Name: Jeanine Friesen
Blog name: Faithfully Gluten Free
Where were you born? Altona, Manitoba
Where are you living now? Steinbach, Manitoba
Why did you start your blog?
Originally, the blog was started by myself and a friend, as a way for us to keep track of recipes that we tried and liked. However, a few months in, I was diagnosed with celiac disease, and she followed her passion for painting, and that is when it became solely gluten free recipes.
How did you decide on your blog name?
When we started the blog in 2008, it was just a fun name. It took me another 7 years to finally re-brand as Faithfully Gluten Free. I think after 7 years, I have proven to my readers that I am dedicated to helping them live a delicious gluten free life.
What do you blog about?
I love to re-create old favourite recipes, and inspired new ones, without gluten.
What post on your blog most encapsulates you?
I think that would be my perogy dough recipe. When I was making the perogies, I had no intention of blogging it - the pictures were just taken with my phone - but the emotions that the food stirred up were so strong, and I knew others would be able to relate, I had to share.
Which post do you wish received more love and why?
Just one? 🙂 That would probably be the gluten free pita bread recipe. It's one of those things that you can't just go to the store and buy, so if you want gluten free pitas, the only way is to make them yourself. That is one of the recipes I made over a dozen times to get it right, I'd love to see more people with celiac disease enjoying falafels or gyros.
Which post’s success surprised you and why?
Creamy Gluten Free, Dairy Free Tomato Soup. I hadn't really expected much from this recipe, since sweets seem to get most of the reader's attention, but this one is always one of the most viewed and pinned recipes in summer and fall.
What’s your biggest challenge as a blogger?
I'm still having a hard time grasping all the changes that have happened in blogging since I started, like the way social media has changed things. There are so many aspects and tricks that you have to learn to utilize all these tools, it can be very overwhelming.
Share a couple of your favourite food blogs to read. Why do you like them?
I really don't read a lot of blogs on a regular basis. I think I probably use blogs the way most of our readers do - arriving via Google, finding what I need, and leaving. I used to follow along with quite a few, but it became too time consuming to keep up with them. Now, I usually just follow blogs on social media to see what they are up to and what is new with them.
Favourite food - care to share a recipe or a restaurant destination?
A favourite food. That's really hard to pick. I enjoy simple food, like mashed potatoes, but love cookies. These are some of my favourite --> Kitchen Sink Cookies
What are you working on next for your blog?
Since I rebranded not that long ago, I am still trying figure out the path that I want to take under this new name. Hopefully I can find a way to help those new to the gluten free lifestyle to enjoy the holidays without gluten. So much revolves around food, it can be very overwhelming.
What else should we know about you that may or not be in your “About Me” page?
I've been self employed since 2000, so most of my adult life. Before I was an at-home blogger I was a candlemaker.
What makes your blog unique?
I think what makes my site unique is that I don't have any fancy recipes. Most of the recipes only require ingredients that you have on hand already or that are easy to stock your pantry with. Easy is always best, in my opinion.
What part of the FBC site do you find most useful?
Definitely the blogger resources. I love going through the 31 day blog clean up at least once a year to help tidy things up a bit.
Follow Jeanine and Faithfully Gluten Free On Social Media
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram
You can unsubscribe any time!
I’ve been a fan of Jeanine’s for many years. She’s honest, sincere and her recipes are simply delicious – and I’m not even gluten intolerant! She’s also been a great help and inspiration to me as a fellow Manitoba food blogger.
I first met Jeanine at FBC3013. Whenever I talk to someone who is looking for gluten-free recipes, I always refer them to Jeanine’s blog! Her food looks so delicious and I know she is totally committed to making gluten-free food accessible. And, I love the new name!
Been looking for great gluten-free recipes. Glad to have found this! Will follow your blog. Thanks!