Eating From the Ground Up

the homemade kitchen

by

cover
I’ve had a new book on my shelf for the last few weeks. And in just over a month, it goes out into the world.
I’ve shared a little bit about the process of this book over the last few years, but today I want to tell you about the book itself. Also in just over a month I go out into the world too, so I’d love to tell you about where I’m heading so we can really meet face to face.

First, a bit about the book:
The Homemade Kitchen: Recipes for Cooking with Pleasure is a book about why I cook. It’s about how every time we cook and eat, we have a choice about how to shape our lives and relate to the work of our days. But maybe most of all, it’s about how to let go of the guilt and stress that can make it’s way to the kitchen and the dinner table. It’s a book about throwing out rules and judgement and whatever else might be weighing you down in the kitchen. It’s a book about joy and food, and how it’s time to reconnect the bond between the two.
It’s about doing our best, and then letting go.
Doyourbest
It’s a big book–bigger than The Homemade Pantry, with lots more recipes. The recipes are a mix of basic homemade staples (Chèvre! Tofu! Lemon curd!) and recipes to create with those staples. The chapters are organized by a list of thirteen ways I hope to reframe the way we relate to food and cooking. This list is big for me–it’s come straight out of my kitchen, and really these are the ideas that have helped shape the way I cook and eat.
thelist
And how do these ideas play out? “Feed yourself” is a collection of simple and quick lunches that help me to eat real meals even when I don’t have a full table to feed.  “Do your best, and then let go” talks about how to navigate the crazy field of what to eat and what not to eat. “Be helpful” shares recipes for helping your friends through birth, death, and big things in between. And maybe my favorite- “Don’t be afraid of food” makes the case for moving away from the constant intertwining of food and weight loss and for helping our children to grow up in a world where they feel good about their bodies.
And of course, there are lots of great recipes.
Endivesardine
Chevre
Asparaguscarb
Jennifer May, who took the photos for The Homemade Pantry, created the photos for this book as well. It’s on the same gorgeous paper as the first, although I must say it holds open better on the counter (hooray!) And although it’s definitely thicker, Clarkson Potter designed the book to sit nicely next my first book, which I must say it really does.
Dothework
This book has been a long time in the making over here. But I have to tell you that I’m over the moon about how it’s all turned out, and I can’t wait to send it out into the world. I’m ready.
Lots of people ask me how they can buy books and contribute in a way that helps the most. The simple answer is- everything helps. The book is available for preorder at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Powell’s right now, and preorders definitely help to create a buzz and show booksellers that there’s a demand for the book. If you have a local bookstore in your town, let them know that you’re excited to buy the book so they can make sure they have it on their shelves. If you’re hoping to take the book out of the library, check in with your local librarian to make sure they’re adding it their collection. Once the book is out, reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads are super helpful, both to me (because it shows people are reading and engaging with the book) and others who might be trying to decide if its right for them.
Slowdown
And the tour! This time, I’m traveling over a good chunk of the country just after the book comes out. If you have friends in places where I’m going, let them know. I’d be grateful if you’d help me fill these rooms. Or if you can’t make it to an event but you’re nearby- let me know that too! We might be able to meet up. I’m so excited to get to travel with this book, and I’d love to meet as many of you and the people you know would like the book as I can. And if I’m not coming near you and you wish I would, let me know that too. At the very least, if you want to get a group of friends together in your kitchen and have me Skype in, I’m there.  And I’ll have book plates to sign for those who can’t get to an event, too. I am, as always, at your service.
For a full list of events, head over here.
 
Thank you, friends. I’m so excited to meet you, and to cook with you through this book. It’s going to be a good season ahead.

Comments

    • Thank you, Margo! It took us a while to get to that structure, but once it came- I think it really works! Nice to get out of the whole appetizers, mains, desserts thing- (or at least more fun for me)

  2. Congratulations on your new book! I’ve been so excited for it since your last book! I saw you at Odyssey, any plans to go there again or anywhere else in Western Mass? Would love to see you again!

    • Thank you, Liza! And yes- I remember that sweet little night at Odyssey. I think we might try to get a Pioneer Valley stop in there, so stay tuned. Or if we don’t- come west to West Stockbridge for the launch! It’s a little over an hour on the pike from Northampton, but it will be worth it 🙂

  3. I can’t wait for this book. I think I’ve mentioned it to my husband at least a half dozen times this summer.
    Also, I’d love to see you if you pass through Austin, TX sometime!

  5. Hi Alana!
    I am so excited about your new book. Your first book changed everything for me! Yogurt, cheese, hot sauce, pesto, jam, I could go on and on. I’ve preordered on Amazon and can’t wait for it to be delivered.
    Maybe a stop in the San Juan Islands in Washington between the Vancouver and Seattle days? 😉 I rarely make it down to Seattle, but when I do, The Book Larder is one of my favorite stops. Such a great cookbook store!

    • Oh I’m so happy to hear it, Nikki 🙂
      I’ve always wanted to get to the San Juan islands- but I’m there so briefly! But if I end up scooting out there, I’ll let you know. But if Seattle works, come to Book Larder!

  7. I’m so excited for you (and to get my hot little hands on this book)! I use The Homemade Pantry at least weekly and I’m sure this will be in the same heavy rotation.
    I wish you were coming to Michigan! We have a beautiful new kitchen at our Farmer’s Market in Muskegon, MI 🙂

  8. Congratulations on the dawn of your second book! I loved your first book and pre-ordered The Homemade Kitchen as soon as it became available on Amazon. It was so nice to get a look inside the book with this current post! Yeah!!! I’m more excited than ever! I really like the way you broke the cookbook into sections with uncommon headings, it’s brillant! Can’t wait to write a review for your new book once I receive it!

  10. Very excited for the book to be available. Homemade Pantry has been used and used since the day I got it (lots more post-it notes marking favorite pages now than when we met at Longfellow’s in Portland, Maine). Hoping you’ll swing through Portland again at some point during your travels for this new book. Safe travels and happy cooking!

    • Kelley- I remember you and your book at Longfellow! So glad to hear it’s still getting love (and post-its) in your kitchen. I do have a possible Portland even in the works- I’ll keep you posted.

    • Thank you, Rachel. I think the structure brings some philosophy to it- and this makes it feel so good to bring it out in to the world. Excited to hear what you think!

  14. It looks so beautiful! Congratulations! If only I still lived in Saint Paul, I could come see you at Cooks of Crocus Hill (such a lovely place). I look forward to seeing the book.

  15. I loved your first book and your second just looks amazing! I’m sure it will be as great as your first! Looking very forward to it and I’ll see how I get my hands on it in Germany!
    Love from Germany (if you’ll ever be here let me know 🙂 )
    Lena

  16. Congratulations, Alana! I can’t wait to come out to the Mission on Halloween (good heavens) and get my copy in person. I _love_ the thought of a cookbook organized by these kind ideas.

    • I know- I’m sorry about that time! But grateful that you’ll make the trek 🙂 And we’ll be done before trick or treating time- I promise!

  17. I just went to order this on Amazon and it said I preordered this on August 5th. 🙂 I guess I forgot but I am glad to know I will be getting it. Alice Waters has another book coming out too and it may not mean much to you but I just simplified my very full bookshelf and her books and your Homemade Pantry were of the few I kept and knew right away I was keeping. HP is really quite simple and basic, and I love it. It is inspiring. Even if I don’t cook what’s in there, I can open the pages and be inspired. The photos, the paper, your words. The cover of the new one appears to follow soot.

  18. Oh, I’m so excited, both for the new book and the tour! I’m so glad you’ll be making it out to California…I’m going to try my best to make one of your San Francisco/San Jose dates. Your first book is so so lovely…full of great recipes, but also your warmth, generosity, and humor shine through and make it a joy to read. I’m no cook, (ask my kiddos!) but I find The Homemade Pantry to be an inspiration. And your new book looks gorgeous, of course. Sorry for all the gushing, but I just wanted to say thanks so much and best wishes!

  19. Woot! Such exciting news, congratulations. But ya know, the important part is…… YOU are ready.
    This time? I’ll see you in Portland, for sure. (I have a car that can make that far now.) Planning for it now. See ya then!

  20. Alana, this book looks amazing, and I cannot wait to see it in real life! (pre-ordered to my sister’s house for her to enjoy until I am home for Christmas) I live in Scotland but grew up in New England, and your site is such an important part of my connection to home. I absolutely love that you have set up the sections on the basis of the themes that define your approach to the kitchen – what a graceful and encouraging way to inspire shifts in our own thinking. Thank you, and enjoy your travels! (maybe we’ll find a Scottish skype opportunity sometime…)

  21. I’m so in love with your first book, and super excited about your second. It’s due out shortly before my birthday, so I’m hoping it turns up… And if you ever find yourself north of the border, specifically in the Ottawa area, I’m there. 🙂

  22. Oh, how exciting! I am so happy for you. And for me too, I’ve had this book on pre-order and am giddy about it’s arrival. Maybe Michigan, the Detroit area, could be on the wish list???
    xo

  23. This is so beautiful, and is exactly how I think about food. Please, please, please fix the link for the Wellesley event so that I can get tickets!

    • Thank you Stephanie! Link is fixed now 🙂 (For some reason the title of the event is wrong, but all the info is there.) See you there!

  24. So excited about this new book. Your first one holds a special place on my shelf (I make your pudding recipe so often the book practically falls open to it), and I’m looking forward to more recipes and sweet words.
    Sad that you won’t be visiting my corner of North America (Calgary, Canada) but I hope your tour is an excellent one.

  25. Well you know how I feel about all of this. I’m so proud to be a part of your evolution and I’m so proud to support you and what you’re doing for those of us that embrace our kitchens tightly. The kitchen is truly a place of the heart for me as it is for so many of your readers. The Homemade Pantry with its beautiful food and its beautiful stories made me fall in love with my kitchen again. And there has been so much joy shared with other women in my community when I open them up to new ideas about making food for their families that comes from their hearts and their hands and not from a box. And omg lady I’m bringing it to Vancouver so you can write a squishy little message on the inside cover!!! See you next month. Safe travels and enjoy yourself!

  26. Looks like you need to organize a European tour; Germany, Scotland and the south of France!
    I loved your first book and I’m ready to fall in love with the second. Can’t wait until it gets here!
    Would you really do a skype call if I got a group together? That would be awesome…

  27. If you’re not heading to Canada then I don’t suppose you’re coming to Australia 😉 but I will love having your new book to sit next to the first! I have always loved cooking, but have found entertaining really stressful, so I think the sections in your new book on slowing down and inviting people over i will particularly relate to…

  28. Preordered the book and registered for the San Mateo class! So thrilled that you’re going to be in my neck of the woods — please let me know if there is any way I can help while you’re out here! Huge congratulations and I can’t wait to read this one. xo

  29. My heart is doing a strange combo of swooning and shrieking with glee! Can’t wait to have this book in my kitchen and for bedtime inspirational reading. Perhaps you’ll visit the Baltimore/DC area, too? Congratulations!! xoxox

  30. Rhode Island would love to have a visit! Loved your first book. That granola… we make it once a week. Already preordered. One for me and one for a friend.

  31. I was excited to see you were making a stop in Colorado, but I just checked the Hazel & Dewey website and they do not have you listed in their events section. Is Denver still on your tour?

  32. I just received a review copy of this book yesterday. I haven’t made anything yet but I have poured through it and I absolutely love it. I can’t wait to try the beautiful recipes!

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