Happy Anniversary to The Culinary Cellar!

It’s hard to believe it’s been three years today that I started the adventure of this blog.  Almost 1,000 blogs later and with many new friends, it has been a joy to write about my passion for cookbooks – and everything else in the culinary world.  I have loyal readers all over the globe and appreciate every one of you.  This blog has taught me that people never tire of cookbooks, no matter how many apps are out there now.  There is still nothing like holding a cookbook in your own hands while trying a new recipe in the kitchen, getting flour and melted butter all over the pages. 

I have been asked many times if I have a favorite blog, which is almost impossible to answer, but I would have to say that my series on the Pillsbury Bake-Off books was one of my favorite adventures.  My daughter Kristina and I made and photographed every single grand prize winning recipe from the first Bake-Off in 1949 to the present, along with the history of each Bake-Off.  Another person I find endlessly fascinating is Clementine Paddleford, who is considered the first traveling food reporter.  Her books are as much about American cooks as the culinary history of America’s regional foods.  I loved writing about my friend, Bernard Clayton, Jr., who I still miss talking with, and a person I admired so much.  I also miss Bert Greene and can only imagine what he would be coming up with for us to cook. 

Here is the link to my very first blog, which I wrote in honor of my Grandmother, who was born on today’s date, January 31st.  Her original Fanny Farmer Cookbook remains one of my treasures.   In this new year, I have all kinds of plans for this site and for my real “culinary cellar” where the thousands of cookbooks reside.  I’ll keep you posted on my new shelves and everything else planned for the cellar, and also watch for a make-over of the site.  I still feel the same excitement for the blog as I did on that first day, and I hope you will stay on the adventure with me.