homemade happiness cookbook

After years of dreaming about this project it is finally a reality.  The bed & breakfast has been open for 19 years and many many people have asked if I have a cookbook for sale.  Now I can say yes to questions about sharing recipes for this cookie or that side dish.  

For anyone contemplating such a project may I make one very important suggestion.  Allow yourself plenty of time for typing recipes and editing.  Here's a little about why I decided to actually publish my book:  A dear cousin asked many times over several years if I had started my cookbook.  It took her persistent reminders, that put me into action.  While recovering from surgery in September 2020 the timing would be perfect.  Typing recipes was a nice way of keeping myself out of trouble. "Don't lift over 10 pounds." the doctor said.  How does one manage daily operations of a bed & breakfast without lifting?  My husband was wonderful.  He cooked, he cleaned, he vacuumed, and he tended to guests.  All the while I typed away until the wee morning hours, day after day.  About 2 weeks into my project I noticed a pop up on the publishers website. "Pre Christmas Deadline, November 10th"  I believed I could make that deadline.

Concerned about the timely manner of my book being published, I knew the need to push through was relevant.  If I waited until January, no one spends extra money after Christmas gifts have been purchased, the economy may go sour after election...there were lots of reasons to hurry through the process.  So I got to work and enjoyed the careful planning of what recipes would be included.  I also enjoyed writing a life synopsis of my time in the kitchen, time spent in many kitchens.  As I typed each recipe I added notes about the origin, the person who shared it, a special memory, or a cooking hint. My mind struggled with who I would write the dedication to.  So many people came to mind as I thought about how my recipe collection has grown over the years.  The decision was that all women throughout my life have influenced my personality, my cooking, and my realization of why God gifted me with cooking. ~ Jolene

We would love to send you one of our Cookbooks anytime!  They make perfect gifts or just because you like to try proven recipes!