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Recipes And Stories Unblogged

Me, holding the papers and my pen: Are you in? Things are about to get a little weird-er.
Him, looking over the contract one last time: Yes, I am in.
Me: allright…there I sign…
Him: ugh…does this mean you are going to be baking even more desserts? Will I still get to eat them?
Me: yes, but now there might be a scoring card attached to them!!

The picture above sort of speaks for itself and I admit that I already told a hand full of you because 1/ I could not hold it anymore and 2/ if you write me the "what are you up to?" email, I can’t possibly say "nothing" and post that a couple of weeks ago I signed my name at the bottom of a publishing contract for a cookbook.

Yep…100 recipes, 100 stories and 100 reasons to get you baking! 100 recipes (metric and US) never blogged about, well, except for a hand full that I have already posted but wanted to work on, specials created for work, desserts I came up with while working on others for the blog, wonderful recipes inherited from my grandmother,.etc…All are rooted in my French background but most had to be adapted to what I found when I settled in the States, whether it be ingredients, methods or traditions. I am baking, styling the food, taking the pictures and telling you a story along the way. I hope you understand if the updates here slow down here and there and why I might be commenting a little less then before, just know that I am reading, salivating, laughing and crying along with you.

How did this all come to be? Well, I did not wake up one morning to find a "we want to publish you" email. It was rather a combination of events and relationships formed that finally brought that "you are our priority" email in my mailbox one morning….I first started this blog as a place to write about my passion for desserts and to have my family and friends read to keep me accountable. To say that I never thought of what cool things could come out of writing Tartelette (another happening I’ll share in a couple of weeks) would be insulting your intelligence. But writing my own cookbook? I would have probably checked my temperature first. Like a craft or a child, the blog grew, and all because of you. By your visits, your comments and your emails, you implicitly also said "I am in" and one of the results stands in front of you today. I owe a lot of this to your support and your readership. I also know that if you want something in life, you have got to make it happen. So before I become even more absent or the best ghost commenter out there, at least you know why. I am baking you a whole of good things!

When my friend Hannah was about to release her own book, her publisher emailed me wanting to know if I wanted an advance copy for review. I like Alisa from the very first emails we exchanged. I liked her tone, her sensibility and I was very very impressed with the way she was handling Hannah’s book release. I thought "Wow! If I were writing a book, I sure would want her to be my publisher". Then I realised that I had tons of questions about book and recipe writing and we started to talk about them and a few weeks later, she encouraged me to write a proposal and she would look it over and if not their publishing house, at least she could give me a couple of pointers. Well, I guess I did an ok job because after many months (that’s another thing folks….unless you hook up a typewriter to your brain, whisk away 24/7, and take pictures like a mad one, it takes a lot of time and energy), they did send that "We are in" email….and the next 8 months are going to be bu-sy, bu-sy!!

The book is strongly related to the pictures of my grandparents above. I grew up with a spatula in one hand and an egg in the other, sitting on the kitchen counter by my grandmother, whisking and folding under her guidance. She distilled her love for desserts one recipe at a time, always careful to make me smell and taste, never afraid to let me destroy a cake because I would learn something no matter what. A couple of years after her death, my grandfather handed me her recipe boxes, all our family favorites, right there. I picked one of my favorites, set a stool by the counter top for my niece Lea, and that afternoon we made Grandma’s Madeleines. I repeated the steps she taught me with Lea, I let her stir and fold, I let her butter the molds and spill the batter. It filled me up with such sadness and love at the same time. We proudly served them to my grandfather who exclaimed "I always told her she should organize them in some sort of book….but she always did what she wanted anyways…"

I flew home with the boxes in my carry on. I read them over and over on the plane, closing my eyes at each one. I could hear her voice, I could see my mom sitting at the table with her tea while I would emerge from the kitchen carrying a freshly baked flourless cake or a batch of cream puffs. Grandma would make me wait, she’d set up the table with freshly cleaned linens, a pretty plate and then she would go pick a spoon from her collection and hand it to me "go on, go ahead, you can have it now". Baking does not end in the kitchen, it starts in your mind, carries down through your fingertips and passes on to your nose, your eyes and ends at the table….in your mouth.

Once home, I put them in the front of my other recipe binders and once or twice a week I would work through them, edit the quantities, the ingredients, to work with the time, the economy, what I had available here, enhance, reduce, balance. For me a recipe is never final , it always a work in progress. I don’t pretend to reinvent the pastry wheel, I like to work with things that most everybody can find and that will make you head to the kitchen without thinking twice whether you can do it. Of course you can! It’s not rocket science…otherwise I would not be here today! I am always trying to bring a little extra, to give you as many tips and tricks as possible (so far Tanna liked them!) so there is more than grandma’s tried and true going in the book. Because of her teachings and passion for food, I ended up doing this as a profession, and a hobby, and a favor, and teaching others….so much so that as I grew into this craft the more I found myself coming up with other recipes. I dare not say they will turn your world upside down, but I think they will nudge novices into tying on that apron a little tighter and try and seasoned bakers to come relax with me with a recipe, a story and a cup of tea. Title?

C’est Sweet: A baked narrative…

Oh gosh…is somebody still reading? There will be cake this weekend…Promise!

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Comments


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 6:25 am

Helen,

I discovered your blog from another flickr member, and have been hooked since. Reading your latest post about your sharing with all of us your publishing plans makes me feel privileged to have been made privy. I especially like your warm, from the soul approach to baking and know that your venture will be a total success. Your passion for your craft and selflessness in sharing what you know will lift your book to another level and touch your readers. This I am sure. Here’s wishing you lots of happy moments as you recall your childhood with nostalgia and happiness as you sieve through the pages of your memory…. All the best. Melena


Unknown July 3, 2008 um 6:48 am

Hi Helene,

Wonderful to hear that you are going to publish your own book. So amazing, we are gonna have you with us in our kitchens, delightful. Thank you so much for sharing your recipes, for helping us out and also for giving confidence to novices like me who now walk into the kitchen thinking they can. And when they can’t they send you a panic stricken email :). Thank you once again and wish you all the best. πŸ™‚


Anita (Married… with dinner) July 3, 2008 um 6:48 am

Oh!!! I am so excited for you. Congratulations! πŸ™‚

I can’t wait to read it. Really!


Rachel July 3, 2008 um 6:53 am

That is delightful to know….


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 6:56 am

Congratulations! What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother.


kristina July 3, 2008 um 7:01 am

I’ve only just recently discovered your blog and have been enjoying it immensely. This post is so moving–it brings back memories of my own grandmother, who was also a wonderful home baker. Really looking forward to your book. K


Mary July 3, 2008 um 7:06 am

How very exciting for you! I’m sure it will be a lovely book. Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman!


Afternoontea July 3, 2008 um 7:31 am

Looking forward to your 1st cookbook (dessert only?).


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 7:33 am

Yeeey….I’m so happy for you. Congratulations …and all the best…!


Manggy July 3, 2008 um 7:37 am

That’s fantastic, Helen! Also so sweet that you get to fulfill your grandparents' secret and not-so-secret dreams, and honor the recipes πŸ™‚


Ilva July 3, 2008 um 7:42 am

It will be the most gorgeous book! This is such nice news, do keep us posted about the progress and a big congratulation hug to you! I will absolutely buy it!


Kitt July 3, 2008 um 7:47 am

Great news! Your recipes and photos will make for a wonderful book.


Christy July 3, 2008 um 8:13 am

Congratulations Helen!! I’ll sooo buy your book!! I’ve loved your blog enough to visit it everyday, and have always enjoyed your stories and recipes. You deserve this, and I can’t wait to purchase a copy once it comes out. I wish you all the best with your plans for the book, and I hope I will still find you here, sharing recipes, stories and snippets of your life.


Pille July 3, 2008 um 8:31 am

Oooo – what a great news – and congratulations, Helen!!


Angelica July 3, 2008 um 8:44 am

Congratulations!
I’ve followed your blog since I first stumbled upon it over a year ago, and I will definitely buy your book once it’s finished. Good luck!


amy July 3, 2008 um 9:01 am

oh congratulations!! so exciting πŸ™‚


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 9:06 am

Oh…congrats, your grandma would be so proud of you, I know your readers are πŸ™‚


Nic July 3, 2008 um 9:11 am

Congrats – how exciting!
I’ll be joining the (long) line for the book when ic comes out.


Erilyn July 3, 2008 um 9:54 am

Helene
Congratulations. I have so enjoyed your blog, the way you 'talk' and making it so personal and friendly. Your family are like friends and now you get to re-live, remember and re-love all those recipes, and your grandparents and THEN share them with all of us. Thanks so much!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 9:59 am

Congratulations, Helene! I enjoy reading your stories as much as I do the recipes–you have a great 'voice' that draws the reader in.

I’m really looking forward to seeing your book on the shelves!


Inne July 3, 2008 um 10:10 am

Wow Helen!!! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait to see the finished product and hear more of your family stories. Now where do I put my name to pre-order the book?


Peter M July 3, 2008 um 10:14 am

Helen, congrats and this is a testament that hard work pays off, as does good food.

You’re an inspiration to some of us who wish to take our blogs to another level.


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 10:52 am

Helen, such great news, congratulations! I’m definitely ordering this one on Amazon as it gets published. This is a good place to say how much I love your blog, your wonderful writing style and the mouth watering pics that make me wanna bite into the screen each time… πŸ™‚


Y July 3, 2008 um 11:04 am

Oh my goodness.. how fabulous! "I’m IN!" as far as pre-ordering your book is concerned! πŸ˜€


Cannelle Et Vanille July 3, 2008 um 11:14 am

That is absolutely wonderful Helen and you know I will be one of the first ones to buy the book. And if there is a book promo tour, I will wait in line like a crazy fan!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 11:15 am

CONGRATULATIONS!

What great news. I know it will be a long process, so I will prepare myself for a long wait until I can make my bookshelf even fuller.

So very good choice from the publisher.

Let me know if you need an additional tester once in a while (used to keeping secrets from DB πŸ˜‰ ).

Alexandra, who is grateful for the standard and METRIC part


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 11:32 am

congratulations on your cookbook!!! that’s amazing! i subscribe to your blog and am always excited when there’s a new post. this one left me with tears in my eyes because i can still remember what it was like cooking with my grandmother!


LyB July 3, 2008 um 11:46 am

Helen, I am so happy for you and for all of us out there who get to say that another fellow blogger is having her very own cookbook published! Put me on the pre-order list right now! πŸ˜‰


Nina Timm July 3, 2008 um 11:50 am

This is so amazing. You are living the dream of so many other bloggers. I wish you well and may this be the first of many books to come.


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 11:50 am

Congratulations, Helene! Lovely post about your grandmother and her part in your passion for baking. I will very much look forward to owning my very own copy of your upcoming book!


Mary Coleman July 3, 2008 um 11:58 am

It was just a matter of time that this would happen. I’m so very happy for you!!
Mary


Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) July 3, 2008 um 12:02 pm

Helen, this is such happy news!! Congratulations. Now I will make space on my bookshelf…


The Blushing Hostess July 3, 2008 um 12:06 pm

Helene, this could not be more deserved by anyone else in our genre today. Congratulations and I look forward to reading the book. Let everyone know when pre-ordering is available. Cat


Bridget July 3, 2008 um 12:06 pm

Congratulations! I can’t wait to have your cookbook in my kitchen! I know it will be beautiful!


Rosa's Yummy Yums July 3, 2008 um 12:28 pm

Wow, how awesome! Congratulations! Your cookbook will surely be very interesting…

Cheers,

Rosa


LizNoVeggieGirl July 3, 2008 um 12:29 pm

Helen!! This is FANTASTIC news!! I will for sure purchase your cookbook when it comes out :0)


Chris July 3, 2008 um 12:34 pm

whooooooweeeeeeeee! Go Helen, Go Helen….(doing my goofy happy dance)


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 12:37 pm

Helen,

I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to be first in line at your book signing here in NYC!!!

hugs sweets!


Nicole July 3, 2008 um 12:41 pm

Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! Can’t wait to read it!


BlondeJustice July 3, 2008 um 12:41 pm

Congratulations mon ami!

I shall be one of the first in line to purchase your new book. What wonderful news!

xoxoxo


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 12:54 pm

wow, congratulations!! It must be wondeful to have your dreams printed and ready to read whenever you wish! πŸ™‚ Best of luck to the upcoming busy times!


Dharm July 3, 2008 um 1:03 pm

Helene,
Congrats! I am so excited for you!! I’ve always dreamt of publishing my own cookbook but after starting to blog and finding sites like your’s, I realise how unimpressive I am compared to the likes of you. Fantastic, just fantastic and now I can also claim to know a cookbook writer! Lots of love.


Avory July 3, 2008 um 1:04 pm

Helen,

I absolutely love this idea. You’ll be living out the dream of all us foodbloggers, and I congratulate you. FΓ©licitations! I know there are a lot out there, but the more cookbooks featuring French or French-inspired recipes with American measurements/ingredients, the better. One day I hope to get my French citizenship and move to Montpellier for good, but who knows when that will be, and in the meantime, it’s nice to know that I can find the ingredients in the supermarket.


bakeorbreak July 3, 2008 um 1:19 pm

Congratulations! I am so excited for you. Know that I’ll be buying a copy the day that it’s available. πŸ™‚


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 1:35 pm

What exciting news! Congratulations!!!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 1:36 pm

Congratulations! This is so exciting. Too bad I can’t be in on the score card thing. I can think of worse ways to spend a day than tasting desserts.


Zakia / Avenue Z Desserts July 3, 2008 um 1:39 pm

Congratulations!!! Consider this my official pre-order πŸ™‚


Christine Throckmorton July 3, 2008 um 1:50 pm

Congratulations! May you enjoy the entire process during the next eight months! ~Christine


Kelli July 3, 2008 um 1:52 pm

Congratulations! That is awesome news! I can’t wait to buy your cookbook!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 2:15 pm

Congratulations Tartelette! I love your blog and look forward to adding what I am sure will be a wonderful book to my ever expanding collection. Well done!


Jessica July 3, 2008 um 3:05 pm

Congratulations! I love your blog and your recipes! I can’t wait to buy the book!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 3:06 pm

Helen,
How exciting for you and for us! I have been reading your blog for several months and although I have no formal training, love to try your recipes and so very much enjoy the stories you share. Your inspiration is much like mine although you took it further than I have. My Italian aunts were amazing with their cooking and have unbeknownst to them handed down a tradition and love for cooking and feeding that they had.

I wish you the best and anxiously await the release of "C’est Sweet" You are an inspiration and a tribute to your grandmother!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 3:13 pm

I too was deeply moved while reading your post, what love your grandmother put into those recipes and teaching you. your book is already a success, it can’t help but be. congratulations, i’m looking forward to getting and reading it.


Dewi July 3, 2008 um 3:17 pm

Wow, CONGRATULATION! Let me know when you do the book tour to SF bay area. I’ll be in line.


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 3:18 pm

Helen- I am so thrilled to hear your exciting news! The best of luck these next couple months while you create and bake! You take your sweet time and make something amazing! That cookbook is surely going to sell like hotcakes!


chksngr July 3, 2008 um 3:28 pm

Well, this is just awesome!

I’m so looking forward to the cookbook!

Since I love stories (I’m a scrapbooker!) and desserts (um..yea…welll….that one doesn’t really need an explanation, does it?) I cannot wait to see this book!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 3:47 pm

Contratulations, that is so exciting! And what a wonderfully written post.


Mandy July 3, 2008 um 4:25 pm

congratulations, Helen! To tell you the truth, I am always wondering when are you going to have your own cookbook?!Glad that it is going to materialise soon.


That Girl July 3, 2008 um 4:29 pm

I’m such an emotional wreck lately – I got the chills and the tears reading this.


My Sweet & Saucy July 3, 2008 um 4:32 pm

How exciting! I can’t wait to get a copy!


glamah16 July 3, 2008 um 4:37 pm

Yippie! I am so happy for you. I know this book will be a treasure.


Sunshinemom July 3, 2008 um 4:46 pm

Thrilled for you! It was google that brought me here and I am here to stay! YAY! Soon enough I am going to have a treasure trove of recipes when your books comes out – if it comes all the way here! And I know you are going to be great at it as usual. Hope you will have the regular anecdotes – I love them:) One big request – try some eggless recipes if it is not asking too much! Its a toughie to modify all by myself:)


Kana July 3, 2008 um 4:57 pm

How fantastic – CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
You still gonna keep posting right? πŸ˜‰


Suganya July 3, 2008 um 5:54 pm

I am all set to pre-order πŸ˜€


Peabody July 3, 2008 um 6:00 pm

Well, I already knew. πŸ˜‰ But you can never hear congrats enough! Can’t wait Helen.


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 6:40 pm

Congratulations! It’ll be a winner, we already know.


eatme_delicious July 3, 2008 um 6:41 pm

Very touching entry. And wow congratulations!! I am SO excited to buy your cookbook!! πŸ™‚ Can’t wait.


AimΓ©e July 3, 2008 um 6:41 pm

It’s about time, Helen!!! I’m so thrilled for you and can’t WAIT to see this work of love.
All the best for the upcoming busy months.
Congratulations!!


Indivara July 3, 2008 um 6:44 pm

Congratulations on the book. I will most certainly buy it. I’m a young college student and discovered my love for cooking a while ago. I however have been more inclined to bake since I was introduced to your blog. Thanks so much for the wonderful recipes and I am looking forward to the book.

bonne chance avec le livre!


Jenny July 3, 2008 um 7:24 pm

Amazing! Congratulations! I look forward to the book (and plan to be the first up going MEmememememememe when your publishers needs people to review your book! You are an amazing teacher so I have no doubt you will have a wonderful book.


Cookie baker Lynn July 3, 2008 um 7:36 pm

Oh, Helen, I’m so excited for you! This is wonderful news. I can’t wait to get a copy of your book. If you need test bakers, sign me up!


Cara July 3, 2008 um 7:39 pm

Congrats! I am so happy for you, and can’t wait to see the final product! I just KNEW that you would make it "big", so to speak!


Sylvia July 3, 2008 um 7:41 pm

Congratulations! That is wonderful news.

And I know you want to do new recipes – but you will include macaroons, right?!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 7:48 pm

congratulations !!!! Whaow ! This is going to be a great great great adventure πŸ™‚
I hope I’ll find it easily when it will be published !
Have a good time writing your book, enjoy it as much as you can πŸ™‚


cindy* July 3, 2008 um 8:14 pm

yay!


MyKitchenInHalfCups July 3, 2008 um 8:19 pm

Do what you love . . . everything will follow.
I feel like I’ve known this since the second time I read your blog. I’d say the first but I usually try to give myself a second look.
Gosh do you know how many are all ready in line . . . I really love this for you Helen!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 8:22 pm

Bravo! Bien fait- you deserve all the success…….oh I can not wait!


Anonymous July 3, 2008 um 8:31 pm

How wonderful!! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see it!


Veron July 3, 2008 um 8:38 pm

Congratulations, dear friend!! You can count on me to spread the word. I’ll be handing out to all my friends and relatives etc..Love the title too! Hugs…squeeeee!!!


Clumbsy Cookie July 3, 2008 um 8:46 pm

Congratulations Helen! Wow that sounds like a beautiful project! The memories from your grandmother are touching…
I’m considering moving close to you so I can taste all the goodies you’re going to bake for this new child of yours!
Good luck and enjoy it!


Karen Baking Soda July 3, 2008 um 9:39 pm

Helene, exciting news! congratulations, this is going to be a wonderful project with the memories and stories within your baking. Enjoy!


Tammy July 3, 2008 um 10:06 pm

Congratulations! that is so cool and I cant wait to buy your book once published!!


Rachael Hutchings July 4, 2008 um 12:12 am

I am not surprised, not one bit! Congratulations! You have such a great voice in your writing, that I’m sure your book will be a delight. I can’t wait to buy a copy! You have been an inspiration to me in the kitchen, so I look forward to more inspiration.


Mary July 4, 2008 um 1:04 am

Congratulations Helen. I’ve got a collection of blogs that would have Imelda Marcos drooling, but yours is always the first one I check on. Every second or third day it seems to have another divine offering. And the biographical notes are entertaining. If anybody deserves such a reward, it’s you.
Mary


creampuff July 4, 2008 um 1:47 am

Well I can’t imagine another food blogger readier or more deserving of this opportunity! I for one cannot wait for your book so hurry up and get BUSY!!!


Ginny July 4, 2008 um 3:07 am

of course, I was still reading! congratulations! I’ll look forward to your cookbook! Good Luck! πŸ™‚


SteamyKitchen July 4, 2008 um 3:07 am

WOWOWOWOWOW!!!! that’s soooo cool! We’ll be writing together then. You can always pick up the phone and talk with me when stuck in 'rubber band snapping mode'!!!!


Sara, Ms Adventures in Italy July 4, 2008 um 3:12 am

This is the beginning of the beginning!!! I am so happy for you, and count me in for recipe tester, photo judger or morale support! If you need any ingredients from over here, let me know!!

I can’t wait!


Anonymous July 4, 2008 um 3:21 am

Helen, congratulations! I wish the biggest success possible to your project! I’m in line to buy this book!


Cakebrain July 4, 2008 um 4:10 am

Congratulations Helen! I look forward to reading the book!


Fifi Flowers July 4, 2008 um 5:41 am

WOW… FABULOUS! CONGRATS! Can I illustrate in your book? Can’t hurt to aks…LOL
WONDERFUL for YOU!

Thank you for visiting my site… make sure to come back! Fifi


Anonymous July 4, 2008 um 7:51 am

Wonderful news, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!!! All the best and congratulations!


spicyicecream July 4, 2008 um 8:21 am

Congratulations! This is really fantastic news, your blog is such an inspiration, so I can’t wait to turn the pages of your book. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know πŸ™‚


Aparna Balasubramanian July 4, 2008 um 8:42 am

Congratulations.
It must be almost like a dream come true. I’ll come back for some cake.:)


Lisa is Bossy July 4, 2008 um 8:53 am

Congratulations Helene! I too cannot wait to read your cookbook! What an exciting and fabulous announcement! And look… I think you’ve sold almost 100 copies just as I write this comment…well, maybe more like 95. πŸ˜‰


Le FlΓ’neur Novice July 4, 2008 um 10:41 am

Sooo exciting! Will be waiting for it impatiently though πŸ™‚

Cong.!


Simply…Gluten-free July 4, 2008 um 12:58 pm

Congrats, I am sure it will be a memorable book!


Anonymous July 4, 2008 um 1:15 pm

Quel beau cadeau de la vie!
Merci de nous faire partager cette bonne nouvelle. Je suis moi aussi impatiente de lire ton livre.


Anonymous July 4, 2008 um 1:21 pm

Congratulations and I am looking forward to the book!!


aforkfulofspaghetti July 4, 2008 um 2:12 pm

Good luck!


Unknown July 4, 2008 um 2:26 pm

YAY Hellen, that’s a super good news. Congrats. I’m so looking forward to the book.


BC July 4, 2008 um 3:05 pm

Fantastic and well deserved!!!


Anonymous July 4, 2008 um 3:37 pm

Oh congratulations to you!!! It’s about time! This is sooo exciting and we’re soooo super elated for you! We’d like to pre-order 10 copies please! Your book will make awesome gifts by….next Christmas 2009? maybe? Put us on the list!


Babeth July 4, 2008 um 4:39 pm

Je suis super heureuse pour toi miss Tartelette !!
I’m soo happy for you πŸ™‚
xoxoxo


Laura Rebecca July 4, 2008 um 5:07 pm

Congratulations! This is fantastic news!


Anonymous July 4, 2008 um 6:38 pm

Congratulations! I can’t wait for the book to come out. I have a lot of your recipes bookmarked and can’t wait to have a hard copy of new fabulous recipes from you.


Patricia Scarpin July 4, 2008 um 6:41 pm

I’m trying my best not to scream here, because if I do, my boss will kill me. πŸ™‚
I’m so glad to hear that, my dear friend!! You are so talented, generous, giving… Fantastic would not be enough to describe you. You deserve this amazing opportunity!

Oh, I’ll want my copy with your autograph, thank you. πŸ˜‰


Lori July 4, 2008 um 6:59 pm

I am so glad to hear about your book. I think I have said in my comments on several occassions that you should write a book, so you KNOW I am HAPPY. I will buy it- you bet! So happy for you Helen you are such a neat person!

I have been hooked on your blog since rhubarb charlotte! Oh my!


Anonymous July 4, 2008 um 7:10 pm

That’s just wonderful! Congratulations!


Mallow July 4, 2008 um 10:28 pm

Congratulations! How fabulous for you!


Tiffany @ Lattes And Life July 5, 2008 um 1:06 am

How exciting!!! Best of luck, and enjoy the process!!!!


Tiffany @ Lattes And Life July 5, 2008 um 1:07 am

How exciting!!! Best of luck, and enjoy the process!!!!


Anonymous July 5, 2008 um 1:27 am

Yes, we are still reading cake or no cake.
I am so happy for you Helen and can’t wait to here more as you work on it. You tell a beautiful story to go with your gorgeous photography.


Anonymous July 5, 2008 um 2:25 am

Congratulations!! You totally deserve it – I bet your book will be 100% drool-worthy, just like your blog πŸ˜‰


Chris July 5, 2008 um 3:20 am

Congratulations!! πŸ™‚


Anonymous July 5, 2008 um 4:53 am

WOWWW!!! congratulations! I have been reading your blog for quite a while now, and your recipes have always work wonders in my kitchen. I can’t wait for the book to be in my shelve!


Susan @ SGCC July 5, 2008 um 3:02 pm

Congratulations, Helen! This is such exciting news! No one deserves it more. Wish I lived closer so I could be a "taste tester" πŸ˜‰


La Tartine Gourmande July 5, 2008 um 3:11 pm

Wonderful Helen. I cannot wait to read it!


Janelle July 5, 2008 um 3:47 pm

Congratulations πŸ™‚ I am so happy for you! I am going to buy the book that’s for certain. I am currently making your version of the Matcha Tea Cake as the 3rd test cake for this graduation cake I am making. My girl friends are graduating from massage therapy school and this is my gift to them… a 3 tier cake covered in the most luscious butter cream and decorated like a dream. Thanks for the inspirations and the tips (I’ve never taken any classes on baking. I learnt the basics from Maman and the fancy stuff I learnt myself).

Good Luck! And though the busy times, remember to enjoy πŸ™‚


Cynthia July 6, 2008 um 3:25 am

This is such great news and I look forward to purchasing my personal copy and baking like crazy.

You are loved and thought of fondly, always.


Babycakes July 6, 2008 um 9:53 am

This is so great!!
I’m such an addict of your blog, I’m really glad I’ll be able to have a book (I’m fond of books… and cookbooks? Mamamia!) with your style and witt and amazing ictures!

I live in France in fact, but my parents live in the US (the other way around from you), so I’ll be very happy to send them buy the book for me as soon as it hits the selves πŸ˜‰

Good luck for all the hard work, but I’m sure it will be an amazing journey!


Thistlemoon July 6, 2008 um 2:02 pm

This is so exciting!
Biggest congrats EVER and so well deserved! πŸ™‚


Anonymous July 6, 2008 um 8:58 pm

Oh Helen, congratulations!! I am so very excited for you- Please let me know how things are going, and don’t hesitate to ask for help should I be able to provide it. I’m so happy that we’ll be working with the same people on our books, too!


Courtney July 6, 2008 um 9:01 pm

well congratulations, you’re so lucky! or just plain good. anyways, that’s so exciting, i long for the day where i will have a cookbook too, reading chocolate and zucchini, or orangette, and now you, all posting about your cookbooks! good luck!


jenniferhoiyin July 7, 2008 um 12:10 am

Can’t wait! I love your blog and already know I will love your cookbook. Good luck putting it all together and have fun with it! We’re all routin' for you!


steph- whisk/spoon July 7, 2008 um 11:28 am

oh my god—that is amazing!! congratulations! what a lot of work this must be, but we all know it will be a beautiful book!


Anonymous July 7, 2008 um 1:16 pm

CONGRATULATIONS! How exciting! You’re a fantastic chef and I love your stories, so I’m sure I’ll love your book!


Carrie July 7, 2008 um 3:11 pm

Holy Crap Helen!

That is awesome! I will be the FIRST to buy your book! I can’t wait! Congratulations! AMAZING and sooooooo well desserved! Do you have any hints on the proposal? I am more scared of that than anything else.

Carrie


Unknown July 7, 2008 um 3:36 pm

Congrats on your new found adventure! I’m sure it will be an exhilarating project!

Ooo! And I SO volunteer for testing any recipes!


PheMom July 7, 2008 um 7:16 pm

YIPEE!!!! Look at that, I go away for a few days and the whole fun bloggy world changes! A cookbook, from Dear Helen! Sign me up!

Huge congratulations! I’m sure it is going to be fantastic! What’s not to love, right? Beautiful Writing + Beautiful Creations + Beautiful Pictures = One Amazing Book!! YAY!


Kelly-Jane July 7, 2008 um 7:29 pm

OMG! That’s fantastic news!! I’m so pleased for you, bless hubby wondering if he’d still get to eat things πŸ™‚

Is it on Amazon? Can I pre-order it?

Well done sweetie!

KJxx


ChichaJo July 8, 2008 um 1:20 am

I can’t believe I just by stopped now…what wonderful news!!! A big congratulations from me…you really deserve this and I am so happy that it happened! πŸ™‚ And I am also so excited to be able to one day pick up that book! It sounds lovely…oh how your grandma would be so proud!


Anonymous July 8, 2008 um 5:34 pm

Oh WELL DONE YOU!!! I’ve been salivating over your pictures since I started blogging almost a year ago and I will definitely be on the waiting list for a book when it’s published.


Lesley July 8, 2008 um 9:29 pm

Mon DIEU. Felicitations! C’est genial, vraiment. J’attends avec impatience ton "tome"….


Eva July 9, 2008 um 7:57 am

When I was scrolling down to see how many posts I had missed over the last few days, I hadn’t expected to see such wonderful news! Congratulations, it’s so well deserved! Let us hear about every step in the process as far as you’re allowed to!!!


β€’ friX β€’ July 9, 2008 um 5:34 pm

Good Good Luck !


β€’ friX β€’ July 9, 2008 um 5:34 pm

Good Good Luck !


talida July 10, 2008 um 4:50 pm

Just caught up with your posts.. thanks for sharing your great news! I love nothing more than to hear people’s stories, and I am so looking forward to your book. All the best!!


Deborah July 10, 2008 um 6:47 pm

I’m a week late to your announcement, but CONGRATULATIONS! I can’t think of anyone that deserves it more than you do, and I will be first in line to buy your book!


Anonymous July 11, 2008 um 4:43 pm

Hi!

Long time reader, first time poster. I just wanted to say how great it is that you’re being recognized with a book deal. You (and many other fantastic bloggers) were what pushed me to start my own blog. I really wanted to be a part of this great community. I can’t wait to get my hands on the finished product!

Jessica


Anonymous July 11, 2008 um 7:54 pm

OMG – where in the world have I been to have missed this? I am soooooo happy for you. I am incredibly proud of you too. Congratulations!


Anonymous July 12, 2008 um 6:18 am

I’m speechless… and so happy for you!.. This is a truly fantastic project! πŸ™‚

I just can’t wait to buy your book! Can i have my copy autographed pleaaasse? πŸ™‚


Sabra July 17, 2008 um 7:26 pm

You are kidding? I am just catching up on our posts and saw this one – oh mi gd – that’s so so great – congrats! you must be so so thrilled!


Anonymous July 20, 2008 um 4:55 am

Helene! This is such great news! I am so happy for you! I am sure the book will be a huge success! Can’t wait to see it! Loved the title too:)

C’est tres jolie:)


Jami July 31, 2008 um 4:47 pm

Congratulations! What a lovely tribute to your grandmother, as well!


sarah j. gim August 18, 2008 um 5:51 pm

wow. i can’t believe i actually MISSED this news…but now that i’ve found it, good grief, congratulations!!!!


Missy Allets September 2, 2008 um 10:56 pm

Joyous congratulations are in order πŸ™‚

And your grandma will love the tribute you wrote. I, too, love how it evokes pictures aplenty and emotions high.

Enjoy this splendid moment in your life!

Loves.


Botany's Desire October 5, 2008 um 3:36 am

Oh how happy I am for you. I can’t wait to be able to purchase a copy.


chililime October 6, 2008 um 10:15 pm

That is so awesome! Congradulations, and I wish you great success.


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