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.
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Shaina,
Congrats on finally being published. I know how hard you worked. It looks absolutely fantastic! Desserts aren’t my specialty, but you make it look so easy I’ll have to give it another try!
The book look fabulous. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy:). Congrats!!!
Congratulations!
What a great idea – would love a copy of this book!
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OMGosh…I would love a copy of the book…congrats on being published…fabulous!!
Congrats and this book looks way fun!
Would love to have a copy of your book – free or otherwise. My granddaughters (4 and 6) are cooking with me regularly, and this looks like something we would love together. Best of blessings to you on the publication of your new book!!!
‘Desserts in Jars’ is a brilliant idea. I am starting a catering business with the goal of using quality ingredients, enjoyed in season, at their best. I can’t wait to use my recycled jam jars to create healthy and tasty kids desserts. Well done on the publication of your book!
Joanne Sergeant
This looks like an amazing book! Your cover dessert would be perfect for my daughter’s pink birthday party!
Congratulations! Your new cookbook looks fabulous. I look forward to your post every morning, thank your for sharing.
Congrats! I love this idea for a cookbook!
I love this idea — and congrats on being published!
Thanks for the opportunity to win
This book looks amazing! I think I’ll get one for my sister in law’s birthday 
This book looks like it will just be FUN! Never would have thought of desserts in a jar (outside of the mixes). Congrats!
This book looks like a lot of fun!
Congrats on the book! looks like total fun!
Two of my favorite things! Desserts and jars. Great work!
Looks absolutely YUMMY!!
Can’t wait to see the book. Congrats!
Congratulations on the book! I have an affinity for jars that I just can’t explain, so I just go with it.
Congratulations Shaina! I know every recipe in your cookbook must be beautifully delicious.
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What a darling idea! I would love towin a cookbook and the jars to make desserts in.
I love the book! So excited to start making recipes from it. Congrats, Shaina!
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Congratulations! Amazing book and wonderful idea! Your promo video is great.
I would love this book. I am planning a party and would love some ideas for the desserts using jars.
I can’t wait to see your book, it looks so inviting.
I saw this book on Amazon before it was published and was really curious. Congrats, and I’d love to have a copy with some jars
if i can’t win the book in this giveaway, i’m just going to have to buy it! it looks amazing!
Love the video and desserts in jars is such a clever idea! You rock! I’m sure your desserts would be a hit at our family dinners.
Love the idea! I have been wanting to make pie in a jar for ages.
Ooh, I Like-Ee Like-Ee! Congratulations on a project well done. This would be a nice addition to anyone’s cookbook collection.
Oh my goodness!!! I’m SO glad that I came across this post because I desperately want this book! haha! I love your wonderful ideas and I hope I win
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I would love a copy of the book. Congratulations on being published.
Cool giveaway,
Susie
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Wow! What a great giveaway. I would LOVE to win. Otherwise, off to the bookstore!
Looks like a fun dessert cookbook! We are always looking for fun and creative deserts! Thank you!
Congratulations on your cookbook! It looks fabulous and I can’t wait to read it!
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Congratulations on being published and I hope it sells a million copies!
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I am a huge fan right now of any dessert in a jar. Which is why I am so thrilled that there is now a cookbook out there to guide me! Thanks and Congrats!
Beautiful book! I would be so proud to take any of these recipes to a holiday event or family get-together!
“I am Baker” turned me onto your new book in her blog!
Looks SO YUMMY!
What an amazing idea. Gratz on being published.. I aways look for new ideas to make snacks for the g-kids…I would love to win a book like this, I will buy it if I dont tho..lol I collect cookbooks and to know that I will use this over and over is great//
Wow! I am so impressed about the simple pleasures that can be put into a jar. This looks like so much fun and If I got the cookbook I would like to do a cooking night with the ladies of my church! Innovated and creative and shall I also say yummy….this is a must on my Amazon wish list!
Pick me, pick me! I have a huge jar collection just waiting to be filled with these amazing treats!
How awesome for you!! Can’t wait to read the book!
Would love a copy of this beautiful book.
Your book looks beautiful, as do all of the desserts in jars. I hope I get picked! Congrats on the book!
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Yay! finally some nyumi recipe in jars
Love it!
OMG, I have to have this book…..Love love love it! Thanks for the chance to win!
Mary
What an adorable book and idea!! I love everything about this and hope to win one for myself so I can pass on the love!!