Blog Aid Update

I have no recipe on offer today. I did slip into the kitchen last night to make a sweet potato and chard gratin – I needed vegetables, but also comfort in the form of warm food and bubbly cheese. Mike offered to order pizza, but I needed a few minutes at the kitchen counter to decompress after a day of meetings and work. And I love this stuff. The three of us – Mike, my sister and I – gathered around the dining room table with our laptops (or in Mike’s case: hockey on TV), a baking dish of this and a bottle of wine; Ali worked on her masters’ application and I hammered away at Blog Aid details while trying to pull together an article for Swerve that is just not coming together in the kick-ass way I wanted it to, dammit.

Today and tonight was another flurry of work, and since most of it took place on the computer, we tossed a few racks of ribs in to cook for a few hours, boiled some potatoes to roughly mash with their skins, roasted some broccoli and wedges of spaghetti squash to feed the crew of 6 here over the dinner hour, half kids and the other half grown-ups working on the Blog Aid cookbook.

Which, I’m excited to report, is in its almost-final stages of completion! It has been a tremendous amount of work, mostly on the part of Cathryn, a wonderful friend and human being who has plodded away for much of last week and then night and day all this weekend (literally: yesterday she didn’t leave the kitchen table of her cozy house in Sunnyside from 8am until 3am Sunday morning), dropping and organizing the copy and photos into a beautiful layout. Cathryn is one of the most generous, kind, giving people I know. She supports me in everything I do, if even by email because we don’t see nearly enough of each other.

And when I ask her to do stuff like this, stuff that takes over her life for awhile, she dives right in. Her selfless willingness to share her time, creativity and expertise with those who need it is inspiring. She does so much for so many, even travelling to Africa to help the sick. I’m so grateful she’s pouring herself into this project, pulling it into something we can all set on our kitchen shelves to become well-worn with use feeding our friends and families. (If you’re ever looking for someone to do a logo, poster, or any kind of graphic design, let me know and I’ll pass on her contact info. She’s truly fantastic to work with.)

So here’s the gist: We’re lucky enough to have the support of two companies: West Canadian Graphics in Calgary and Blurb in San Francisco (it’s too bad technology allowed for productive conference calls and a one-on-one meeting wasn’t required in San Fran); both are overseeing the production of the book, which will actually be available for order online THIS WEEK. SOON. It’s a POD (print-on-demand) system, meaning the file is uploaded and then books are printed and shipped as they’re ordered, which means this is all happening in real time and books will arrive in about 8 days. (This could possibly be the fastest compilation cookbook project in history; under a month from conception to finished books!) The proceeds from book sales will go straight to Haitian relief via the Red Cross and Doctors without Borders, and get this: both West Canadian AND Blurb are matching the dollar amount of the proceeds raised up to $10,000. And of course until February 12th, the Canadian government will match that.

If you do the math, it’s a pretty great deal in terms of raising money for Haiti, and you get a spanking new cookbook in the mail to boot.

Some of my very favourite eaters are contributors:

Chef Michael Smith, Dana McCauley, Emily Richards, Catharine from Weelicious, Cheryl from Backseat Gourmet, Jeannette of Everybody Likes Sandwiches, Nishta from Blue Jean Gourmet, Lauren of Celiac Teen, Charmian from Christie’s Corner, Shaina from Food for my Family, Marisa of Food in Jars, Shauna and Danny from Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef, Lauren from Healthy Delicious, Alice from Savory Sweet Life, Tara from Seven Spoons, Jess of Sweet Amandine, Helen from Tartelette, Gail from The Pink Peppercorn, Pierre of Kitchen Scraps, Tim from Lottie and Doof, Tea from Tea & Cookies, Jamie from My Baking Addiction, Lori from Recipe Girl, Melissa from The Traveler’s Lunchbox, Brooke of Tongue-n-Cheeky and Aimee of Under the High Chair.

Really, looking at that lineup I can’t believe we rounded up such a fabulous, generous and talented crew of people, all so eager to help.

And the recipes? Fab. All with beautiful full-colour photographs. I’m still pinching myself. Soups and granolas and baking and preserves and curries and pastries and breakfast and ice cream and dinner ideas. And plenty of gluten-free recipes.

We’ll have two versions; a paperback and hardcover. As I type this, Cathryn is sitting beside me arranging photos and text and lining stuff up and all that designerly stuff. It’s all just so thrilling and a little nervewracking as it comes to the point where it’s time to actually sell books. I’m desperately hoping people aren’t suffering from donor fatigue.

So that’s the status of Blog Aid as of Sunday night, coming to you live from my dining room table. Thanks everyone, for all you do. Keep an eye out. It’s coming!

January 31 2010 11:53 pm | leftovers

51 Responses to “Blog Aid Update”

bellini valli on 01 Feb 2010 at 4:01 am #

It really has come together quite quickly Julie. Your entire team from authors to production should be feeling pretty warm and fuzzy by now.
Jan (Family Bites) on 01 Feb 2010 at 5:14 am #

Oh my, you should be so proud – of yourself and all of your contributors. I can’t wait to see a copy of this little gem.
Aimee on 01 Feb 2010 at 5:26 am #

Gosh, this is SO exciting! Great work Julie!
Jess on 01 Feb 2010 at 5:57 am #

Yeah!! This is just amazing, Julie. I’m so honored to be a part of it. Thank you!
Kathy on 01 Feb 2010 at 6:55 am #

So I guess you don’t need help with editing the cookbook anymore then? I’m sorry I missed out helping out in this worthwhile project.
Kathy on 01 Feb 2010 at 6:56 am #

Oops meant to add, but excited at how fast it came together and the generosity of all! That’s great; I’m just disappointed I couldn’t be a part of it on the production side.
Sue (London, ON) on 01 Feb 2010 at 7:23 am #

Julie you are an inspiration. I can’t wait to buy a copy and I think I’ll buy a couple extra as gifts. This is very exciting!
Marisa on 01 Feb 2010 at 8:21 am #

I just can’t get over how quickly this came together. Julie, you are a marvel!
JulieVR on 01 Feb 2010 at 8:31 am #

Kathy! Possibly not. It’s just coming together in a different format than I expected, and although we were working on it till almost midnight, all the content is not dropped in – we’ve gone through and edited about a quarter, but it became apparent that I need to do this first, directly with the designer (sizing and how it fits into the layout being taken into consideration) and then I thought I’d pass pieces of it around for other eyes to skim over. It’s not too late!
Colleen on 01 Feb 2010 at 8:32 am #

I can’t wait to order some of these cookbooks. Julie, you and your crew have done a marvelous job. I watched Chef Michael Smith last night on Iron Chef America – I think he was robbed – a little biased aren’t I.
Rachael on 01 Feb 2010 at 9:25 am #

Julie and crew. I can’t wait to buy a book (or maybe a couple for gifts). I’ve been saving my significant donation for this project. You all need to be honoured for this work – what a great idea!!!

Thank you for making it happen.
JulieVR on 01 Feb 2010 at 9:30 am #

Rachael, you rock. Thank you.
Kathy on 01 Feb 2010 at 9:37 am #

oh okay Julie–sorry I misunderstood….let me know
Donna on 01 Feb 2010 at 10:12 am #

Will the cookbooks be offered for sale in Calgary CO-OPs?
I’ll line up and buy a copy or two. Now — who else in my family cooks ? Make that three or four copies.
Great work!
Erica B. on 01 Feb 2010 at 10:43 am #

Love love love that this is such a group effort & coming together so quickly! All of you should be soooo proud!

I’ll be in YYC Tuesday – if I can still help proof you know how to reach me! Can’t wait to buy my copies too
Nancy on 01 Feb 2010 at 10:53 am #

Can’t wait to see/buy it!! Awesome effort involved.
Vincci on 01 Feb 2010 at 10:54 am #

That’s SO exciting! And impressive that the cookbook’s coming together so quickly – a lot of my favourite eaters too; I’ll definitely be buying a copy!
Nancy G on 01 Feb 2010 at 11:33 am #

Julie, I haven’t left a comment in quite some time but I have been following the Blog Aid progression eagerly checking each day to see where you are at. What an inspirational and creative project and each time we cook a meal for our families from your beautiful book, we will be reminded of all those families in Haiti who need nourishment of body and soul and all the caring contributors that have helped to ensure that happens from the proceeds of the book. Well done Julie.
Maureen on 01 Feb 2010 at 11:37 am #

I have been saving a portion of my donation money for this! Can not wait.

Tears came to my eyes reading about all the support.

I must say as a proud Canadain that our donations are by far themost in the world on a per capita basis. I know it isn’t nice to brag but on this-all I can say is yay baby!
Cheryl on 01 Feb 2010 at 11:47 am #

I’ve already got the orders lining up… You are so awesome for doing this. And bringing in such a talented crew as well.
Nishta on 01 Feb 2010 at 11:59 am #

Julie, the way you took an idea & transformed it into a real, tangible action is so inspiring. I am so honored to be a part of this project!

And I can probably guarantee at least a dozen orders from my mom alone
Lana in South Mountain (ON) on 01 Feb 2010 at 12:40 pm #

I, too, am eagerly waiting for the cookbook and will buy a few for gifts for my sisters, bro, etc for their birthdays this spring.
I’m sure it will be amazing.
Thank you, Julie, for your wonderful self.
Shaina on 01 Feb 2010 at 1:00 pm #

I’m so excited, Julie! You are amazing!
Laurie in Burnaby BC on 01 Feb 2010 at 1:22 pm #

Congratulations on pulling this together so quickly, Julie. I’ll buy several to give as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. (I like to collect Christmas gifts all year to put aside for the big day.)

I watched Battle Avocado last night. Very disappointed in the judges. They weren’t experienced, and apparently didn’t understand that Kitchen Stadium is all about trying things that have never been done before. Bobby Flay is a worthy opponent, so it’s no shame to lose to him, but to lose honestly after good judging, not to be slammed by judges because you gave them something they’re not used to. I felt that Michael Smith should have another shot with real judges.
Barb on 01 Feb 2010 at 1:57 pm #

I’ll bet Cathryn says the same thing of You!
Beverley M on 01 Feb 2010 at 2:23 pm #

I’ve used Blurb for my photo books!

(I always upgrade it to premium paper at the advice of an online friend who ordered her first photo book with and without premium and said not to bother with the normal. Not sure about with a cookbook though, regular would probably be fine.)

I think I’ll buy mine in hard cover as one of my paperback photo books let go of the binding after about a year, and I’m sure I’ll be rougher on a cookbook. (Though Blurb did replace the one that fell apart free of charge, so that’s great!)
Lauren on 01 Feb 2010 at 4:26 pm #

So excited! I can’t wait to see the book – still can’t believe I’m in it =D.
Denise on 01 Feb 2010 at 4:36 pm #

Wow Julie!! That’s amazing how quickly you’ve pulled this all together. I can’t wait to see the finished product and try all the wonderful recipes in it! You’re an inspiration to all of us, showing how an idea can become a reality! Well done!
Kathy on 01 Feb 2010 at 5:48 pm #

FYI–Just booked my ticket for the Farm Table Dinner on Feb. 24th and when you book they ask if you’re part of “Julie’s Group”—they’ve booked the Farm Table Dinner exclusively for us that night!
Jenn on 01 Feb 2010 at 8:07 pm #

Julie,

When it’s ready to order will you post it on your blog? I would LOVE a copy!!

Thanks for all the work you do:D
Rebecca on 01 Feb 2010 at 10:20 pm #

How exciting! Can’t wait to order my copy.
margo on 01 Feb 2010 at 10:39 pm #

I am thrilled to be able to support this wonderful project. It’s going to make my shopping for gifts for the next year very simple and gratifying… such meaningful gifts. Who wouldn’t want to be the recipient of such an incredible book for this very important cause, this nation whose needs we can barely comprehend? And I love too, that every time we open its pages, we’ll be reminded of Haiti. Thank you, and all those who have helped you.
Anonymous on 01 Feb 2010 at 11:46 pm #

This is totally off topic… but I got OSG for Christmas and here it is a month+ later and I haven’t made anything yet. So I told my husband to pick out a recipe, get the ingredients and I’d make them. He does, tells me the name of the recipe, and leaves. Just now I went to start it… and I see he’s chosen Monster Cookies… which are peanut-butter based. I hate peanut butter. So he’s picked out a cookie that will be ALL for him. Whaddaguy.
Beverley M on 01 Feb 2010 at 11:47 pm #

Oops, above Anonymous OT message is me
Food in Jars » Marmalade and Blog Aid on 02 Feb 2010 at 8:33 am #

[...] The book will be available for order sometime this week and it includes recipes from some of my favorite bloggers. I contributed three recipes to the effort, including one for Pear Ginger Jam (truly, one of the best jams I’ve made recently). It’s a recipe I’ve never posted here, so if you want to get a peek at it, you’ll have to get a copy of the book (I will post here as soon as it’s available for order). [...]
ajdoula on 02 Feb 2010 at 9:28 am #

I’ve missed some blogs – is there a dinner at Farm in the works? Still room left?

I am in awe at how quickly this project has come together, Julie – it is a testament to how you are regarded in the food community, that so many have come together so quickly. Well done you!
Anne Hayden on 02 Feb 2010 at 10:08 am #

Please put me down for a Haiti Special Edition. My mastercard is out and ready to order online.

This could be a Limited Edition cookbook, based on the hope that this tragedy will never hit these people or any others again.
anne
kickpleat on 02 Feb 2010 at 10:22 am #

I love that you started this and I’m so honoured to be a part of this cookbook. I can’t wait to see the results.
Dana McCauley on 02 Feb 2010 at 11:34 am #

looking forwardd to the book Julie! Thanks for all your hard work and vision, I bet it will be a huge success!
Michelle on 02 Feb 2010 at 12:08 pm #

I can’t wait to order the cookbook! What an effort! I am soooo glad there are people as wonerful as you!

Keep up the wonderful work, I am inspired!
pauline on 02 Feb 2010 at 3:25 pm #

I too cant wait for this cook book. I hope that everyone that gets a cook book will know someone who also would want to support this wonderful cause. Julie I bet this will be right up there with your wow accomplishments in this life.
Pat L on 02 Feb 2010 at 4:54 pm #

Fantastic Julie! I’ll stock up on a few & sell them from our retreat. Plus can’t wait to try the recipes.
Mmac on 02 Feb 2010 at 5:15 pm #

Can’t wait. It’s remarkable what you have accomplished in such a short time. As others have said, I’ve been saving some donation funds to direct to purchases.
Jessica on 02 Feb 2010 at 5:30 pm #

Never in my life have I ever checked a blog so much to see if there’s an update. Waiting for the book. Patiently. Waiting. (tap, tap, tap, tap, tap) )
The Week That Was And Is – February 3rd, 2010 « eating is the hard part on 03 Feb 2010 at 12:04 am #

[...] With Julie, has updated Blog Aid information, and it looks like a huge turnout. In her words “Really, looking at that lineup I [...]
Anne on 03 Feb 2010 at 12:09 pm #

I am so impressed. I cant wait for all of your hard work to pay off
Jamie on 03 Feb 2010 at 7:27 pm #

Julie- You are working so hard on this project and it is truly an honor to be part of something to amazing!
Amanda on 04 Feb 2010 at 5:27 pm #

Book looks great, and I can’t wait to order several copies.

Would you mind telling me what the proceeds are of each sale? How much of the $25 will be donated?

Thanks!
Gina on 15 Feb 2010 at 3:27 pm #

do you know how i can order one. none of the links to the website work. thanks.
Jill on 22 Feb 2010 at 10:41 am #

I have also tried the link to order the cookbook and it is not working. Could you please tell me how to order one?
JulieVR on 22 Feb 2010 at 10:45 am #

This project wrapped up on February 12th, to coincide with the government’s program to match all Haiti donations. Sorry! Perhaps I’ll pull this post to avoid further confusion.