The Announcement That Surprised Even Me

As many of you know, I’ve dedicated over 15 fulfilling years to the world of food blogging, sharing countless recipes and kitchen adventures. Throughout this remarkable journey, I’ve watched many of my talented fellow food bloggers publish their own cookbooks, some years—even decades—ago, with new titles still emerging regularly. While having my own cookbook has always been a quiet, tucked-away item on my personal bucket list, I consistently dismissed the idea of actually writing or publishing one. My reasons were simple, yet powerful: a resounding lack of time, and then, well, an even greater lack of time. The sheer magnitude of work involved in such an undertaking always felt overwhelming.

Over the years, opportunities arose – I politely declined offers from small publishers, and inboxes overflowed with hundreds of heartfelt questions from readers asking if a cookbook was ever on the horizon. Each time, despite the tempting prospect, it just never felt like the right moment to commit to the monumental effort required to bring a cookbook to life, especially with the daily demands of running a bustling food blog and managing family life.

Then, earlier this year, life took an unexpected turn.

My husband, Brian, faced the elimination of his position at work, plunging our family into an unforeseen period of unemployment. This sudden challenge arrived amidst several other personal and overwhelming issues we were already navigating. It was during this period of significant upheaval and uncertainty that something truly unexpected happened. In the midst of the chaos, a clear, compelling feeling surfaced: I should write a cookbook. This surprising epiphany came shortly after a profound conversation with my dear friend and fellow blogger, Si, from A Bountiful Kitchen. As I sat with this thought, wrestling with the timing given our circumstances, a profound realization dawned on me: perhaps, for the first time in 15 years, despite the immense stress and challenges we were facing, this truly WAS the right time.

Brian had always worked a demanding corporate job, with long hours away from home. However, with him unexpectedly being home more, we saw a unique opportunity. We decided to strategically capitalize on the extra help and invaluable time he now had available to assist with our children and family life. This crucial support would allow me to fully immerse myself in the cookbook project. This decision offered a dual benefit: it would finally fulfill a long-held personal dream of mine, and equally important, the anticipated cookbook sales would hopefully provide some much-needed financial stability and breathing room, allowing Brian the space and time to thoughtfully figure out his next career steps without immediate pressure.

The highly anticipated pre-sale will commence in November! This is your chance to secure a copy before the official launch. To ensure you don’t miss any critical announcements, including precise dates and ordering instructions, please make sure you are subscribed to my exclusive email list. All the exciting details will be shared there first!

Mark your calendars! Books from the pre-sale will begin shipping on April 22nd. We’re working diligently to get these beautiful books into your hands as swiftly as possible, so you can start cooking and enjoying them.

You’ll be delighted to find over 140 meticulously crafted recipes packed within the pages of this cookbook! This isn’t just a collection; it’s a solid, comprehensive resource designed to become a treasured staple in your kitchen, offering a wide array of options for every meal and occasion.

Well, I can happily confirm that it definitely features a few adorable pictures of our cute pigs and snippets of our idyllic farm life – because who doesn’t love a bit of rustic charm? 🤣 However, the heart of the book is loaded with tons of tried-and-true, beloved recipes. This book is conceived as a timeless anthem to my most-loved and most-made dishes, ensuring it includes many of the comforting, reliable recipes you’ve come to adore from the blog. But here’s the exciting part: it also introduces a significant number of brand new, exclusive recipes that I absolutely cannot wait for you to discover! It’s been incredibly hard to keep them under wraps, but I can give you a little spoiler: prepare for the most amazing chicken tacos you’ll ever encounter, and a new brownie recipe that is simply wow, wow, wow!

Absolutely! Visual appeal is paramount in a cookbook, and I’m thrilled to confirm that there is a stunning photograph accompanying every single recipe. Many of these photos are brand new, meticulously updated, and (if I may be so bold without tooting my own horn too loudly) truly quite lovely. Beyond the delicious dishes, you’ll also find endearing photos capturing moments of farm life, candid kitchen scenes, and perhaps even a humorous shot or two, including one of me caught red-handed hiding in the pantry enjoying chocolate chips. 😬 These images are designed to inspire, guide, and connect you even more deeply with the stories behind the food.

Unless a “book tour” can miraculously consist of me comfortably wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, warmly greeting everyone from my back pasture surrounded by my beloved cows and pigs, then, regrettably, probably not. I am quite the homebody, and the thought of a traditional book tour, coupled with the “what if no one came?” anxiety, makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. BUT, don’t despair! I will definitely have some special advanced, signed copies available for those who wish to have a personalized touch. Stay tuned for more detailed information on how to get your hands on one of these exclusive copies!

I am actively working out the intricate details to make international shipping a reality, but it is proving to be quite a tricky endeavor to secure reasonable and affordable rates for a small business like mine. My goal is to bring this cookbook to my wonderful readers worldwide, and I appreciate your patience as I navigate these complexities. If you are specifically interested in international shipping, I will be setting up a direct contact method soon for you to reach out and receive a custom shipping quote tailored to your location. Your global support means the world to me!