Home Cooking with Kate McDermott Birthday!
Today’s the day! It’s the official release day of Home Cooking with Kate McDermott, my second collaboration with the amazing photographer Andrew Scrivani. I am so proud of this book and hope that it brings home cooking and easy recipes into your kitchen, as well as good times shared at tables everywhere. This weekend I signed 300 copies for my local bookstore that is ready to send them out anywhere in the US. 
Last night my son and couple of friends came over for a quiet evening to celebrate. I baked up Easy Cheesy Rice and Beanies which we enjoyed along with a fresh garden salad of spinach, a bottle of wine, and some mighty fine conversation. That’s what this book is all about, simple home cooking that brings us together at the table with recipes for families, friends, and solitary eaters, too.
Easy Cheesy Rice and Beanies (Andrew Scrivani Photo from Home Cooking with Kate McDermott)
In a recent conversation with a friend, we commented on how fast everything seems to move now. I said it felt that January was really just a few weeks ago but when I look at the calendar, it’s already October, and we’re nearing the next turn of the year. I feel breathless just thinking about it. You too? That’s when taking the time to go to the kitchen to cook, bake, or even make a cup of tea is so important. It slows me down and I remember that THIS is what it’s all about.
Today, I will make sure that my laundry is clean and folded, and then I will pack for nearly one month of book tour. Tonight there will be an official book release event at a local winery, that will benefit my local food bank. Before I go to that, I will gather with my long time girlfriends to bless this new book as it heads out into the world. I would be honored if you would think a good thought for its release, too. Then it’s out the door and off on tour!
I will be Seattle for three events over two days including a spot on NBC KING 5 New Day Northwest at 11AM Pacific on Thursday. I have to laugh when the instructions say to “come camera-ready and to wear more make-up than you usually do“, since I don’t wear make-up at all! I’m sure I’ll figure something out. Then I head to DC, NY, Austin, and quick trip home for a few days, and off again to Los Angeles (where I will be filmed for a Hallmark Home and Family episode), on to my beloved hometown of Santa Barbara, and finally home to Washington for more events until the end of the year.
Gretapie, Mr Fez, and Pie Cottage will be cared for by son, but I will miss them all sorely. I am already thinking of blissful winter days stoking my wood stove, drinking tea, and planning out next year’s garden, while a pot of soup or stew simmers.
Much love and many blessings to you on this special day and every day.
Kate
Safe travels, Kate!
Thank you so much Tracy!
I am waiting for my book. Earnestly listening for the delivery service. Drinking coffee, Making an apple cake and chocolate brownie for our dinner party tonight. The patio door is open. It is a beautiful 60 degrees outside in Phoenix, Arizona, and I was thinking….this is what it is all about! I read your post, and you said as much. This book will arrive into a home of love, fellowship, and joy today. It has a good home. Peace be with you.
A perfectly wonderful picture, James! Thank you so much. K
Sweet Kate,
We are so happy for you. Congratulations! With three kids, two cats and hectic schedules, I always appreciate your from-the-heart reminders to stop and take a breath. Remember what is most important – love, family, giving and being present.
Remember to take especially good care of yourself during your busy month on the road! Maxine and I are cheering for you. xo
Thank you so much Michelle! I hope to be seeing you soon, too.
I wish you were coming to Iowa!
Someday!
I will be watching for the mailman today! And I look forward to seeing you here in Santa Barbara. Have a wonderful book tour! Bask in the glory . . . you deserve it!!
Thank you Vickie! See you in SB!!!
Kate, Blessings to you and your newest book. I am truly blessed to have spent a week at Pie Camp with you and others and to watch your fantastic journey. Your outlook on life is nothing short of uplifting. Take care and travel well. — Dianne
OH that you so much Dianne! I hope you will come back for a visit. xo
Congratulations on your new “baby”. So happy for your success and I so appreciate your approach to life and cooking. Blessed Be.
Thank you so much Deborah! xo
The link to the recipe for Easy Cheesy Beans goes to a sign up form for your website not the recipe. Can you post the recipe?
Hmmm….I just checked all the links and they point to the recipe.
Got it….I didn’t scroll down enough. Sorry!
Have a great trip, Kate! I took a jaunt to Port Book & News today to pick up my copy and can’t wait to settle down this evening and get lost in it. Since my day camp with you in June I have baked many pies and feel like a doggone pro now. Thank you!
What a wonderful update Holly! I hope you enjoy Home Cooking!! K
Bravo!!! Wishing you delicious adventures with new and old friends as you tour the already great America.
Thank you so much Lorrie! Life is such an adventure. 🙂
I’m a new follower and enjoy your blog. Congratulations on your new book. Safe travels on your book tour…but what about coming to California?? I’m in the Bay Area and although you’d have to deal with all this traffic, we’d love to see you!!
Welcome and Thank you, Monica! I will be in Southern CA next month and plans are slowly coming along for a possible Bay Area book event. I do regularly come to teach in both the Bay Area and Southern CA, too! 🙂
I will keep my eyes open for your next Bay Area visit and gather my fellow bakers to meet up with you. We are picking apples and gearing up for our Community Thanksgiving Dinner…we’re in charge of baking 40 pumpkin and 12 apple pies! So happy for Pie season…but then it’s ALWAYS pie season!
Indeed it is!
Congrats Kate,
Will pick up my copy at Port Book and News tomorrow. Hope the “event” went well and the tour doesn’t wear you out. Deep breath and a few down dogs should help. See you soon
Thanks Nancy!
I am beginning to browse through my electronic copy (hard back is on the way). I plan on making Duncan’s hash first! Your story about your first cookbook parallels my own. When I was five, my grandparents gave me an apron, a 6” cast iron skillet, and a copy of the same Betty Crocker cookbook you own. The BC one pan spaghetti was a hit and became my contribution to family dinner.
You’ll love his hash!!
Kate, Received my signed cookbook today, from your local bookstore!!!
I sat right down to read it. I love to read cookbooks. And yours reads like a novel, love how your share your life. You book came out at the perfect time, with the start of the cooler weather. I already have a list of the recipes I want to make. Soon there will plenty of handwritten notes on the pages, like I have done with Art of the Pie.
Helen
Thank you so much. Your lovely words warm me on cool fall day!