Soooo, happy first blog anniversary to me!
Frankly, I thought I would have my cook book project all ready to go already! It is a little disappointing that I don't, but from what I have learned, these things take a lot of time to put together. A really good friend of mine, introduced me to another fabulous friend of hers who had written a book years back. We were all chatting over coffee one morning when this lady was "making me aware" of how crazy this project can get. Yes, my first reaction was to panic at first, but after talking a little more she gave me a handout of few "guidelines" for cook books. She - apparently - had attempted to write a cook book and worked with a publisher who had provided some handy information. I was so grateful to have met her and to get her insights AND so thankful for the sweet gesture.
This has really gotten me to think about my book on a whole new level:
- How do I want it to look?
- How many recipes do I want to put in there?
- Do I outline and add different sections for different categories or just focus on sweet and savory?
There's just so much to think about... It can get quite overwhelming! How do people write and publish books all the time? Also, more than a handful of friends have suggested that I go with e-publishing since some were quite unhappy with their publishers and felt that not much was being done for them! Well, I have no problem with that as long as I know WHAT I'm publishing. I do realize that I should probably hire/consult with a graphic designer for the cover, layouts, fonts and so forth. Also need to have some killer pictures since they speak a thousand words. Let's face it, we all know my pictures have not exactly been the best you've ever seen or perhaps they have...
The good news is that I have friends in both fields. One is an Art Director whose taste I absolutely love and adore. The other is an amazing Photographer who teaches photography and runs her own business. The bad news however is that they are both VERY busy and it's going to be a whole other challenge to get them involved in my project, but I am going to be optimistic and hope for the very best :) Let's take one step at a time, huh?
Here's another news: I have officially joined Pinterest after being on the "wait list!" Can you believe this?! I actually had to send a request to be added and they put me on the wait list for 24 hours before letting me sign up! I figured - since I am still shy about having a Facebook page for my blog - this could be a perfect stepping stone for me to gradually get my blog noticed. Look at it as a marketing device. Let's see what happens. Keeping fingers and toes crossed ;) I must say though I think Pinterest is such a genius idea.
Anyhow, enough talking, let's celebrate. I decided to make some sweets for the occasion so that we can have with a bottle of champagne!
Chocolate Covered Candied Orange Peels
Peel of one large orange
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon rose water
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate
Thinly slice the orange peels. Put the peels in a small sauce pan and cover them with enough water. Bring the mixture to a boil then let it simmer over low-medium heat for about 30 minutes. Drain the water and repeat it again. This process will take the bitterness out of the peels.
Heat the water and sugar in a small sauce pan. Once the sugar dissolves, add the rose water. Let it simmer until it starts thickening. Add the orange peels and allow simmering until it starts bubbling and the orange peels are completely coated. Once the liquid is reduced by about half of what you initially started, you can take the peels out and lay them on a wax paper. Allow to cool until they start hardening – like candy.
Choc. covered candied orange peels
Have a wonderful weekend.
Cheers - به سلامتی
