Saturday, January 26, 2013

An Exciting Announcement

Hi Everyone, 

I've been MIA lately on my blog, but I am baking. I'm baking a lot actually. In December, I signed a contract  with Skyhorse Publishing to write my own cookbook. I am so very grateful for the privilege because I know many people work their butts off for an opportunity like that, and here it was just handed to me. Yes, I have worked hard on this blog to get where I am and I know I am deserving, I just don't want to take this experience for granted. I have a humble heart and I am so appreciative that the people at Skyhorse believe in me and have faith in my abilities as a self taught baker. That being said, I wouldn't be where I am without each and every one of you and all the encouragement and support that comes my way. 

My blog has changed over the years and I went from taking pictures of food at night, with the flash on to using props and daytime lighting and pretty linens. I strive to be better and I try to not only make the food look appealing, but more importantly taste good. I want what I put out on this blog to be achievable and something that you can be proud to serve your friends and family. That is my ultimate goal. With that in mind,  I will do my very best and put all those efforts into the cookbook. I am on a time crunch and I'm baking and photographing about 3 recipes a week. I'm tired y'all and I've only just begun. It's a good tired though and I welcome the challenge. I will try and post as often as I can on Lick The Bowl Good, but please bear with me  as I may be scarce at times. 

I wanted to share with you a few photos today. I baked two pies yesterday- one to be photographed and another to be hacked into pieces, until I found the perfect slice! Some might say, I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. :-) Who wants a piece?!

You have to do this....
...To get to this!

And you get a picture of Hayden, just because I think the look on his face is hilarious! Something tells me he is going to be as opinionated and expressive as his momma. Watch out world! 

~Monica h

42 comments:

Meghan said...

How exciting! Congrats.

Unknown said...

WOW WOW WOW WOW!! CONGRATULATIONS! I could never do a cookbook. I don't have any original recipes haha. I'm so happy for you!! I'm sure the photos on your cookbook will be stunning and tempting as usual. Hayden's expression is hilarious!! Thanks for the gratuitous shot!

Barb Andrews said...

Congrats! Such exciting news!

Unknown said...

This is so so so BIG! I'm so excited for you :D I've been admiring your photos on Instagram and I have to say all of your goodies look mouthwatering :)

Brandi said...

Congratulations! Such an exciting time for you! Best wishes!!

Selba said...

Yay!!! This such a great news that you will have your cookbook :)

Do you still remember a few years ago when I asked you whether you would like to write your own a cookbook? I'm so glad that it finally becomes true! Seriously, I really want to have a copy of it when it's published :)

Debbie said...

Oh wow Monica, I am thrilled for you! What fantastic news!!! I'm sure that all your readers will be anxious to get your cookbook...I'll be looking forward to it!

Foodiewife said...

Wow! I can say "I knew her when..." Congrats!

Leslie Harris said...

Oh! Em! Geee!!! That is awesome news!!! I'm so happy for you, Monica! Your blog was one of the very first I ever read. Can't wait until I can read your cookbook. :)

From the Kitchen said...

That is so exciting! Congratulations on an honor well deserved!!

Best,
Bonnie

Jodi said...

Wow, congrats! I have to say that I LOVE your blog and have tried so, so many of the recipes. It is always my go-to blog when I need a yummy dessert because I know none of your recipes will disappoint. Can't wait to buy your cookbook :)

Realtor Stacy said...

She rocks! And bakes! Love you guys;)

My Recent Favorite Books said...

Congratulations! =)

Your blog is great, love your recipes and photos! =)

Kristina Tolman said...

That is fantastic news! Congratulations! I can't wait to see the final product. :)

mary kay said...

I've been following your blog for a long time now and your recipes are always soooo good. I'm so proud of your accomplishments and I can't wait to read this cookbook. Congratulations to you and all my best wishes and love on this journey you're on.

Mary Kay

Sandra Lee said...

Congratulations you are very deserving!

Amanda Thompson said...

Congratulations!! How exciting!!

tamilyn said...

So proud of you!

Joy said...

I am so happy and proud for you! Congratulations! "You don't know me from Adam" (as my grandmother used to say), but you were the first blogger I ever read, and one that I look up to. :)
Joy (Yesterfood)

Anonymous said...

Congrats and best of luck! Can't wait!

The Cutting Edge of Ordinary said...

Congrats! How exciting! Can't wait until we can purchase it!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

I'm very proud of you Monica. I know your cookbook will be filled with hard work, your love, gorgeous photos, & delicious recipes. I can't wait!
Luv ya!
~Ingrid

Avril said...

Oh. My. Goodness!!! This is the BEST news I have heard in forever!!!! I am beyond excited for you Dearest Monica! :-)

Heather at Kitchen Concoctions said...

Hip! Hip! Hooray! Again I am so excited for you! And if you posting here a little bit less means a nice big cookbook full of your wonderful recipes to have and hold I'm ok with that! ;) And that picture of Hayden totally makes my day! His little personality is coming out more and more!

Anonymous said...

Monica,
Good Luck!!! Your photos always make me so hungry. I too, am way to busy, so I have only made a few of your things. However, I must say that everything I have made has been wonderful. Congrats on the opportunity!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

That is such exciting news Monica. Congratulations.

Rachel said...

Monica, congratulations! You have come a long way in the past 6 years, I'm proud of you.

Nina @ crazy for cookies and more said...

oh how awesome! I am excited to see your cookbook...it will be fabulous! You were the first blog I started following and also the one who inspired me to start my own blog..Thanks for all your wonderful recipes over the years!!!

ps Hayden is adorable and I love seeing pictures of him on your blog <3 Nina

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful opportunity for you.
Wishing all the best. Hayden is such a ham,
most adorable one I've seen.

Cassie said...

What amazingly fantastic news!! I am SO EXCITED for your cookbook and I will be one of the first to pre-order it, I promise you that! What an amazing opportunity for you, Monica. Congratulations!

Hayden is precious. And he has the most amazing hair!!

Anonymous said...

As a fan of your blog, I totally agree that this is a well deserved opportunity. Congratulations to you and your family!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the cookbook deal! I just found your website/blog about 6-9 months ago and have made a few of your recipes! They are SO YUMMY and indicative of why this honor was bestowed upon you.

Anonymous said...

So excited and happy for you! You totally deserve this! I can't wait for the cookbook. I will snap it up as soon as it's on shelves. YAY!

Kristi said...

OMG! This is so fabulous! I wish you all the best with this project.

Allie said...

How exciting!!! I am so happy for you! I would like a signed copy please :) I can't wait to see the end result!!!

Keeley said...

Congratulations! Writing a cookbook is a dream job and you really, really deserve it. You know I'll have it on my wish list and I'll purchase a copy as soon as it is released.

Hayden can really make some faces! He's so cute!

Abby said...

Congratulations! So exciting!

Anonymous said...

That is so wonderful! Please post soon what the name of the cookbook will be, I need to pre-order it as soon as possible! :)

Ellen in Oregon said...

Kudos to you for having a smart publishing house take note, as all of your blog followers have, of how deserving you were of a cookbook contract. You worked long & hard to develope your talents & cooking skills. I love the photography, your sense of food styling and the fact that every recipie is delicious. Quite an accomplishment. I have become very picky about what cookbooks I purchase, but yours is on the list. Keep your talent BIG & your appeal small town - a combination that can't be beat. Go Giri!

Anonymous said...

I like my recipe for banana bread

1/4 cup crisco 1 tsp. soda
1 egg 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups flour
3 large ripe bananas

I add almond extract and vanilla
chopped walnuts

350* 45 min. I check with a toothpick to see if done. I spray my loaf pan first.

Directions: cream shortening, eggs, bananas, sugar; add dry ingred.

Enjoy!

Please let us know when your cookbook is for sale; I would like to purchase one. Thank you

vanillasugarblog said...

Oh Monica this is just wonderful news!
I couldn't be more happy to hear this.
You are definitely one of those bloggers that deserves this AND will do such a good job on it.
So happy for you honey!

Jennifer said...

Wow! Congrats! I've made recipes from your blog for some time now, and I can't WAIT to buy your cookbook!

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