Great Gift Ideas ... Give American!

If you are marketing a "community" cookbook I believe you will love this idea as much as I did. It doesn't need a lot of commentary since your cookbook can, and should be, promoted to embrace this concept. Even if some of the manufacturing of your book was completed in China as a cost factor, your book was developed in the US and the money raised goes to support either a local US business or the community itself. After the turmoil of a contested election, I think this is a great way for folks to start acting like Americans instead of like enemies.

(Please note, I am not sure of the origin of this piece. It is not my original idea, nor was it the idea of small business owner, client and friend Chef Tim Creehan, who shared it with me.)

Christmas 2012 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running

How about reaching out to the media and the local vendors carrying your title to promote this concept? Let's collectively see what the results are. My bet is folks will step up and embrace the concept.

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".