My debut cookbook, Desserts in Jars: 50 Sweet Treats that Shine, published this week!! Finally.
I’ve started this post more times than I care to admit. I’m not exactly sure what to say. I could tell you how I used to write stories in journals, or how I would catalog my family’s bookshelves as if they were a library, and then I would add my journals to the shelves, a crude version of self-publishing.
A few years ago I made a faux life list with my friend, Mandi. Faux only because I don’t necessarily believe in lists. I rarely make them, and even if I’ve taken the time to write them down, I likely will not look at it again. Regardless, at the top of that list was being published. Rather than cross it off this week, however, I’ve simply added the word “again” to the backend.
I could go on and on about how fun my book is, how each recipe is unique and worth making, but I will let you figure that out yourself. I know that your life is not complete without tasting sweet corn panna cotta with bacon and blueberry sauce, and you’ll likely run to the store to grab the book for that recipe alone, never mind the peanut butter and jelly parfaits or the Neapolitan cakes that grace the cover.
No, I won’t go on about those things. Instead, I’ll just show you this video and sit silently as I watch it yet again.
Desserts in Jars Cookbook Promo Trailer on Vimeo.
Produced, filmed, and edited by Ingman Photography
Music by Starr Saunders and Robert Lindsey "We Were One"
Thanks to Jake and Anne for agreeing to take on this little video project, to Bob for tirelessly helping me to find music for it, and to to all my neighbors and friends (including Brenda, Joy, Steph, and Zoe) who came to be in the video! I was so excited to be able to share this with you!
I do believe that I said it best in my acknowledgments at the end of the book.
“I grew up fascinated by the kitchen and the ability it gave me to create a kind of artwork that would nourish others. Cracking open my first cookbook before the age of five and making a full dinner for my family by the age of seven, I was smitten by the smells and sounds and the ultimate reward: feeding the ones you love.”
A big thank you to my agent, Meg Thompson, my editor, Dan Rosenberg, the team at Harvard Common Press, my friends and family, and to all of you readers who come here each day and read what I write in this online space. I am humbled by your presence, and I hope that I have fed you in some way.
Desserts in Jars is available NOW on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at your local bookseller!
Giving it Away!
I’m giving away 5 signed copies of the book, each with a set of some of my favorite jars. (Note: Jar varieties vary, but winners will receive one case each.)
The fine print:
Ends Tuesday, July 3rd at 11 pm CDT. One entry per person, please, via comment. Winners will be chosen by Random.org and notified by email.
More from Food for My Family
that looks delicious! I’d love the book. We have a few jars laying around and are attempting to learn to can stuff so that would be a great use after!
I have the jars but not the recipes Iwould love to her the cookbook thanks
Omg I have neither the jars or the cookbook it looks so good I’m practically drooling already.ahh daydream time.
oh my goodness!!! I can already tell this WILL be my favorite cookbook! How creative and delicious! I sure hope I win
Thank you!
Megan D.
wow! looks like some great ideas that I could ship off to my son at West Point!! and his buds!!
Found your page through Herbivoracious. Congrats on your cookbook — looks fabulous!
I saw your book on the blog I am Baker…it looks amazing I would love to have a copy!
I love the idea of dessert in a jar. Yum!
At this point in my life, I’ve pretty much made everything EXCEPT things in jars. I think that may better suit our lifestyles, so I’m looking forward to this book.
The cookbook looks fantastic – congratulations!
That looks like a cookbook I could get into! Small desserts – with predetermined amounts
Oh my!! I would love to win this! Nothing says “love” more than gifts of baked goods in jars… amazing!
This is the cutest thing ever! I love little jars and that apple pie is adorable!
What a great giveaway! Congratulations on your cookbook.
Looks great!
Looks great.. Would love a copy of your book..
Your book looks awesome! I would love a copy
i love desserts in Jars. They make me smile. I would love a copy.
Bonnie´s last post ..Trendy Chick Flower Headband by BonniesBabyBlankets
I am obsessed with jars right now and would love this book!
Faye´s last post ..Roasted Strawberry and Dark Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Machine Needed)
This looks like an incredible book! I’d love a chance to add it to my collection!
Redd H from Salted Spoon´s last post ..Vintage Enoteca
I collect baking cookbooks and yours would fit right in! Dying to see the neopolitan recipe from the cover.
That is a fabulous book! I would love to have this book in my collection.
Pick me, pick me. Just bought 4 cases of wide mouth Bell Jars. Need some great recipes to go with. <3
I want to learn to cook in jars! I would love to win your cookbook. Thanks for the giveaway.
Good luck with the book launch!
i would love this! I need a different cookbook. This is perfect!
Love, love, love this concept! Can’t wait to get my hands on your book!
Oh my goodness! Your book looks amazing!! Can’t wait to bake a pie in a jar!!
looks fantastic!!!
Congratulations! What an adorable idea- I’ve been stalking desserts for cookouts for the last week, but nothing as
unique as yours!
Congratulations, Shaina! I can’t wait to check this book out and to try some of these recipes. I love the idea of mini desserts – it’s got portion control built right in!
Marly´s last post ..Vegan Philly Cheezsteak
OMG! Your book looks FANTASTIC!
I have been obsessed with putting food in pretty jars lately, but haven’t ventured into desserts yet. Your cookbook looks awesome!
I just bought a copy of your beautiful book, and I can’t wait to make up a batch of something to bring into the office!
My first love is baking, with cooking running a very close second. I love to collect cookbooks and yours will definitely be among those gracing the shelves. I love your idea’s, your “devil may care” attitude toward sticking firmly to ingredients, and your creativity. Best wishes for you, your family and continued success.
Congratulations Shaina!! I’m a big fan of using jars for serving cocktails & foods I just love the concept of your book! I wish you the very best of luck with it!!
I’m so sorry to be late to the party but this is such an incredible achievement. And you should be proud. It looks bloody spectacular and you are so deserved. It’s beautiful. Well done to you!
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Everything in the video looked so good! I would live to try some xp
If I dont win a book, I’ll buy one. It looks fantastic!!
*First time visitor, and now your new Pinterest follower
Please bring your book tour to St. Louis!
I am OBSESSED with the idea of baking in jars!! I can’t wait to get this book!
Looks like a great book! I love desserts in a jar! Yum!!
Love this!!! Can’t wait to try out some of your ideas!!!
Dear Shaina,
I bought your book, I LOVE it. One of the pages states that you can go on line and download labels…I cannot get to it. Is it still available?
Thanks,
Froma
They are! Just head to DessertsinJars.com and they’re in the sidebar on the left.
Yum! I can’t wait to make them. What a beautiful cover!!
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