Name: Audrey Snowe
Blog name: Unconventional Baker
Where were you born? Central Asia
Where are you living now? Ontario
Why did you start your blog?
When I switched my diet some years ago I began experimenting and adapting my baking habits to match my new way of eating.
I was sharing my newly re-invented baked goods with others and people kept asking for the recipes (back then there weren’t so many blogs around yet, so finding good alternative recipes would have been a challenge), so I started what I thought was going to be a small blog to share my adventures in the kitchen and my little experiments with others.
Turned out there was a lot more interest in these types of recipes then I ever imagined, and the blog just grew and evolved from there.
How did you decide on your blog name?
The blog actually had a different name but after a time I decided to re-brand it to something that represented my style more and that was a little more inviting.
By that point my baking habits were a bit peculiar, you could even say unconventional, so the name Unconventional Baker just fit.
What do you blog about?
Desserts. Lots of them. I mostly focus on easy, minimal ingredient desserts that work for a variety of diets and ways of eating. My recipes are always gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free, but also often raw, grain-free, and pretty allergy-friendly.
I have a lot of fun playing around with simple yet unusual combinations and ingredients to create new desserts and inspiration for others.
Is your blog your business, your hobby or something in between?
It’s my business, and I feel so fortunate for that!
What post on your blog most encapsulates you and why?
This raw tiramisu is probably the most-loved recipe on the blog. It was one of the first recipes I made that went really viral and I think it captures what the blog is all about – a recipe that checks off a lot of boxes for people in terms of dietary choices, is wholesome, simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. It’s my go-to recipe for many special gatherings and it’s always a crowd pleaser – for regular and alternative crowds alike.
Which post do you wish received more love and why?
These Mini Hemp Chocolates. They are by far my favorite blog recipe, and one I wish everyone tried out – it’s really simple, but the flavor is special, almost magical. It’s a recipe that gets made a lot by my blog readers – but I don’t think many people outside the blog search for “hemp chocolate” recipes and so they remain a little hidden gem on the blog.
Which post’s success surprised you and why?
This raw sweetened condensed milk recipe. I absolutely loved it, but I know that there are many alternatives out there for traditional condensed milk so didn’t expect it to stand out in the crowd so much. To my surprise it seemed to have filled a big void for a lot of people (because it requires no cooking, uses no refined sugar, isn’t made with soy, is instant, etc.), so it did great in that regard.
What’s your biggest challenge as a blogger?
Finding the time to balance all the responsibilities that come along with a blog. Beyond recipe creation, photography, and blog post writing, there is of course so much work behind the scenes – so many comments to read through, questions to answer, emails, keeping up with my audience on social media, work contracts, technical blog maintenance, etc. It’s a lot more work than meets the eye and it can be challenging sometimes to juggle it.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a blogger?
That a small thing can make a huge difference for others sometimes. When I started out I never thought that recipe sharing would have such an impact on people, but in helping others find special treats for the people they love, I’ve seen that what you share through your blog has the power to make people happy.
Some of the best blogging moments for me are when I get emails and letters from parents who are thrilled that they finally found a cake that they can make for their little one’s birthday, or someone who’s found their perfect wedding cake, or even just a simple treat that’s not going to compromise their health. I get really excited about that. It’s quite simple – just a recipe shared – yet it connects you to others worldwide and it can be a beautiful thing.
Share a couple of your favourite food blogs to read. Why do you like them?
My blogging pal Natalie from Feasting on Fruit creates wonderfully playful and creative recipes. She is incredibly talented, but her recipes are always as simple as it gets. Perfect for children, but also for the child in me. And her writing style is quite effortless and endearing. I’m amazed with the things she comes up with sometimes.
I love peeking at Anthea’s blog (Rainbow Nourishments). She’s an Aussie blogger, recipe developer, and caterer and her custom raw cakes are absolutely stunning – each one is a labor of love.
A lady I met on Instagram ages ago is Tiina from My Berry Forest. She started off with a beautiful Instagram account and then built an equally beautiful blog around it. Her colorful creations always leave an impression on me. And the fact she made a gorgeous eggplant cake once made me an instant fan!
Favourite food - care to share a recipe or a restaurant destination?
Living more remotely, I don’t get to eat out often. But when I do, my favorite place to stop at is Fresh in Toronto. They make beautiful veggie dishes. My favorite would be the big salad or the tangled thai bowl with the tahini dressing and a side of crispy tofu. And I might steal a few fries from my husband’s plate while I’m at it 🙂
What are you working on next for your blog?
I’m currently working on the Canadian release of my book Unconventional Treats in print. It’s been available as an ebook through the blog for quite some time now and I’m excited to finally see it happen in print.
What else should we know about you that may or not be in your “About Me” page?
When it comes to food creativity, the sky is the limit. I get regular requests from blog readers for ideas to accommodate special dietary needs / a special occasion treat and I love to try and find solutions when I can. If it means it’s going to take cauliflower or broccoli to make a cake happen, so be it. There’s always a way to cake.
What makes your blog unique?
I think that it’s unique because it accommodates a huge range of diets, while staying approachable and creative.
What part of the FBC site do you find most useful?
The email newsletters. I always enjoy reading the latest from them and keeping up to date on the Canadian scene.
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Thank you so much for the interview and the highlight, Melissa and the FBC team — much appreciated!