent (image and text). thank you.
Thanks Judy, we hope you enjoy them!
Dear Ali, Henry, & GimmeSomeOvenCrew,
Long time-reader, first time caller. I felt it was about time that I finally sent a quick and not-particularly-glorious-but-quite-heartfelt THANK YOU for all that you do. My pseudo-sous chef Will, the Corgi, loves spending time with me on the couch reading and plotting and planning from your wonderful site, and then executing and not-begging-technically-but-gee-dad-maybe-a-bite?ing with me as we join you all on your culinary expeditions. You’re the kind of good people I would even let have a glass with me in the kitchen as I make chili, but no paper or pen provided.
Thank you again for all that you do, and congrats on doing it so well.
Best,
Drew (&Will)
Thanks for your sweet message Drew! Corgi Will sounds adorable, and we bet he and Henry would get along famously. :) We’re glad you enjoy the blog, thank you for being a fan!
I just want to say that your blog is just AMAZING! I have found so many fantastic easy recipes on here, job well done! Thank you so much! :)
Thanks Trina, we appreciate that! We’re happy you’re a fan! :)
Just to say hello..love your site name…will definitely try some of your recipes! A big THANK YOU for your (most thoughtful) dairy free category…so helpful for my (mostly) lactose intolerant family. I am SO frustrated reading casserole recipes….lots of cheese, creamed soups, etc…..some sound so good, but unsuitable for my table…again…thanks for the recognition …get SO very annoyed with “recreating” recipes to make them work for us….usually not worth the time, due to such heavy reliance upon dairy products, and what can really equal the flavor in a dairy reliant recipe?
Ali…I love your blog, your recipees and you could not be anymore adorable!
Hoping you and Henry, and your new beau, have a safe and magical holiday season :)
I love your site and follow all of your pages.?? Thank you for sharing your wonderful, delicious and healthy recipes! Love, love, love all of yumminess! Thrilled you are a Kansas City girl. ?
I love to collect recipes and had no idea that KC (I live just outside the city limits) had such talent. I look forward to browsing more of your recipes and finding new things to tickle the tummy.
Thanks Brenda, we hope you find some recipes you love! :)
I love your recipes!! So happy that I subscribed to your blog. You food is beautiful, delicious and very healthy. I joined Weight Watchers 3 months ago and have lost almost 20 pounds! I have loved eating healthy and working on changing many ingredients in recipes to have less fat, less salt and sugar, etc.. While I don’t eat gluten free, I eat much differently than I did before and your recipes are perfect for my weight plan.
Thanks again for wonderful recipes. I copy all of them off and keep them in a notebook! Myra Smith, Liberty, Tx.
Author of “Soul Food for the Sandwich Generation”…a book for caregivers, and I also make homemade greeting cards for clients.
Thanks for your sweet words Myra, we’re so happy you enjoy the blog! And that’s amazing about your weight loss, congrats!! We’re so touched to hear these recipes are helping you – thanks for taking the time to share with us. :)
I have been on a Gimme Some Oven kick lately and your recipes NEVER disappoint. Looking forward to making your potato soup tonight. Thank for sharing!
Thanks so much Alisa, we’re glad you’re a fan, and we hope you enjoy the potato soup! :)
HI Ali,
I love everything about this blog..Great great job and please keep up the good work! I’m sure I’ll bookmark and be back soon
Thanks for your sweet words Amy, we’re happy you like the blog! Thanks for visiting. :)
Hi there! I just discovered your website and I’m loving the whole theme and all the quick/easy recipes. One thing I wanted to ask though was when baking, do you put things into the oven in Celsius degrees or Fahrenheit? Thanks! Can’t wait to try out some of your recipes.
Thank you Rachel, we’re happy to hear that! We use Fahrenheit when writing the recipes – thanks! :)
Love love love your site and have been sharing like crazy! Already tried several recipes, and tonight, it’s five ingredient white chicken chili.
Thanks Tammy, we’re glad you enjoy the blog, thanks so much for sharing too! We hope you enjoy the chili tonight! :D
I’m a newly married opera singer living here in KC, and randomly found you on Pinterest while doing some meal planning! I was so excited when I saw that you live in KC – this city is just great and full of great people! Your recipes look fantastic and I’m excited to try about 3 of them this week! And, I shamelessly post pictures of my food on Instagram, so be on the lookout! @samantha_mezzo
Congrats Samantha! And thanks for your sweet words about the blog, we’re happy you’re here — we’ll definitely keep an eye out for your IG photos! :D
Hello
just stumbled upon your blog and stoked to have found your buffalo chicken dip recipe. Thank you for easy to understand instructions and all the photos. WELL DONE!
Thanks so much, we hope you enjoy the recipe! :D
I love your blog! I’m working on improving my blog and would love to know what you do to for advertising and partnerships with companies. Perhaps you can shoot me an email with some tips or resources? Thanks! Keep up the great work. :)
Hi Ali, just wanted to say I love your site. I found you through a video about Pinterest you made with Lindsay from Food Bloggers Pro and I am glad I came over. You have a lovely place and as a newbie it’s very encouraging to me. I am following you on Pinterest as well.
Thanks for your comment Vickie, we’re so happy you’re here! :)
Yikes! I accidentally used cayenne pepper instead of chili powder!! Is it still salvageable?
Hi Nancy, we’re not sure what recipe you’re referring to?
Hi I enjoy your recipes. My dad has been ill since August and I wanted to make him the peanut butter cookies on your website. Do you know what I could substitute for the brown sugar? The white sugar I can sub splenda. But baking for diabetic is new to me. Any help would be appreciated. I wanted him to be able to enjoy a cookie at Christmas. Have blessed season, thank you
Thank you Sue, we’re happy you’re a fan! We’re sorry your dad is not well, we hope he gets better soon! You may be able to find a low-glycemic sweetener that’s similar to brown sugar, such as Agave, but even that might be too sweet for a diabetic. Truvia does make a brown sugar blend that you could maybe try. We found this, and perhaps it will be helpful to you! Honestly, we’d still recommend checking with a doctor, as we are not experts on cooking/baking for those with diabetes, and we don’t want to relay any information to you that is incorrect or that could make your dad more sick.
Thank you for taking time to respond to my question. It was helpful.
I like the chex mix and truly enjoy cooking. The tips are very helpful and appreciated. If looking for a new book for book-clubbing. ” A Poet’s Dream ” by Rev Matthew Whitten is a really good read with much food for thought. And ends up being much, much more than many notice. The very next to last blank page of the book has a hint and clue. One gets to read from many points. Amazing read.
Awesome, thanks for sharing with us Matthew, we’ll check that out! :)
Nothing beats a good dish! And you certainly have the knack for it. Oh for the love of food, I’ll have no choice but to hit the ping pong table extra hard after gorging for the holidays! I find myself wanting to try new things and it looks like I’ve found just the site.
Thank you Tim, that’s very kind of you! We appreciate you being a fan, and we hope you have a great new year’s! :)
Hi Ali,
I love your site! Want to let you know that your recipe index has a broken link. When I click on Entrees/Main Courses I get a 404.
Happy cooking and sharing,
Nurya
Oh goodness, thanks so much for bringing that to our attention Nurya, we will get on fixing that ASAP!
Just made these and they came out perfect. thank you for sharing your recipe
Hi Karen! We’re not sure what recipe you’re referring to, but whatever it was, we’re happy you liked it! :)
Hi Ali I just want to know – regarding that ‘flourless 3 ingredient chocolate cake, how much, chocolate, butter and eggs can I use for this recipe. I am very anxious to make that chocolate cake but don’t now the quantities. Thank you
Kind regards
Hi there, we think you meant to leave this comment on the cake recipe, but we’re a little confused, because the quantities for all of the ingredients are listed right here:
You need:
8 large eggs, cold
1 lb. dark, semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
16 Tbsp. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
optional toppings: powdered sugar and/or berries
Hello. I have a couple of questions regarding your slow cooker chili. When you mention the 1 chipotle in adobo sauce what is exactly is that and what brand is it? Does this come in a can and if so what size can is it?
Also, for the 4 ounce can of chopped green chiles….do you use the entire can and if so what brand is it?
Hi Rosalie! For the chipotle in adobo sauce, they’re typically sold in small cans in your grocery’s Hispanic section of the International aisle. Embasa and Goya are the two brands we usually see. There are several peppers in a can. And yes, we use the whole can of green chiles — those should be in the same area as the chipotles, and the brand we usually see is Old El Paso. We hope you enjoy!
Your Barbacoa-Style Beef Tacos turned out awesome.
Thanks Pat, we’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe! :)
Love your recipes they are amazing and great instructions. Do you have a recipe book out? Would love to get it!
Thanks Rosie, we appreciate that! Unfortunately no, we do not, but stay tuned as who knows what will happen down the road! :)
I just discovered gimmesomeoven and absolutely love your recipes. (Already planning on the enchiladas with your homemade sauce.) It’s so frustrating though that the ads almost ruin the experience. In this day of mobile devices, (I have a latest generation samsung android ) I really can’t understand why a site should be so slow because of ads that I will NEVER click on, (mostly because by clicking, I’m saying that it’s okay to ruin a site with those very same ads). I really hope it improves on your site, as you have one of the best recipe collections I have found….on par with Ree Drummond! I love to cook, especially Mexican food. I am a transplant from San Francisco to Montreal, and the only way to get good Mexican food is to make it myself. Just finding the ingredients is a huge challenge. (3 years to finally find corn tortillas!) So, thank you so much for awesome recipes, I will be back, but with a bit of aaarrrrggghh when those pages take forever to load. Cheers and happy cooking!
Your web page and information is Great. I bookmarked your page and can NOT wait to maNe some of your recipes. Thank you
Thanks Tom! We hope you enjoy whatever you decide to make! :)
I am new to Pinterest and cooking, I’ve been in “menu pause” for sometime now, but am getting the itch. For people like me and also for the ones whose cooking ideas have gone stale, some ideas to what to serve with the different entries might help, at least it would me.
Hi! I recently came across your blog through Pinterest as I was searching for a recipe and then realized you’re a fellow Kansas Citian! Anyway, another blogger/real-life friend and I are planning a KC blogger meetup and we’d love for you to join! I couldn’t find your email address anywhere on here, but if you want to drop me an email with it (sarahbsides at gmail dot com), we’ll add you to our list!
Hi Ali,
I stumbled across your blog from one of my other favorites, Brown Eyed Baker, and I love your recipes. I live here in KC too and would love to know if you have any great recommendations for restaurants, etc? I have my preferred ones of course, but would love any ones that you can suggest as another food connoisseur . :-) Thanks!
Hi Missy! I know Ali loves Beer Kitchen, The Farmhouse, places at the River Market (Burrito Bros, Bo Lings, Carrollo’s, Beignet), McCoy’s Public House, El Patron Cocina & Bar, Julep, Westside Local, Quay Coffee, Thou Mayest, and Il Lazzarone. Hope this helps! :)
Ali,
I tried your Best Chicken Enchilada with Red Enchilada Sauce. While I did make a mess in the kitchen, my fourteen year old son LOVED the dish and my spouse raved. My spouse thought the enchiladas were restaurant quality. This recipe is going into our favorites book.
Wanted to write and thank you for sharing it. (Matt Toll from Baltimore, MD)
We’re so glad you and your family enjoyed them Matthew! Thanks for taking the time to comment. :)
Hi Ali, I was looking for a recipe for potato soup and came across your blog. I love the comment you made about just being at peace and aware of that sense of well being. So wise and wonderful. I wish I had known that when I was 30. So I am thrilled to have found your blog, good recipe’s from a wise young woman
Made the Kale Caesar Salad over the weekend for guests and it was a hit. Love the dressing – made it exactly as written and it was a winner. Thank you!
Awesome Barbara — we’re so glad to hear that! :D
Hi Ali,
I ran across your, ” The Big Reveal”, while shopping for cabinets at Nebraska Furniture Mart. Your kitchen makeover is impressive. I realize you are in Kansas but maybe you can give some insight into how you and your contractor interacted, since it’s apparent you bought a lot of the supplies and appliances yourself shopping around at different locations. We remodeled a bathroom and were pretty good at buying our own materials, but the contractor was not happy. We are getting ready to remodel our bathrooms and kitchen and would like to make this a more enjoyable experience. I really appreciate your web-site and will look to see if we can use any of your recommended vendors. Our daughter is a homeschool Mom and tells the funniest stories about her experience. I told her she would be good at blogging. She has a close knit circle of about 400 friends that she stays in touch with.
Cheers,
Pieter Kempff
Hi Pieter! We actually did the crazy thing of self-contracting the project (which I don’t recommend — so confusing!), but totally recommend all of the vendors that we used. NFM was also awesome to work with. Hope that helps! :)
Hey Ali!
I made your stacked chicken enchiladas last night and they were wonderful! My husband loved them and asked if they were easy enough for him to make too. I love cooking and playing with recipes, so I really appreciate your food blog. I will definitely be showing it to my girlfriends. Can’t wait to try some more of your recipes!
Liz
Hi Liz! Thanks for sharing with us — we’re so glad you and your husband enjoyed them! :D
Hello! I also live in KC and I just LOVE your blog! I make dishes off of it all of the time for me and my husband and they always turn out great. Your page and passion has inspired me to start a blog of my own! Something to look forward to after my day job – thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your delicious recipes! :)
Hi Ali,
I just finished listening to your podcast with Bjork, thanks for all the advice, awesome! I live on a boat and have been blogging for over 5 years about my adventures and cooking on a sailing blog, just got introduced to the world of food blogging last summer thru Bjork’s podcasts and changed my blog to a “food blog” this past fall, again thanks!
Cheers, Rick
Your lemon chicken recipe looks great. I am looking for gluten free recipes for my granddaughter. Thanks
Thanks — we hope you and your granddaughter enjoy!
I just had to say I love this blog! It is beautiful. The white on white really pops and I love that you share some more about what you do outside of the kitchen!
Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for your sweet words Alicia — we’re happy you’re here! :)
Ha! I just stumbled on your singles page while trying to find a blog I tried to start up a few years back on being 30 and single. But also as a non-trad full-time student. It was cool to see that you are also a Kansas Citian. I look forward to exploring your blogs.
Ali, I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how much I love all your recipes. I live in Arizona (it’s 110 here today) so I am always looking for great crockpot meals, and your recipes are so tasty but easy. Just wanted to say “Hey girl !”
Thank you Suzie, you are too kind! And 110 degrees, oh my gosh, that’s crazy! We appreciate you taking the time to comment, and we’re so glad you enjoy the recipes! Stay cool! :)
Love it!! Always cooked baked chicken and it was alway dry.. Tried this tonight with one small chicken breast, cooked at 425 for 20 minutes, I think the secret is the brining because I have added olive oil before and still dry..cooked 10 minutes with lid on and 10 minutes with lid off then let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting .. Best chicken breast I ever cooked, thanks so much !
We’re so glad to hear that Lee — thanks for sharing! :)
I like your blog already and I haven’t even started to look at the recipes. I’m looking for a good chili and I know you have one your dad likes.
I hope to have a blog and a website soon so I’ll invite you over then.
Have a super day.
Lesley
Hi Lesley — thanks for checking out the blog, and for commenting! We hope you enjoy the chili, and we wish you luck with your own blog/site — cheers! :)
I was looking for a scalloped potato recipe and chose yours based on the picture (looks delicious). So, here I am. I’m having a family pool part 30 people). I’m going to make your recipe. I think everyone will love it. Wish me luck. I love your blog, by the way.
Thanks for your comment Ronda! We hope you enjoy the scalloped potatoes — let us know what you think! :)