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.
Lori @ Lemons and Lavender says
No matter how old we get, our moms will always be our biggest cheerleaders. I love that your mom was right beside you throughout this labor of love. I can’t wait to read your cookbook! Congratulations!
Alice says
Thank you so much everyone!
VON: So happy to see you here!!
MJ says
Congrats Alice- This is a huge accomplishment and you have worked seriously hard to make it happen. Rest in knowing that you have done your best and let Gods peace guide you from here. Lots of love!
Von says
can’t wait to get my hands on your book. Love your style of cooking.
Esther says
Congratulations Alice! I simply love reading your blog and re-creating your recipes. Everything I have tried from the Molten Lava Cake to the Chicken Marsala, I have loved. Thank you so much for sharing your time and food with me 🙂
Esther
Tasha @ ThatsSoYummy says
Alice,
That is so EXCITING and I am so happy for you. I cannot wait to get a copy of it. Thank you for sharing glimpses of your life with us. It truly is an amazing gift.
Kristen says
I am so happy for you… I remember talking in the car on our way back from BSP about your book. It’s been a long time coming and I’m proud of you for persevering through all you have been through. Your dad would be very proud 🙂
Madeline G. says
I can’t wait to see the book! Congratulations!!!
Annie says
Oh Alice, this is such wonderful news! Your blog is truly one of my favorites and I couldn’t be happier for you. I’m sure you are thrilled!
Stacie @OneHungryMama says
YAY!!! Congrats, Alice. I cannot wait to get my hands on your book. Even without having seen it yet, though, I can say that you should be proud. You did it! You rock. xo
Mary Cooper says
So excited for you!! And for all of us who will get the cookbook 😉 The photos looks so bright and beautiful.
Jun Belen says
Congratulations, Alice! So excited and proud and happy for you!!
Wendi @ Bon Appetit Hon says
What fantastic news Alice. Hope your book tour brings you close to the Balto/DC area so I can get my copy autographed!
Stacey says
Congratulations! Alice I am so happy for you! I am also happy for myself because I can’t wait to see your delicious recipes and gorgeous photography in person!!! 🙂
alice says
Thank you so much everyone for your kind words and support! I really appreciate them and they encourage me so much. My mom does not use the internet but I told her that I announced the book today and how wonderful people have been in showing their support. She was grinning from ear to ear.
xo
alice says
Your comment made me laugh out loud. I so appreciate your enthusiasm!
xo
Florence S says
Congratulations! Your experience and persistence are inspiring. Best of luck with the book!
Irene says
Congratulations on your coobook, this is so exciting! I’ll make sure I get a copy!
Katie @ Katie Without Restrictions says
Congratulations! It looks absolutely stunning.
Alena says
Per-ordered! I wish June would come sooner!
I love your recipes!
Nora says
Congratulations! I will definitely pre-order. Hope your book tour hits the South. Would love to see you in Alabama.
Vicki Bensinger says
First of all I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It’s hard enough losing a parent when they are ill but to lose them so tragically is quite another story. I hope you, your mom and family are coping better now.
Congratulations on your first book. This is so exciting. I know it will be a huge success. Please keep us posted. The cover looks inviting!
Jaime {sophistimom} says
Oh, Alice, Alice, Alice! How happy I am for you! And how beautifully you expressed your experience in such a turbulent year. Bless your mother for what a help she was, and bless you for carrying on with the book at such a time. This book will be such a wonderful tribute to your father.
All my love to you, and congratulations!
elizabeth k says
Congratulations and blessings!! I am so thrilled for you, and look forward to having your cookbook in my home. What a year you have had – came through, stronger – sharing the importance of leaning on another person (mom!) to get through – and sharing your wisdom with us! All success to you!
Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker says
Alice, A huge congratulations to you! I cant’ image how difficult the last year must have been for you. Thank you for sharing the story of your mom’s support; it makes me remember how much I need to appreciate my own, for I know she would have done whatever she needed to help me, just as yours did. Enjoy your success!