Celebrating “Live Well Bake Cookies”: My Cookbook Journey, Recipes, and Baking Adventures
Happy Tuesday, cherished friends! While I typically share a brand-new recipe to brighten your week, today I wanted to take a special moment to celebrate something truly significant: the release of my very first cookbook, Live Well Bake Cookies. It’s been just a few short weeks since it made its debut, and the journey to get here has been an incredible one, filled with passion, countless hours in the kitchen, and immense joy.
If you’re here primarily for new culinary creations, please know that exciting content is always on the horizon! Feel free to skip ahead, and I’ll be back this Thursday with a delightful new recipe, perfectly paired with a fresh YouTube video for your baking enjoyment. But for those interested in the story behind the recipes, the creative process, and a glimpse into my world as a cookbook author, please read on. Your support means the world to me!
My First Cookbook: “Live Well Bake Cookies”
The realization of a long-held dream, my inaugural cookbook, Live Well Bake Cookies, officially hit the shelves on August 24th. It feels almost surreal that nearly a month has passed since that momentous day! This book represents the culmination of an immense amount of effort, dedication, and love, as I spent the better part of 2020 immersed in its creation. From painstakingly developing and testing each and every recipe to meticulously photographing every cookie just right, and then meticulously writing each instruction and anecdote, it was a comprehensive labor of love. Witnessing it finally be out in the world, available for all of you to enjoy, truly feels like an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders, replaced by an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
The core philosophy behind “Live Well Bake Cookies” is simple: baking should be a joyful, accessible, and delicious experience for everyone. This collection isn’t just about recipes; it’s about creating memories, sharing warmth, and finding comfort in the simple act of baking. You’ll find a delightful array of cookie recipes, ranging from timeless classics that evoke nostalgic memories to exciting new creations designed to surprise and delight your taste buds. Each recipe is crafted with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that both novice bakers and seasoned pros can achieve perfect results every time. Whether you’re craving chewy chocolate chip cookies, delicate shortbread, festive cutouts, or rich bar cookies, this cookbook has something to satisfy every sweet tooth and every occasion.
The response from all of you, my incredible community, has been nothing short of wonderful. I honestly cannot express how much it means to me to receive your heartfelt messages. Every time one of you reaches out to let me know that your copy of the book has arrived, or even better, that you’ve tried a recipe from it and loved the results, my heart swells with joy. It’s the ultimate reward for all those long hours and meticulous efforts, knowing that these recipes are bringing happiness into your homes.
A particularly thrilling moment in this journey was walking into my local Books-A-Million store and actually finding “Live Well Bake Cookies” proudly displayed on the shelves. Seeing my creation, a physical manifestation of years of dreaming and hard work, sitting among other esteemed cookbooks, was an incredibly exciting and emotional experience. It was a tangible reminder that this dream is now a reality, reaching readers far and wide.
Your Valuable Reviews Make a Difference
I’ve been absolutely delighted to discover that “Live Well Bake Cookies” has already garnered over 40 reviews on Amazon! Reading each and every one of your comments, insights, and star ratings has been a true highlight. It’s incredibly encouraging to hear what you love about the recipes, the photography, and the overall experience of using the cookbook. Your feedback is not just appreciated; it’s vital.
As a first-time author, every single review, no matter how brief, plays a monumental role in the success and visibility of my book. Reviews on platforms like Amazon help new readers discover the cookbook, build trust, and ultimately encourage others to make a purchase. They provide social proof and demonstrate that the book resonates with its audience. If you’ve had the chance to order a copy of my book, it would genuinely mean the world to me if you could spare a few moments to leave a review for it. You don’t need to write an elaborate essay; even a short, simple comment about your favorite recipe or a quick star rating makes a significant impact. Your honest feedback not only helps other potential readers but also provides me with invaluable insights and tremendous encouragement as I continue on this exciting publishing journey. Thank you in advance for your incredible support!
Exciting Giveaways and Holiday Treats
To celebrate the launch of “Live Well Bake Cookies” and to show my immense gratitude, I recently conducted a special giveaway for those who preordered the book. I randomly selected eight fortunate winners, and I’m thrilled to report that all of them have been notified, and their exciting packages have already been shipped out. It was such a joy to give back to my amazing community and thank you for your early support and belief in this project.
With the holiday season just around the corner, I’m already buzzing with excitement about planning even more fun giveaways for all of you! The holidays are a time for giving and celebrating, and I love creating opportunities to share some of my favorite things with my dedicated followers. Each year, I’ve hosted a beloved tradition: a grand giveaway featuring a curated collection of my most cherished baking tools, essentials, and perhaps even some specialty ingredients. This year, you can definitely anticipate another fantastic baking tools giveaway, but I’m also dreaming up something new and unique to add to the festive fun. Keep a close watch on my social media channels and blog for announcements – you won’t want to miss out on these opportunities to win some fantastic baking prizes that will surely elevate your holiday baking adventures!
Baking Adventures on YouTube
My passion for baking extends beyond the pages of my cookbook and the posts on my blog; it thrives on my YouTube channel as well! Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of sharing a detailed video tutorial demonstrating exactly how to make the delectable chocolate cutout sugar cookies featured in my cookbook. It’s one of the most beloved cookie recipes, perfect for any celebration or just for fun. The full recipe and step-by-step instructions are conveniently linked in the video’s description, making it super easy for you to try your hand at these charming and delicious cookies!
My husband, Josh, has been an incredible partner in this YouTube endeavor, and together, we’ve been working diligently over the past couple of months to produce even more high-quality baking videos for you. Our goal is to provide visual guides that complement the written recipes, offering extra tips, techniques, and a glimpse into the joyful (and sometimes messy!) reality of home baking. We believe that seeing the process unfold visually can be incredibly helpful for bakers of all skill levels, transforming complex steps into approachable tasks. These videos are designed to be both informative and enjoyable, bringing our kitchen directly into your home. Here are a few of the latest baking adventures we’ve shared so far:
- Key Lime Pie: A refreshing classic, perfect for a sunny day. Watch us craft this tangy, sweet, and perfectly set pie from scratch, complete with a buttery graham cracker crust. This video breaks down the simple steps to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor and silky texture that will impress everyone.
- Baked Apples: Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with these delightful baked apples. This video shows you how to transform crisp apples into a warm, spiced dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce and fills your home with the most wonderful aroma.
- How To Make Pumpkin Pie Spice: Why buy it when you can make it fresh and perfectly customized? This quick tutorial guides you through creating your own aromatic blend of pumpkin pie spice, which is essential for all your fall baking needs. Freshly ground spices truly make a difference in flavor!
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie: Building on our spice tutorial, this video is your ultimate guide to crafting the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. Learn how to make a creamy, perfectly spiced pumpkin pie from start to finish, ensuring a flawless crust and a rich, custardy filling every time. It’s a holiday showstopper!
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any of our upcoming baking tutorials and delicious recipe demonstrations!
Looking Ahead: New Recipes and Videos Coming Soon!
That about wraps up this special update, but the baking excitement never stops! I’m thrilled to announce a couple of fantastic new video tutorials that will be coming your way very soon. This Thursday, get ready for a mouthwatering apple fritter video – these crispy, tender, cinnamon-spiced delights are utterly irresistible and perfect for a cozy morning or a delightful dessert. And mark your calendars for next Tuesday, because I’ll be sharing a truly spectacular flourless chocolate cake video. This rich, decadent, and naturally gluten-free cake is an absolute dream, boasting an intense chocolate flavor and an incredibly moist texture. Both of these recipes are SO delicious, and I’m bursting with excitement to share them with you – so please stay tuned for these upcoming recipes and their accompanying videos!
Thank you once again for being such an incredible part of my baking journey. Your continued support, enthusiasm, and engagement inspire me every single day. Whether you’re purchasing my cookbook, leaving a review, watching my YouTube videos, or simply reading my blog, every interaction means the world to me. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to share more sweet moments with you very soon!