Today we have a special guest joining us, cookbook author Brenda Novak. Brenda has written many novels, but today I want to talk to you about her cookbook, Love that! Brenda Novak’s every occasion cookbook with Jan Coad. She is joining us to share a little bit about her cookbook.
Brenda’s very first cookbook contains 75 of her healthiest recipes–the recipes she used to raise her large and boisterous family. I was able to interview her by email and you’ll find my questions and Brenda’s answers below.
1. What was your biggest challenge in writing your cookbook?
The biggest challenge was probably deciding which recipes to include. Some people are careful about fat, others about carbs and still others about sodium, gluten or meat. Once I figured out that I couldn’t please everyone, I decided just to include my favorites–the ones I deemed healthy enough to feed my family, with one member being Type 1. It’s a very measured approach–not too extreme in any one area.
2. Describe your cookbook. What should readers expect?
This recipe is a very moderate approach to healthy eating. The recipes don’t have a great deal of carbs, fat or (except for some of the soups) sodium. Most people (those who aren’t on extreme diets) should be able to enjoy the meals in LOVE THAT! Even children should like many of the recipes–since they’ve been tried out (for years!) on my own family of five. I am not, however, a professional foodie. This is one mom’s approach to raising a family with one member who has to be careful about carb intake.
3. When did your passion for cooking begin?
I’ve always loved to cook, but I did it more out of necessity. When you have a lot of kids, you have to come up with a great meal every night to feed your family. That can get complicated when one member has special needs. Diabetes affects so many families, that I thought I would try to share what worked with me, in case others could also benefit–and so that we could raise money to help a great cause at the same time.
4. What is your favorite recipe from your cookbook and why?
This is a tough question. There are so many that I love and have used for years. They are actually designated as a “family favorite.” There are some recipes contributed by my friend and co-author (who once owned a restaurant) that was such a delicious addition. It’s the crab bisque. When I tasted that, I had to moan. LOL
5. What did you enjoy most about writing your cookbook?
It was a project I tackled with my middle daughter. She did all the cooking and staging for the photographs. She took the photographs. And she did the design. So we were always sampling, critiquing, brainstorming. I’m proud of the way it turned out because it’s my recipes and my attempt to raise more money for diabetes research, but her contributions are all through it.
6. What inspired you to write?
I’ve been heavily involved in raising money for diabetes research almost since the day my son was diagnosed at age 5. Usually I do an annual online auction at my website. This is simply an extension of those efforts. We’ve raised nearly $2.5 million so far. I would like to break the $3 million mark this year.
7. What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?
This would probably have to be garlic. I love garlic!
8. Do you have any secret cooking tips?
Parchment paper! It helps with so much–especially clean up!
9. How long did it take for you to complete your cookbook?
It’s been a long process. The idea was born a few years ago, but we actually started the process last September.
10. What would you say to someone who wants to create their own cookbook?
It’s not as easy as it looks! Had I known how difficult it was, I honestly don’t know if I would’ve tackled this project, but I’m glad I did. I hope the cookbook is something that many, many people will enjoy–and that it’ll help make a difference on the fundraising end for all those who suffer from diabetes.
11. Is there anything you’d like to say/add that I didn’t mention?
For more information about me and my efforts, please visit http://
You can order your own Love That! Brenda Novak’s every occasion cookbook for $9.99 in digital or $24.99 in print.
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Sounds like a great cookbook I have I’ll have to check it out! I haven’t ever heard of this before, or Brenda!
It’s got some amazing recipes in it! All healthy too, which I love!
This cookbook sounds great! I can’t wait to look it over, great interview!
I hope you enjoy it! Lots of great recipes.
That is so cool! I love to cook, and I love cook books that are about more than just recipes. Thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome. I love cooking too!
I can’t imagine how hard it was to get this cookbook to print. I know I was helping my Mother in Law just get some family recipes in a book for her Sons, Daughters, and Grandkids. Not easy at all.
It’s hard enough just to get your own recipe started. I know a cookbook would be a lot of work.
This sounds like a great cook book. I love cook books that keep it interesting.
Me too! I love all sorts of different cookbooks.
Awesome interview, making your own cook book sounds like a real big challenge but lots of fun too!
I agree. I can only imagine all the hard work that’s put in to a cookbook.
It’s so good to know she thought a lot about keeping the recipes healthy. It sounds like her cookbook is awesome!
I agree. I love healthier recipes.
This is a great interview. I love buying cookbooks. I will have to check this one out.
Me too! I love all kinds of cookbooks.
Thanks for sharing this awesome interview! She sounds awesome. Can’t wait to check out this cookbook!
You’re welcome. She’s got some amazing recipes!
Sounds like a great book! It’s a real accomplishment to complete something like this. I self-published my own e-book (which is very simple) and that was a lot of work so I can only imagine the work involved in this!
I could imagine a cookbook would take a lot of work too. I’ve thought about doing an e-book sometime as well. That’s great that you’ve made your own!
What an interesting interview. I always wonder in what goes in to writing any book ,but especially a cookbook. Great article!
Definitely! I’ve wondered the same.
I definitely agree with her about the parchment paper. I used to use aluminum foil to cover baking sheet but now anymore, parchment is my BFF.
I will start using parchment paper as I still use aluminum foil. Glad to hear it works for you too!
I think it would be difficult, as Brenda says, to decide which recipes you would want to include in the cookbook.
I completely agree. I’d have a hard time with that too.
This is such an interesting interview. I will have to check this cook book out. I love trying new recipes.
Me too! I’ll try just about any recipe.
I think writing a cookbook would be really hard. What a fun interview to be able to do.
It was a fun interview! I agree about cookbooks being hard to write. I could imagine how much time it must have taken.
I love that her cookbook includes recipes that almost everyone can enjoy. Would love to check some of them out!
She’s got some amazing recipes in here. I hope you’re able to check them all out!
I’ve never heard of this book before but it really sounds like a good one to check out. I’m glad there are healthy recipes in it.
I love that there are healthy recipes as well. It’s got some amazing recipes in it!
What a great interview. I can’t wait to get this cookbook.
I’m glad you’re looking at getting one! I think she’s got some amazing recipes.
What a wonderful sounding cookbook. I am always wanting to add more family friendly cookbooks to my collection.
It sure is a great cookbook. She’s got some amazing recipes in this cookbook.
Such a great interview. It was a very interesting read. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading about it!
Sounds like a great cookbook. I love all kinds so I will have to check it out.
I love all kinds of cookbooks as well!
What a great interview. I bet it does take a long time to put together a good cookbook.
I thought the same. I’m sure it takes a lot of hard work and time.
I love cookbooks. It’s interesting to find out what goes on in other people’s kitchens.
Definitely! I love cookbooks as well.
Wow, I have always wondered about the process of writing a book. I’m sure it takes a lot of work, but it must be so rewarding to see an idea come to fruition and into a tangible product. The cookbook sounds amazing; I always struggle with recipes for my family and picky-toddler. I will have to check this one out!
I have one picky child as well. She hardly ever eats meat. This cookbook does have a lot of great recipes in it.
Sounds like an awesome book and how cute is she? Love her style!
Right! She does have great style!
What a great interview. I love cooking and cookbooks!
Me too! I’ve always loved to cook.
I love the fact that children should enjoy Brenda’s recipes too. That’s such an important factor to me because my son is so fussy.
Same here. I have a daughter who is very picky.
I will have my eye out for this cookbook. It sounds wonderful. This was a great interview to read and follow!
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. You’ll have to let me know what you think of the cookbook.
I collect cook books and will definitely be adding this one to my collection. I love that they are all family favorite type recipes.
I love cookbooks as well. You’ll have to let me know what you think of this one if you order it!
It’s sad to hear that her son has diabetes. But I am glad that she has found a good cause to write for! Sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration!
I completely agree. My father and father in law have diabetes and I know how hard it can be for them. I love that she gives back too.
Not familiar with the author but looking the cookbook I need to buy for myself soon for my new place. I love that she realised she can please everyone and included what worked for her and family.
You’ll have to let me know what you think if you buy one. I think her recipes look amazing!
She’s oh so right about having to come up with recipes everyone will like when you have a lot of kids. When all of mine are together (and now my daughter in law too) it is a challenge to find something everyone likes to eat. This was a cool interview!
She sure is right about that. I have a hard enough time coming up with recipes my kids will enjoy as well. One of my kids is very picky.
I have been looking for more cookbooks and this one sounds very interesting. Admittedly, I really like the sound of the author so I’m glad you had the chance to interview her.
I’m so glad I had the chance to interview her as well! It was a great experience.
Very cool. As silly as this sounds, I might get a copy for my hubby. My hubby does all our cooking and likes to find new recipes and ideas. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! I don’t think that is silly at all. I wish my husband liked to cook!
How exciting that you got to interview with the author!! That is so cool!! I love a good cookbook and need to check this one out!!
It was really neat! Her cookbook has some amazing recipes too.
Omg! This sounds like a pretty great cookbook! Love it when I find a good one.
It sure has a lot of great recipes!