Food for My Family

...one plate at a time.

Published: Desserts in Jars

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My debut cookbook, Desserts in Jars: 50 Sweet Treats that Shine, published this week!! Finally.

I’ve started this post more times than I care to admit. I’m not exactly sure what to say. I could tell you how I used to write stories in journals, or how I would catalog my family’s bookshelves as if they were a library, and then I would add my journals to the shelves, a crude version of self-publishing.

A few years ago I made a faux life list with my friend, Mandi. Faux only because I don’t necessarily believe in lists. I rarely make them, and even if I’ve taken the time to write them down, I likely will not look at it again. Regardless, at the top of that list was being published. Rather than cross it off this week, however, I’ve simply added the word “again” to the backend.

I could go on and on about how fun my book is, how each recipe is unique and worth making, but I will let you figure that out yourself. I know that your life is not complete without tasting sweet corn panna cotta with bacon and blueberry sauce, and you’ll likely run to the store to grab the book for that recipe alone, never mind the peanut butter and jelly parfaits or the Neapolitan cakes that grace the cover.

No, I won’t go on about those things. Instead, I’ll just show you this video and sit silently as I watch it yet again.

Desserts in Jars Cookbook Promo Trailer on Vimeo.

Produced, filmed, and edited by Ingman Photography
Music by Starr Saunders and Robert Lindsey "We Were One"

Thanks to Jake and Anne for agreeing to take on this little video project, to Bob for tirelessly helping me to find music for it, and to to all my neighbors and friends (including Brenda, Joy, Steph, and Zoe) who came to be in the video! I was so excited to be able to share this with you!

I do believe that I said it best in my acknowledgments at the end of the book.
“I grew up fascinated by the kitchen and the ability it gave me to create a kind of artwork that would nourish others. Cracking open my first cookbook before the age of five and making a full dinner for my family by the age of seven, I was smitten by the smells and sounds and the ultimate reward: feeding the ones you love.”

A big thank you to my agent, Meg Thompson, my editor, Dan Rosenberg, the team at Harvard Common Press, my friends and family, and to all of you readers who come here each day and read what I write in this online space. I am humbled by your presence, and I hope that I have fed you in some way.

Desserts in Jars is available NOW on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at your local bookseller!

Giving it Away!

I’m giving away 5 signed copies of the book, each with a set of some of my favorite jars. (Note: Jar varieties vary, but winners will receive one case each.)


The fine print:
Ends Tuesday, July 3rd at 11 pm CDT. One entry per person, please, via comment. Winners will be chosen by Random.org and notified by email.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Shaina I so proud of you and excited for you!!! I know how much time, energy and all of yourself you put into this book!! I’m just tickled pink for you……….and thank you…..thank you for doing a dessert cookbook (I’m kind of in love with sugar books)

  13. Would love to have this with my family. I think it is such a creative way to serve desserts, especially with little children who could help too! Please pick me!

  31. I viewed your post on Pinterest today for the first time. I love doing things with jars, especially food. You have some really cute jars in your video. Looking forward to following your for more ideas.

  38. These recipes look like so much fun and are so creative! I cant wait to try them out and share the deliciousness with family, friends and co-workers. They love the fruits of my culinary labor 🙂

  40. JARS+DESSERT=eek!

    I just replaced fancy glassware from our wedding in our hutch to make room for our jars. They are so beautiful and so amazingly useful. All of our regular glassware is getting the heave-ho in place of mason jars, too. They’re all we use for drinking 🙂 And tupperware? Just jars now.

    And dessert? mmmmm

  45. Congratulations Shaina! It looks beautiful. Give yourself the satisfaction of crossing it off your list then just write that goal again. What an accomplishment!! Enjoy this moment.

  52. I have not read any of your writings, but this one sounds very interesting; especially with canning seasn here and all the goodies coming into the home from the garden and orchards. Thank you for showing this book to us.

  53. What a wonderful accomplishment on the book. When you have such a passion for something, it shines. I am sure the book is great.
    Thank you for the opportunity.

  55. These past few Christmases I have been giving homemade edible/drinkable gifts in jars so I can surely use a case! I never thought of desserts in jars before. Excellent idea!!!

  56. OMGosh, Shaina! I must have been living under a ROCK! You have written and published an entire book about desserts in jars and I just had my first one this Spring. Great timing. The video is BRILLIANT. The joy and photos and colour and moments are so compelling – one wants to watch it over and over – and it is a trailer for your book! Now that is incredible. Do I want your book? YES I DO! I believe you just met my good friend Karlynn (Kitchen Magpie) in Seattle at the BlogHer conference this Spring. Saw you in a pic with her at one of the special invitation events – to the farm. She is amazing, too! A great mom – very funny – and I was glad you had met… had no idea about this… but, hey – if I win, I hope I get a case of the WRECK jars in the video. Love them and no one here sells them. Would have to buy a ton to get any here.
    Again, Standing ovation! What a great family moment – and incredible modelling for your children about the importance books can have in their lives!
    Valerie

  59. I found your book listed on a blog months ago. It has been sitting in my wish list forever just waiting to be released. I would love to win a copy so I’ll let it sit a little longer. Can’t wait to try the recipes. I love the whole concept.

    Good Luck!
    Sue

  62. I know you’ll understand, but I’m obsessed with jars. And desserts. So desserts in jars is just like a magical carpet ride of amazing-ness. Love!

  64. i would so love to win your ingenius yummy book and if i don’t it really looks like a must have. win win for real. thanks for the chance.

  65. Congratulations on your book. It looks lovely and I already have it on my wishlist. I just watched the trailer and can’t wait to make some of the recipes. Nice giveaway too. I just love Weck and Leifheit jars. I am originally from Germany and those are the brands I grew up with.

  69. I just finished watching the video. LOVED IT !! makes me wish I already had the book so I could make some of your delicious recipes for the 4th !

  72. I love jars! I love your recipes! A match made in heaven, no doubt. (btw- I’m making your Asian Chicken Salad tonight and can’t wait for dinner). Congrats on your book, I’d love to have a signed copy in my sticky little hands right now!!

  74. What a great idea! This falls into the “why didn’t i think of that?” category. But i’m sure glad someone did! Can’t wait to try them! Thank you!

  75. I’m fascinated by desserts in jars, the same way I’m obsessed with cupcakes – the delivery system garners singular treats….I don’t have to share!

  76. Congrats on the book! How exciting! I’m a new fan of your blog as I just found it! 🙂 if the book is as good as your blog…I’m sure it’ll be a success!

  77. Okay, I love, love, love that you’ve done this, and can’t wait to go out and get it. (of course, if I win a book that would be super!) but, regardless, I am excited about it!

  78. That is so incredibly exciting! You *must* go to B&N and take your pic by your book. Seeing your name on a book on the shelf must be so thrilling.

  107. Congratulations, Shaina. I have no doubt there will be more beautiful cookbooks bursting forth from your creative, talented mind. And we’ll all be happier because of it.

  112. This summer treat looks so delicious and I would love to win a copy of your book and some jars. I love baking and surprising my family with wonderful homemade items baked with lots of love for them!!
    Congrats on getting published!!

  125. This is so exciting and I can’t wait to get a copy. So happy for you and it looks like all of your hard work and countless dirty dishes have turned into a beautiful book!

  126. Congratulations on being published, the book looks wonderful! I love crossing off a “to do” on my 40 before 40 list. How great that you added “again” to yours! I’m looking forward to making the sweet corn panna cotta soon, it sounds delicious! Crossing my fingers for a signed copy!

  147. Heard the book has gift ideas too – I have a huge pile of mason jars I am looking forward to putting them to use! Congrats and wishing you great success!

  164. The video was beautiful, and I’m so excited for you on getting your book published! I would be very excited to win, but will be buying a copy for my mum anyway 🙂 x

  179. Congrats on your book, Shaina! It looks wonderful, can’t wait to check out a copy in person! I think it will be a must have for my cookbook collection!

  186. Congratulations! It would be so cool to have a copy! I have never actually made a dessert in a jar before but I am constantly drooling over them online…. Hopefully I can now make my dream a reality!

  191. What a great video! I hope I win a signed copy, but even if I don’t, I will be sure to get a copy! What a fantastic idea to make desserts in jars; you’ve inspired me to make a berry trifle for our 4th of July festivities in jars. 🙂

  201. Shaina,

    Congrats on finally being published. I know how hard you worked. It looks absolutely fantastic! Desserts aren’t my specialty, but you make it look so easy I’ll have to give it another try!

  207. Would love to have a copy of your book – free or otherwise. My granddaughters (4 and 6) are cooking with me regularly, and this looks like something we would love together. Best of blessings to you on the publication of your new book!!!

  208. ‘Desserts in Jars’ is a brilliant idea. I am starting a catering business with the goal of using quality ingredients, enjoyed in season, at their best. I can’t wait to use my recycled jam jars to create healthy and tasty kids desserts. Well done on the publication of your book!

    Joanne Sergeant

  238. I am a huge fan right now of any dessert in a jar. Which is why I am so thrilled that there is now a cookbook out there to guide me! Thanks and Congrats!

  242. What an amazing idea. Gratz on being published.. I aways look for new ideas to make snacks for the g-kids…I would love to win a book like this, I will buy it if I dont tho..lol I collect cookbooks and to know that I will use this over and over is great//

  243. Wow! I am so impressed about the simple pleasures that can be put into a jar. This looks like so much fun and If I got the cookbook I would like to do a cooking night with the ladies of my church! Innovated and creative and shall I also say yummy….this is a must on my Amazon wish list!

  251. that looks delicious! I’d love the book. We have a few jars laying around and are attempting to learn to can stuff so that would be a great use after!

  257. At this point in my life, I’ve pretty much made everything EXCEPT things in jars. I think that may better suit our lifestyles, so I’m looking forward to this book.

  278. Congratulations, Shaina! I can’t wait to check this book out and to try some of these recipes. I love the idea of mini desserts – it’s got portion control built right in!

  282. My first love is baking, with cooking running a very close second. I love to collect cookbooks and yours will definitely be among those gracing the shelves. I love your idea’s, your “devil may care” attitude toward sticking firmly to ingredients, and your creativity. Best wishes for you, your family and continued success.

  284. I’m so sorry to be late to the party but this is such an incredible achievement. And you should be proud. It looks bloody spectacular and you are so deserved. It’s beautiful. Well done to you!

  291. Dear Shaina,
    I bought your book, I LOVE it. One of the pages states that you can go on line and download labels…I cannot get to it. Is it still available?
    Thanks,
    Froma

  293. Fixed 200 desserts in the 1/2 cup jar for a Farm to Table dinner and they were a hit! Would love to have other ideas for the upcoming Farm to Table dinner

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