First Look: Beekman 1802 Heirloom Dessert Cookbook

America's favorite farmers,  Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge have teamed up once again with the talented Sandy Gluck, for their newest book, "The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Dessert Cookbook" due to reach booksellers in September of this year. 

September?! September?!  Yes, we have a growing season wait for the release, but it's good to have something to look forward to! 

This companion to their first release, "The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook" features 100 dessert recipes from the farm and garden and is beautifully photographed by Paulette Tavormina.  If the photograph on the cover is any indication of what is on the inside, readers are in for a true visual treat.  I'm quite taken with the cover.  I'd love to have that print in my kitchen! 

We'll all be so busy in our gardens this year, September will be here before we know it! 

Mad Hungry Cravings and Spurtle Envy

What do you crave?  Is it a traditional dish made by your Grandmother?  Is it a family favorite that only Mom could make?  Is it that great grab and go meal from the take-out joint?  Cravings.  We all have them and thanks to Lucinda Scala Quinn, those cravings can easily be taken care of at home, in your own kitchen, made with your own two hands. 

Mad Hungry Cravings will be available at your favorite bookseller on March 19^th.  This 300 page plus cookbook is chocked full of recipes that will soon be what you’re craving for.  Lucinda covers everything from breakfast to dinner with good food that is perfect any time of day.

While March 19^th isn’t too far away, fans and friends of Mad Hungry who can’t wait (I’m one of those people…) will be able to order Mad Hungry Cravings from QVC on Sunday, February 24^th at 1pm.  Lucinda will be on the air sharing recipes and more during the popular “In the Kitchen” segment on the shopping network. 

But wait!  That’s not all!

Tune into QVC on the 24^th and viewers will be able to purchase for the very first time, the official Mad Hungry branded spurtles!   Lucinda gave her Facebook friends and sneak peek at the spurtles several weeks ago as part of the upcoming Mad Hungry product line.  I assure you, the spurtle will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen tools! 

Photo courtesy of Lucinda Scala Quinn

Are you Mad Hungry?  Your wait is almost over.  

Read my 2010 interview with Lucinda Scala Quinn here. 

MarthaPantry Launch Slated for April 2013

Several weeks ago, the JCP gave web visitors the first look (and hint) at the new product line from Martha Stewart, "MarthaHome." The splash page was not much in itself, given the pending court battle with Macy's over exclusive rights to Martha Stewart branded products in certain home categories.  That trial is set to begin this week, on February 20th. 

In recent interviews, JCP CEO, Ron Johnson shared a little insight, stating that there were many categories that were not exclusive to Macy's including window treatments, soft flooring, celebrations (a line of party/celebration supplies), and pantry goods.  Johnson went on to share that JCP was on target to open their new Martha Stewart stores (within a store) in May, 2013.  JCP will be unveiling an entirely made over home department in their stores at that time. 

Today, the JCP website was updated with confirmation (of sorts) that the first products to be introduced to consumers will be MarthaWindow, coming in March; MarthaCelebrations, coming in March; and the new MarthaPantry line of packaged food items.  As noted on the website, MarthaPantry will be available online and in stores beginning in April. 

Living Reduces Publication Frequency

It's a sign of the times.  Martha Stewart Living will decrease publication frequency this year, with a combined July/August issue according to the editorial calendar available in the 2013 media kit. 

With declining ad pages, and a downturn in circulation throughout the magazine industry, it comes as no surprise to see the decrease.  I'd rather see MSLO decrease frequency rather than cease publication of its flagship magazine all together! 

Despite the decrease,  Martha Stewart Living continues to publish more issues than most shelter/home magazines who average 10 per year.  The 2013 reduction will take Martha Stewart Living to 11 yearly issues. 

MSLO introduced the first August issue in 2001.