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 390: From Guesswork to Clarity: The Path to a Traditional Cookbook Deal
02/26/2026
Episode 390: From Guesswork to Clarity: The Path to a Traditional Cookbook Deal
Many aspiring cookbook authors believe they need to finish writing their book before pitching it to publishers. It sounds logical — but it often leads to years of uncertainty, backtracking, and stalled momentum. In this episode, Maggie explains why traditional cookbook publishing is a process, not a guessing game, and how clarity — not a finished manuscript — is what leads to a book deal and an advance. You’ll learn: • why publishers buy concepts, positioning, and authors — not finished manuscripts • how lack of clarity creates hesitation for agents and editors • the hidden trap of writing first and pitching later • what it means to become a deal-ready cookbook author • the three essentials needed to pursue a traditional cookbook deal If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll finish the book and figure out publishing later,” this episode will help you see a clearer path forward. 👉 Register for the free masterclass: and learn the step-by-step path to position your cookbook for a traditional deal and get paid before you write.
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Episode 389: From Yacht Chef to Global Kitchen — Abby Cheshire’s Passport to Flavor
02/19/2026
Episode 389: From Yacht Chef to Global Kitchen — Abby Cheshire’s Passport to Flavor
Today I’m excited to have an interview with Abby Cheshire. Abby is a private chef, culinary educator, and content creator best known for her social media presence as @abbyinthegalley. With experience cooking on luxury yachts and for private clients, Abby shares what it’s really like to work as a chef from high-pressure yacht kitchens to immersive dinner events while teaching accessible global recipes and telling stories through food. Before we get started, I want to share a quick invitation. If you are a food, nutrition, or culinary expert — a chef, dietitian, food blogger, culinary educator, caterer, or passionate home cook with a message to share — and you want to understand what traditional publishers are looking for in 2026, I’d love to invite you to my upcoming masterclass: Get Paid to Write a Cookbook. In this class, you’ll learn how to craft a viable cookbook concept that attracts agents and publishers, understand what publishers are looking for right now, and build three deal-ready essentials so you feel confident and prepared to pitch. If you’re ready to stop guessing and gain a clear path to traditional publishing, you can register at . The link is also below in the show notes, and I would love to see you there. In my conversation with Abby, we talked about her experience cooking on luxury yachts, what it’s like working as a private chef in high-pressure environments, and how she built a loyal audience by sharing the real behind-the-scenes life of a chef. We also discuss her new book, Passport to Flavor: 100 Global Dishes You Can Make Anywhere, and how she helps beginning cooks and adventurous eaters gain confidence cooking cuisines from around the world — right in their own kitchens. So without further delay, let’s dive into this conversation with Abby Cheshire. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 388: Being a Cookbook Writer: Italy in a Glass with Susan Gravely
02/12/2026
Episode 388: Being a Cookbook Writer: Italy in a Glass with Susan Gravely
Hello, and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Before we dive into our interview today, I want to let you know I have a very special masterclass coming up called How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook. In this clas,s I will help you: Discover what traditional publishers want in 2026 Position yourself for a publishing deal without years of trial & error Craft a viable cookbook concept that attracts agents & publishers Build three deal-ready essentials to help you feel prepared To register, head over to Today on the podcast, I’m excited to have an interview with Susan Gravely. is the Founder and CEO Emerita of , a lifestyle brand offering handcrafted Italian tabletop and home-and-garden accessories. She started VIETRI alongside her sister and mother after they took a magical trip to Italy in 1983. They fell in love with the hand-painted dinnerware we found on the Amalfi Coast and decided to start a wholesale business. Since that trip forty years ago, VIETRI has become the largest American importer of Italian ceramics. Susan is the author of 2 books Italy on a Plate, which we discussed in Episode 234, and today her newest book Italy in a Glass, where Susan explores the Italian ritual of aperitivo, where cocktails, mocktails, and small bites set the stage for festive gatherings. Inspired by her own experiences in Italy, Gravely shares the art of entertaining Italian-style, blending personal stories with time-tested recipes and tips from her Italian friends. Today on the show we talk about: Building VIETRI: From a Family Discovery to a Global Brand Italy, Craftsmanship, and Living Beautifully Cookbook Writing & Storytelling Through Food Leadership, Legacy, and Susan’s Next Chapter as CEO Emerita Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 387: From Restaurant Legacy to Published Cookbook: Nina Greipel and Gasthaus Cookbook
02/05/2026
Episode 387: From Restaurant Legacy to Published Cookbook: Nina Greipel and Gasthaus Cookbook
In today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, Maggie sits down with former student and now published cookbook author Nina Greipel, creator of Gasthaus: Cookbook & Memories. Before we dive in, I want to invite you to register for my upcoming masterclass — Get Paid to Write a Cookbook. If you’re a food, nutrition, or culinary expert who dreams of writing a cookbook and attracting a traditional publishing deal, this masterclass will walk you through what publishers are looking for in 2026, how to craft a cookbook concept that stands out, and how advances really work. You can register for the class using the link in the show notes. For over 30 years, Nina’s family ran The Gasthaus restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky — a beloved hidden gem known for authentic German flavors and warm hospitality. In this episode, Nina shares how she preserved her family’s restaurant legacy in a beautifully photographed, full-color cookbook. You’ll hear about: The story behind The Gasthaus restaurant and its impact on the community How Nina decided to turn her family’s recipes into a cookbook The process of testing, developing, and photographing over 80 recipes What it was like working through the cookbook publishing journey step-by-step How being part of a supportive group helped her finish and publish her book Tips and lessons Nina learned along the way If you love cookbooks with heart, history, and meaningful stories — or if you dream of publishing your own — this episode will inspire you. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 386: From Diagnosis to Cookbook: Emily Maxon’s Journey to Real Food, Every Day
01/29/2026
Episode 386: From Diagnosis to Cookbook: Emily Maxon’s Journey to Real Food, Every Day
In today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, Maggie sits down with chef and cookbook author Emily Maxon, whose newest book Real Food, Every Day was born out of a life-changing health journey. Emily is a trained chef and lifelong food lover who, at age 28, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. That diagnosis led her to the Specific Carbohydrate Diet — a rigorous way of eating designed to support gut health and healing. Drawing on her years of experience as a chef and caterer, Emily made it her mission to create recipes that not only met the diet’s strict guidelines but also tasted wonderful and helped people feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. How Emily’s personal health challenges became the catalyst for creating her cookbook Real Food, Every Day • What it was like navigating the journey from cookbook idea to published book • Lessons Emily learned along the way about writing and publishing a cookbook rooted in real-life experience • Practical tips for aspiring cookbook authors on turning personal stories into strong cookbook concepts • How to stay motivated through the long (and rewarding) process of writing and publishing a cookbook If you’ve ever wondered how a personal challenge can become the foundation for a meaningful cookbook, or how chefs and food experts can turn their expertise into a published book, this episode is full of inspiration and insight. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 385: Being a Cookbook Writer: Uplifting Indigenous Culture & Traditions with Pyet DeSpain
01/22/2026
Episode 385: Being a Cookbook Writer: Uplifting Indigenous Culture & Traditions with Pyet DeSpain
Today on the Cookbook Love Podcast, I am honored to welcome Pyet Despain, a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe, award-winning global private chef, and the first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s groundbreaking competition series Next Level Chef. Pyets’s life and work are rooted in Indigenous fusion cuisine, where she weaves together the food traditions of her Native American and Mexican heritage. Through her cooking, storytelling, and travel, Pyet is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous culture and honoring the traditions passed down through generations. Originally from the Osage Indian Reservation in Kansas City, Kansas, Pyet now resides in Los Angeles, California, where she continues to share her culinary voice with the world. Her beautiful new book, Rooted in Fire, reflects her journey, her heritage, and her deep respect for food as a cultural and spiritual expression. In today’s conversation Pyet shares: The story behind Rooted in Fire, who the book is for, and what inspired her to bring this project to life. Her journey from idea to finished book, the message she hopes cooks and bakers will take away, and how her work connects food, identity, and tradition. The book's structure, including its table of contents, key themes in the chapters, and several recipes you can try at home, allows you to experience the flavors and stories of Indigenous cuisine in your own kitchen. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 384: Being a Cookbook Writer: Abstaining with the Saints with Michael Foley
01/15/2026
Episode 384: Being a Cookbook Writer: Abstaining with the Saints with Michael Foley
In today’s episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Michael P. Foley, Catholic theologian, professor, and author of Abstaining with the Saints. Michael is best known for his beloved Drinking with the Saints series, and in this new book, he turns his attention to alcohol-free celebrations that are just as meaningful, festive, and rooted in the liturgical year. Abstaining with the Saints offers nearly 200 thoughtfully crafted mocktail recipes, along with alcohol-free beer, wine, and spirit suggestions that align with Catholic feast days and seasons. Each recipe is paired with stories and facts about the saints, creating a joyful way to honor the Church calendar without alcohol. In our conversation, we explore: Why Michael felt called to create a non-alcoholic companion to Drinking with the Saints How mocktails can support sober, “soberish,” and alcohol-free lifestyles The role of saints and celebration in Catholic life How food and drink can deepen our connection to family, faith, tradition, and community Who this book is for, and how it can serve families, parishes, and individuals alike Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 383: Being a Cookbook Writer: Ins and Outs for 2026
01/08/2026
Episode 383: Being a Cookbook Writer: Ins and Outs for 2026
Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today, I have a fun episode called the Ins and Outs for 2026. This episode was inspired by the Ins and Outs list I did last year and focuses on things I did in 2025 that I want to do again, and new stuff I want to try. The outs are things I don’t want to bring forward into the new year that no longer serve me, or don’t help me live the life I want to live, or that use my precious time and life thinking, feeling, or doing. Things We Mention In This Episode:
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Episode 382: Eating to Thrive During Menopause with Jenn Huber, RD, ND
01/01/2026
Episode 382: Eating to Thrive During Menopause with Jenn Huber, RD, ND
Hello and Happy New Year to everyone! Welcome to 2026 and to a new year of podcast episodes. Today, we kick off the new year with a brand new episode with registered dietitian, naturopath doctor, and intuitive eating counselor Jenn Huber. Jenn is the author of Eating to Thrive During Menopause, and on today’s show, we talk all about: How not being able to use HRT prompted Jenn to learn about nutrition and menopause Jenn’s experience writing a nutrition cookbook that isn’t a diet book The “5 Key Ingredients” framework and how it shaped the recipes Starting 2026 with a non-diet resolution Things We Mention in This Episode:
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Episode 381: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All
12/25/2025
Episode 381: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All
Hello and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings to all! Today I share a message of peace and our shared love of cookbooks. For this special holiday episode, I share some holiday cookbook recommendations, a wintertime story, and the music of Daniel Kantor and the St. Olaf Choir. Things We Mention in This Episode:
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Episode 380: Sustainable Living and Savoring the Seasons with Gesine Bullock-Prado
12/18/2025
Episode 380: Sustainable Living and Savoring the Seasons with Gesine Bullock-Prado
Today, I’m delighted to welcome Gesine Bullock-Prado to the podcast. Gesine is a pastry chef, cookbook author, and television personality whose work is rooted in an approachable, farm-to-table way of cooking and living. She is the owner of Sugar Glider Kitchen and the author of the beautiful new cookbook, My Harvest Kitchen. In this conversation, we talk about Gesine’s embrace of homesteading, her philosophy of what she calls The Gentle Harvest, and the rhythms of cooking in step with the seasons. We move through My Harvest Kitchen chapter by chapter, exploring the ideas, recipes, and sensibility behind the book to capture the flavor, intention, and feeling of Gesine’s harvest kitchen. In this episode, we discuss: Gesine Bullock-Prado’s work as a pastry chef, cookbook author, and homesteader The philosophy behind The Gentle Harvest How homesteading influences everyday kitchen decisions A chapter-by-chapter look at My Harvest Kitchen Savoring the seasons through thoughtful, approachable cooking Things We Mention in This Episode:
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Episode 379: Cookbook Design, Art Direction & Homemade Pie with Laura Klynstra
12/11/2025
Episode 379: Cookbook Design, Art Direction & Homemade Pie with Laura Klynstra
Today, I am excited to have an interview with Laura Klynstra. Laura Klynstra is a senior art director for Revell Books and a freelance graphic designer and photographer. Previously, she worked as an art director at Hyperion Books and at HarperCollins Publishers in New York City. She is the author of The Homemade Pie Cookbook: 100 Pie, Tart, and Galette Recipes for Every Season. On the show today, we: Dive into cookbook art direction for traditional publishing and self-published books Laura’s journey from idea to published cookbook Three parts to every pie and tops for pie baking Discussion of pies perfect for winter- and Christmas/Holiday-time. Things We Mention in This Episode:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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
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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:
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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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