On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, my new book, The Chilean Kitchen, goes on sale in the USA, a traditional Chilean cookbook for the US market, in English with 75 recipes written by me, with the texts written by Eileen Smith and photography for each recipe by Araceli Paz.
I cannot be more proud of this project. Del Blog A La Mesa was the original idea of my co-authors in Chile, and I joined the project in the initial phases, but they already had the idea. The Chilean Kitchen is my vision. After 17 years of living in the USA and already being a citizen of both countries, it seemed necessary to champion a Chilean cookbook like The Chilean Kitchen:
- hardcover
- with careful production
- and execution where the recipes work because the ingredients are available in the supermarkets in the USA, but always ensuring Chilean flavor.
The chronology of this book was as follows:
in December 2017: I asked Eileen if she would be interested in working together on this project
between January and May 2018, we wrote the first proposal, and we were looking for a literary agent
in May 2018, we signed with our agent Ashley Collom
in September 2018, Leah Zarra from Skyhorse became interested in the book
in January 2019, we signed a contract with Skyhorse
in June 2019, Eileen, Ara, and I met at my house to photograph the book in 10 intense days
in October 2019, we delivered the manuscript with photos. That’s when Leah’s editorial corrections came, and Daniel’s designed the cookbook, and finally
In March 2020, the book was printed. The idea was to launch it in May, but with the pandemic, we decided to wait and thus we arrived at the
October 6, 2020: Launch !!!
As you can see, books are slow processes, where many things do not depend on the authors, and where being organized is crucial, many details must be handled at the same time. And many people have to agree.
And of course, the work does not end with the launch; now I have to go out and sell the book, ask readers to leave reviews on Amazon and participate in interviews, etc. There are nerves of not knowing how the book will be received by the press and, more importantly, by all of you who have accompanied me here on the blog for 12 years. Thanks for the support and love.
As I know you will ask me, the book is only available in English in the US. There are no plans for a Spanish edition in Chile unless a publisher decides to buy the rights and translate it. Of course, I would be thrilled if that happens.
To buy it from abroad, I recommend comparing prices between Amazon (affiliated link) and Book Depository, with delivery the price varies a lot. You can visit the book site for more information, The Chilean Kitchen.
Maria Mello
Hi, I was born in Chile, raised in California, and now reside in Idaho. I really miss my moms fresh Chilean cooking. I came across your blog in search of Charqican recipe. I’m interested in your book. And, hope to make fresh home Chilean cooking.
Pilar Hernandez
Hi Maria. I’m sure you will enjoy it. And this blog is a great guide too, let me know if you have any questions.