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 345: Scaling Baking Recipes and Baking for Two with Steph Pixley of America’s Test Kitchen
04/17/2025
Episode 345: Scaling Baking Recipes and Baking for Two with Steph Pixley of America’s Test Kitchen
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today on the podcast I’m excited to have an interview with Steph Pixley. Steph is the deputy food editor for America’s Test Kitchen’s books team and culinary producer of the Cook's Country TV show. She attended the New England Culinary Institute and is most at peace when she's in the middle of a good baking project. For our episode today we talk all about ATK’s new book: Baking for Two. ATK takes the guesswork out of baking on a smaller scale by reengineering all your favorite baked goods. Steph explains the testing that went into baking small-scale recipes, how to turn your freezer into a treat factory, and the wide variety of sweet and savory baked goods that this new book allows home bakers to bake for two. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 344: Modern Mountain Cookbook: A Plant-Based Celebration of Appalachia with Jan Brandenburg
04/10/2025
Episode 344: Modern Mountain Cookbook: A Plant-Based Celebration of Appalachia with Jan Brandenburg
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today on the podcast I’m excited to have an interview with Jan Brandenburg. Jan is a cook, digital content creator, and pharmacist from eastern Kentucky. As a vegan and wanting to enjoy the flavors of her childhood, Jan spent years developing plant-based alternatives to traditional Appalachian dishes. Today on the show we talk about her journey from cookbook idea to publication including her favorite vegan Appalachian recipes, her tips for plant-based cooking, and her advice for anyone who wants to write a cookbook and get it published. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 343: You Got This! Feeding People, Writing Cookbooks, and Staying Real with Diane Morrisey
04/03/2025
Episode 343: You Got This! Feeding People, Writing Cookbooks, and Staying Real with Diane Morrisey
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today on the podcast I’m excited to have an interview with Diane Morrisey. Diane Morrisey is the founder of @DianeMorrisey on Instagram. She is known for her acute sense of encouragement and humor and her easy and innovative recipes that come with a big side of “you got this” encouragement. A former caterer, Diane was also an executive at Whole Foods where she oversaw the prepared foods business and overall operations for stores in New York and Connecticut. In other words, she knows what people want to eat—and what they can cook in the short window most of us have to get dinner on the table. She lives in Connecticut, with her husband and whichever of her six children happens to be home for dinner. You Got This! is her first cookbook. Today on the show we talk about the emotional side of feeding people and being fed, Diane’s journey to writing a cookbook, and Diane’s tips for choosing what to cook for supper based on the mood the cook is in. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 342: Leaning into Farm Life with Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide
03/27/2025
Episode 342: Leaning into Farm Life with Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today on the podcast I’m excited to have an interview with Kaleb Wyse. Kaleb is the creator of Wyse Guide and the author of the new cookbook There’s Always Room at the Table. When Kaleb Wyse started documenting his daily life on his farm in Iowa, he didn’t think many people would take notice or even care. After all, his way of life is simple, guided by the seasons—he spends his days gardening, preserving, baking, and cooking, a rhythm not all that different from that of his parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents who worked the land before him. But it turns out that people from all over the country connected with Kaleb’s simple, back-to-basics way of living, and fell in love with his hearty, homestyle cooking. From casseroles to biscuits, his recipes hit the sweet spot of nostalgia for some—and are a breath of fresh air for others. Today on the show we’re here to visit with Kaleb, learn all about his journey first on social media, leaning in to his life in south-east Iowa on his family’s farm, and then his journey to writing and publishing his first cookbook. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 341: How to Be the Cookbook Author You Want to Be
03/20/2025
Episode 341: How to Be the Cookbook Author You Want to Be
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. As I work on my next cookbook proposal, one thing that keeps coming up is that I am embarking on the long-game of cookbook publishing. From idea to a finished book, traditional publishing takes at least 18 - 24 months. That means the cookbook won't be "in my hands" for quite a while. How do you sustain the journey to a traditionally published book? That’s what we’re going to talk about today. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 340: Writing a Cookbook They’re Hungry For
03/13/2025
Episode 340: Writing a Cookbook They’re Hungry For
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. March is birthday month here at our house and gift giving is on my mind. I love to give gifts to celebrate birthdays, especially gifts that my people want and are excited to receive. This makes me think about classes we teach and books we write and how to give people what they’re hungry for instead of overthinking and creating something that they won’t want or need. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 339: 20 Things to Love about Cookbook Writing
03/06/2025
Episode 339: 20 Things to Love about Cookbook Writing
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today I gave myself the gift of time to sit and think about what I love about cookbooks and cookbook writing. All of this has bubbled up as I think about writing a proposal for a 5th traditionally published cookbook. So if you’re curious what drives this passion, listen in. And if you share this passion, which I’m sure many of you do, I invite you to join me inside Get Paid to Get Published and our LIVE 90-Day Get Paid to Get Published Accelerator. You can learn more about Get Paid to Get Published and how you can get paid to write a cookbook using the link below. Things We Mention In This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/35510955
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Episode 338: Making Money From Your Cookbook
02/27/2025
Episode 338: Making Money From Your Cookbook
Hello and welcome to another episode of the podcast. I taught my Get Paid to Write a Cookbook workshop yesterday and we had a great time. Today I want to share three key takeaways from the workshop that will help you think about how your cookbook can earn money for your business. So if you’ve ever wondered how to turn your recipes into real revenue, this episode is for you. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 337: How to Be the Cookbook Author Publishers Want
02/20/2025
Episode 337: How to Be the Cookbook Author Publishers Want
Hello and welcome to the other episode of the podcast. If you want to be the kind of cookbook author that publishers are excited to work with, it’s not just about having great recipes and a great book idea—it’s about who you are as a writer, creator, and business partner. Today I share 7 ways to make yourself irresistible to a traditional publisher. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 336 Ask Me Anything: Common Recipe Writing Questions
02/13/2025
Episode 336 Ask Me Anything: Common Recipe Writing Questions
Hello and welcome to the other episode of the podcast. Today on the podcast I share some answers to two commonly asked questions about recipe writing related to recipe inspiration, recipe permission, recipe creation, and writing recipes that are unique to you. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 335: What Changes When You Publish a Cookbook?
02/06/2025
Episode 335: What Changes When You Publish a Cookbook?
Hello and welcome to the other episode of the podcast. Right now, your cookbook might just feel like just an idea. A collection of notes, stories, and recipes that live in your head or scattered notebooks or digital files. But the moment you publish the book, everything changes. Instead of flipping through stacks of papers or trying to remember that one ingredient, you have a finished book. Your recipes and stories are in one place, beautifully organized, and ready to be used. And that’s exactly what I want to talk to you about today. What changes when you publish a cookbook? Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 334: Eat Better, Sleep Better with Marie-Pierre St-Onge
01/30/2025
Episode 334: Eat Better, Sleep Better with Marie-Pierre St-Onge
Welcome to another episode of Cookbook Love Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Marie-Pierre St-Onge, founding director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research at Columbia University. Marie-Pierre is a nutritionist and a pioneer in the field of sleep health. Her groundbreaking research combines sleep and nutrition to provide comprehensive strategies for improving overall health. We discuss: The art and science of food and sleep Strategies for a good night’s sleep The role of sleep in balancing hormones Insights from her new book, Eat Better, Sleep Better, featuring 75 recipes to help you sleep well at night and wake up energized during the day Guest Bio Marie-Pierre St-Onge is a leading expert in sleep and nutrition, with a passion for advancing health through her research. As the director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research, she has contributed to a deeper understanding of how sleep and diet are interconnected. Her new book, Eat Better, Sleep Better, empowers readers with actionable advice and delicious recipes to enhance sleep quality. Things We Mention In This Episode:
/episode/index/show/cookbooklove/id/35030665
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Episode 333: Ins and Outs for 2025
01/23/2025
Episode 333: Ins and Outs for 2025
Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today I have a fun episode called the Ins and Outs for 2025. This episode was inspired by other Ins and Outs lists I’ve heard over the past few weeks. First, what is an Ins and Outs list? The Ins are things I did in 2024 that I want to do again, new stuff I want to try. The outs are things I don’t want to bring forward to the new year that doesn’t serve me anymore or don’t help me get the next version of Maggie that I want to be. I am hosting a LIVE workshop on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 12:00 NOON EST called Recipe Prep For Cookbook Success. In the workshop, I will help you get started with your cookbook project by selecting your recipes and organizing your vision for the book. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 332: Being a Cookbook Writer: Why Failure Hurts
01/16/2025
Episode 332: Being a Cookbook Writer: Why Failure Hurts
As many of you know I self-published my in November 2024. This was my fifth published cookbook and my first self-publishing venture. It's easy for me to sit here and talk all about the book. And how the book is the fruit of the work I do every year as a Christmas cookie baker, And how I managed my time and myself to write and publish it. That's all true. But it's not the full story...and that’s the topic for today’s podcast. Here's the full quote about being in the arena from Theodore Roosevelt "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 331: Being a Cookbook Writer: My Least Productive Year
01/09/2025
Episode 331: Being a Cookbook Writer: My Least Productive Year
In today’s episode, I am excited to talk to you about my least productive year. I want to tell you about how this least productive year started, how I realized that it wasn’t working, and what I did to tweak the “plan” so that I got the results I wanted. Also if you are interested in publishing your book of recipes and stories on Amazon in 2025 there is a link below to join the waitlist. And if you’re interested in learning more about writing, publishing, habits, and writing routines I invite you to join my email list by using the link below. Let’s make it a great year filled with habits, routines, appointments, conversations, experiences, and the joy of moving forward with the life we want to live. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 330: Big Family Cooking with Heather Bell aka Mama Bell
01/02/2025
Episode 330: Big Family Cooking with Heather Bell aka Mama Bell
Happy New Year and cheers to 2025! In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Heather Bell, lovingly known as Mama Bell. Heather is a mother of eight and a viral cooking and lifestyle influencer. With joy and love, she shares her big family way of life through stories, recipes, and the journeys of her eight children—seven of whom are adopted. For over 28 years, Heather has been a farmer’s wife, partnering with her hardworking husband on their Michigan farm, where they raise 4,000 laying hens, providing eggs to local grocery stores and restaurants. Heather’s new book, Mama Bell’s Big Family Cooking: 100+ Big-Batch Homestyle Recipes Your Family is Gonna Love, celebrates the art of big-batch, homestyle cooking with heartwarming stories of her family and their love of the kitchen. Key Highlights Heather’s Big Family Way of Life: How Heather and her husband balance farm life and raising a large family. Stories and lessons from parenting eight children, including seven adoptions. Behind the Book - Mama Bell’s Big Family Cooking: Highlights from the 10-chapter book, featuring each family member and their favorite kitchen contributions. Tips for keeping large-batch cooking simple, easy, and filling. Homestyle Recipes and Family Connection: Over 100 recipes designed for big families and gatherings. How food fosters connection and love in Heather’s home. Thank you for joining me for today’s conversation with Heather Bell. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for inspiration for family meals, I hope this episode fills your heart and table. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 329: German Heritage Baking with Heidrun Metzler
12/26/2024
Episode 329: German Heritage Baking with Heidrun Metzler
In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome Heidrun Metzler. Born and raised in Germany, Heidrun grew up surrounded by a family of women who loved to bake—learning from her mother, aunt, and grandmother. After moving to the United States as a young woman, Heidrun missed German baked goods and began creating her baking recipes, blending her German roots with ingredients the best ingredients she could find in the US. Her new cookbook, German Heritage Baking, is the culmination of over a decade of work—a labor of love to preserve and share her family’s baking traditions. The book highlights inherited tips, techniques, and ingredient knowledge, alongside the profound joy of creating fresh baked goods at home. Today on the podcast we talk about: Heidrun’s Inspiration for Baking: How her family’s passion for baking shaped her journey. Blending German baking traditions and techniques. Tips for Baking Success: Heidrun’s practical advice for creating consistent and delicious baked goods. Insights into ingredient selection and preparation techniques. Exploring German Baking: An introduction to three types of German baking featured in her book: Mürbeteige (Shortcrust Pastry): The foundation for many traditional German desserts. Cookies: Heidrun’s favorite recipes for timeless German cookies. Sponge-Based Tortes: Elegant and flavorful desserts that showcase German baking artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, I hope this episode inspires you to explore your own heritage through baking. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 328: An Offbeat Guide to Crafting Sourdough Loaves, Flatbreads, Crackers, and More With Jonathon Stevens
12/19/2024
Episode 328: An Offbeat Guide to Crafting Sourdough Loaves, Flatbreads, Crackers, and More With Jonathon Stevens
In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Jonathan Stevens, co-owner of Hungry Ghost Bread in Northampton, Massachusetts, and the author of The Hungry Ghost Bread Book. Jonathan approaches sourdough bread with a unique philosophy: sourdough isn’t a style of bread—it is bread. His method revolves around three essential tenets: more hydration, more fermentation, and more heat in the oven. Today on the show: Jonathan’s Philosophy on Sourdough: Why sourdough is the essence of bread, not just a style. Insights into his three tenets: more hydration, fermentation, and heat. Recipes and Inspiration from The Hungry Ghost Bread Book: Jonathan’s formulas honed over 30 years of working with sourdough for loaves, flatbreads, crackers, and more. How the book and bakery merge ancient bread-making traditions with modern techniques and favorite like cookies and scones. Jonathan’s Publishing Journey: The story behind getting a book deal and bringing his bread-making philosophy and formulas to print. Whether you're a bread-making enthusiast or simply love the smell of fresh sourdough, I hope this episode inspires you to get baking. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 327: Exploring Babka, Baking, and Cookbook Writing with Elana Pearlman
12/12/2024
Episode 327: Exploring Babka, Baking, and Cookbook Writing with Elana Pearlman
In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Elana Pearlman, author of With Love and Babka: 50 Sweet and Savory Recipes for Everyone’s Favorite Braided Bread. Inspired by her grandmother's love of traditional bread, this book explores the versatility of babka, featuring doughs for every preference—from classic and chocolate to gluten-free. Topics of Discussion: From Cakes to Babka: Elana shares her journey from running a wedding cake business to launching a mail-order babka business. The Publishing Path: Insights into Elana’s journey of writing and publishing a cookbook, including her tips for building habits and routines while writing. Mastering Babka: Elana’s expert advice on making babka less intimidating and how she created her unique flavor profiles. Business Meets Cookbook: How Elana merged her baking business with the creative process of writing a cookbook. This episode is a must-listen for bakers, cookbook enthusiasts, and anyone curious about blending a baking business with cookbook creation! Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 326: Belgian Holiday Baking and Cookbook Writing with Pastry Chef Sarah Frison
12/05/2024
Episode 326: Belgian Holiday Baking and Cookbook Writing with Pastry Chef Sarah Frison
In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Sarah Frison, the author of The Festive Belgian Bakery, a delightful book celebrating chocolate, biscuits, cakes, and desserts enjoyed during the holiday season. Sarah shares her insights into Belgian holiday traditions, culinary techniques, and the journey of writing a cookbook. Topics of Discussion: Belgian Holiday Traditions: From St. Nicholas Day in December to Candlemas in February, Sarah walks us through the festive season in Belgium. The Art of Tempering Chocolate: Why tempering is crucial for achieving the perfect shine and snap in chocolates. Resources for Belgian Baking: Tips on sourcing equipment and ingredients for traditional Belgian recipes and candies. Cookbook Writing and Publishing: Sarah’s advice on creating and publishing a successful cookbook. This episode offers a rich exploration of Belgian holiday baking and provides inspiration for anyone dreaming of writing their own cookbook! Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 325: A Tapestry of Southern Food History with Morgan Bolling
11/28/2024
Episode 325: A Tapestry of Southern Food History with Morgan Bolling
In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Morgan Bolling. Morgan is the the Executive Editor of Creative Content for Cook’s Country and a cast member of the Cook’s Country TV show. Morgan spearheaded the book When Southern Women Cook: History, Lore, and 300 Recipes in collaboration with Toni Tipton-Martin. This compelling book celebrates the ways food has sustained and empowered Southern women throughout history. This episode is a thoughtful dive into: The Intersection of Southern Food and History: Inside Southern culinary traditions. Behind the Book: The process of creating When Southern Women Cook and how women writers and cooks were selected to share their stories. Food as a Lens: How food provides insight into shared history and cultural understanding. Empowering Women Through Food: The role of food as a tool for resilience and empowerment in the South. Things We Mention In This Episode
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Episode 324: From Ballet to Brunch: Jessie-Sierra Ross on Effortless Entertaining and Seasonal Feasts
11/21/2024
Episode 324: From Ballet to Brunch: Jessie-Sierra Ross on Effortless Entertaining and Seasonal Feasts
In today’s episode, I welcome Jessie-Sierra Ross. Jessie is a former professional ballerina turned food and lifestyle blogger. She’s the creative mind behind the blog Straight to the Hips, Baby, where she shares her elegant yet approachable style of cooking, cocktails, and home entertaining. We dive into Jessie’s transition from the world of ballet to the arena of home entertaining, discussing: Transition from Ballet to Blogging: Jessie shares her journey from ballet slippers to blogging, detailing how her background in the performing arts shaped her approach to food and entertaining. Building a Brand: Jessie’s advice on developing a distinct brand style, centered on content pillars and being true to your interests. Highlights from Seasons Around the Table: A look at Jessie’s new book, which celebrates seasonal cooking, floral tablescapes, and effortless entertaining. Thanksgiving Tips: Jessie’s top tips for a seasonal Thanksgiving feast, including ideas for tablescaping and decor that will bring warmth and sophistication to the holiday table. Things We Mention In This Episode
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Episode 323: Developing Copycat Recipes with Erica Walker of Favorite Family Recipes
11/14/2024
Episode 323: Developing Copycat Recipes with Erica Walker of Favorite Family Recipes
In today’s episode, I interview Erica Walker, one of the four sisters behind Favorite Family Recipes, a blog that has grown from a family recipe swap into a platform featuring over 1,000 recipes and reaching more than 2 million visitors each month. Erica shares insights from their newest cookbook, Most Requested Copycat Dishes: 101 Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Restaurant Recipes, along with tips on recreating restaurant-quality dishes at home. About Favorite Family Recipes Founded by Erica and her three sisters to share recipes among family Now features over 1,000 recipes with a monthly audience of 2 million+ readers Known for user-friendly recipes and family-favorite dishes Highlights from Most Requested Copycat Dishes Features 101 homemade versions of beloved restaurant recipes Includes insider tips and step-by-step photo instructions for more challenging dishes Perfect for both seasoned chefs and enthusiastic home cooks Discussion Points Popular and Requested Recipes: Erica talks about some of the blog's top recipes and fan favorites Fall Recipe Favorites: A look at Erica’s favorite recipes for the fall season Top Ten Tips for Creating Copycat Recipes: Erica’s best advice for recreating restaurant dishes at home Things We Mention In This Episode
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Episode 322: Revising a Classic: The 35th Anniversary Edition of The Cake Bible with Rose Levy Beranbaum
11/07/2024
Episode 322: Revising a Classic: The 35th Anniversary Edition of The Cake Bible with Rose Levy Beranbaum
In today’s episode, I’m excited to have an interview with Rose Levy Beranbaum. Rose is a legendary baking expert and author whose books have been translated into multiple languages, including Mandarin, Czech, Russian, and Spanish. Known as the "diva of desserts" and "the most meticulous baker who ever lived," Rose has published thirteen award-winning books, including The Cake Bible, Rose’s Heavenly Cakes, and Rose’s Christmas Cookies. Today, we dive into the exciting release of the 35th Anniversary Edition of The Cake Bible, which Rose has fully revised and updated with her husband, Woody Wolston. This edition brings fresh photography, essential new content, and special occasion cakes designed for weddings or to serve large groups. In this episode, we discuss: Revising The Cake Bible The process of updating a classic cookbook after 35 years New additions, including: Foundational cakes for every baker Showstopper cakes for special occasions Formulas to scale recipes based on the number of servings Photography that brings the book to life for modern readers The Author’s Mindset & Longevity Rose’s approach to being a back-listed author and keeping her books relevant How she balances creativity with consistency in her writing and recipes The routines and habits that help her stay focused on writing and testing recipes Advice for Aspiring Writers & Cookbook Authors Rose’s wisdom on the discipline and patience required to become a successful author Her top tips for aspiring cookbook writers The importance of testing in creating foolproof recipes Things We Mention In This Episode
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Episode 321: Being a Cookbook Co-Author: A Couple Cooks with Sonja Overhiser
10/31/2024
Episode 321: Being a Cookbook Co-Author: A Couple Cooks with Sonja Overhiser
In today’s episode, I’m excited to have an interview with Sonja Overhiser, one of the creative minds behind the award-winning blog A Couple Cooks. Along with her husband Alex, Sonja has built a global following for their healthy, plant-based recipes and expertise in cocktails. Their work has been featured in Food & Wine and The Washington Post, and their blog receives millions of visitors each month. We dive into their journey from fast food to cooking from scratch, the growth of their blog, and the behind-the-scenes process of pitching and reconfiguring their book idea to land a publishing deal. Sonja also shares insights on their new book, A Couple Cooks, offering practical tips for aspiring cookbook writers along the way. In this episode, we discuss: The Evolution of A Couple Cooks How Sonja and Alex transitioned from a fast-food lifestyle to a mostly plant-based, from-scratch diet The inspiration behind starting their blog in 2010 Their mission to connect readers all over the world with healthy, approachable recipes Building a Brand and Getting Published The journey of turning a passion for food into an award-winning blog with millions of visitors each month How they pitched the concept of their book to publishers and reworked it to secure a deal Their experience working with major publications like Food & Wine and The Washington Post Behind the Scenes of A Couple Cooks (The Book) Sonja’s and Alex’s message for readers and what they hope to inspire The unique cooking method featured in the book: circle and square icons to help couples or friends cook together seamlessly Their rigorous recipe testing process to ensure high-quality, fail-proof recipes for every home cook Tips for Aspiring Cookbook Writers Sonja’s advice for aspiring authors seeking a book deal The importance of brand-building and developing a clear message before approaching publishers How to navigate the process of writing, pitching, and refining a cookbook concept Things We Mention In This Episode
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Special Announcement: From Kitchen To Keepsake Bootcamp
10/29/2024
Special Announcement: From Kitchen To Keepsake Bootcamp
Welcome to this special announcement edition of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Do you want to turn your recipes, stories, and memories into a beautiful keepsake cookbook? I am hosting a bootcamp from Monday, November 4th - Thursday, November 7th at 11:00 AM EST called From Kitchen to Keepsake Bootcamp. Don’t wait any longer to create the cookbook you’ve always dreamed of. This bootcamp gives you the structure, support, and tools you need to turn your favorite recipes and stories into a keepsake you’ll be proud to share. Let’s make this the year you finally get it done! Here’s What You’ll Learn Over 4 Days: Gather & Organize Recipes: Finally get those scattered recipes in one place, ready to be turned into a keepsake cookbook. Design Your Cookbook with Ease: Use Canva to create a beautiful layout, even if you’re not a designer. Create a Plan to Finish: Break the project into simple, manageable steps so you can complete your cookbook without feeling overwhelmed. Explore Publishing Options: Learn how to self-publish your cookbook with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). What’s Included: 4 Live Sessions: 30 minutes of teaching + 30 minutes of Q&A each day. Templates & Tools: Ideas for cookbook layouts, recipe trackers, and more to keep you organized. Replay Access: Access to watch the recordings if you can’t attend live.
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Episode 320: Writing a Cookbook for The King Arthur Baking Company with Staff Editor Jessica Battilana
10/24/2024
Episode 320: Writing a Cookbook for The King Arthur Baking Company with Staff Editor Jessica Battilana
In today’s episode, I’m excited to bring you an interview with Jessica Battilana. Jessica is the staff editor at King Arthur Baking company and the co-author of The Big Book of Bread. Along with Martin Philip and Melanie Wanders, Jessica helped write and create their newest book that offers a comprehensive collection of over 125 bread recipes for bakers of all levels. During our conversation, Jessica shares insights into the King Arthur Baking Company, the inspiration behind The Big Book of Bread, and what it was like to collaborate on a cookbook for such a renowned brand. We also dive into some of the book’s unique features, including an index organized by time, flour type, and baking timelines for each recipe—plus, we explore the helpful King Arthur Baker’s Hotline, designed to support bakers at every step. In this episode, we discuss: About King Arthur Baking Company The history and mission of King Arthur Baking Company Why they are a trusted name in baking and cookbooks Creating The Big Book of Bread The inspiration behind the book and its focus on bread The collaborative process with co-authors Martin Philip and Melanie Wanders Key Features of the Book User-friendly design for bakers of all skill levels Indexing by time, flour type, and recipe difficulty Detailed timelines to help bakers plan their day around bread-making Baker’s Hotline & Extra Support How the King Arthur Baker’s Hotline supports bakers with expert advice Tips on how to get the most out of the hotline for troubleshooting and guidance Jessica’s Personal Insights Jessica’s favorite recipes from The Big Book of Bread Her personal tips and tricks for perfecting your bread-baking skills Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this incredible bread bible and get inspired to bake your next loaf! Things We Mention In This Episode
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Episode 319: Being Cookbook Co-Authors: That Takes the Cookie with Ryan Alvarez and Adam Merrin
10/17/2024
Episode 319: Being Cookbook Co-Authors: That Takes the Cookie with Ryan Alvarez and Adam Merrin
In today’s episode, I’m excited to interview Ryan Alvarez and Adam Merrin, the duo behind the popular blog Husbands That Cook. Since 2015, Ryan and Adam have been cooking together in their cozy kitchen in Eagle Rock, California, and their blog has earned numerous accolades, including being a finalist for Saveur magazine’s Best How-To Cooking Blog Award and a nominee for Taste Talks’ Best Food Blog Award. Their debut cookbook Husbands That Cook was published in 2019, and now they’re back with their latest release, That Takes The Cookie, which hit shelves on November 12, 2024. This beautifully designed book offers 85 brand-new cookie recipes for every craving and occasion—from classic favorites to inventive new twists. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, salty, chocolatey, or fruity treats, this book has something for everyone! In this episode, we discuss: The Journey Behind That Takes The Cookie How Husbands That Cook evolved from a blog to a cookbook Inspiration behind their second book, That Takes The Cookie What sets this cookie book apart from others on the market What’s Inside the Book 85 brand-new cookie recipes, covering: Sweet and salty combinations Crispy, chewy, and chocolatey options Fruity and nutty variations Creative spins on timeless classics A chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the book, highlighting their favorite recipes The Creative Process How Ryan and Adam test, write, and photograph each recipe The challenges of ensuring consistency in cookie recipes Their approach to making the book both visually appealing and easy to use Tips for Cookie Bakers Baking tips for fall-inspired cookies, perfect for the current season Ideas for customizing and experimenting with your cookie creations Their clever method for making endless vanilla extract at home Things We Mention In This Episode
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Episode 318: Being a Cookbook Author: African Food as Everyday Food with Kiano Moju
10/10/2024
Episode 318: Being a Cookbook Author: African Food as Everyday Food with Kiano Moju
Welcome to another episode of the podcast! Today, I’m joined by Kiano Moju. Kiano is a Kenyan-Nigerian American recipe developer, producer, director, video host, and the author of her new book, Afri Cali: Recipes from My Jikoni. Kiano’s culinary identity is a unique fusion of her Kenyan and Nigerian heritage, her upbringing in California’s diverse food culture, and her experiences traveling abroad. You may recognize Kiano from her time as a creative video producer at BuzzFeed’s Tasty, where her recipe videos garnered over 100 million views. Since departing from BuzzFeed in 2019, Kiano has launched her own media company and founded The Jikoni Recipe Archive, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and celebrating the diverse cuisine of Africa and its diaspora. In this episode, Kiano and I discuss: African food as everyday food: How to incorporate African cuisine into your regular cooking routine, making it both accessible and enjoyable. 3rd Culture Cooking: Kiano shares her perspective on blending cultural influences from different backgrounds into a unique culinary identity. Accessible global flavors: We talk about making African recipes approachable for home cooks, even when certain ingredients may be hard to find. Capturing family recipes: Kiano explains her process for turning oral, unwritten family recipes into structured, easy-to-follow recipes for her cookbook, preserving these treasured dishes for future generations. If you’re interested in learning how to incorporate African flavors into your everyday cooking, or you want to hear more about Kiano’s journey from BuzzFeed to running her own media company, this episode is for you. Join us for a conversation about culture, food, and the art of preserving culinary heritage. Things We Mention In This Episode
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Episode 317: Being a Cookbook Author: All About Cal-Mex Cooking with Caitlin Prettyman
10/03/2024
Episode 317: Being a Cookbook Author: All About Cal-Mex Cooking with Caitlin Prettyman
Hello, and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today, I have an interview with Caitlin Prettyman. Caitlin is the creator and photographer behind the popular food blog "Kalefornia Kravings". Catlin loves sharing fun, vibrant recipes that are full of flavor and made with better-for-ingredients. Being a born & raised San Diegan, she is mostly known for her easy-to-follow recipes utilizing fresh local ingredients found on the California Coast. In our conversation today we talked about Caitlin’s new cookbook, Fast & Fresh Cal-Mex Cooking that provides a fresh California spin on Tex-Mex cuisine using an array of nourishing vegetables, fresh herbs, citrus juice, zesty salsas, sauces and healthy proteins. We also discuss Caitlin’s publishing journey, her tips for writing a cookbook, and her advice for first time cookbook writers. Things We Mention In This Episode
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