Another Florida Success Story, A THYME TO CELEBRATE

The Junior League of Tallahassee is a long time believer of funding their community projects through the proceeds of their cookbook sales. This League had not published a new cookbook since 1988 when Thymes Remembered was launched. Thymes Rembered sold approximately 50,000 copies over 4 printings and raised over $500,000 for the League’s many community projects.

Tallahassee, a classic “southern” city, home to a major University and the Capital City of Florida is inundated with events where food quickly becomes a focal point. It’s no wonder that the ladies of the Junior League of Tallahassee know how to cook and throw a party. Here is what the League has to say about their new title A Thyme to Celebrate:

"A Thyme to Celebrate, Junior League of Tallahassee’s second cookbook was published in October 2009. It was designed to reflect the diversity of the southern community of Tallahassee. Already a kitchen staple like its predecessor, the beautifully hardbound cookbook features a forward and recipe by Celebrity Chef Art Smith, recipes from notable Tallahasseeans and some of our favorite restaurants, culinary tips, recipe nutritional information and little-known Tallahassee tidbits. In order to raise funds to pay for the cookbook, several factors were involved, including a sponsorship drive, pre-sales campaign, a Taste and Toast Launch Party held in September 2009, community partnerships and retail placement.

As we begin our 2010-2011 League year, we are “Tickled Pink” to announce that within a few months of the book’s publication, more than 4,000 books sold, and thus we have paid off the cookbook! Now, all of the proceeds go straight into funding projects benefiting children and families in the Tallahassee area. The ongoing goal for this year is to continue to increase the sales of our cookbook both at the local and regional level. By cultivating the relationships with our current community and retail partners and garnering new ones, advertising in regional and national publications and having a presence at local events, we are already well on our way to depleting our inventory and ordering more books to print. A Thyme to Celebrate is more than just a cookbook; it is valuable tool to making real changes in our community—helping others never tasted so good!

A perfect addition to your own collection, or an ideal gift for holidays, weddings and birthdays, cookbooks can be purchased directly through the League office by calling 850-224-9161 or visiting www.jltallahassee.org.

Tickled Pink
1 (12-ounce) bottle lemon-flavored beer
1 (12-ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 cup vodka
Crushed ice
4 lime wedges

Mix the beer, lemonade concentrate and vodka in a bowl. Fill a blender container halfway with crushed ice and add one-half of the beer mixture. Process until slushy. Pour into a serving pitcher. Repeat with the remaining beer mixture and crushed ice. Pour into glasses and garnish each with a lime wedge. Serves 4.

Recipe found on page 163 of A Thyme to Celebrate "

Remember, when you buy a true “community” cookbook you not only get a great value for your money, but you are also helping others in need. The profits from every Junior League cookbook sold support worthwhile projects within the community—volunteerism and generosity of spirit is something that sets the US apart from all other societies.