Another Recommendation

This series of posts on favorite community cookbooks began with a feature on a brand new title. Today, I go in the opposite direction with a recommendation for a cookbook that is over 50 years old. You can be assured that a title with this longevity contains wonderful recipes and content. A "classic" earns the title as opposed to being simply touted as such. Gasparilla is a true classic.

From the first time I picked up a copy of  Gasparilla I was intrigued with it. I didn't know the history of the Gasparilla event at the time nor realized that the book was such an old title. Just think, this cookbook has thrived for longer than any current active Junior League of Tampa member has been alive. Why has it been so popular for so long?  How does a book stay in existence for 50 plus years? Read on for the answers.

The book is simple in format and size. While today's community cookbooks are illustrated with beautiful color photography this was not the trend in the early 1960's. It is illustrated with wonderful pen and ink drawings depicting such things as the University of Tampa's beautiful Plant Hall,  creating Cuban Sandwiches at Columbia Restaurant, and the Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs.  Each chapter is charmingly written, with many wonderful anecdotes to illustrate a point about the culture of Tampa. Throughout the book the non-recipe copy is enjoyable and gives the reader a true sense of Tampa. As you read the book you can feel the love that went into its creation.

Amazingly, this book which has sold over 215,000 copies, debuted in 1961 and released a 50th Anniversary Edition in 2011, was only the fifth Junior League cookbook in the US. It's first printing of 7,800 copies sold out in just 3 months requiring a second order of 10,000 copies. The recipes, while not for the health conscious, are varied and tasty. For example, one of the most intriguing is the "Annie Laurie's Potato Salad for Greek Salad" on page 47. Yes, you read that right! The unusual title is what caught my attention. The dish is unique, simple and delicious.

While there are many other famous examples of great classic community cookbooks still around most are out of print. I highly recommend Gasparilla for its test of time and its well deserved reputation as "one of the best ever".

My Opinion and Why

Over the next few weeks I am going to post reviews of what I consider great community cookbooks and why I feel as I do. You will have to decide if you agree and it is completely OK if you don't. However, I would be interested in your opinions, particularly if they differ from mine.

Some of the titles I choose will be new and some older. The purpose of this exercise is to motivate anyone thinking about developing a community cookbook to put some thought into the various elements that make this important genre of books so great.

In this first post I am going to highlight a brand new title that was authored by Katy Houston from Ridgeland, MS.  Katy's book is titled Sweetness Follows: The Story of Sam and the Treat of the Week.  This is the first cookbook that I read which brought tears to my eyes. I chose this title as an example of a great community cookbook for a variety of reasons, but the main one is the appeal to the community to share in this title.

Sam was Katy's son's best friend when he was hit by a drunk driver while riding a bicycle away at college in Athens, Georgia. Sam endured significant injuries and the recovery story is dramatic. The book is made up of stories from friends and caregivers plus the fabulous dessert recipes that Katy made for Sam during his recovery and rehab.

The book is a combination of images both physical and mental which bring the readers' emotions into the book, motivating one to keep turning the pages to discover the next scrumptious delicacy. The book is simple in its design and yet very classy. Since the compilation of recipes is limited to 128 pages it is not too daunting yet a great value for $21.95.

This title appeals to a distinct community and yet it can also go outside of this group. Anyone who discovers it and has been affected by a close friend or relative in similar circumstances will be immediately drawn in. This cookbook will motivate readers to understand how a simple act of kindness through sharing good food can motivate, heal and stimulate.

The stories are an excellent example of how to involve a community. What could have been a story of two families grows as the doctors, nurses, educators and friends enter the  picture through their stories of this remarkable recovery. And the cherry on top of the dessert is the beautiful photography that was given as a part of the final product.

Sweetness Follows is a beautiful example of reaching out to a community through food.

If you have a chance to  pick up a copy of this book  It will be available here in early October.

I welcome your comments and thoughts.

LET'S REMEMBER

Since this blog is dedicated to community cookbooks and custom publishing that affect grass roots organizations and individuals across the US, I thought it appropriate today to "remember" the community of 9/11 families. In my opinion 9/11 should be a day of dedication to the ideals and values which the victims of 9/11 died for.

We all remember exactly what we were doing when the news started coming in, as well as the gut wrenching feeling of devastation that followed. What I also will also remember and cherish is the feeling of resolve and the united spirit of the American people to never be cowed by cowardly acts of terror.

So, as individuals and as communities let's "remember" with a sense of "one nation under God" that those who died in the 9/11 attacks did not do so in vain. A salute to all of the victims, their families as well as the heroes who emerged in those tragic days. A second salute to you and me for our commitment to never forget.

Check Your Communication

I am as guilty as anyone of pushing information out on my blog for the purpose of getting results. A great lesson to remember is that your blogs, newsletters, and other forms of social media are more effective if they offer a balance of conversation coupled with your product.

This lesson hit home today as I read Kristen Lamb's blog post.

One of my goals going forward is to provide something in each blog post that will inspire a thought, a question, an idea or simply a story to share.

What ideas do you have that will turn your social media efforts into "chats" or conversations? Interaction is fun!

Another Expert Says Amen!

On 7/17/12, I posted the last in a five-part series regarding Community Cookbook trends.  Earlier this week I read an article from a blogger I follow on Twitter which goes into great detail regarding the offers for publishers that are misleading. As general FYI, I am including the link to this post.

I must say that I was delighted to have my research confirmed by a third party with whom I have no connection except as a Twitter follower. Of course, my point remains that these companies are simply technology companies rather than publishing companies and that they deliver exactly what they promise. In the end that means the client pays a lot for very little.

Feel free to call or write with any feedback.