FAQ
Answers to Common Questions About Cooking, Ingredients, and Subscriptions
A warm welcome from The Island Spirit Kitchen.
Whether you’re here for island-inspired recipes, cocktails, seasonal ingredients, entertaining ideas, or a little culinary “why,” this page has answers to help you feel at home.
General Prep & Cooking
Q: How many people do your recipes serve?
Most recipes serve about 4 people, but it depends on the recipe. Cocktails are usually written for one drink, while party-style recipes, desserts, snacks, and entertaining ideas may serve more. Always check the servings note in each post.
Q: Can I scale your recipes up or down?
Absolutely. Most recipes can be doubled or halved. Sauces, glazes, dressings, and marinades don’t always need to be doubled exactly — often you just need enough to coat or finish the dish. I include tips when helpful.
Q: Do I need special ingredients?
Not usually. Most recipes are made with ingredients you can find at a regular grocery store. I also love sharing island ingredients like mango, pineapple, citrus, coconut, lilikoi, coffee, macadamia nuts, fresh herbs, and farmers market finds, with substitution ideas whenever possible.
Q: Do I need to prep ahead of time?
Only when it makes life easier. Some recipes include make-ahead tips, but most are designed to be approachable and made fresh.
Q: Do all of your recipes include rum?
No. Some recipes include rum, some do not. Rum is one of the ingredients I enjoy exploring in the kitchen, but The Island Spirit Kitchen is also about seasonal ingredients, island-inspired flavor, entertaining, cocktails, pairings, and helping home cooks understand why recipes work.
Q: Is rum required when it appears in a recipe?
Not always. When possible, I offer suggestions for reducing, omitting, or substituting it. If rum truly matters to the flavor or texture of a recipe, I’ll explain why.
Q: Does the alcohol cook off?
Sometimes, but not always completely. Longer cooking times reduce more alcohol, while quick sauces, glazes, desserts, and no-bake recipes may retain more. I include notes when it matters.
Ingredients & Dietary Info
Q: Do you share vegetarian or gluten-free recipes?
Yes. Not every recipe is vegetarian or gluten-free, but I share substitutions when they make sense and will continue adding more options over time.
Q: Do you offer lower-sugar recipes?
Yes. Some recipes are naturally lower in sugar, and I also share tips for balancing sweetness with acidity, spice, salt, and fruit. When a recipe is lower-sugar or easy to adjust, I’ll note that in the post.
Billing & Subscriptions
Q: What do I get as a free subscriber?
Free subscribers receive selected recipes and articles sent directly to their inbox. It’s a great way to get a feel for The Island Spirit Kitchen.
Q: What do I get as a paid subscriber?
Paid subscribers receive full access to weekly recipes, the growing archive, special series, kitchen tips, pairing notes, culinary guides, and subscriber-only posts.
Q: Can I preview content before subscribing?
Yes. You can browse free posts first, then decide whether you’d like to become a paid subscriber.
Q: How do I upgrade from free to paid?
You can upgrade through Substack using the subscribe or upgrade button on The Island Spirit Kitchen.
Q: Need help with billing, refunds, or canceling?
Substack manages subscriptions, billing, refunds, and cancellations. If you need help, visit Substack Support for the most current instructions.
Q: I subscribed but I’m not receiving emails. What should I do?
First, check your spam, junk, promotions, or updates folder. You can also make sure The Island Spirit Kitchen is added to your contacts. If you’re still having trouble, visit Substack Support for help with delivery issues.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
I occasionally offer special rates, free trials, or limited-time discounts. When available, I’ll share those details directly through The Island Spirit Kitchen.
Access, Downloads & Contact
Q: Do you post videos?
Not yet, but I may add them in the future. Paid subscriptions help support the time, tools, and resources needed to create more content.
Q: How do I contact you?
You can reach me at: support@theislandspiritkitchen.com
Q: How does following work on Substack?
Following on Substack helps you stay connected with writers and publications you enjoy. For account-specific questions, Substack Support is the best place to find current instructions.
Mahalo nui loa for cooking with me and being part of The Island Spirit Kitchen.
Let’s keep bringing island-inspired flavor to the table.
— Nicole