Friday, August 31, 2012

SALUTE TO LABOR DAY

Labor Day traditionally signifies the end of summer and is, for many of us, an energizing kickoff to the busy fall season. My family and I love all three-day weekends, but somehow Labor Day seems to be a favorite. The weather is not as brutally hot or cold, we are looking forward to the busy activity of the fall and yet we have the upcoming holiday season to look forward to.

Here are a few Labor Day entertaining recipes for you to enjoy along with the cookbook titles we have been blessed to be associated with. Happy Labor Day to each of you!

APPETIZERS
Brie and Apricot Phyllo Bites (Everyday Feasts - page 27)
Crispy Cheese Crackers (Pinches and Dashes - page 12)
Deviled Eggs with Tarragon and Watercress (Salt to Honey - page 50)

SALADS
Heirloom Tomato Salad (Gaido's Famous Seafood Restaurant - page 88)
Watercress and Watermelon Salad (Pinches and Dashes - page 64)
Creamy Sweet and Sour Coleslaw (Famous Dave’s Rib’Olicious - page 55)

MAIN DISHES
Grilled Honey-Bourbon Pork Tenderloin (Everyday Feasts - page 87)
Marinated London Broil (Charleston Receipts Repeat - page 137)
Curried Peanut Shrimp Kabobs (Simply Sarasota - page 130)

SIDE DISHES
Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter (Pinches and Dashes - page 82)
Baked Wilbur Beans (Famous Dave’s Rib‘Olicious - page 19)
Trio of Roasted Peppers (Everyday Feasts - page 29)

DESSERTS
Pecan Cobbler (The Hunter’s Table - page 181)
Toffee Chip Ice Cream Squares (Sweetness Follows - page 91)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Blogging 101

From time to time, it is helpful to see good examples of  things you are trying to do. It helps you improve by learning from someone else. In my case, I find this particularly true in the area of social media. (They didn't have social media classes at college back in the day. Typewriters were still all the rage then.) Social media is a new medium when it comes to marketing and I am constantly looking for good examples to follow, and to share with our publishers.

A recent post on the Junior League of Tampa's blog  is worth pointing out. Written by Krista Dietrich, Cookbook Co-chairman, the post has a nice narrative and shares a delicious recipe from Capture the Coast, the League's newest cookbook. Check the post out here.

And please share any great examples of blogging that you know about. I would love to add to the "blog roll" that I follow.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

A Success Story

Every now and then it is nice to be reminded that if you follow the basics and work a plan diligently, good things do happen. This was recently validated by a letter sent into Roger Conner updating him on the success of a recent Favorite Recipes Press client.

Here is what Debbie Lestina Robinson had to say about her experience with her new book, You're Invited--Party Recipes for Every Season.

 Hi Roger, 


So far, I've sold 450 copies and I haven't even sent out a press release yet.  I will be mailing those on Monday.  I currently have 9 local retail accounts and counting.  On September 8-19, I will have a booth at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa which has attendance of 330,000 people.  In November, I'm scheduled for a two day craft fair in Nevada, IA.  And, I just received an e-mail today from the Farm Progress Show in Boone, IA.  I originally contacted them in January about the show held this August and never got a response.  Today, they contacted me about a booth space.  I think I'm going to get a very good deal on that space but, we shall have to wait and see.  Lastly, in December, I'll be signing books for one of my local retail accounts at their holiday open house. 

I will send you a picture from by booth space at the fair to share with your staff. It is going to be so cool. They are letting me paint pink and orange stripes on the walls. We will be wearing pink and orange aprons embroidered with "You're Invited!" and my carpet squares are guess what---Pink and Orange! Tall white director's chairs for resting are embroidered with my website address and I have a 6 foot tall image of my cookbook on a pop-up display. This is definitely the fun part.

When I travel to Florida this winter, I target a whole new market. Plans include a cooking demonstration in our clubhouse for everyone in our condo association (104 units). Also, an event with the local bookstore for either a Super Bowl or Valentine demonstration are in the works. So many opportunities and only one of me---did they ever perfect cloning? 

All of the feedback I've received has been so positive. I've entered my book for numerous awards so, let's keep our fingers crossed. A special thanks to everyone at Favorite Recipes Press for taking my duck and turning it into a swan. The book is absolutely beautiful thanks to your staff of publishing experts.

Stay in touch!
Debbie Lestina Robinson

As the title would suggest, Debbie's book is a collection of recipes, party ideas, invitations and effortless entertaining tips for each season of the year. (Check out her website, here.) Her bright pink and orange motif is very distinctive and puts the reader in a party mood. She has a plan and is following the plan to the letter. Best of all she is selling books.