As many of you know I self-published my Christmas Cookie Baking Guide in November 2024. This was my fifth published cookbook and my first self-publishing venture. It's easy for me to sit here and talk all about the book. And how the book is the fruit of the work I do every year as a Christmas cookie baker, And how I managed my time and myself to write and publish it. That's all true. But it's not the full story...and that’s the topic for today’s podcast.

Here's the full quote about being in the arena from Theodore Roosevelt "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Join the waitlist for Cookbooks on KDP that starts in January 2025. 

Sign up here for my email list all about writing, publishing, habits, and writing routines. 

In today’s episode, I am excited to talk to you about my least productive year. I want to tell you about how this least productive year started, how I realized that it wasn’t working, and what I did to tweak the “plan” so that I got the results I wanted. Also if you are interested in publishing your book of recipes and stories on Amazon in 2025 there is a link below to join the waitlist. And if you’re interested in learning more about writing, publishing, habits, and writing routines I invite you to join my email list by using the link below. Let’s make it a great year filled with habits, routines, appointments, conversations, experiences, and the joy of moving forward with the life we want to live. 

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Join the waitlist for Cookbooks on KDP 

Sign up here for my email list all about writing, publishing, habits, and writing routines. 

Happy New Year and cheers to 2025!

In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Heather Bell, lovingly known as Mama Bell. Heather is a mother of eight and a viral cooking and lifestyle influencer. 

With joy and love, she shares her big family way of life through stories, recipes, and the journeys of her eight children—seven of whom are adopted.

For over 28 years, Heather has been a farmer’s wife, partnering with her hardworking husband on their Michigan farm, where they raise 4,000 laying hens, providing eggs to local grocery stores and restaurants.

Heather’s new book, Mama Bell’s Big Family Cooking: 100+ Big-Batch Homestyle Recipes Your Family is Gonna Love, celebrates the art of big-batch, homestyle cooking with heartwarming stories of her family and their love of the kitchen.

Key Highlights

• Heather’s Big Family Way of Life:

  • How Heather and her husband balance farm life and raising a large family.

  • Stories and lessons from parenting eight children, including seven adoptions.

• Behind the Book - Mama Bell’s Big Family Cooking:

  • Highlights from the 10-chapter book, featuring each family member and their favorite kitchen contributions.

  • Tips for keeping large-batch cooking simple, easy, and filling.

• Homestyle Recipes and Family Connection:

  • Over 100 recipes designed for big families and gatherings.

  • How food fosters connection and love in Heather’s home.

Thank you for joining me for today’s conversation with Heather Bell. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for inspiration for family meals, I hope this episode fills your heart and table.

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Register for The State of Cookbook Publishing Workshop

Mama Bell’s Big Family Cooking

Connect with Heather @justthebells10

Land O' Lakes Treasury of Country Cooking

In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome Heidrun Metzler. Born and raised in Germany, Heidrun grew up surrounded by a family of women who loved to bake—learning from her mother, aunt, and grandmother. After moving to the United States as a young woman, Heidrun missed German baked goods and began creating her baking recipes, blending her German roots with ingredients the best ingredients she could find in the US.

Her new cookbook, German Heritage Baking, is the culmination of over a decade of work—a labor of love to preserve and share her family’s baking traditions. The book highlights inherited tips, techniques, and ingredient knowledge, alongside the profound joy of creating fresh baked goods at home.

Today on the podcast we talk about:

• Heidrun’s Inspiration for Baking:

  • How her family’s passion for baking shaped her journey.

  • Blending German baking traditions and techniques.

• Tips for Baking Success:

  • Heidrun’s practical advice for creating consistent and delicious baked goods.

  • Insights into ingredient selection and preparation techniques.

• Exploring German Baking:

  • An introduction to three types of German baking featured in her book:

    • Mürbeteige (Shortcrust Pastry): The foundation for many traditional German desserts.

    • Cookies: Heidrun’s favorite recipes for timeless German cookies.

    • Sponge-Based Tortes: Elegant and flavorful desserts that showcase German baking artistry.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, I hope this episode inspires you to explore your own heritage through baking. 

Things We Mention In This Episode:

The State of Cookbook Publishing Workshop 2025

German Heritage Baking: Time-Honored Recipes, Traditional Techniques, and Culinary Secrets

Christmas Cookie Baking Guide by Maggie Green

Eric Kayser’s  Sweet and Savory Tarts

In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Jonathan Stevens, co-owner of Hungry Ghost Bread in Northampton, Massachusetts, and the author of The Hungry Ghost Bread Book. Jonathan approaches sourdough bread with a unique philosophy: sourdough isn’t a style of bread—it is bread. His method revolves around three essential tenets: more hydration, more fermentation, and more heat in the oven.

Today on the show:

• Jonathan’s Philosophy on Sourdough:

  • Why sourdough is the essence of bread, not just a style.

  • Insights into his three tenets: more hydration, fermentation, and heat.

• Recipes and Inspiration from The Hungry Ghost Bread Book:

  • Jonathan’s formulas honed over 30 years of working with sourdough for loaves, flatbreads, crackers, and more.

  • How the book and bakery merge ancient bread-making traditions with modern techniques and favorite like cookies and scones.

• Jonathan’s Publishing Journey:

  • The story behind getting a book deal and bringing his bread-making philosophy and formulas to print.

Whether you're a bread-making enthusiast or simply love the smell of fresh sourdough, I hope this episode inspires you to get baking. 

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Christmas Cookie Baking Guide by Maggie Green

Hungry Ghost Bread

The Hungry Ghost Bread Book

The Bread Builders: Hearth Loaves and Masonry Ovens

Flatbread and Flavors: A Baker’s Atlas by Naomi Duguid and Jeffrey Alford

In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Elana Pearlman, author of With Love and Babka: 50 Sweet and Savory Recipes for Everyone’s Favorite Braided Bread. Inspired by her grandmother's love of traditional bread, this book explores the versatility of babka, featuring doughs for every preference—from classic and chocolate to gluten-free.

Topics of Discussion:

• From Cakes to Babka: Elana shares her journey from running a wedding cake business to launching a mail-order babka business.

• The Publishing Path: Insights into Elana’s journey of writing and publishing a cookbook, including her tips for building habits and routines while writing.

• Mastering Babka: Elana’s expert advice on making babka less intimidating and how she created her unique flavor profiles.

• Business Meets Cookbook: How Elana merged her baking business with the creative process of writing a cookbook.

This episode is a must-listen for bakers, cookbook enthusiasts, and anyone curious about blending a baking business with cookbook creation!

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Christmas Cookie Baking Guide by Maggie Green

With Love and Babka by Elana Pearlman

With Love and Babka on Instagram

In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Sarah Frison, the author of The Festive Belgian Bakery, a delightful book celebrating chocolate, biscuits, cakes, and desserts enjoyed during the holiday season. Sarah shares her insights into Belgian holiday traditions, culinary techniques, and the journey of writing a cookbook.

Topics of Discussion:

• Belgian Holiday Traditions: From St. Nicholas Day in December to Candlemas in February, Sarah walks us through the festive season in Belgium.

• The Art of Tempering Chocolate: Why tempering is crucial for achieving the perfect shine and snap in chocolates.

• Resources for Belgian Baking: Tips on sourcing equipment and ingredients for traditional Belgian recipes and candies.

• Cookbook Writing and Publishing: Sarah’s advice on creating and publishing a successful cookbook.

This episode offers a rich exploration of Belgian holiday baking and provides inspiration for anyone dreaming of writing their own cookbook!

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Christmas Cookie Baking Guide

The Festive Belgian Bakery

Anniversary House

Callebaut Chocolate

Sarah Frison on Substack 

In today’s episode, I am excited to welcome Morgan Bolling. Morgan is the the Executive Editor of Creative Content for Cook’s Country and a cast member of the Cook’s Country TV show. Morgan spearheaded the book When Southern Women Cook: History, Lore, and 300 Recipes in collaboration with Toni Tipton-Martin. This compelling book celebrates the ways food has sustained and empowered Southern women throughout history. This episode is a thoughtful dive into:

• The Intersection of Southern Food and History: Inside Southern culinary traditions.

• Behind the Book: The process of creating When Southern Women Cook and how women writers and cooks were selected to share their stories.

• Food as a Lens: How food provides insight into shared history and cultural understanding.

• Empowering Women Through Food: The role of food as a tool for resilience and empowerment in the South.

Things We Mention In This Episode

When Southern Women Cook

Cook’s Country

Gourmet’s vintage 1960s cookbook

In today’s episode, I welcome Jessie-Sierra Ross. Jessie is a former professional ballerina turned food and lifestyle blogger. She’s the creative mind behind the blog Straight to the Hips, Baby, where she shares her elegant yet approachable style of cooking, cocktails, and home entertaining.

We dive into Jessie’s transition from the world of ballet to the arena of home entertaining, discussing:

• Transition from Ballet to Blogging: Jessie shares her journey from ballet slippers to blogging, detailing how her background in the performing arts shaped her approach to food and entertaining.

• Building a Brand: Jessie’s advice on developing a distinct brand style, centered on content pillars and being true to your interests.

• Highlights from Seasons Around the Table: A look at Jessie’s new book, which celebrates seasonal cooking, floral tablescapes, and effortless entertaining.

• Thanksgiving Tips: Jessie’s top tips for a seasonal Thanksgiving feast, including ideas for tablescaping and decor that will bring warmth and sophistication to the holiday table.

Things We Mention In This Episode

Straight to the Hips, Baby

Seasons Around the Table

Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Tartine Bread

In today’s episode, I interview Erica Walker, one of the four sisters behind Favorite Family Recipes, a blog that has grown from a family recipe swap into a platform featuring over 1,000 recipes and reaching more than 2 million visitors each month. Erica shares insights from their newest cookbook, Most Requested Copycat Dishes: 101 Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Restaurant Recipes, along with tips on recreating restaurant-quality dishes at home.

About Favorite Family Recipes

• Founded by Erica and her three sisters to share recipes among family
• Now features over 1,000 recipes with a monthly audience of 2 million+ readers
• Known for user-friendly recipes and family-favorite dishes

Highlights from Most Requested Copycat Dishes

• Features 101 homemade versions of beloved restaurant recipes
• Includes insider tips and step-by-step photo instructions for more challenging dishes
• Perfect for both seasoned chefs and enthusiastic home cooks

Discussion Points

• Popular and Requested Recipes: Erica talks about some of the blog's top recipes and fan favorites
• Fall Recipe Favorites: A look at Erica’s favorite recipes for the fall season
• Top Ten Tips for Creating Copycat Recipes: Erica’s best advice for recreating restaurant dishes at home

Things We Mention In This Episode

Most Requested Copy Cat Dishes

Favorite Family Recipes

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

In today’s episode, I’m excited to have an interview with Rose Levy Beranbaum. Rose is a legendary baking expert and author whose books have been translated into multiple languages, including Mandarin, Czech, Russian, and Spanish. Known as the "diva of desserts" and "the most meticulous baker who ever lived," Rose has published thirteen award-winning books, including The Cake Bible, Rose’s Heavenly Cakes, and Rose’s Christmas Cookies.

Today, we dive into the exciting release of the 35th Anniversary Edition of The Cake Bible, which Rose has fully revised and updated with her husband, Woody Wolston. This edition brings fresh photography, essential new content, and special occasion cakes designed for weddings or to serve large groups.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The process of updating a classic cookbook after 35 years
• New additions, including:
• Foundational cakes for every baker
• Showstopper cakes for special occasions
• Formulas to scale recipes based on the number of servings
• Photography that brings the book to life for modern readers

• Rose’s approach to being a back-listed author and keeping her books relevant
• How she balances creativity with consistency in her writing and recipes
• The routines and habits that help her stay focused on writing and testing recipes

• Rose’s wisdom on the discipline and patience required to become a successful author
• Her top tips for aspiring cookbook writers
• The importance of testing in creating foolproof recipes

Things We Mention In This Episode

Connect with Rose Levy Beranbaum online

The Cake Bible 35th Anniversary Edition