Well, how exciting is this? I am overwhelmed with joy that we now have a new meeting place. After 7 months of late nights, lots of midnight snacking, mistakes and accomplishments, here we are; new blog and new design. This marks a new beginning in my blogging career as I have been wanting to redesign and rebrand my blog for over 5 years. I felt the design of my old site didn't complement the aesthetics of my photography or brand. In 2012 I began the process of choosing a new name. I had Alica's Pepperpot in mind since then, but only now has it all come to fruition.
My previous blog was called, The Inner Gourmet. When I started blogging 7 years ago, I chose this blog name because I believe that Caribbean food is truly gourmet as many of our cooking techniques can be quite arduous and refined. Although this is what I felt, the name was not perceived that way. Over the years I realized I needed a name that was more reflective of those feelings, but also of the food I cook. The Inner Gourmet was too general of an identity. Readers couldn’t tell right away what my blog was about and that poses a challenge for any brand.
For those of you who are new here, this is what my previous blog looked like:
So what's different about Alica's Pepperpot?
- Layout- The new layout is much cleaner and easier to navigate.
- Homepage - The homepage has more accessible content available for viewing in one click.
- Recipe index - The recipes that are on the blog are now effortlessly searchable via photo or search box.
- Recipe print button - Now you'll have the option to print a recipe without the blog post content and photos.
- Subscribe - A new option to subscribe to recipe posts. Receive them straight in your email.
What is this blog about?
Alica's Pepperpot is about recipes, culture, and snippets of my life, but there are deeper roots than just what's on your screen. This blog is also about preserving my culinary culture through recipes and sharing it with the world. I want younger generations to have a place to read about the foods that influenced and shaped the lives of many native Caribbeans, Caribbean immigrants and their descendants. It is important to remember how our cultural food shapes our identity. It helps us remember who we are in times of uncertainty and isolation. The majority of recipes on this site are heirloom family recipes which I have taken time to document and share for the purpose of learning and connecting with Caribbean culture.
What to expect
- New recipes more frequently
- A variety of recipes including more Caribbean-influenced dishes and some American favorites
- More seasonal recipes
- In the coming months, you will see sponsored content and some advertising
- A brand new section on the blog which I will be announcing in September!
This food blog started as a little ole' hobby while I was in graduate school and evolved into my true passion, and this year, a career. As I continue on this trajectory, I want you all to know that it is your following, reading, commenting and engagement with the blog that has encouraged me to keep writing and posting recipes. Your support has also motivated me to take this next step in my blogging career. Many heartfelt thanks.
Jens McKinnon
The site looks beautiful! I've been a big fan since I met you and always admired your creativity. Im so excited for you and congratulations on your hard work!
You're friend and fan,
Jens...
Sharmy
Congrats Alice. I have been following you for a few years and am excited for your new begininng.
Sharmy
Alica!
Eve
Congratulations!!! I've been following your blog since I was in my teens, and am so thankful to follow such an amazing, informative blog that strives to preserve our phenomenal Caribbean culture. Growing up in a Guyanese household as a first generation American born child of Indo-Guyanese descent, learning to cook all our wonderful foods has been far from easy - always a dash of this, a handful of that, and lots of eyeballing measurements, LOL! I absolutely love your blog, and all that I've learned from you over the years!! I know this is a super long comment, but thank you for all that you do, and God bless you in your future endeavors!
Renz
I love it!! So happy for you and the update. Looks really good. So funny I also started mine as an outlet while in Grad school, and your site was an inspiration. Keep up the good work!!
Kami
Congrats girl, you know that I've always liked your other blog design too 🙂 I'm excited and happy for you with this new one and I know that you won't disappoint with the direction and recipes you have planned. xx
Shadobeni
Congrats on the new website! I love the layout and looking forward to some yummy recipes!
Diana
Congratulations on your new site! The inner gourmet was a go to site for me! I can't tell you how much I appreciate having a Guyanese blog to refer to in my trials to make mom's curry or grandma's roti. Thank you. I can't wait for your new posts!
Sean Senhouse
Of course I'm biased because I saw the entire process from conception to final product. It turned out fantastic and I think the comments say it all! Great job, and as official taste tester, I can't wait to taste the new creations you come up with.
A.Hiroko
Yay! This is awesome! I've been on your site before the update and I'm loving the new design. Here's to your continued success!
Chateaubiwi Brijlall
Accidentally found your former Inner Gourmet site whilst desperately trying out recipes for my Guyanese husband of 30+ years.
Have since shared your website with many others
Chateaubiwi Brijlall
Accidentally found your former Inner Gourmet site whilst desperately trying out recipes for my Guyanese husband of 30+ years.
Have since shared your website with many others
Thks so very much God Bless !
Tanya Ferguson
Soooo glad to have you back. As 1st generation Americans to Guyanese parents, my sister and I loved your website and recipes. I use your recipes whenever I need to make Guyanese food, since my mom is a dash of this and a dash of that, lol. We were sad to no longer see updates, and super happy to see an new website. Welcome back!
Sherry Rampersaud
Omg this blog is amazing!!!
I’m excited to explore!!!
Thank you in advance for taking the time to keep our Culture and heritage alive!