Gimme Some Oven

A Note From Ali

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Tap tap — is this thing on?

Hi, hello! I’m so sorry that I unexpectedly went MIA here these past few months. I had initially just planned to take the last few weeks of December off from posting while we were traveling back to the States to visit our family. But then one thing after another came up after we made it home — childcare starts and stops, relentless winter colds, website redesign deadlines — and anyway, I feel like I blinked and it’s somehow already February!

I’m happy to say that tomorrow we will officially be getting back into the rhythm of sharing new recipes here again. (So many good ones ready for you this month!) But today, I wanted to pop in first to share a few personal updates here regarding the new year ahead.

Namely, I’m finally taking the leap and making a bit of a career pivot. ♡

I originally began Gimme Some Oven back in 2009 because I believed — and still believe, now more than ever — in the role that really good food can play in bringing people together to connect around the table. But the longer I have worked “in food,” the more aware I’ve also become aware of what a privilege it is to have a table full of food each day when so many people do not (even though there is more than enough food grown to feed every person in the world). Issues surrounding access to food have always felt so complicated and overwhelming. But the more I’ve begun to study and learn about the specific systems that lead to food insecurity, the more I’ve realized it’s possible to get involved and make a real difference. And the more I’ve gotten involved in a volunteer capacity, the more I’ve realized how much I really want this sort of work to be an even larger part of my life. Which — to be honest — has left me feeling conflicted because I love my full-time work job here and haven’t wanted to completely give up blogging.

Well to make a very long story short, the switch eventually flipped and I realized that I actually have the opportunity to do both. ♡♡ So over the next few months, I am going to be shifting my work hours/responsibilities here to focus solely again on the original reasons I got into blogging (i.e. cooking up yummy new recipes, writing about them, and connecting with all of you), and bring on new help with photography and some of the other time-consuming techy parts of running a website. Then later this spring, I’m planning to officially begin working part-time with The Wash Project, helping out with communications and supporting local leaders in Mali with various food insecurity initiatives. (Some of which will be building upon the incredible community garden project that you all helped to fund this past year – exciting!)

As for Gimme Some Oven, my hope is actually that very little will change here when it comes to recipe content. I’ll still be the one cooking and writing about new recipes each week, and we’ve been working on a few upcoming projects that will hopefully make this site more helpful and organized than ever. I’m also hoping to have time to share my usual “Currently” updates a bit more often — which is actually what today’s post originally started out to be, but then this intro became so long that I decided to separate the fun updates about Teo and life here in Barcelona into another post. ;) So stay tuned for some cute 4-toothed baby smiles and pup-dates coming your way soon.

Anyway, I hesitated to even really mention this change publicly, since I know that many of you are just here for the food. (Which is totally cool, recipes will be continuing!) But for those of you who’ve been with me a long time, I just wanted to share the latest about where this career in blogging — a job that wasn’t even a “thing” back when I first started this site as a hobby, but has been made possible over the years thanks to you all and your presence here — is now evolving. It feels like the other half of my heart for food is finally now going to have an official part of my work week. And I’m really excited about the potential for some great crossover ahead, especially sharing conversations and opportunities here for those who would like to get involved in some of these initiatives. More to come.

Pues, ya está — that’s the scoop! Thanks for taking the time to read this today, and as always, thank you so much for your continued support of this little corner of the internet. I’m more excited than ever for this next chapter, and look forward to sharing more updates and new recipes very soon.

(Also, yes, that dreamy giant cinnamon roll recipe is also coming your way very soon.)

Love,
Ali

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114 comments on “A Note From Ali”

  1. That’s so exciting and I’m so happy for you to do all the things that are important to you and which you’re passionate about. I love your recipes so I’m glad they’ll be continuing, I love the updates of living and raising a family abroad (my husband and I live in Ecuador after retiring from our jobs) and the seeing the progress made on the well and garden project. Take care.

  2. So happy to see this post. I have to admit I was a bit worried since you hadn’t posted in a while. So glad all is well and that we will be seeing more of your posts on yummy recipes and your adorable family. Your butternut squash soup recipe has become a family favorite 😍. I love a great pureed soup. Reminds me of all the good times traveling overseas.

  3. Ali,
    I’m new to Gimme Some Oven, but I am totally hooked on your recipes! I was impressed to even get our my Atlas pasta machine and give fresh pasta a try! With your help, it turned out FABULOUS, and my dinner guest will second that motion
    Looking forward to many more delicious recipes!

  4. So glad to hear you will be involved in food insecurity issues.

    • Congratulations on your pivot! I’ve loved everything you’ve posted about The Wash Project and know that you will be so happy and fulfilled in this new venture. Let us know how we can help! The garden project videos are so heartwarming. I’m also glad to see you back, this Nana was getting worried! 😉 So many of your recipes are family favorites and I can’t wait to see more. Until then! ♥️

  5. Happy to hear you are well! And glad you’re taking your career in the direction that is right for you! Will you be hiring? I’d love to be in touch!

  6. Cannot wait to support you in your new endeavor!!

  7. Love your recipes! So happy to hear that they will continue. Also looking forward to hearing more about your initiative in helping with food insecurity issues. Good luck in your work!

  8. Glad to have you back. All the best to the 3 of you from Montreal 🇨🇦.

  9. It is so good to hear from you, Ali. It has been a privilege to share a bit of your life journey through your blog and social media over the years. Your food is delicious, your family precious, and your social conscience is inspiring. I look forward to more good food, more heartfelt stories, and opportunities to support your work with food insecurity.

  10. So excited for you and your family! Thank you for your heart for others and for sharing your plans with us. We love your recipes (some our family’s staples) and can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes you.

  11. I look forward to reading your blog Ali and wish you well for all of your endeavours this year.

  12. Good luck! The giant cinnamon looks delicious.

  13. Welcome home

  14. This sounds so awesome, Ali. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your new career focus!

  15. I always enjoy your blogs and recipes. Your new endeavor will add even more significance to your blog for me!

  16. So exciting! Looking forward to some new recipes. Love that you’ll work with your new passion on a new level. Go with your heart.

  17. Ali, I’ve missed you. I’m here for the food, of course, but also because I enjoy your blogs – you’re a great, smooth and entertaining writer – and have been privileged to be allowed by you to have a glimpse of your family, learn your struggles and successes. This next leap is the necessary sequence for anyone who dedicates their life to creating good food. Good food doesn’t mean just flavor, but also using the best affordable ingredients, making it with love and sharing it Now you’ll share yours with some the most needing. Congratulations. Hopefully you’ll share that experience in your blogs too. Have the best.
    Digna

  18. Thanks for sharing, your career pivot is super inspiring. I keep coming up with lame reasons why I can’t / shouldn’t get more involved in these issues that also hit my heart, but you’re showing us how it can be done! Best wishes.

  19. Thanks for sharing the news and your process with us. I’m sure many can relate to using this time to rethink what we are spending our time on. Your honesty and heart are what keep me tuning in (that and the yummy recipes). Best of luck!

  20. Ali! That is lovely. I am so glad you are able to support a cause you are passionate about and keep up with your blog.

  21. Ali, I’m proud of you and pleased about your new focus on food insecurities.

    I have a close friend. She once found herself in an unexpected situation where she could not acquire food for her 2 year old daughter one day. The stores re-opened the next day. She never forgot the awful feeling of watching your child go to bed hungry at night. She never forgot that and had renewed compassion for mothers around the world who must send their children to bed hungry night after night.

    My commitment to the Wash Project is unwavering.

  22. I’m so glad that you’re back and I look forward to more yummy and creative recipes!

  23. I’m been with you for almost a year and love your site…the food and the updates. So excited for you in your new endeavor and will pray for you and your new adventure!

  24. So good to hear from you! And I think you will do a fantastic job of combining your two work passions- both involve food and and expanding our tables. I am looking forward to the cross over activities. Also, I can’t wait for new recipes 😀

  25. Good luck , have enjoyed your recipes and look forward to seeing more! Its great that you are trying to make a difference for others !

  26. I so appreciate this update. When I share your recipes with others, it is always with the context of, “her recipes are ALWAYS good and as a bonus, she is a lovely person, doing good things in the world”. So happy for you to have this opportunity for a reset and shift in how you spend your days. I too am excited about this opportunity for you and for us, your community.

  27. So excited for you. I’ve been following you for YEARS and am so excited about this opportunity. Also excited to hear an update from you because I was so dang worried about you! I told my husband how weird it is to follow you on here and instagram and just be worried about someone I’ve never met.

  28. I’m so happy for you! I think our culture still puts a lot of emphasis on sticking to one career for life when in reality, it’s so much more fulfilling (and fun!) to pivot as you grow and your values change. All the same, thrilled to hear you’ll be posting your amazing recipes and sharing more Currently updates as those are among my favorites :)

  29. Hi Ali, I am delighted to see this post, and look forward eagerly to all news of recipes, and about your family and Teo. You are not just connected in my mind with great recipes; you and yours are connected in my mind and my heart as some of the best human beings on our rather tired planet! I’m so glad you are finding even more ways to make a difference; you and Barclay are so very good at doing that.

  30. Thank you for all the postings, your recipes are fantastic!
    Mary

  31. Congrats on the career pivot and following your heart. Your story resonates- I’m a dietitian but have worked on food insecurity issues for the last 7 years because it became hard to tell people to eat more fruits and vegetables when so many people couldn’t afford them or access them. Wishing you success with your new job and looking forward to new recipes!

  32. I’m so happy to see you take this exciting step, cannot wait to hear more in the coming months!!

  33. Happy to hear from you and excited for you with this new direction for your food passion. Look forward to hearing more about everything!

  34. Feliz que estan de regreso! Was also hoping to hear miore about the four toothed Teo!

  35. One foot in front of the other and lead with love!

  36. I’m so happy for you to be able to explore the other piece of your passion for good food, for everyone. Looking forward to more awesome recipes, updates on life in Barcelona, and tagging along virtually as you expand and grow in food. 😊. And I’m so happy you’re not “closing up shop”!!
    (I’ve shared your site info, and countless recipes, with so many friends and family.). Thank you for what you do to celebrate good food and healthy eating.

  37. I’m so glad you are back! My sister and I were concerned when you hadn’t posted in a while and were both stalking your social media to make sure we hadn’t missed something. Looking forward to more content from you! : )

  38. Congratulations! I know and follow you because your recipes are great! But I would love to know how to help feed the hungry around the world! I already follow the Wash Project on Instagram. So I’m hoping you continue to share and educate so more people can follow suite and help in their own capacities!

  39. Wherever you lead, I will follow…

  40. Love reading your blog and your recipes are my go to favorites!

  41. I’m new to your blog, but want to say congrats on your new path. It sounds wonderful and very uplifting to be involved in this new area. Wishing you the best and looking forward to some awesome recipes you will be sharing.
    Sherry

  42. I am so glad you are creating an example for people all over the world on how to love others and food holistically. My joy of serving others at the dinner table was not complete until I started working at our local food bank and community garden. If your heart is in “both kitchens” you can’t split them. 😄 I can’t wait to keep learning from you, Ali!

  43. I love this shift. Food and humanity are not separate. I can’t wait to learn more about The Wash Project!

  44. So happy to have you back and truly so happy for your new beautiful endeavors! <3 I am so excited to continue experimenting with your recipes, reading your life updates and now this new journey. Felicidades! Besos de Portland, Oregon!

  45. Dear Ali
    I simply want to say thank you!
    I come back to your site over and over again!
    Everything I have made and I mean everything has been more than delicious!
    Keep on following your heart- no matter what- I’ll be back!
    Thank you again..

  46. Bluntly put – you rock! please keep on doing what you are doing – and I will keep on following you! :)

  47. So glad you’re back blogging – my kitchen and I missed you! I hope you had a wonderful time in the States with gorgeous Teo. I’m so happy for you, for the future of Gimme Some Oven (which I love)! Your projects are so inspiring and I agree – everyone should do their bit to help put food on the table for another family. That cinnamon roll looks amazing.
    Love from Australia,
    Caroline xx 🐨 🇦🇺

  48. Thanks Ali! We’ve been cooking your recipes for years; you’re my go-to for the answer to the eternal question of what should we make for dinner? You’re evolving in such a great way – thank you so much for all that you do!

  49. I will continue to follow you regardless of forms—and I look fwd to those baby up-dates like a 2nd Nana.