Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The Christmas Season

I know that there are many people who feel that it is politically incorrect to wish folks a Merry Christmas. Well, I am not one of those people. I am totally aware that the commercialism of Christmas often dominates the landscape.

However, at SW Publishing Group we are reminded time and time again that the message of hope and salvation which Christmas brings is alive every day of the year. We are fortunate to supply publishing and book distribution services to organizations with a purpose of helping others. The money raised from our non-profit clients over the 30 years of our business has made lives in communities all around the country a little bit better. At the same time the great people who develop these regional favorites with their blood, sweat and tears receive the gift of joy at helping someone less fortunate.

Please continue to support these endeavors. Whether you purchase a regional cookbook in a bookstore, gift store or online, remember that the profits go to worthy causes--MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Monday, December 19, 2011

International Winner--No Whine With Dinner

The Gourmand International Cookbook Award nominees were just announced and the Meal Makeover Mom's title, No Whine With Dinner won the GOURMAND BEST IN THE U.S.A. Award for the Children & Family category!! This title will now represent the U. S. A. at the International competition in Paris.

Edouard Cointreau founded the World Cookbook Awards in 1995, renamed Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2001.  In  March 2012, the Awards will be held in the Le Cent Quatre the new artistic center of the City of Paris.

For a cookbook to win any award is prestigious but the Gourmand International Cookbook Awards are recognized within the culinary and book industry as the Oscars of cookbooks.

The objective of these awards are:

•To reward and honor those who “cook with words”.

•Help readers find the best out of the 26,000 foods and wine books produced every year.

•To help publishers with international rights to translate and distribute food and wine books.

•To help bookstores find the best books to display.

•To create an opportunity to access the major markets in English, German, Spanish or French, Arabic, Chinese, etc. for books originated in other languages.

•To increase knowledge of, and respect for, food and wine culture, which promotes peace.

Janice Newell Bissex and Liz Weiss are registered dietitians and the Meal Makeover Moms. As two of the nation’s top experts on family nutrition, they’re on a mission to help busy families eat better.

Janice and Liz are the authors of No Whine with Dinner: 150 Healthy, Kid-Tested Recipes from The Meal Makeover Moms and The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers, Improving the Way Your Family Eats, One Meal at a Time. The books highlight their simple food philosophy that kids -– even picky ones — will eat nutritious food without complaint as long as it looks and tastes great. For the recipes, the Moms give family-favorite recipes a healthy makeover by “weaving in” fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy oils and more. Their recipes are easy to make, appeal to kids, and make mealtime less stressful for parents who want their families to eat more than the chicken nuggets and mac & cheese that often end up on the table

Their award is an honor worth celebrating and Favorite Recipes Press is honored to have partnered with these ladies on this project. Enjoy a recipe from this award-winning cookbook.

Beany, Cheesy, Zucchini Quesadillas
Makes 6 servings

2 teaspoons canola oil
1 medium zucchini (about 9 ounces), unpeeled, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 3/4 cups)
1/2 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/2 cup)
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar or part-skim mozzarella cheese
6, 8-inch flour tortillas
Optional sides: salsa, light sour cream, guacamole

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, onion, cumin, and chili powder and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 12 to 15 minutes. Gently stir the beans and heat through.

2. To assemble the quesadillas, arranged 2 tablespoons of cheese over half of each tortilla. Top evenly with the bean mixture and then top again with the remaining cheese. Fold over, press down gently, and place on a large rimmed baking sheet.

3. Bake until the tortillas are golden and crisp on the outside, 8 to 10 minutes. Cut in half and serve with optional sides as desired.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A BOOK THAT MAKES SENSE

My wife and I drove to Lexington, KY recently to watch my Kentucky Wildcats in action at Rupp Arena. I had promised my friend and client Emilie McAuley that I would stop in if I was going to Lexington.  I have never in my life used the term "OMG" but that is the only phrase I can conjure to describe my eyes as we entered Irish Acres. This place is just incredible. Never has anyone deserved a cookbook to sell and promote her business more than than Emilie--the place is fabulous.

The business was started by her parents over 40 years ago in Ashland, KY and then moved to Lexington.  It is an antique store located in the heart of horse country a short nine mile drive from the Blue Grass Parkway that is scenic and a great part of the experience.  Upon entering the one time elementary school the only phrase that one can utter is "oh my gosh". I have been in many antique stores but never one so incredibly nice. 

Emilie took us to The Glitz (the restaurant located downstairs from the store) as a part of our personal tour and pampered us with two tasty desserts which we enjoyed  immensely.  For the short time we had left, she let us roam the shop and all I can say is that we will be back in the spring just to spend some additional time.

Emilie's new cookbook, Lunch at the Glitz, is truly a work of love. She and her mom started discussing the book over 20 years ago and even met with our now retired Publishing Consultant during the initial  research period in 1991.  "Life" got in the way of the book and it didn't become a reality until this year. Emilie decided last year that she wanted to get the book out while her father was still alive as he was a huge part of the family business. Even though his health is failing he was very excited when she gave him his copy.  Lunch at the Glitz is a beautiful  story of the business and the recipes including some great photographs. The book retails for $29.95. 

Lunch at the Glitz is a perfect example of how a unique location, region or event can utilize a cookbook as an extension of the brand.  People want to remember great experiences of places visited so being able to take a small piece of The Glitz home makes perfect sense. Now Emilie's customers can enjoy The Glitz all year long as well as be reminded that it is time for another visit.

While technology might push us into e-formats and consumers might want to get recipes online, Lunch at the Glitz  is a great example of how a printed book can find its niche.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

TWO GREAT HOLIDAY RECIPES

The holidays offer many opportunities for fun and social gatherings. And what is one common ingredient of every social gathering? Yes, FOOD! Who of us can even imagine a party or even a casual get together where there is no food? I certainly can’t.

Below are two recipes from two different regional cookbooks that I think you will enjoy. One is a festive salad that works well for a more formal dinner occasion and the other is a delicious dessert great for a brunch or any setting where finger foods are prevalent. In either case each is a bit unique and will be a hit at your party or with your family. One reason the Holidays are so much fun is that it gives you an excuse to try some new recipes from your favorite regional cookbooks. Happy Holidays!

Festive Pear Salad
Seasoned to Taste (Page 148)
by Junior League of Chattanooga

Fresh fruit is so much fun during the holidays and this salad includes apples, pears, and cranberries—it serves 8 and is simple to make. Your guests will love the Poppy Seed Dressing

Poppy Seed Dressing:

In a bowl combine:
 ½ cup sugar
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
2/3 Cup olive oil
2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Mix well.

Salad:

In a salad bowl, toss:
10 cups romaine
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 sliced apple
1 sliced pear
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped cashews

Add the dressing to coat.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll
A Thyme to Celebrate (Page 126)
by Junior League of Tallahassee

3 Eggs
2/3 Cup canned pumpkin
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons salted butter, softened
8 Ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup confectioners’ sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a rimmed baking sheet. Line with waxed paper and grease the waxed paper.

Beat the eggs, pumpkin, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and flour at medium speed in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until no batter remains on your fingertips when you touch the top lightly. Do not over bake. Invert onto a clean linen towel sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar and remove the waxed paper. Roll up in the towel and let cool completely.

Beat the butter, cream cheese and vanilla at low speed in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth. Unroll the cake from the towel. Spread the cake with the cream cheese mixture and roll up to enclose the filing. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for up to two weeks or freeze for up to six months.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Take Advantage of the Holidays

We all understand that the Holiday shopping season is the make or break window for United States retailers. No doubt it is important for anyone selling and marketing a consumer driven product like a regional book. It just makes sense since most of us scratch our heads regarding what to buy for certain individuals.

With that in mind, what extra initiatives have you put in place for your book this Holiday Season? If you've missed it this year, how about making a note in your diary for next July to begin planning for the 2012 Holiday Season?