It is with great joy that I am finally able to share some very exciting news. I wrote a cookbook!
A little over two years ago I signed with William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins) to write and photograph a family cookbook. After signing my contract I planned to announce the book deal but decided not to because the publishing date seemed so far away. I was told early on by a few close author friends that writing a cookbook is like being pregnant: I would gain a few pounds, encounter sleepless nights, labor much, but love working on it like it was my child. And boy, were they right.
Halfway through writing the cookbook our family was struck with tragedy when my dad was suddenly killed after being hit by a car. For months I worked on helping my mom close her business and move her out of my childhood home and into our home. Several months after dad passed away I couldn’t get myself to work on the cookbook or the blog. I was so exhausted trying my best to just take care of everyone.
It was a very hard and confusing time for me. My mom – my wonderful mom – sat me down to have a heart to heart conversation. I remember crying during our conversation because of how overwhelmed I was and all I can remember is how she spoke to me in half Korean and half English, that “…we would get the book done. With God’s help, we would get the book done.” For dad’s sake, she was going to help me; missing deadlines was not an option. She offered to watch Eli when I needed, she would be my photography assistant at times when I needed an extra hand, and she often would insist on cleaning up after me in the kitchen after cooking and shooting. She is my angel and hero.
It’s been nearly a year since I turned my manuscript in. I remember the day I turned it in. I cried tears of joy that I finished and tears of grief I had been storing from an emotional year. I poured everything I had into the cookbook and now I get to finally share my news with you!
The book itself is divided into everyday life events: birthday parties, Mother’s Day, potlucks, game day, Christmas morning, and other life events. The recipes are divided to give you ideas and inspiration to capture life as it happens with great memorable food. Written in an approachable voice, the recipes are fun, easy to prepare, and have great practical tips to help you every step of the way.
Most of the recipes are new and never before published on Savory Sweet Life. I saved my best recipes just for you. I’ve also included some of the site’s most popular recipes.
All the photos with the exception of one were taken by me. I have always thought of Savory Sweet Life as a photo-driven food blog and the photos in this cookbook will not disappoint you. Each recipe has a photo and some recipes have step-by-step captions to guide you. It is a visual feast.
Last week was so surreal. I received a huge yellow envelope from New York City with a proof of my book inside. There she was – my book in proof form. Oh God, this is really happening!? And did I really reference “Galaga” not once, but twice in my cookbook!? Which brings me to the writing in the book. I think a lot of you are going to be pleasantly surprised by my writing laced with humor. You are going to get a glimpse of me. The dork me that my friends and family know all too well. Yes, I am the Galaga Queen of the world!
Earlier today I submitted my last edit by email. It really is done. To celebrate my husband and I shared a Grapefruit Vodka cocktail. The recipe is simple, 1 ounce each of grapefruit juice cocktail, grapefruit vodka, and lemon-lime soda.
The book is will be released June 5, 2012. But the good news is that you can pre-order the book from any of the book sellers below (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and Indie Bound). As the publishing date draws nearer and I find out more, I’ll be sure to share with you details of the book tour (I’m going on a book tour…. can you believe this?) and anything else book related.
Lastly, thank you. So many of you have walked along side of me since my dad died. Your emails, comments, and friendship has sustained me through one of the hardest seasons of grief I’ve ever experienced. I am so glad to be able to share what I hope to be one of the greatest seasons of joy with you too. Thank you so much, your support means so much to me.
Low Fat Chick says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so happy for you. You inspire us all. I think it is fabulous you did the majority of your photos for the book. It is more personalized that way. So fantastic and I am sure your dad would have been so proud. 🙂 You are very blessed!
Maria says
SO excited for you! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Huge Congrats my friend!
Amanda S. says
…and, I’m pre-ordering it now! 🙂
Kristen says
Congrats, Alice. I can hardly wait to feast my eyes upon it! Give your mama love from me. 🙂
Amanda S. says
Congratulations Alice!! I can hardly wait to read it, and am so happy for you!
Jen Kendall says
YEEEESSS!!! Congratulations!!!!
Amanda says
Alice, I have tears of joy in my eyes!! SO very happy for you and excited for you and excited for me that I get to read your book soon!!! You are amazing!!!
JulieD says
I’m so happy for you and extremely proud of you. It looks so beautiful!! So wonderful that your mother helped you so much along the way too…it’s a labor of love. I’m definitely preordering it!!! xoxo
Teresa says
Very exciting news! Congratualtions.
Robyn @ Blueberries and Oats says
Congratulations! You really did something outstanding and I am sure your father would be proud. <3
RJ (Kids And Cast Iron) says
Congratulations, that is wonderful.
Dana says
Congratulations Alice! What a huge and amazing accomplishment! Really happy for you.
Anita Menon says
Congratulations!! I am sure it would be an amazing success. All my best.
Grace says
Congrats Alice…so happy for you. What a labor of love. I’ve pre-ordered in support!
Hana says
So happy for you! I ‘m sure your dad is so proud of you!
Jennie says
So happy for you Alice. Can’t wait to see you in June and give a big hug in person. xo
Jana says
Congratulations lovely lady! Super excited for you! 🙂
Heidi @foodiecrush says
What a huge accomplishment amid such an emotional and trying time in your life. Congratulations and thanks for giving us a preview!
Elise Johnson says
Congratulations, Alice! Your Dad is smiling down on you!
Suzanne says
I’ve been a long-time reader and infrequent comment but would like to extend a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to you on your upcoming cookbook! How exciting! And your comments about your mom literally brought tears to my eyes. I love her quiet determination to help you push past the pain. I am sure she (as well as the rest of your family) are so thrilled for you!
Pam says
I was sitting in traffic and I literally screamed out loud with excitement! Your recipes have helped me to become a much better cook ! I am looking forward to your book so much! Congratulations and thank you!!!!!
zenchef says
This is exciting news! I’m so happy for you. Big congrats! 🙂
jamieofalltrades says
Congratulations! That’s so exciting!
Tracey says
You go, Alice! I am so proud of and excited for you!
I so look forward to seeing the gorgeous images and reading the beautifully honest stories that accompany them. Wishing you all of the success in the world!
Linda@Petals and Boots says
Congratulations! I remember reading about your Dad’s accident on your blog. His spirit will live on forever through you. Congratulations to your Mom also for her
gentle stubborness!
Good Luck to both of you!