It's Never too Late for School

One of the first questions I am asked by potential publishers revolves around how to market a successful cookbook. I am here to preach the gospel about FRP's Cookbook University. This is THE #1 TOOL IN THE USA FOR AN EDUCATION ON HOW TO CREATE AND MARKET A COOKBOOK. Yes, these "all caps" are for emphasis.

FRP Cookbook University grew out of a seminar developed by Ellen Rolfes and Helen Hayes, two former Junior League Cookbook chairs from Memphis in the early 70's. Since that time, the FRP staff has solidified and enhanced the curriculum. We have added a track on creating a great community cookbook as well as sessions related to current and classic marketing techniques. Remember, social media didn't even exist a few years ago.

This year's edition of FRP Cookbook University will be hosted in Nashville, TN and the location at the Downtown Doubletree should expand the fun of the conference. Downtown Nashville is a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of good food and entertainment. There will be guest speakers as well as "Master Level" classes, in addition to the regular curriculum.

The dates are May 19-20. For your convenience, here's the link for registration and details. This conference is relevant for anyone, an individual or an organization with the desire to publish a cookbook.

Here are some comments from past attendees:

"I enjoyed attending FRP Cookbook University and appreciate the opportunity to learn from both FRP staff and my fellow publishers. I found the sessions to be informative. I look forward to putting all this information to good use." - Aleris C. - Junior League of Wichita

"I had so much fun at FRP Cookbook University! FRP is an amazing company with an incredible staff. Y'all made us feel so at home. I not only learned a ton, but I also made some really great friends! It was a great two days, so thank you!" - Lyndsey S. - Junior League of Houston“Very helpful material to carry back to my office and chapter.” - Sheryl W. - AT&T Pioneers Alabama Chapter 34

“I consider FRP Cookbook University instrumental in motivating us to write our own cookbook. The resources provided are well worth the investment.” – Charles P., Beaufort Grocery Company

“I can’t tell you how much we benefited from coming to FRP Cookbook University. We both really feel like we have a good hold on the process and have the knowledge to make a wildly successful book. It was such a pleasure to put a face with all the people we will be working with on throughout the process and are looking forward to our finished product. If you have a new client wavering over whether to go please give them my number—it is definitely a must! We feel we have made the best decision on working with your company to create a lasting piece for our school. It was such a wonderful bonus too to meet others who have gone through or are going through the process as well.”
Shannon G. - Kerr-Vance Academy

Classic Junior League Collection

Any cookbook lover will tell you that Junior League cookbooks are the best—for over 70 years Junior League members have collected, tested, and selected only the very best recipes from their members and communities for their Junior League Cookbooks. So much more than just recipes, these cookbooks capture and preserve regional food traditions and are a testament to the Junior League volunteers who dedicate themselves to meeting the needs of their communities. Junior Leagues publish cookbooks to raise money to help fund the very programs that over the years have improved and transformed the lives of thousands. In celebration and recognition of the Junior League Cookbooks that have given so much to so many, Favorite Recipes Press is excited to announce the launch of the Classic Junior League Cookbook Collection to be introduced by QVC, the top-rated shopping channel, in June 2011.

Twenty-nine Junior League titles were eligible to be included based on criteria established by a team comprised of representatives from QVC, a QVC Marketing Consultant and FRP representatives. Included in these guidelines were the requirements that the cookbooks have been in print for 25 years or more, and have received a Tabasco's Walter S. McIlhenny Community Cookbook Hall of Fame award. Once the eligible titles were determined, to meet QVC's request that the first collection be representative of the entire United States , geography was taken into consideration. Congratulations to the following titles which are included in the Classic Junior League Collection, (listed in alphabetical order):

• Applehood and Motherpie--Junior League of Rochester, NY


• Charleston Receipts--Junior League of Charleston, SC


• Cotton Country Cooking--Junior Leageue of Morgan County, Decatur, AL


• The Gasparilla Cookbook--Junior League of Tampa, FL


• Simply Simpatico--Junior League of Albuquerque, NM


• Virginia Hospitality--Junior League of Hampton Roads, VA

Based on the success of this inaugural Classic Junior League Cookbook Collection, the plan is to offer a new collection on an annual or bi-annual basis.

Help to spread the good news! Like the Classic Junior League Cookbook Collection Facebook page to receive updates on the launch and other events, receive special cookbook offers and discounts! Be sure to share with your friends and family! This special collection will only be available through QVC. Stay tuned for more information on how and when to order.

This is surely to be a Collection that any home cook and cookbook collector would love to own. I know what I will be giving for wedding and hostess gifts this year! These titles are truly Classics and I know you will want to be a part of this piece of community cookbook history.

I'm Back

After a 2 1/2 month absence I am back in the saddle. When one has experienced a health crisis, as I did, the perspective of life changes a bit. I have been blessed with prayers, good wishes and lots of support from family, friends and clients--thanks to all for the support. Since I last posted the new cookbook for Junior League of Chattanooga came out. Their website is a great example of taking advantage of social media to promote a community cookbook.

http://www.seasonedtotastecookbook.com/

Seasoned to Taste is a beautiful book and has recipes in each section that are superb. I sent an e-mail to one of the members with a list of recipes I want to try--no doubt this book will be popular for some time to come.

Amaretto Fruit Salad

Serves 6 to 8

1/2 cup amaretto

1/2 cup white wine

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons sugar

1 bunch grapes, sliced

1 small honeydew melon, finely chopped

1 small pineapple, finely chopped

1 pint strawberries, sliced

1 large banana, sliced

1 sprig of fresh mint for garnish

Whisk the amaretto, wine, lemon juice and sugar together in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Combine the grapes, melon, pineapple and strawberries in a large bowl. Pour the amaretto mixture over the top. Chill, covered, for 8 to 10 hours. Just before serving, stir in the banana. Garnish with the mint.

NOTE: Substitutions can be made with the fruit according to season and availability.