Cookbook Love Podcast
In this weekly podcast, host Maggie Green celebrates cookbook readers, writers, collectors, and clubs, with interviews and conversations about cookbook writing and the role of cookbooks in our lives. Maggie's mission is to build and celebrate a community of people who would rather write, read, and buy a cookbook over any other genre of book.
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Episode 378: Athens: Food, Stories, Love, and Cookbooks with Diane Kochilas
12/04/2025
Episode 378: Athens: Food, Stories, Love, and Cookbooks with Diane Kochilas
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Diane Kochilas. Diane is a New York Times Bestselling Author and host of five seasons of the acclaimed PBS show My Greek Table. In her new book, Athens: Food, Stories, Love, Diane takes readers on a culinary tour of Greece’s most-visited city: Athens. Having lived in Athens for over thirty years, Diane has witnessed enormous social and culinary changes all around her. Today, the kitchens of Athens overflow with new creative energy while international ingredients fill the markets. Culinary influences on the Athenian table from around the globe are well-represented with recipes for French-inspired croissants, Italian twists on Greek classics, and Greek-Mex twists on beloved gigantes beans. As one of the most recognized voices for Greek Cuisine, Diane and I talk about: Her role as a cultural storyteller and teacher of Greek cuisine Her career is writing books and doing her TV show The sources for how she collects stories and recipes for her books And of course, all about her new book Athens, from the plant-forward approach to cooking and the spirit of Greek hospitality found in a Taverna. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/39240260
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Episode 377: Recipes, Resilience, and Creating In Good Health with Rachel Riggs
11/27/2025
Episode 377: Recipes, Resilience, and Creating In Good Health with Rachel Riggs
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Rachel Riggs, author of In Good Health. As a former specialty food shop owner, Rachel’s life dramatically changed due to chronic illness. Refocusing her work toward healing, she started developing anti-inflammatory recipes rooted in her California sensibilities. Rachel now lives with limited stamina and, despite that, wrote her cookbook with a focus on celebrating what’s possible, flavorful, and aligned with her healing. Her mission is to inspire readers to transform their health and well-being through modern, vibrant food that excites the senses, rejuvenates the palate, and liberates readers from outdated habits. In Good Health features over 75 recipes designed for those with chronic illness, dietary restrictions, or anyone craving nutrient-dense, grounding, everyday food. Ingredients lists are short, prep times are reasonable, and each recipe includes a photo to guide readers with clarity and confidence. In This Episode We Talk About: How Rachel approaches cooking by celebrating what’s included, not what’s missing The art and challenge of baking with almond flour and maple syrup What it means to create dishes from scratch rather than adapting traditional recipes Her message for cooks and bakers navigating new dietary needs or chronic illness Why she encourages writers to create organically, long before a book deal Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that creativity and nourishment can flourish even in seasons of limitation. You can write a cookbook and rebuild a meaningful cooking life from exactly where you are. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/39127005
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Episode 376: Running the Race of Writing a Book with Running Coach & Author Michele Pettinger
11/20/2025
Episode 376: Running the Race of Writing a Book with Running Coach & Author Michele Pettinger
Today on the show, I’m joined by Michele Pettinger, a certified running coach, fitness nutrition specialist, and functional nutrition counselor. As the owner of P3Running, Michelle blends run coaching with nutrition education for athletes of all ages, helping young runners understand how food supports performance, recovery, and long-term well-being. However, before we begin, I'd like to share a free resource with you. If you are a food, nutrition, or culinary pro and you want to share your expertise in a published cookbook, one thing a publisher will want you to have is a platform. This is your visibility in the marketplace. If you would like some guidance on what a platform is, why you should have one, and some tips on building one, head on over to for a complimentary checklist download. In this episode, we talk about: Michele’s journey from idea to publication of her new book: The Young Runner’s Guide to Nutrition. How she shaped her concept that connects nutrition science with workable recipes Why she wrote this book for young athletes, their parents, and coaches? Her writing process, the resources she leaned on, and the systems she built to stay organized Insights about building a platform, and not letting social media metrics distract you from your mission. Whether you're a runner, a cook, a baker, an athlete, or an aspiring author, Michele’s story is a powerful reminder that writing a book is a race built on one day, one habit, one recipe, one chapter at a time. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/39095225
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Episode 375: A Conversation with Mother–Son Authors Jyoti and Auyon Mukharji of Heartland Masala
11/13/2025
Episode 375: A Conversation with Mother–Son Authors Jyoti and Auyon Mukharji of Heartland Masala
In today’s episode, I’m pleased to welcome mother–son cookbook author team Jyoti and Auyon Mukharji, authors of Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen. Before we dive in: If you are ready to start your own cookbook project with clarity and direction, is available for a few more days. This resource provides a structured path to begin organizing your recipes, shaping your stories, and moving toward a publishable cookbook. Details are linked in the show notes section below. Heartland Masala is a vibrant, richly illustrated celebration of Indian home cooking, written from the heart of the American Midwest. Rooted in both tradition and diaspora, the book blends recipes from Punjab, Bengal, and throughout India with the lived experience of a family that has called Kansas City home for decades. In this conversation, we explore: Inspiration — How Heartland Masala was born from years of Joyti teaching, family heritage, and the desire to preserve Indian home cooking in a Midwestern context. Process — Their collaborative mother–son workflow, recipe testing, adapting regional dishes, and shaping the book’s structure. Storytelling — Why they included essays, cultural notes, culinary history, memories, and narrative elements to deepen the reader’s connection to Indian food. Legacy & Impact — What they learned from writing across generations and what they hope the book will contribute to readers, family, and culture. The book features beloved classics such as Saag Paneer and Vindaloo, lesser-known gems like Bengali Murgh Rezala and Anglo-Indian Spiced Liver Toast, as well as inventive new creations, including Masala Brussels Sprouts and Spiced Watermelon. Jyoti and Auyon even include a handful of cocktail recipes, adding a playful touch to the collection. Their work is a testament to the richness of Indian cuisine, the power of family collaboration, and the vibrant interplay between heritage and place. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38996075
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Episode 374: From Recipes to Revenue: How Writing Fuels our Life and Business
11/06/2025
Episode 374: From Recipes to Revenue: How Writing Fuels our Life and Business
What begins as a handwritten recipe or a note in the margins of a cookbook can become the seed of something much bigger. In today’s episode, we explores what every writer needs to write and how your words can do more than fill a page. They can feed both your readers and your business. You’ll also hear about a free resource to spark your creativity: 👉 a guide packed with ideas to help you transform your recipes, writing, and creativity into meaningful income. If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge your love of cooking and writing into a business, this episode is your invitation to begin. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38914490
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Episode 373: Navigate the Cookbook Publishing Industry
10/30/2025
Episode 373: Navigate the Cookbook Publishing Industry
Hi everybody, and welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Last week, we talked about the traditional publishing team and the real benefits of working with a publisher — how editors, designers, and marketers help bring a cookbook to life. This week, I’m sharing Part 1 of my three-part Publish Your Cookbook Masterclass, called Navigating the Publishing Industry. In this first session, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges cookbook writers face — figuring out how to navigate the publishing world. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know where to start.” “I’m afraid of choosing the wrong path.” “Publishing feels so complicated,” Then this session is for you. You’ll learn about the three main types of publishing — independent, hybrid, and traditional — and how to decide which path aligns with your goals. It’s the clarity so many professionals have been missing — a way to see exactly where you fit in the publishing landscape and how to move forward with confidence. Before we dive in, I want to let you know that the doors are open to until this evening at 10 PM Eastern. This is your final chance to join us for this round, and I wanted to give you one more opportunity to experience the masterclass and see if writing a cookbook and getting it traditionally published is right for you. So settle in and enjoy this replay, Navigating the Publishing Industry from the Publish Your Cookbook Masterclass. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38796930
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Episode 372: The Power of a Traditional Publishing Team
10/23/2025
Episode 372: The Power of a Traditional Publishing Team
✨ Before we get started, an exciting announcement! ✨ Are you a food, nutrition, or culinary professional dreaming of publishing a cookbook? Right now we are in the middle of our Publish Your Cookbook Masterclass. In this free masterclass, we are discussing the shortcut most aspiring authors miss — how to publish your cookbook without writing your book first. You’ll discover how to position yourself as the author publishers want right now and follow the exact steps to land your first book deal. Don’t miss this opportunity to watch this on-demand class (like Netflix)! 👉 Register at . Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes once a cookbook is acquired by a traditional publisher? Who edits your recipes? Who decides the fonts and photography style? And what’s actually your job once the contract is signed? Today, we’re mapping it all out — The Professional Cookbook Team Map — so you can see exactly how a cookbook moves from manuscript to masterpiece. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: Who handles editing, design, and photography What’s expected of you as the author And what you can focus on right now to actually get paid to write your cookbook Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38620950
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Episode 371: Food Preservation and the Modern Pioneer Pantry with Mary Bryant Schrader
10/16/2025
Episode 371: Food Preservation and the Modern Pioneer Pantry with Mary Bryant Schrader
✨ Before we get started, an exciting announcement! ✨ If you’re a food, nutrition, or culinary professional dreaming of publishing a cookbook with a traditional publisher, join me for the Publish Your Cookbook event starting Monday, October 20, 2025. In this free training, you’ll learn the shortcut most aspiring authors miss — how to sell your cookbook concept before writing the entire manuscript. You’ll discover how to position yourself as the author publishers want right now and follow the exact steps to land your first book deal. Don’t miss this opportunity! 👉 Register at . A quick shout-out to Mari, a long-time listener of the Cookbook Love Podcast, who recently shared in our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group: “I self-published a cookbook! I’m not in the writing program, but I wanted to thank Maggie Green for the amazing Cookbook Love Podcast I’ve been binging for the past two years. I wouldn’t have finished my book without your guidance.” Her story is a beautiful reminder of the impact of showing up and sharing knowledge—one podcast at a time. Today’s guest is Mary Bryant Schrader, creator of Mary’s Nest, a beloved YouTube channel with over one million subscribers and more than 600 videos on traditional cooking skills—think bone broth, sourdough, and fermentation. Mary’s new book, The Modern Pioneer Pantry: A Complete Guide to Preserving Food, brings timeless kitchen wisdom into today’s world. In this episode, we discuss: What traditional foods really are Why food preservation matters now more than ever The Four Corners Pantry concept Lessons Mary has learned from YouTube and cookbook writing Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38529640
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Episode 370: Sharing Lebanese Baking with Maureen Abood
10/09/2025
Episode 370: Sharing Lebanese Baking with Maureen Abood
✨Before we get started, an exciting announcement ✨ If you’re a food, nutrition, or culinary pro and you dream of being published by a traditional publisher, I want to invite you to my upcoming Publish Your Cookbook event where you will learn the shortcut most aspiring authors miss when publishing their cookbook. You’ll discover how to position yourself as the author publishers want right now, and the exact steps to land your first book deal. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Head to to register for the event. Today I’m joined by award-winning author Maureen Abood to talk about her beautiful new book, Lebanese Baking. Known for her warm storytelling and deep connection to Lebanese food culture, Maureen invites us into the heart of her kitchen and heritage. During the interview, we discussed: Behind the table of contents: how Maureen designed the book to blend classic staples, family favorites, and innovative takes. The significance of sharing: why the act of baking and offering food to others is central to Lebanese tradition. Homemade phyllo dough: what inspired her to include this ambitious yet rewarding recipe, and how she makes it approachable. A baker’s starting point: which recipes Maureen recommends if you’re new to baking and to Lebanese cuisine. If you’ve ever been curious about Lebanese flavors, want to expand your baking repertoire, or simply love the idea of food as a way to connect and share, this conversation will inspire you to preheat your oven and invite someone to the table. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38440315
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Episode 369: The Value of an Email List to a Cookbook Author
10/02/2025
Episode 369: The Value of an Email List to a Cookbook Author
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I’m excited to talk to you about one key tool in the life of most cookbook authors, and that’s an email list. Part of the reason I want to talk about this is that there is a misconception that we have to chase publishers and agents. But what I’ve found to be true in my own life, in the lives of my students, and in the lives of the authors I’ve talked to on the show is that publishers and agents are looking for a food, culinary, or nutrition expert like you. And how will they find you? That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about. What makes for a strong author platform is the heart of the platform, your email list. I’ll break down why your list is your most valuable publishing asset, how to simplify your platform so it feels doable, and how to reignite your list to connect with your audience starting today. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38352115
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Episode 368: True North Cabin Cookbook with Stephanie Hansen
09/25/2025
Episode 368: True North Cabin Cookbook with Stephanie Hansen
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I’m excited to have an interview with Stephanie Hansen. Stephanie is the host of the Emmy-award-winning TV show “Taste Buds with Stephanie”, blogger at Stephanie's Dish, and radio host of The Weekly Dish and author of True North Cabin Cookbook Volume Two: Seasonal Recipes From a Cozy Kitchen. Stephanie hails from Minnesota and spends her summers entertaining in her cabin on True North Island in Minnesota. Today on the show, we talk all about cabin cooking and entertaining, Stephanie’s seasonal favorite recipes to welcome guests and feed people the foods of the Midwest and Minnesota. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38265805
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Episode 367: Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Cookbook Author
09/18/2025
Episode 367: Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Cookbook Author
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. I just finished enrolling new students into Cookbooks on KDP and wanted to share something with you based on my conversations with aspiring cookbook authors. When I talk to successful cooks, bakers, dietitians, chefs, and others who have a ton of kitchen experience to share, I hear them say things like: “I don’t have time.” “I’m not techie enough.” “Do I need an audience first?” “I’m not a dietitian”. But underneath those words is something we all face, what I call Doubt Soup. In this episode, I explore how doubt shows up in disguise, why it keeps so many cookbook dreams on hold, and what we can do instead of sit in the Doubt Soup. Things We Mention in This Episode: Join the waitlist for the 2026 cohort of
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38179365
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Episode 366: The Secret Ingredient Behind the Best Cookbooks
09/11/2025
Episode 366: The Secret Ingredient Behind the Best Cookbooks
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today on the Cookbook Love Podcast, I’m sharing what I call the hidden beginning of publishing. Over the years, we’ve talked a lot about the types of publishing — self, traditional, and hybrid — and we’ve heard from hundreds of authors who’ve chosen each of those paths. But behind the scenes, there’s another part of the publishing journey we rarely talk about: the inner life of a cookbook author, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Publishing isn’t just about producing a book. It’s about letting the love you already live with spill over into something permanent, dignified, and shareable. Things We Mention in This Episode: Interviews with Graduates of Cookbooks on KDP:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38087725
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Episode 365: How Print Cookbooks and Food Blogging Fit Together with Camille Beckstrand of Six Sisters’ Stuff
09/04/2025
Episode 365: How Print Cookbooks and Food Blogging Fit Together with Camille Beckstrand of Six Sisters’ Stuff
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today, I’m joined by Camille Beckstrand of Six Sisters’ Stuff. What began in 2011 as a way for six sisters to stay connected after leaving their childhood home has grown into one of the top family-friendly recipe websites on the internet. With a focus on simple, approachable meals, Six Sisters’ Stuff has become a trusted source for millions of families worldwide. Their latest cookbook, 30-Minute Meals with Six Sisters’ Stuff: 100+ Quick and Easy Meals the Whole Family Will Love!, brings their signature family-first approach into the kitchen with more than 100 quick, delicious, and stress-free recipes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or someone who craves home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this book is your go-to guide. Today on the show we talk all about: The evolution of Six Sisters’ Stuff from blog to thriving business Writing cookbooks and how they fit alongside online recipes Choosing cookbook topics and themes Strategies for making meals in under 30 minutes Fan-favorite recipes: Lemon Brownies Two-Ingredient Naan Butter Chicken Mexican Street Corn Tacos Why dinner served in bowls is so popular right now This episode is packed with insights about food blogging, cookbook writing, and making mealtime easier without sacrificing flavor. Things We Mention in This Episode: now in progress
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/38021595
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Episode 364: The Only Permission You Need to Write Your Cookbook
08/28/2025
Episode 364: The Only Permission You Need to Write Your Cookbook
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not really an expert… who am I to write a cookbook?” or conversely “They’re not really an expert…who are they to write a cookbook? You’re not alone. For years, publishers, editors, and agents acted as gatekeepers, deciding who was “qualified” to write a cookbook. But times have changed. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: The old gatekeepers who kept most voices out of publishing How traditional publishing is shifting and why publishers now want new and unique lived experiences How self-publishing platforms have blown the doors open Who the real gatekeepers are today And the most important truth: the only permission you need You’ll also hear about The Cookbook Publishing Masterclass, a free 3-part training series I’ve created to help you take the next step toward your cookbook dream. It begins September 2, and it’s the perfect way to see what’s possible when you stop waiting for permission. Things We Mention in This Episode: beginning September 2, 2025
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37926630
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Episode 363: 3 Questions Cookbook Writers Are Asking in 2025: Adaptation, Action, and Pricing
08/21/2025
Episode 363: 3 Questions Cookbook Writers Are Asking in 2025: Adaptation, Action, and Pricing
Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today on the podcast I share three questions that came up during Recipe Week LIVE 2025: how to ethically adapt recipes, how to move from passive learning to active doing, and how to price a self-published print cookbook on Amazon with confidence. Today on the show, I share: Adaptation & attribution: Why ingredient lists and basic processes aren’t generally copyrightable and how your expression (voice, headnotes, tips, stories, history, technique rationale) creates protectable originality. Simple, honest “inspired by/adapted from” credit keeps you on solid ethical ground. From learning to doing: Why passive learning feels comfortable, and how small, courageous actions (blank page → draft → test → iterate) build momentum. Use tools like a Pre-Recipe Tool or documentation is the bridge to capture ideas and start writing. Pricing with confidence: Why $25–$40 is common for premium print cookbooks, how color and page count affect your KDP print costs, and why price is a signal of value and not a race to the bottom with a lost cost book. Consider your margin and own your profit goal. Things We Mention in This Episode: Join the waitlist for
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37864355
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Episode 362: @BigFamilyLiving, Backyard Classrooms, and Preserving the Seasons with Holly Capelle
08/14/2025
Episode 362: @BigFamilyLiving, Backyard Classrooms, and Preserving the Seasons with Holly Capelle
Before we get started, there’s still time to take advantage of the final two days of Recipe Week LIVE 2025 happening now through August 15, 2025. This live event is for anyone who wants to turn what they cook or bake every day into publishable recipes. Today I’m excited to have an interview with Holly Capelle. Holly is a home cook, food preservationist, lifestyle artist, and advocate for sustainable living. She is the founder of @bigfamilyliving, an online community for people who preserve, create, cook, and garden. Holly is the author of the new book Preserving the Seasons, a comprehensive guide to the easiest ways to preserve the produce, herbs, and flowers you love. Holly lives in Portland, Oregon, and with her husband and six children, they’ve created a living garden classroom in their suburban home. As the garden has grown over the years, it’s now filled with chickens and vegetable, fruit, herb, and edible flower gardens right out her back door. Today Holly and I talk all about her living classroom, and walk through her beautiful new book filled with tips for infusions, drying, dehydrating, freeze-drying, and how to incorporate these preserved ingredients into everyday cooking. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37815235
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Episode 361: The Miami Intersection of Food, Culture, and Wellness with Ellen Kanner
08/07/2025
Episode 361: The Miami Intersection of Food, Culture, and Wellness with Ellen Kanner
Welcome to the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I’m excited to have an interview with Ellen Kanner. Ellen Kanner is the author of Miami Vegan: Plant-Based Recipes from the Tropics to Your Table and the award-winning book Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith and What to Eat for Dinner. She writes about the intersection of food, culture, community, and wellness for outlets including HuffPost, VegNews, and Edible South Florida. Ellen is a vegan advocate and culinary instructor, and the creator of the Substack newsletter Broccoli Rising. As a fifth-generation Miami native, Ellen lives with her husband in where else? Beautiful Miami. Today on the show, we talk about all the natural beauty and wonders of Miami, her life as a vegan, her new book Miami Vegan, including everything from tropical fruits and vegetables in Miami, vegan food swap and ingredients, as well as Ellen’s perhaps unpopular opinion about how to include more vegetables in your diet. Don’t forget to register for our upcoming LIVE event: Recipe Week LIVE 2025: Get Your Recipes Cookbook-Ready, happening August 11-15, 2025. This five-day live event is for aspiring cookbook authors who want to turn their passion into publishable recipes. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37533910
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Episode 360: Are Your Recipes Cookbook-Ready?
07/31/2025
Episode 360: Are Your Recipes Cookbook-Ready?
Welcome to the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today, I talk about a question I hear all the time: How do I get my recipes ready for a cookbook? Recipes are the heart of any cookbook. They are what set our books apart from other works of non-fiction. They’re not just instructions on paper; they’re a combination of creativity, story, and trust. So if you are writing your recipes for publication, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the five stages of recipe writing: ideation, development, writing, testing, and publishing. These stages form the foundation of every great cookbook recipe, and understanding them will help you move from a scattered collection of notes to polished, cookbook-ready recipes. And if you want to dive deeper, I’ll also tell you about Recipe Week LIVE 2025: Get Your Recipes Cookbook-Ready, happening August 11-15, 2025. This five-day live event is going to change the way you think about recipe writing. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37458095
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Episode 359: Garlic, Olive Oil + Everything Mediterranean with Daen Lia of @daenskitchen
07/24/2025
Episode 359: Garlic, Olive Oil + Everything Mediterranean with Daen Lia of @daenskitchen
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Daen Lia — home cook, recipe creator, and the author of Garlic, Olive Oil + Everything Mediterranean. You may know Daen from her wildly popular social channels under @daenskitchen, where she shares comforting Mediterranean-inspired recipes with over 6 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Daen Lia learned to cook from her Spanish and Italian mother and grandmother. With the smell of garlic and roasted tomatoes wafting through the kitchen, Daen discovered the alchemy of a few simple ingredients: garlic, olive oil, and whatever is fresh, whether a vegetable or protein, or both. In this episode, we explore: Why garlic confit is the foundation of nearly every recipe in her cookbook—and how to make it yourself How one simple batch of garlic and olive oil can transform everyday meals The journey from social content to print publishing The six essential ingredients that structure her book: GARLIC, OLIVE OIL, BUTTER, BREAD, CRUMBS, and EGGS Daen’s tips for creating content for social media Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or a seasoned home cook, Garlic, Olive Oil + Everything Mediterranean offers approachable techniques, bold flavor, and heartfelt inspiration from a kitchen rooted in love and simplicity. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37374965
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Episode 358: The Philosophies of Mindful Snacking and Home Cooking with Suzanne Lenzer
07/17/2025
Episode 358: The Philosophies of Mindful Snacking and Home Cooking with Suzanne Lenzer
In this episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, I’m joined by Suzanne Lenzer, food stylist, writer, and author of Peckish: Suggestions for the Sophisticated Snacker. Suzanne’s approach to food and cooking invites us to consider not just what we eat, but how and why, with more spontaneity and less convention. Suzanne shares how she structured Peckish around “vessels” like On Toast, In Jars, Napkins Only, and more, making it easier (and more fun) to plan a night of grazing or to turn an afternoon snack into a small ritual of care. In today's show we talk about: What mindful snacking actually looks like Why “Girl Dinner” became a cultural moment How to structure meals (or non-meals!) around what you’re really craving The beauty of Peckish as both a guide and an invitation If you’ve ever felt the joy of assembling a little plate that speaks to what you want in that moment, this conversation is for you. Let's celebrate the joy of eating well, one thoughtful snack at a time. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37372715
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Episode 357: The Dinner Party Analogy: Defining Your Cookbook Concept
07/10/2025
Episode 357: The Dinner Party Analogy: Defining Your Cookbook Concept
In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a concept I teach inside the Get Paid to Get Published program about defining Your Cookbook Concept. Using a powerful metaphor —the Dinner Party Analogy—we’ll explore how to define what your book is really about, who it’s for, what’s on the “menu,” and why it matters in today’s publishing landscape. Today you’ll learn why you, the author, are the host of your book’s journey, how to identify and describe your ideal reader, and different cookbook concept types—from ingredients to holidays, what makes your book stand out in the market, and what is a competition study. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37226970
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Episode 356: Three Cultures, One Cookbook with Cristina Carolan of Plant-Based Pacific
07/03/2025
Episode 356: Three Cultures, One Cookbook with Cristina Carolan of Plant-Based Pacific
Welcome to another episode of the show. Today, I’m excited to welcome Cristina Carolan. Cristina is a plant-based personal chef and author of Plant-Based Pacific, a cookbook that reflects a vibrant fusion of culinary cultures from Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines. She’s the owner of Chef Veggie, a plant-based personal chef and holistic lifestyle service. A lifelong traveler, Cristina’s experiences living in Japan, visiting her mother’s homeland of the Philippines, and calling three Hawaiian islands home inform every dish and story in her book. In today’s episode, we talk about: The inspiration behind Plant-Based Pacific How Cristina's multicultural upbringing shaped the concept Cristina's cookbook publishing journey Recipes and stories for local meals like Hawaiian Plate Lunch and Filipino Kamayan, all with a plant-based twist Advice for aspiring cookbook authors Whether you’re a plant-based cook, a cultural food enthusiast, or dreaming of writing a cookbook, Cristina’s story offers warmth, insight, and plenty of practical wisdom for your journey in the kitchen and at your keyboard. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37163760
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Episode 355: Trends in Cookbooks for Spring 2025
06/26/2025
Episode 355: Trends in Cookbooks for Spring 2025
Welcome to another episode of the podcast! Several times a year, outlets like Eater, Food Network, Epicurious, Publishers Weekly, and others publish their roundup features: What’s hot in cookbooks this season? They’re the pulse checks of the cookbook world and offer a lens into what's resonating now. Today on the show, we’ll dive into trends in cookbooks published this spring, each tied to what cookbook buyers are craving and what publishers are publishing in Spring 2025. Things We Mention in This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/37089345
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Episode 354: Cookbook Writing in the Rhythm of Summer
06/19/2025
Episode 354: Cookbook Writing in the Rhythm of Summer
Over the years, I’ve coached hundreds of cookbook writers. And as a cookbook writer myself, I’ve noticed something: the way we write shifts with the seasons. So does the energy you all bring to your projects. Without a doubt, January and September are your power months. Something about the clean slate of the new year—or the back-to-school feeling of fall—makes it easy to say yes. The urgency feels good for a while. But urgency doesn’t last. Pressure wears you out. And cookbook writing—at its best—is built on bringing the full you to the page, year-round. So today I want to offer another way. A way of writing that moves with the rhythm of summer. With more daylight. With more warmth. With more time to reflect, to gather, to savor, and to create. Summer isn’t about pushing. It’s about presence. And that’s exactly what Cookbook Camp is built for. So, whether you’re poolside with a notebook or cooking with the windows open, let’s explore how this season can support your most nourishing work yet. Things We Mention In This Episode: Registration for , a guided summer experience to help you shape your concept, choose your publishing path, and start building the habits that lead to a finished book.
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Episode 353: 7 Pro Tips to Go From Recipe Collector to Cookbook Writer
06/12/2025
Episode 353: 7 Pro Tips to Go From Recipe Collector to Cookbook Writer
Welcome to another episode of the show. If you have gathered recipes for years, hosted holiday parties and meals, preserved family traditions, or become the go-to source for meals in your family, then you may want to turn your recipes into something more: a cookbook. In this episode, I’m sharing 7 tips to help you move from recipe keeper to cookbook writer, everything from why calling yourself a writer matters to how your kitchen and keyboard habits create momentum for your project. If you’re sitting on a goldmine of recipes, this episode will give you some food for thought to help you start your cookbook. Things We Mention In This Episode: Registration opens Monday, June 16, 2025, for , a laid-back summertime experience to help you shape your concept, choose your publishing path, and start building the habits that lead to a finished book.
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Episode 352: Take Gluten-free Baking from Flavorless to Fabulous with Kasey Lobb, RDN
06/05/2025
Episode 352: Take Gluten-free Baking from Flavorless to Fabulous with Kasey Lobb, RDN
Welcome to today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast! I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with Kasey Lobb—a self-professed food nerd, registered dietitian nutritionist, and plant-based chef. Kasey is the author of The Gluten-Free Sourdough Cookbook, a flavorful new release that brings together her personal passion and professional expertise. Her new book marks a stirring new chapter for Kasey’s personal and professional journey. Most days, you’ll find her experimenting in the kitchen or tending to “Mother”—her well-loved gluten-free sourdough starter. For over 20 years, Kasey has helped clients transform their health through food, with a focus on food sensitivities and autoimmune conditions. With this cookbook, she’s on a mission to help home bakers ditch dry, dense gluten-free breads and bake with confidence using accessible, nourishing ingredients the whole family will love. Kasey and her book designer Rae are both students inside my cookbook coaching programs—Cookbooks on KDP and Get Paid to Get Published—and it’s been a joy to watch this cookbook come to life. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 351: The Meathead Method: Elevate Your Grilling and Smoking with BBQ Hall of Famer Meathead
05/29/2025
Episode 351: The Meathead Method: Elevate Your Grilling and Smoking with BBQ Hall of Famer Meathead
Today, I’m thrilled to share a conversation with none other than Meathead—one of only 40 living inductees in the Barbecue Hall of Fame and the founder of , the world’s largest barbecue and grilling website. Meathead is the author of the best-selling Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling, and he’s back with a brand-new book: The Meathead Method. In this episode, we dig into what makes this book different—and how his method will change the way you cook outdoors. We also bust some big-time barbecue myths, including: Why beer can chicken doesn’t do what you think it does The truth about basting with butter Whether wet brining really helps your Thanksgiving turkey And why soaking wood chips might be a waste of time Meathead also shares: How to cook chicken that’s juicy and flavorful every single time Tips for taking stir-frying and deep-frying outdoors His secret weapon for perfect steaks: the Sous Vide Que method Essential gear for grilling and barbecue competitions—including digital thermometers And a surprising favorite cookbook that celebrates... vegetables! It’s a sizzling, myth-busting episode full of practical tips, surprising insights, and a whole lot of flavor. So buckle in for this longer-than-normal episode as we take a stroll to cook outdoors with the most important discovery of all time: fire. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 350: Inside Magnolia Bakery: Bobbie Lloyd Talks Icebox Desserts and Iconic Recipes
05/22/2025
Episode 350: Inside Magnolia Bakery: Bobbie Lloyd Talks Icebox Desserts and Iconic Recipes
Welcome to today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast! I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with a true baking powerhouse: Bobbie Lloyd, CEO and Chief Baking Officer of the iconic Magnolia Bakery @bakewithbobbie. You might know Magnolia for its world-famous banana pudding and charming New York City roots, but under Bobbie’s leadership, it’s grown into a global dessert destination with over forty locations worldwide. And just in time for the unofficial start of summer, Bobbie joins me to chat about her brand-new book: The Magnolia Bakery Handbook Volume 2: Icebox Desserts. In this episode, she gives us the inside scoop on what makes icebox desserts so beloved—think no-bake layers, cool textures, and nostalgic flavors—and shares tips for mastering them at home. We talk roasted strawberries, Frozen Key Lime Pie, and, of course, the dessert that started it all: Magnolia’s famous banana pudding. With an entire chapter devoted to 13 irresistible variations, this book is a celebration of cool, creamy, crowd-pleasing treats. Whether you're a longtime Magnolia fan or a home baker looking for summer dessert inspiration, you’ll love what Bobbie has to share. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 349: Easy Everyday Meals, Recipe Strategy, and Writing Cookbooks with Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats
05/15/2025
Episode 349: Easy Everyday Meals, Recipe Strategy, and Writing Cookbooks with Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats
Welcome to today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast! I’m delighted to be joined by Jessica Merchant, the force behind the wildly popular blog How Sweet Eats and the bestselling author of Everyday Dinners, The Pretty Dish, and Seriously Delish. Jessica is a full-time recipe developer and writer known for her down-to-earth approach, vibrant flavor combinations, and deep passion for all things food. In this episode, we dive into her newest book, Easy Everyday, and explore her tried-and-true strategies for making dinner doable, without sacrificing flavor. From her game-changing "Big 3" dinner shortcuts to her 10-Minute Meal Prep Strategy and go-to list of kitchen gear, Jessica shares how to bring ease and joy back to mealtime. She also opens up about her journey as a self-taught cook and offers valuable advice for aspiring cookbook authors looking to turn their passion into a published book. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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