Modern Comfort Cooking: A Triumphant One-Month Retrospective! Join us as we journey through the exhilarating first month of my debut cookbook, Modern Comfort Cooking. From an unforgettable cookbook trailer to lively launch parties and an outpouring of exceptional reviews, it has been a truly joyous and deeply rewarding experience.
Celebrating a Milestone: One Month of Modern Comfort Cooking
Exactly thirty days have passed since Modern Comfort Cooking officially graced the shelves and kitchens of home cooks everywhere. It feels like just yesterday, December 5th, 2017, marked a day etched forever in my memory—a day brimming with a thrilling mix of excitement, intense anticipation, and, if I’m being truly honest, a profound sense of trepidation. My mind raced with anxieties: Would readers genuinely connect with the cookbook’s vision? Would the carefully crafted recipes, the meticulous formatting, and the hours of dedicated photography truly resonate with people? These questions loomed large as I navigated the final moments before its grand unveiling.
The photography aspect, in particular, presented a formidable challenge. While the process of writing and developing recipes is inherently demanding, the art of styling and editing each photo proved to be physically and mentally exhausting. I vividly recall countless phone calls to my mother, often on the verge of tears, seeking advice on how to sustain my energy levels between demanding photoshoots. Every single image demanded a superhuman level of focus and an expenditure of energy far beyond what I had anticipated. After each session, I would often need to lie down and completely recharge before I could even contemplate the next shot, a testament to the sheer effort involved.
Reflecting on that period, I still marvel at how I managed to navigate the entire cookbook-making process. Modern Comfort Cooking, a project that felt like a lifetime’s work, remarkably came to fruition in an intense ninety-day sprint. Ninety days! My incredible Aunt Joan and I dedicated ourselves to writing and developing an average of ten new recipes each week. Without her unwavering support and invaluable assistance, I genuinely question whether I would have been able to see it through. To any aspiring cookbook authors out there, take this as a crucial piece of advice: invest in help, delegate tasks, and lean on your support system.
Yet, despite the formidable challenges, I am a firm believer that life never presents us with more than we can handle. Witnessing the smiles, hearing the heartfelt praise, and receiving the incredible feedback over the past month has made every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears unequivocally worthwhile. The journey, though arduous, has been incredibly fulfilling, reaffirming the passion and purpose behind every page.
With immense gratitude and a touch of disbelief, let’s take a closer look at the key milestones and highlights from the inaugural month of Modern Comfort Cooking. From the creation of a captivating cookbook trailer to three bustling launch parties, heartwarming shoutouts from fellow food bloggers, and glowing reviews from major publications, it has been an unforgettable and truly wild ride!
The Journey Unfolds: Key Milestones of Our Launch
Monday, November 27th: The Creation of a Cookbook Trailer
Initially, I grappled with the decision of whether or not to produce a “trailer” for the cookbook. My inner voice insisted, “Lauren, you simply don’t have the time to add one more thing to your already overflowing plate.” However, that sentiment quickly dissipated the moment I connected with the talented Meili and Stephen of Olena Films. Their passion and vision convinced me that the universe had a different plan in mind.
What amounted to approximately eight hours of filming culminated in a beautifully crafted two-minute video—a piece I will forever treasure. This creative endeavor offered a much-needed pause, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the excitement building around the cookbook’s imminent launch. Cooking for Meili and Stephen, and witnessing their eyes light up with delight as they savored the Mumbai Shrimp Tacos, provided a powerful affirmation that I had truly hit the mark.
Upon seeing the completed trailer, I was overcome with emotion, shedding tears of pure joy for a solid five minutes. The video remarkably captured the very heart and soul of the cookbook, encapsulating its essence in a way words alone could not. It’s a moment of pride and artistic expression that I will cherish for the rest of my life. If you haven’t yet experienced this cinematic glimpse into Modern Comfort Cooking, I urge you to press play right now and immerse yourself in its magic.
Wednesday, November 29th: Kicking Off in My Hometown
The grand tour for Modern Comfort Cooking truly began where it all started for me: my beloved hometown. Just one week before the official release date, I found myself standing in the vibrant space of Central Standard Brewing, a swirl of anticipation and nerves as I awaited the arrival of the crowd. Surrounded by fifty thoughtfully assembled bags of swag and a gorgeously styled giveaway table—a huge thank you to my sister-in-law Kelly for her incredible touch!—I paced restlessly, fretting over whether people would indeed show up to witness and celebrate my culinary creation.
But as the old adage goes, “if you build it, they will come.” And come they did! The atmosphere felt like a giant, heartwarming family reunion, making Wichita, Kansas, the absolutely perfect setting to debut Modern Comfort Cooking. The highlight of the evening? We achieved the highest pre-order numbers to date, a truly overwhelming show of support from my community.
Tuesday, December 5th: A Dual Celebration in Beloved Denver
Barnes and Noble – 10:20 AM: The Author’s First Bookstore Visit
The official launch day for Modern Comfort Cooking began with a brilliant idea from Mr. B: an inaugural author walk at a local Barnes and Noble. Before heading out, I, somewhat sheepishly, called ahead to confirm that copies of my cookbook were actually in stock. Thankfully, the kind gentleman on the phone politely responded, “Yes, we have several. Lauren Grier is the author’s name, just to confirm. Would you like for me to hold one?” “No need,” I replied, a wave of relief washing over me. I hung up the phone, and off we went, embarking on what felt like a truly monumental pilgrimage.
As we approached the front doors, a complex mix of emotions swirled within me. There was a potent sense of accomplishment, a quiet triumph that declared, “Yes, I absolutely belong in Barnes and Noble.” Yet, it was quickly followed by a surreal, almost disbelieving thought, “Is this truly happening? My book is in Barnes and Noble!” As we ventured deeper into the store, making our way towards the cookbook section, I felt as though I was floating outside my own body, watching the scene unfold. It seemed to take an eternity to locate the cookbook amidst the vast collection, until finally, Mr. B’s keen eye spotted it. (And for future reference, it was listed by the author’s last name. Of course! A rookie mistake, perhaps.)
I reached for my cookbook, feeling the familiar weight of its pages, and slowly, I felt myself fully return to the moment. A wide smile spread across my face as I gently flipped through its contents, bursting with joy and overcome with an immense sense of relief. It was truly, officially, out in the world, tangible and real. And before we departed, you can rest assured that I playfully repositioned a few Rachel Ray cookbooks, ensuring that Modern Comfort Cooking stood prominently front and center. My author bookstore initiation was officially complete.
10 Barrel Brewing – 5:35 PM: Denver’s Homage to Comfort Cuisine
It was incredibly important for me to be in Denver for the official launch date of Modern Comfort Cooking. Mr. B and I have proudly called the Mile High City our home for a decade now (a fact I still find hard to believe!), and I wanted to pay a special homage to the city that has been the foundation of so much in our lives. 10 Barrel Brewing was the perfect choice for the evening’s festivities. Between their exceptional craft beer selections, their insanely delicious nachos that are practically legendary, the warmth of good friends, and more sold-out cookbooks, I truly couldn’t have envisioned a more perfect or memorable launch party. The energy was electric, a true celebration of culinary passion and community.
Thursday, December 7th: A Heartfelt Gathering in Kansas City
Last, but certainly not least, our launch tour culminated in a wonderfully intimate gathering in Kansas City, hosted at the swanky social club known as SOT. For this final launch party, my intention was to create a more personal and cozy atmosphere. Surrounded by close friends and beloved family, the evening was transformed into a precious opportunity to catch up, share stories, and raise a heartfelt toast to the cookbook. This made the celebration all the more special and deeply meaningful.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned throughout this entire journey is the undeniable truth that it truly takes a village—a dedicated community—to successfully write, produce, and ultimately promote a cookbook. I count myself incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to personally express my gratitude to this core group of individuals who have consistently believed in me and supported my dreams. The Kansas City launch party was, without a doubt, one for the books, a perfect close to an extraordinary launch week!
Critical Acclaim: National Publication Features
The enthusiasm for Modern Comfort Cooking quickly extended beyond our launch events, garnering significant attention from esteemed national publications. It’s incredibly validating to see the recipes and the ethos of the cookbook resonate with a wider audience, solidifying its place in the culinary landscape. These features have been instrumental in introducing our beloved comfort food creations to countless new homes.
- Real Simple Magazine: This respected lifestyle publication generously votedModern Comfort Cookingas the #1 December cookbook for holiday gifting and buying! A true honor and a fantastic endorsement for the festive season.
- Washington Post: We were thrilled when the Washington Post featured our delightful Shrimp Scampi Zucchini Noodles, highlighting a lighter yet equally satisfying take on comfort.
- O, The Oprah Magazine: It was an absolute dream come true to have O, The Oprah Magazine, feature several ofModern Comfort Cooking’s casserole recipes, proclaiming them as “must-make” dishes for 2018!
- Food52: The innovative culinary platform Food52 showcased our unique champagne marshmallow treats, positioning them as the perfect, festive dessert to ring in the New Year!
Community Love: Food Blogger Recipe Reviews
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a food blogger myself is the incredible privilege of connecting with so many wonderful, inspiring, and exceptionally talented individuals within the culinary community. The food blogging world is truly unique; while we may not share a traditional office setting, we compensate for this with an unparalleled spirit of continuous support, encouragement, and genuine camaraderie. It is a network built on shared passion and mutual respect, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.
Below is a heartfelt shoutout to a select group of food bloggers whom I deeply admire and whose work I consistently follow. They graciously dedicated their precious time to recreate, review, and share a recipe directly from the pages of Modern Comfort Cooking with their own audiences. Their efforts mean the world to me, and I am forever grateful for their kindness and enthusiastic endorsement. Their support has amplified the reach of this cookbook in ways I could only have dreamed of.
- Floating Kitchen: Champagne Marshmallow Treats
- Rachel Cooks: Chai French Toast Skewers
- The Lemon Bowl: Asian-Style Sloppy Joes
- Cake-n-Knife: Twice Baked Stuffed Chicken Shawarma
- Recipe Runner: One Pot Greek Biscuits and Gravy Cobbler
- Well Plated: Champagne Marshmallow Treats
- Simply Scratch: Lebanese Margherita Lamb Pizza
- Set the Table: Bacon and Kimchi Mac & Cheese
- The Food in My Beard: Beef Stroganoff Toasts
- Melanie Makes: Beef Stroganoff Toasts
- A Beautiful Plate: Mumbai Shrimp Tacos
- Macheesmo: Bacon and Kimchi Mac & Cheese
- Dessert for Two: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Chelsea’s Messy Apron: Chicken Cheesesteak Baked Ziti
- Sweet Phi: Champagne Marshmallow Treats
- Chez Us: Cauliflower Clam Chowder with Crispy Bacon
Looking Ahead: The Future of Modern Comfort Cooking
To everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey—whether through your unwavering support, your kind words, or by simply picking up a copy of the book—a colossal and heartfelt thank you. The first month of this cookbook’s life has truly been an overwhelming flood of emotions, a testament to the power of shared passion and community, and I honestly couldn’t be happier or more grateful for every single moment. The experience has been profoundly moving, exceeding every expectation I had.
As we close out this remarkable inaugural month, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what 2018 will bring for Modern Comfort Cooking. The journey has just begun, and there’s so much more flavor to explore and comfort to share. Here’s to delicious adventures and continued success! Cheers to a bright culinary future!
In conclusion, our Modern Comfort Cooking One-Month Recap has been an extraordinary and delicious journey, truly overflowing with flavor, heartwarming connections, and abundant culinary inspiration. We sincerely hope that you’ve enjoyed exploring the vibrant world of modern comfort cuisine through these pages and that you continue to find joy and solace in its recipes. Stay tunedfor more exciting recipes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and new culinary adventures as we continue to share the magic of comfort food redefined!