A Huge Announcement (I Never Thought I’d Make)
UPDATE: Pre-orders are finally live!! Order your cookbook here. 🎉
You guys, I swore I would never, ever publish a cookbook. But it’s happening.
EEEK! It’s happening!
And I am so, so excited to tell you more about it.
The Quick Back Story
As you know, I’ve been food blogging for over 15 years. Many, many, many of my fellow food bloggers published cookbooks by the droves years (even decades) ago. Many are still publishing them.
Even though having my own cookbook has been a filed away bucket list item, I always said I would never write or publish a cookbook. Because a) lack of time and b) lack of time.
Over the years, I’ve declined offers from small publishers and fielded hundreds of questions from readers asking if I’ll ever do a cookbook. It never felt like the right time – especially with the sheer amount of work that goes into writing and publishing a cookbook.
Fast forward to earlier this year.
Brian’s position at work was eliminated and we found ourselves facing an unemployment situation we didn’t see coming. Around this time, we also had several other pretty overwhelming issues on our plate.
I was surprised in the midst of all this chaos to get a feeling that I should write a cookbook (this feeling came after talking to a dear blogging friend, Si from A Bountiful Kitchen). As I sat on that thought for a while, I realized that maybe for the first time in 15 years, despite the current stress I was feeling, it really WAS the right time.
Brian has always worked a traditional corporate job with long hours at the office, but with him unexpectedly being home more, we decided to capitalize on the extra help and time he had available to assist with kid/family life so I could take the plunge on the cookbook front, which would a) fulfill a dream of mine and b) have the cookbook sales hopefully help a bit with the loss of income (giving Brian some breathing room to figure out his next steps career-wise).
And here we are!! Seven months later, the cookbook is *almost* ready to go to print, and it is hard to believe it has actually become a reality.
It has been so much more work than I anticipated. Like, if I had known how much writing and editing and recipe testing and dirty dishes (!!) would be involved, I would have shoved that little random cookbook thought to the side and gone on my merry, stressy way.

But…it is going to be incredible. And so worth it! I know I’m biased, but it is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever beheld. Cover-to-cover, every detail is intentional and meticulously placed.
Do you want to see a sneak peek of the cover?? I just got the cover samples mailed to me this week! (It’s hard to see it in the photo, but the cover and spine have this amazing debossed effect – it in the photo – it gives the book such a unique look and feel 😍)

I promise to give a lot more details in the next few weeks and months about what the process has been like and information on what’s to come! If you are on Instagram, I’ll be sharing a lot of info in the stories there.
I also pre-emptively answered a few questions below that might help!
Mostly, I want you to know that it’s because of you that this cookbook is happening. If it weren’t for all of your support for so.many.years, I wouldn’t even have this opportunity. And for all of you who have patiently asked and asked and asked when I’ll write a cookbook, this book is *finally* for you!
Thank you for being here and for supporting me. It means more than you know. 💗💗💗
UPDATE: I’ve updated some of the information below as I get new details on the timeline!
Pre-sale will happen in November! Make sure you are subscribed to my email list – I’ll announce all the details there first!
Books will ship April 22!
Over 140 recipes! This book is solid!
Well…it definitely has a few pictures of cute pigs and farm life! 🤣
But it is mostly loaded with tons of tried-and-true recipes. Because the book is meant to be a timeless anthem to my most-loved and most-made recipes, it includes many existing recipes. But there are also brand, new recipes in the book that I cannot wait for you to try (it’s been so hard not telling you about them already – spoiler alert: the most amazing chicken tacos you’ll ever meet and a new brownie recipe that is wow, wow, wow!).
Yes, there is a photo with every single recipe! And many of the photos are brand new, updated, and (I don’t want to toot my own horn here) really quite lovely. Additionally, there are photos of farm life, kitchen life, and maybe even one of me hiding in the pantry eating chocolate chips. 😬
Unless the book tour consists of me wearing sweatpants and a hoodie and greeting everyone in my back pasture with the cows and pigs, likely, no. I’m too much of a homebody for a book tour (also: what if no one came??), BUT, I will have some special advanced, signed copies available. More details to come on that!
I am working out the details for this, but it is proving to be quite tricky to get reasonable rates for international shipping as a small business. If you are interested in international shipping, I’ll set up a way for you to contact me directly for a custom quote!
Thank you so much for your genuine kindness and support! 💗
This is so exciting! Congratulations! I can’t wait to buy one for everyone I know.
I’ll be sure to start spreading the word now. I can’t wait to buy them for all of my family for Christmas. Your recipes are pretty much the only ones I make outside of family favorites. So glad you will start to get increased revenue from your hard work. You deserve it.
Ooh hopefully b you come to my town so I can join you in my fueled by Mel’s kitchen cafe hoody to get my book signed! Thanks for teaching me to cook!
YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!! I’m actually tearing up!!! I’m so proud of you and so grateful that you have taken this plunge!!!! I know the internet is so fun but a real book that we can hold and touch is forever!!! And I’m so so pleased that cinnamon rolls are on the cover. Couldn’t be more perfect!
Woohooo! I can hardly wait!! I am sorry about Brian losing his job, but his loss is our gain! Thank you, Mel!! ❤️
Mel, I rarely, if ever, leave comments. On *any* blog! But I thought it was worthwhile for this post ❤️ Mel, you have easily been the most influential food blogger that I have followed for years and years. Your recipes have become many of our family favorites & your blog is often where I head anytime I want some inspiration for *any* occasion. You have truly been such a blessing to me, my family, and my friends (including with your gift guides that are oh so awesome!) SO excited to support you & all that you have done by purchasing a cookbook for myself as well as multiple others for friends & fam ❤️ Congratulations & truly… thank you, Mel ❤️❤️
“and maybe even one of me hiding in the pantry eating chocolate chips.
This what long-time readers really need to see, just to be honest here. 🙂 How exciting!!!! I can’t wait to put this lovely book on my kitchen shelf! I’ve been a loyal loyal loyal (you’re on a first-name-basis with my family members) reader for sooooo long and it will be amazing to add your book to my collection.
and the cover is gorgeous and you are gorgeous! Congratulations!!!!
Best news ever! I was hoping this was your announcement. Can’t wait for the preorder! Thank you for doing this. I just know it will be worth the wait!
I will absolutely buy your cookbook. I’ve followed you for years, always have confidence in your recipes and have shared you with so so many friends and family. I feel like we could be friends. If you had a book tour I would ABSOLUTELY be there
Brava on birthing a book. I, for one, am thrilled to have an opportunity to support you and your fab work in the kitchen after years of using your blog to support my efforts! I hope it’s a roaring success! And how lovely your children will have a keepsake of family favorites.
I can’t wait to buy it! I love your blog and love the idea of supporting you!
Congratulations! This is such a big accomplishment! I cannot wait to buy it for all of my friends and family!
Mel,
That is wonderful. Congratulations on this accomplishment! I look forward to owning your cookbook. I have a notebook i made with the cover “Mel’s Kitchen Cafe” with so many recipes from you over the years. I will be happy to have the “official” cookbook! Food is such an important part of gathering together with the people you love. We have so enjoyed your recipes. Thank you for all your hard work! Sue Holcomb, Johnston, Iowa
haha, right??? I’m old school and print out recipes and keep in a binder — sooooo many are titled “______” with a note (“Mel’s recipe”) so I know it’s a good one at first glance! 🙂
Congratulations! The cover is so beautiful and I can’t wait to dig into what I know will be some wonderful recipes! Let’s definitely tag Jennifer Garner’s instagram and maybe she’ll cook something again on her Pretend Cooking Show like the Bagel Bread. :).
Super exciting! Congrats!
I am so excited! Congratulations!
You are my favourite blogger of all time. I want to buy copies for our lake home, our main house and all my kids. Please don’t be like Bountiful Kitchen and refuse to sell to Canadians. Just charge us the extra shipping charges.
Congrats!!
Congratulations!! This is wonderful news! I will gladly pre-order – can’t wait to receive what I know will be a beloved and much-used treasure of a cookbook – hooray!
YAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
Mel! I’m so happy I’m literally tearing up! This is such amazing news. You are just fantastic. Way to go! Can’t wait!!!
I’m so excited for you, Mel!! Congrats!! I’m not much of a cookbook owner, but from you? Sign me up!! Can’t wait to get it!!
100% the same!
Oh Mel I’m so excited!! I’ve been following since 2007! I used to print off the recipes and have them all in a binder! LOL! Then came iphones and ipads and I didn’t have to print anymore. But I STILL have my binder of your recipes. I feel like it’s the original Mel cookbook. Also…funny story…it was only fairly recently that my husband realized I didn’t actually know you! Whenever I say I got a recipe from Mel I guess he just assumed it was someone I know. LOL! Anyway. I’m so excited for this book and can’t wait for the presale!!
Congrats Mel! I have been sharing your recipes with family and friends for years. I can’t wait to purchase a cookbook for each of them.
Yay!! I’m so excited!! Congrats!! Im so happy for you!!
Yay!!!
Mel – I will never have the words to describe the influence you’ve had on my life. I found myself with tears in my eyes as I began writing that first sentence, this is how much you mean to me, even if I have never met you. You are the single most important “influencer” in my life, and seeing this announcement triggered me to share it to other people who know about my love for your blog. It is this blog that hs taught me cooking – from my first rented apartment that had no oven, I googled “no-oven recipes” and stumbled upon a collection put together by you. Since then, I believe there were few weeks I haven’t followed one of your recipes. You encouraged me to try so many new things, and whenever my husband tastes something delicious I made he automatically asks “Is it from Mel?”. We always know to come back here whenever we have a craving or just lack inspiration – because everything is delicious. Now – I am from Europe, and I have no idea if the book will be available here, but will do everything in my power to put my hands on it. And if you ever decide to make a book tour (very unlikely in Europe, I know), I am 100% the room is not going to be empty. Let’s say it is not just the recipes that attract people yo your blog, but also your magnetic personality that can be felt through the screen.
I know this is a long comment, but I felt it was time. I wanted to say a warm “congratulations” on your book, and it only seemed suitable to not let it be dry, but backed by some very real feelings behind it!
beautiful comment!!!
I am the same, Mel was my go-to as a newly married, new home, new EVERYTHING young person who had no idea where to start when it came to cooking! 🙂 We are on a first-name basis with mel in our house as well, hahaha!
I have been reading through the comments and it is amazing to see the community Mel has built around her blog. I hope she really is aware of the influence she had on some many lives through her love of cooking! Truly – thank you, Mel!
Wow! Can’t wait to pre-order in November! My family and friends have enjoyed so many meals that the recipes came from your blog. Congratulations
I am THRILLED!! I’d much rather spend money on your cookbook than print out recipes and 3-hole-punch them to go in my binder of favorite Mel’s. I cannot wait and I wish I could buy it today!! Congratulations and thank you for putting in the time, effort, and sacrifice to gift us with the best cookbook for real people.
I’m so excited for you and me both! Haha! I can’t wait to get your best recipes in print form all in one book. I took you at your word that you’d never make a cookbook and was sadly resigned to your firm stance on the matter…I was so excited to get your email this morning announcing otherwise!! Congratulations!
Absolutely delighted for you (and all of us!)
YEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
I haven’t read the whole post yet, but I was too excited to wait to comment to say thank you and I will order one as soon as it’s available!
You’ve worked so hard for this! I can’t wait to buy this recipe book and throw all my other ones away! So proud of you cranking this out in the midst of EVERYTHING else you’ve had going on this year.
Congratulations! I am so excited for you and what a task to accomplish! I can’t wait to have your beautiful cookbook in my kitchen. So many of your recipes are part of our regular menu. Your recipes have been feeding my family for years and that won’t be changing anytime soon!
Congratulations on the cookbook! Can’t wait.
Oh, what amazing news!!! And such an unexpected treat for us to look forward to. It is so beautiful already!
Excellent decision!
Oh my. It’s happening? Over 15 years ago I googled ‘best banana bread’ and somehow found your site and have never looked back. We have since thrown out all other recipe books and cook exclusively from you- visiting your site often multiple times a day when I can’t face sifting through the massive pile of Mel’s print outs. Everyone we know here in Vancouver has been forcibly converted to Mel’s devoted followers and my university and teen aged kids now cook exclusively from you- the recipes they grew up on when their mom found Mel and stopped being a garbage cook. Can. Not. Wait to buy this for myself and my kids so we can have a bonfire with the mountain of print-outs in my kitchen (some printed out multiple times-looking at you French Bread Rolls. . ) Also- if you ever did a book tour in Vancouver -you couldn’t keep our family away. CONGRATS!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I couldn’t be more excited about this! Your recipes have NEVER failed me and I will love having your best ones compiled in one book – I’m definitely an old-fashioned cookbook lover rather than blogs, but your blog is one of the few I visit regularly. I don’t know how I would feed my family without you!
Yay! I can’t wait! Congratulations!
Best. News. Ever. A dream come true. I’m so happy for you. And for the rest of us. You are my cooking hero
Mel! Congrats! I’m going to buy one of these for each of my children. It will be their scrapbook of ‘what we ate for dinner every night of our childhood’. Thanks for doing the memory keeping for me You are a wonderful cook, blogger, and human being. I hope this is madly successful for you! I’m SO excited!!!
So true!! A scrapbook of my kids’ dinners!!
Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment! Can’t wait to pre-order the book!
This is an exciting announcement! I’ve been hoping for a Mel cookbook for years. I’ve been reading your blog and making your recipes from the very beginning of your blog. I’m such a fan, and I can’t wait to get my hands on your cookbook! Excited!
Oh Mel. Congratulations!!! I am SO excited for you! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Um YES!!!! Finally!!! I tell every single person to visit your site if they want a good recipe for literally anything and everything. I will be buying this for myself and many more for gifts as well! You are the literal best… at cooking/baking and as a person. So excited!
Yayyyyy!!!! I am beyond excited about this. I will likely buy several copies to give to friends. I adore you and your recipes. This is the best news ever!
Congratulations! Wishing for your book to be a huge success.
Yayyy!! Finally!! I’m so sorry that it’s because of so much stress on your plate, but thank you for turning lemons into some lemonade for us all. ♥️ And now *maybe* I can retire my homemade MKC cookbook binder with all my recipe printouts….
Can’t wait! Immediate, no questions asked purchase for me! Congratulations!
Congrats Mel! Can’t wait to buy this cookbook, your recipes are the best!