Enter the world of 11-year-old Culinary Cellar! My precious cellar with a library of cookbooks has been through a lot in eleven years. It was totally destroyed in seven feet of flood waters, but made a comeback from nothing to now Culinary Cellar part 2, thanks to you, my amazing and generous readers, and family, who sent cookbooks by the thousands. I was ready to give it all up, but you convinced me to go on.
This is the first thing you will see at the bottom of the stairs. Then look around and you will see this:
This is only about half the books.
This is the “Cookie Cabinet” holding cookie cookbooks and all my cookie cutters. The cookie cutters actually survived the flood because they were plastic and metal. Of course they were covered in mud, and it took daughter Kristina days to wash them all. Also she accessorized and filled all these cabinets, which we bought from a kitchen store in downtown Libertyville that closed.
I haven’t found a card catalog like my old one yet that held tens of thousands of recipe cards, but I’m still searching. I’ll be getting another filing cabinet too for all my new clippings.
I still have a lot of work to do, including updates on cellar photos, adding a whole new index to explore like a recipe index and special ones like all Sphere blogs in one spot, all the Pillsbury Bake-Off blogs, and more. And the big new happening – I’m going to start a Podcast! Not sure when, but it’s coming.
If you have ideas of something you would like to see in the cellar, ideas for Podcasts you would enjoy, or just to tell me about a favorite cookbook or recipe you love, please post ideas and comments here on this blog.
Love and gratitude to all my readers; new ones, and those who have stuck by me from day one, eleven years ago, and of course my family who has always been beside me cheering me on even when I thought it could never happen after the devastation of the flood. There would be no Culinary Cellar if not for all of you.
Happy Anniversary! I’m so glad to see the Cellar full of books again.
Thank you, Madonna, for being one of my original followers all these years ago. There is never a time when I pick up a Perla book that I don’t think of you.
Congratulations. Even a flood can’t keep you down or stop your wonderful and talented blog. Proud to call you my sister.
Love you, my amazing sister-in-law. I am so glad Alan married you. He gained a wife, and I got a sister!
Happy Anniversary on the Cellar! Your blog IS very much appreciated! I also have enjoyed collecting cookbooks over the years!
Thank you so much, Dawn, for being a loyal reader! And a fellow cookbook collector!
I just read your story in Taste of Home. At first it was amazing to learn of such a huge collection and then I learned of the devastating flood. How blessed you are to have so many come to the rescue and encourage you to rebuild your life long love. I wish all the strength and courage to move forward. Looking forward to your podcast.
Sue
Thank you for your kind words, Sue. I would not even have The Culinary Cellar today if not for the hundreds of people who sent cookbooks after the flood to rebuild, along wth notes of love and encouragement. I am forever grateful.
If you have any suggestions of what you would like to hear on the future Podcast, please let me know!
Ohhh!!!! Such excitement! Congratulations, Debbie, on the anniversary of your blog! How wonderful to see a glimpse into your welcoming cellar. It looks to be full of potential connection, which I believe explains my draw to cookbooks, kitchenware, linens and dishes.
I can’t wait to hear a podcast. What a wonderful idea! I’ll think about potential topics. Basically, I hope it ends up feeling like we’re all at your kitchen table chatting while we prep food or over a cup of something warm.
P.S. I’ve enjoyed watching Kristina on The Morning Blend : )
Hi Denise! I look forward to hearing Podcast suggestions from you! What you said is exactly what I hope to accomplish, giving the feeling my listeners are right at the kitchen table with me, which ie exactly where I will be sitting! Thank you for watching Kristina on “The Morning Blend.” She loves doing those segments. More to come!
Congratulations and happy anniversary Debbie! Your blog has always been my favorite!!❤️
You made my day, Amy. Thank you for being such a loyal reader. It warms my heart, truly. It’s comments like yours that keep me going.
A belated but big heartfelt Congratulations! Was delayed responding to emails due to celebrating my wedding anniversary in Florida! Celebrations are a gift of joy remembering all the good and blessings we have. So happy to celebrate with you, your family, & all your cookbook friends the 11 year anniversary of The Culinary Cellar. Looking forward to many years ahead reading your blog.
Thank you, Kim, and Happy Anniversary! I loved seeing all your photos from Florida. Thank you too, for being one of my loyal followers and commentators of The Culinary Cellar, but most of all, thank you for being my longtime friend.