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! 💗
What about a pajama/sweat themed zoom-in launch party? Introverts unite, separately in our own homes? PS- you are so beloved and if you had a tour you would be swarmed w/ fans. Guarantee.
Wooweee congrats on the cookbook
I look forward to a copy
I am going to tell everyone about this book and I am going to buy at least 6 copies! I already know who I am giving them to. 140 recipes! I just can’t. And a picture for all of them? Be still my heart. Thank you Mel. ❤️
Mel! This is the best news for us. You have been my kitchen guru for most of my married life, since the early days when it was My Kitchen Cafe! Knowing this is a project to help supplement income makes me want to buy tons of copies to give out as birthday gifts, wedding gifts, etc for the next few years haha! That’s how much I owe you for all the meals you’ve given my family for the last 15 or so years!
Also side note: we made your red sauce chicken enchiladas for the first time this week and whoa-why did I wait so long? They were incredible! Easily the best enchilada I’ve ever had!
I can not wait!! I feel like you taught me how to cook and now I can give your cook book to my newly adult children you’re the best!
I am so excited!!!
This made my day! I’ve been a loyal fan since I got married 15 years ago and couldn’t cook worth a dang. Your recipes have never once led me astray. So excited for this, congratulations!
Congratulations!! I had hoped this was the big announcement you were going to make! I cannot wait!
Yippee! Can’t wait to get a copy! So happy for you and your family. You are a great example of achieving our dreams!
You rock. You’re going to be stunned with how many people support you. So happy for you and wishing you the best sucess.
How EXCITING! CONGRATULATIONS! I can hardly wait to get it!
I would be there in my hoodie and sweatpants!! That sounds like my kind of book signing.
Congratulations! It looks gorgeous! I’ve been trying to get rid of all my cookbooks because I rarely use them (since almost everything I cook comes from your site ) but I will definitely make an exception and buy this one!
Very excited to get my hands on this! Congrats to you. I am sure it is going to be amazing!
congrats!! Yours is a cookbook I might have to purchase…..seriously love all your recipes!!
Yay! I’m sure that was so much work for you but I’m so excited for it!
So excited to hear that you’re doing – nearly done – with a cookbook. I’ll buy one, at least!!!
Hi, this may have been addressed in an earlier comment, but will the cookbook be available internationally eg Australia?
I stopped buying cookbooks a few years back because my collection out grew my available space. It looks like it is time to make some room! Your recipes are staples at my house, and I can’t wait to buy this book! Thank you in advance for making my family very happy while I cook my way through your cookbook.
Mel, you are a joy. I love reading all your updates, they always make me feel like I’m sitting having a chat with a good friend, and have never been disappointed in any of your recipes. Congratulations on the cookbook! I hope it is wildly successful! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Mel, What a relief to set aside my 3 ring binder collection of your recipes that is so incomplete, and trade it for a shiny new representation of you and your 15 year contribution to our kitchens, our bellies, and our hearts. Just the other day I realized I didn’t know your full name. Thanks for endorsing your self and sharing your gifts! God bless you and your family!!
Amen!
Congratulations, Mel! What an amazing accomplishment! I can’t wait to pre-order my copy. Just curious: did the comments for the chocolate chip mug cake make the cut for the cookbook?! 😉
Yay! Mel! I’m so excited for you! My sister-in-law brought your delicious cookies to a family party in 2012 and I’ve been following your website ever since. I checked my recipe binder and at least 50+ recipes are yours! I’m looking forward to purchasing your beautiful cookbook. Thank you for the many years of delicious recipes that truly never fail!
Mel, congratulations and how exciting for you to write a cookbook and lucky for all is us who follow you and use your amazing recipes!!! Looking forward to pre-ordering this cookbook, it will be fantastic! Wishing you all the best with your next endeavor.
I am so very happy for you—and for all of us! It sounds as though inspiration and timing crossed paths at the perfect time.
Hope this is a smashing success
Congratulations! I am so excited to buy this book! I have been using your site for about ten or so years and you are the principle source for my family’s food every week! If you decide to do a teensy book tour after all, seeing you at BYU years ago was great, and I would love to see you in Utah County (or Salt Lake – I like you enough to drive to Salt Lake, so that is a lot!).
Soooo excited for this!!’
So happy for you! I have been hoping for this for years!!! Can’t wait to get my copy!
Yay! Looking forward to your cookbook. Have loved every recipe of yours that I have tried.
Betsy
How Wonderful. I am thrilled, you have made made changes in my cooking abilities but I always give you credit. Congratulations. I wish you all the best.
Yaaaaay!!! I’m so excited for the cookbook!
Congratulations how exciting! Can’t wait for the cookbook!
I’m so excited! I’m happy for you and for me and for anyone who can get their hands on the cookbook. Congratulations!
I. Am. So. Excited! Seriously, I’ll be the first to pre-order! I’m so happy you decided to do this. My printer has run out of ink numerous times due to copious Mel’s recipe printing. And now, all things Mel under one beautiful cover is a dream come true.
Oh, this is such wonderful news, Mel!! Thank you for all you do. I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on your cookbook—I already know it’s going to be my favorite.
Congratulations! I know your cookbook will be amazing. Through the years I have always used your fantastic recipes with the confidence that everything I attempt will be delicious .Even though you have recipes in all areas, I give you credit as “Mel, the Cookie Lady,” to all my family and friends when they praise the latest cookies I send them.. Copies of cookbook will also be perfect gifts as well as a valuable resource for my young granddaughters who love to bake.
Thank you,
Ellen
Oh, people would definitely come.
But you don’t need to do a book tour. Building this truly helpful website full of amazing, delicious, and approachable recipes has already accomplished much more than any book tour ever could. Really, you are the reason why people think I can cook. THANK YOU!
So excited for you! I’ve been a fan of yours for years and years. I know that I can serve your recipes and that they will be a success. You have given me so much confidence in the kitchen and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also love the way you write; you have a way of making me feel like I am a lifelong friend. You amaze me!
Can’t wait for the book!
Mel!!!!! I am so excited for you! And for me! I can’t wait to get a copy. You’re the best!
I am so proud of you my friend and CANNOT WAIT to see the finished product. I know it will be nothing short of spectacular! And I want to see the book tour in sweats. Wouldn’t that be SO refreshing! Love you to pieces.
XO
Si
A huge congratulations on an enormous professional and personal accomplishment! I hardly ever buy books, but I will definitely be getting a few copies of yours. I hope you understand how impactful your incredible recipes — AND your kind, thoughtful and inclusive writing — have been to so many.
That makes me a bit sad that the book came out of a moment of such stress, but I am excited to have your recipes without ads! I hope the book will lay flat/stay open.
I cannot wait to order your cookbook! I’m so excited for you. Hands down you have the best recipe blog on the internet. Congratulations!
Isn’t is amazing how trials turn into big blessings! Congratulations on your cook book! I can’t wait to receive mine!
Congratulations to you! I will buy your cookbook as I love your recipes!
I’m so happy about this!!! Love you lots! Jill
Congratulations! I am excited see it when it comes in. I love your recipes! Game changer when someone referred me to your website. I am Happy for you.
This is so exciting and I am so happy for you!! I will buy one and one for each of my daughters!
Atta girl, after Christmas gift to myself……can’t wait.
Congratulations….
Delighted about your cookbook! I was concerned about your husband and hope he found work. At one point we had 8 children and out of work for 6 weeks—it was very stressful, but another one of those learning experiences! Much love from the 11 of us!