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An Interview With Brenda Novak-Author of Love that! Brenda Novak’s every occasion cookbook with Jan Coad

16 April, 2015 by KatBp 72 Comments

cookbook-cover

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://brendanovakforthecure.org. As a published fiction writer, I am also selling three limited edition boxed sets (one contemporary romance set, one thriller set and one hotter romance set a la FIFTY SHADES OF GREY). These sets contain novels and novellas from some of today’s most popular writers. As with the cookbook, all the proceeds will benefit diabetes research, but they will only be available until June 30th.
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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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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeanine says

    16 April, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    Sounds like a great cookbook I have I’ll have to check it out! I haven’t ever heard of this before, or Brenda!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      It’s got some amazing recipes in it! All healthy too, which I love!

      Reply
  2. Aimee says

    16 April, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    This cookbook sounds great! I can’t wait to look it over, great interview!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      I hope you enjoy it! Lots of great recipes.

      Reply
  3. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    16 April, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    That is so cool! I love to cook, and I love cook books that are about more than just recipes. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      You’re welcome. I love cooking too!

      Reply
  4. Terry My Journey With Candida says

    16 April, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:17 pm

      It’s hard enough just to get your own recipe started. I know a cookbook would be a lot of work.

      Reply
  5. Jennifer says

    16 April, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    This sounds like a great cook book. I love cook books that keep it interesting.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      Me too! I love all sorts of different cookbooks.

      Reply
  6. touristmeetstraveler says

    16 April, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    Awesome interview, making your own cook book sounds like a real big challenge but lots of fun too!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      I agree. I can only imagine all the hard work that’s put in to a cookbook.

      Reply
  7. Liz Mays says

    16 April, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    It’s so good to know she thought a lot about keeping the recipes healthy. It sounds like her cookbook is awesome!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      I agree. I love healthier recipes.

      Reply
  8. Lisa Bristol says

    16 April, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    This is a great interview. I love buying cookbooks. I will have to check this one out.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      Me too! I love all kinds of cookbooks.

      Reply
  9. Sarah Marturano says

    16 April, 2015 at 9:09 pm

    Thanks for sharing this awesome interview! She sounds awesome. Can’t wait to check out this cookbook!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      You’re welcome. She’s got some amazing recipes!

      Reply
  10. lisa @bitesforbabies says

    16 April, 2015 at 9:10 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      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!

      Reply
  11. Paula Parker says

    16 April, 2015 at 9:22 pm

    What an interesting interview. I always wonder in what goes in to writing any book ,but especially a cookbook. Great article!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      Definitely! I’ve wondered the same.

      Reply
  12. Chubskulit Rose says

    16 April, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      I will start using parchment paper as I still use aluminum foil. Glad to hear it works for you too!

      Reply
  13. Kelly Hutchinson says

    16 April, 2015 at 9:53 pm

    I think it would be difficult, as Brenda says, to decide which recipes you would want to include in the cookbook.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 April, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      I completely agree. I’d have a hard time with that too.

      Reply
  14. Ann Bacciaglia says

    16 April, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    This is such an interesting interview. I will have to check this cook book out. I love trying new recipes.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:55 am

      Me too! I’ll try just about any recipe.

      Reply
  15. Aubrey says

    16 April, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    I think writing a cookbook would be really hard. What a fun interview to be able to do.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:54 am

      It was a fun interview! I agree about cookbooks being hard to write. I could imagine how much time it must have taken.

      Reply
  16. Amanda says

    16 April, 2015 at 11:17 pm

    I love that her cookbook includes recipes that almost everyone can enjoy. Would love to check some of them out!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:54 am

      She’s got some amazing recipes in here. I hope you’re able to check them all out!

      Reply
  17. Kerrie says

    16 April, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:53 am

      I love that there are healthy recipes as well. It’s got some amazing recipes in it!

      Reply
  18. blm03 says

    16 April, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    What a great interview. I can’t wait to get this cookbook.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:53 am

      I’m glad you’re looking at getting one! I think she’s got some amazing recipes.

      Reply
  19. Nina Say says

    17 April, 2015 at 12:51 am

    What a wonderful sounding cookbook. I am always wanting to add more family friendly cookbooks to my collection.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:53 am

      It sure is a great cookbook. She’s got some amazing recipes in this cookbook.

      Reply
  20. Mistee Dawn says

    17 April, 2015 at 1:30 am

    Such a great interview. It was a very interesting read. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:52 am

      You’re welcome. Thanks for reading about it!

      Reply
  21. Jennifer Sikora says

    17 April, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Sounds like a great cookbook. I love all kinds so I will have to check it out.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 8:52 am

      I love all kinds of cookbooks as well!

      Reply
  22. Robin {Masshole Mommy} says

    17 April, 2015 at 9:01 am

    What a great interview. I bet it does take a long time to put together a good cookbook.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 9:10 am

      I thought the same. I’m sure it takes a lot of hard work and time.

      Reply
  23. Dawn McAlexander says

    17 April, 2015 at 9:02 am

    I love cookbooks. It’s interesting to find out what goes on in other people’s kitchens.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 9:10 am

      Definitely! I love cookbooks as well.

      Reply
  24. chanelle says

    17 April, 2015 at 10:21 am

    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!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 11:19 am

      I have one picky child as well. She hardly ever eats meat. This cookbook does have a lot of great recipes in it.

      Reply
  25. kendallrayburnKen says

    17 April, 2015 at 11:34 am

    Sounds like an awesome book and how cute is she? Love her style!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 11:47 am

      Right! She does have great style!

      Reply
  26. lisa says

    17 April, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    What a great interview. I love cooking and cookbooks!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 2:07 pm

      Me too! I’ve always loved to cook.

      Reply
  27. Fi Ní Neachtáin says

    17 April, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 April, 2015 at 2:06 pm

      Same here. I have a daughter who is very picky.

      Reply
  28. jbresheffield0718 says

    17 April, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    I will have my eye out for this cookbook. It sounds wonderful. This was a great interview to read and follow!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      18 April, 2015 at 10:50 am

      I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. You’ll have to let me know what you think of the cookbook.

      Reply
  29. De says

    17 April, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    I collect cook books and will definitely be adding this one to my collection. I love that they are all family favorite type recipes.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      18 April, 2015 at 10:49 am

      I love cookbooks as well. You’ll have to let me know what you think of this one if you order it!

      Reply
  30. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    17 April, 2015 at 3:21 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      18 April, 2015 at 10:49 am

      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.

      Reply
  31. Myrabev says

    17 April, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      18 April, 2015 at 10:48 am

      You’ll have to let me know what you think if you buy one. I think her recipes look amazing!

      Reply
  32. Rosey says

    17 April, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      18 April, 2015 at 10:48 am

      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.

      Reply
  33. roselynn787 says

    17 April, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      18 April, 2015 at 10:45 am

      I’m so glad I had the chance to interview her as well! It was a great experience.

      Reply
  34. Digna says

    17 April, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      18 April, 2015 at 10:44 am

      You’re welcome! I don’t think that is silly at all. I wish my husband liked to cook!

      Reply
  35. Ricci says

    18 April, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      19 April, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      It was really neat! Her cookbook has some amazing recipes too.

      Reply
  36. courtneylynne says

    19 April, 2015 at 10:29 am

    Omg! This sounds like a pretty great cookbook! Love it when I find a good one.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      19 April, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      It sure has a lot of great recipes!

      Reply

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About Me

Hello! I’m Kathy. I’m a full time mother of two daughters. I also have a husband who I’ve been married to for 16 years. I’m passionate about food, DIY, photography & animals. I enjoy cooking, traveling, taking photos, writing and spending time with my family.

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