I have some news to report, you guys, and for once it's not bad!
It would seem that I'm going to be writing a book! A cookbook, to be exact. What's more, it appears that someone is going to publish it. That's the tricky part, right there, especially in this economy. But, wait, it gets better: An actual professional photographer is going to take the photos! I KNOW!!! How did I score that?? I have no idea, but here's how I imagined it:
Them: So Tammy.
Me: Yes.
Them: About the photography for this book.
Me: Uh-huh.
Them: It's not that we don't like the style of your blog photos...
Me: You mean blurry?
Them: Well...
Me: Dim?
Them: Uh...
Me: With the attention to detail of a sleepy preschooler?
Them: ...We already have a photographer in mind for this project.
(pause while a single tear rolls down my cheek)
Me: OOOOHHHHHHH, THANK YOU, BEJEEBUS!!!!
Them: Who?
Me: Never mind.
Here's the scoop: The book is coming out in Fall 2013 by Running Press. It will be about seasonal winter desserts with an emphasis on local sourcing. In other words, really cozy, delicious things made out of apples, pears, cranberries, nuts, cheese, maple syrup, etc. Yes, even squash. I'll be digging deep into the root cellar for this, and we'll also be spending a little time in the citrus belt because they have winter down there, too. Also, I love citrus. Basically, if it grows in the winter or can be stored in the pantry, it's fair game. The book will cost $30. I mention this so you can start saving now. That's a dollar a month starting today. Loose change is fine. It will be worth every penny, I promise. Did I mention the pretty photos? Only the best for my loyal readers (P.S. Don't get used to it!).
So I guess this would be the appropriate time to thank you guys for coming to visit me out here in cyberspace. If not for you who are reading this anonymously in numbers that seem interesting to publishers—some of you since I started this blog five years ago—there would be no book at all. And I might be resorting to selling myself on the street corner for not that much money probably. Is there anything sadder than a prostitute peddling pumpkin pie on the side? I'm not sure that there is. So thanks are also in order to my agent, Melissa Sarver at the Elizabeth Kaplan Literary Agency, for sparing me that indignity.
A few more things: There will definitely be some swearing over the next year. Like double the usual amount. Maybe more. Also, I could use some recipe-testers. If you're willing to test a recipe or two to make sure they work in your kitchen, leave a comment or send an e-mail and I'll be in touch. But right now, I need to tend to the first and most pressing order of business: a gym membership! Second order of business is a vacation.
See you in a week!
Great news! Congrats!
Upon first reading, I thought you needed tAsters. I would apply for that job.
Posted by: a quiet fan | July 17, 2011 at 08:13 PM
A. I am totally buying your book. I am soooooo excited for you. B. I know nothing about using or finding local ingredients, but I am more than happy to try out a recipe or two if you need help. :-)
Posted by: Kathy | July 17, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Tammy: What fantastic news. And I, of course, will jump on the testing bandwagon. (Um....does that come with your foraged mushrooms? ;-) ). Seriously, congrats and I really would love to help out.
Posted by: FoodieMommy | July 17, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Congratulations! I am happy to help test, especially as I live in the Boston area too!
Posted by: Sara | July 17, 2011 at 09:31 PM
me me me! Ok, I know you don't know me from adam, I know I've commented once for sure and that was a year or two ago, so I understand if I might not be a trusted test cook but I'd be happy to do it. I'm sure your book is gonna be great no matter what!
Posted by: Gwen | July 17, 2011 at 10:36 PM
I live in the Pacific Northwest and would love to try out how your recipes work with our local ingredients! We have a pretty awesome Farmer's Market! Congratulations on the book! I can't wait!
Posted by: Jessica | July 18, 2011 at 12:03 AM
Wow I was searching kitchen aid and read at least 15 of your blogs. Very funny, I can't wait to tell my sister. You would be one of our buddies, you are a kindred spirit. Yours reminded me of the time I came home from work and my youngest who was 6 at the time said "daddy broke your favorite toy, we were trying to fix it." He was told that was their secret. Odd, it, (my kitchen aid was working when I left for work. They were sent to buy another one ! I would be thrilled to test for you. I bake alot, I send cookies to our patriots overseas. God bless the troops.
Posted by: debbie | July 18, 2011 at 12:09 AM
I'd be happy to be a tester...first "found" you as I was looking for recipes for the Italian cookies served at weddings in the Valley near New Haven when I was a kid. Loved your family stories, vintage snapshots and recipes.
Congrats on the book project.
Posted by: Maureen | July 18, 2011 at 07:28 AM
Congratulations!! Fantastic news, so very pleased for you. Won't offer myself as a tester since (a) we don't eat dessert (yes, it's true) and (b) I'm English and I really really can't get my head around cups of stuff - but am thrilled for you and will happily recommend your book to any and all cake and dessert making friends I know.
Sarah
Posted by: SarahC | July 18, 2011 at 07:41 AM
Tammy, congratulations! this is awesome. I will start saving my £s, as I ain't go no $. Are you going to be selling your book outside of the US? pretty please?
Also, if being in the UK doesn't disqualify me for it, I'm happy to test recipes :)
Posted by: Maria | July 18, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Amazing news! Congratulations.
Posted by: jo | July 18, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Ooh, congrats! You know where to look if you need a copyeditor or proofreader! I won't volunteer to test recipes though, because I'm notoriously lazy about that.
Posted by: Karen | July 18, 2011 at 07:52 AM
Congratulations! I'm one of those usually anonymous readers who has been hanging around quietly, reading along. Very excited for you and I look forward to the cookbook!
Posted by: Whatacard | July 18, 2011 at 08:38 AM
Count me in, especially if you are considering a chapter on Pacific Northwest desserts. Think hazelnuts...
Posted by: Sarah L. | July 18, 2011 at 12:31 PM
I, for one, am always looking for an excuse to do more baking. Also local. Would be happy to help out. Have a little experience copyediting recipes too. Sounds like an excellent project.
Posted by: Moopheus | July 18, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Congratulations! I would love to help test! Though Somerville-local isn't too different from Waltham-local, I suppose. Just let me know.
Posted by: sarabeth | July 18, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Congrats!! Will taste everything you FEDEX to my door.
Posted by: Dad | July 18, 2011 at 04:08 PM
Great news! Now you need to start thinking of doing a book about your inestimable father!
Posted by: Disinterested Observer | July 18, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Congratulations! You deserve this chance, and I hope you have a nervous, cursing blast.
It looks as if you have plenty of offers, but let me know if you need a Kentucky tester.
Posted by: Ann Flora | July 18, 2011 at 04:37 PM
SoCal resident with an abundance of farmers markets at my fingertips... Send a recipe and I'll knock it out for you! So excited for you & this opportunity! You should have your kids draw your picture for the back cover! :)
Posted by: karen | July 18, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Boston area resident here (and fellow Tuftonian, woot), happy to be a tester if needed. Congratulations!
Posted by: Amy | July 18, 2011 at 06:43 PM
So great to hear good news! Major congratulations! Saving my pennies for a copy.
PS - Did you got to Tufts? My son is starting there in the fall.
Posted by: Karen @ Mignardise | July 18, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Tammy, that is the best news. Congratulations! A winter dessert cookbook - have mercy. I, for one, cannot WAIT until this comes out.
You can count on me for testing - especially recipes that use up things in my root cellar.
Seriously, so excited for you!
Posted by: andrea | July 18, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Kudos, Tammy. How exciting! And the subject matter ain't too shabby either :D
Posted by: Amy | July 18, 2011 at 11:42 PM
I don't know about blurry and dim, but you certainly have me drooling on my keyboard on a regular basis. At any rate, congratulations, I look forward to it, especially with winter desserts!
p.s. I am up to my ears in summer squash and zucchini. Any suggestions on how to go through a LOT of it deliciously?
Posted by: melch | July 19, 2011 at 12:35 AM
So excited for you! Congratulations Tammy! You deserve it! I have made a lot of your recipes, and by far my favorite dessert is the butter tarts (remember the whole Canadian/American debate). Don't forget that one :) Congrats girl! -Katie
Posted by: katie | July 19, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: adele | July 19, 2011 at 08:51 PM
How wonderful. Well deserved! I'd be happy to test a few recipes.
Posted by: Jill Rose | July 20, 2011 at 08:58 PM
I'd be happy to help test out a recipe or two. God only knows I'll be baking desserts all fall and winter anyways! :)
Posted by: Anne | July 20, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Woo Hoo, that's awesome, Tammy. YOU'RE awesome!!! $1/month, I just might be able to swing that! :) Can't wait!
Posted by: Trina | July 20, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Sign me up for recipe testing. And post recipe testing drinking... or something like that.
I am sofa king excited for you, if I had a tail it would be wagging like mad right now!
Posted by: Annabelle B | July 20, 2011 at 10:26 PM
definitely add me to the list of potential recipe testers. this is great news!
Posted by: Jessica | July 21, 2011 at 05:07 PM
How very cool! I would certainly like to help with testing... especially the citrus parts!
Posted by: Deb | July 21, 2011 at 08:03 PM
So pleased to hear about the book deal - that's awesome, and richly deserved. I would be happy to test recipes.
Posted by: pyewacket | July 25, 2011 at 04:24 PM
Congrats! I'd love to help test any vegetarian recipes!
Posted by: L. | July 26, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Congrats Tammy! Can't wait for your book!
Posted by: Erin from the 'tree | July 27, 2011 at 09:45 PM
Congrats! I'd love to test some recipes!
Posted by: Jenny | August 01, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Congrats Tammy! I'd be happy to help test too! I live in the Bay Area (CA) and have a wonderful farmer's market half a mile from my house! It might be helpful when you're testing apple desserts to try them with different regional varieties (sadly, none of my favorite empires or cortlands here...)
Posted by: Sandicita | August 02, 2011 at 02:36 PM
I can't believe I didn't see this before now. If you still need testers, please let me know. I love to cook and love cookbooks. I would love to buy your cookbook when it comes out, but please consider me for a recipe tester.
Posted by: Amy | August 17, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I will be a recipe taster! I haven't had a computer for the past year, so I haven't been as active in commenting as I would have liked to have been. (What at terrible sentence. My sincere apologies.) It may be too late to be a recipe taster, but I'm putting this forth in the hopes that there may be something leftover for me.
P.S. I kind of adore you. Your blog brightens every day I manage to read it.
P.P.S The lolcat in me demands "MOAR!!! MOAAARRRRR!!!!!"
Love,
Rina
Posted by: Rina | August 20, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Longtime lurker (ahem) reader... I'd be happy to be a taster if you need another.
Posted by: Kate | August 22, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Hi Tammy!
Long time reader, so-uncreative-that-I-don't-comment commentor .
So excited about your book. I remember the first post of yours I read.. you were catching lobsters in Maine.. or Cape Cod! Can't wait for a whole book of it.
I've been internet-less all summer and am catching up on you now. YAY you. Rays of sunshine after a terrible storm.
I'm in Oregon, and love to cook if you could use another tester.
Posted by: Joy | August 25, 2011 at 02:00 AM
I will test your recipes! I live pretty far from you though. All the way through Belmont to Arlington and there I am.
Posted by: caitlin | August 31, 2011 at 03:56 PM
I'm back to reality again and am really happy to hear this, it's about time they start publish you big time Tammy! Must get that book too when it appears!
Posted by: ilva | September 03, 2011 at 02:47 AM