Cookbook Conference, Part 1

I love cookbooks. Like so many of you, I harbor hundreds of them, a trove of gems, each sparkling and shiny and waiting to be my next gleefully consumed novel. They sort of call out to me from my shelf, like a pretty vintage handbag that surprises me each time I dig it out from the back of my closet.

Some of my cookbooks are handed down from previous generations, thank goodness for a mother-in-law that saved everything. I have an original 1969 copy of Betty Crocker’s Cookbook held together with some grey electrical tape, and a 1971 print of Playboy’s Host and Bar Book which is kind of more than a little sexy, filled with quick cocktail recipes (quick = my favorite kind) and photos that would be considered quite hipster today.

So I love cookbooks. And I knew that when the Eat Boutique Local Markets finally got into full swing, cookbooks just had to be involved somehow. It just makes sense to have people who craft amazing food and people who create amazing books about food in the same space. I guess it felt right to you too, because you came, you bought and you left with signed books from some great local authors.

Thank you for that, really. The cookbook authors thank you too.

But what did come as a surprise was how the authors and publishers have embraced our little event. And now I’m invited to participate on a panel at next month’s Cookbook Conference. Believe me, I’m still rubbing my eyes in disbelief. I’ll be in the same room as Judith Jones, Melissa Clark, Barbara Fairchild, Dorie Greenspan, Amanda Hesser, Molly O’Neill, and so many others. Did I mention that I’m still rubbing my eyes?

I’ll be sure to share a conference recap and specifically how the “Working with Bloggers” panel unfolds. I’ll be in New York City next month, probably freaking out, so pass me a cocktail to ease my nerves and wish me luck!

By the way, Harvard Common Press is sponsoring three scholarships to the Future of the Cookbook case study on Thursday, which means a free ticket for a few lucky folks. Spread the word.

The lead photo was taken by Heidi Murphy/White Loft Style. The two wide open cookbooks were shot by Wendi Dunlap. The photos in the center montage were taken by Kristen Bonardi Rapp and shinzui.

Eat Boutique is an online magazine + market for food enthusiasts to celebrate the best pure, local and comforting handmade foods. We call it: food that hugs you back. Looking for the perfect gift? Eat Boutique sells gift boxes filled with handmade sweet and savory treats. Send a gift box of handmade food today.

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