Guess what you guys? The Simply Scratch Cookbook turns 1 today!
So, yes. O-N-E!
If books had life stages, then the Simply Scratch cookbook would basically be a toddler.
I seriously cannot even believe how fast this last year has went. Actually the last three years have flown by since starting the whole process and now that I can look back on it all, I have zero regrets. I’m glad I took the risk and rose to the challenge and wrote this book. For you, for me but most importantly for my daughters.
Since the release of this cookbook, believe it or not, life went back to normal. I’ve tested, blogged and cooked my butt off trying to make up for the few months when my presence on SS was scarce. But I have a whole “Year In Review” post that I do at the end of the year, so I’ll spare you from the details. For now.
You guys, I’m so very proud of this book. Not only because it’s mine, but because I know how much of my heart and soul (not to mention literal blood, sweat and tears) went into it. A lot of people ask me if I’m planning on writing a second one. As of right now, no I’m not writing another one. Unless, the timing (among other things) is right.
But to be quite honest, I’d be happy with just writing this one book. I never started this blog to become super famous, to have my own TV show or cookware line. I love what I do, and nearly 7 years later I still find cooking, snapping pictures and blogging extremely fulfilling. So as of right now, I’m content with it all. Maybe just not with all the dish washing.
And yes, I keep a copy on my bookshelf with a few of my favorites.
And although I have no clue what that brown stuff is, it’s proof that I cook from my book ALL THE TIME. Which you may find strange, being that I should know my own recipes by heart, but I don’t. I’ve never had a good memory where recipes are concerned. I recently made my broccoli cheddar soup from memory and I’ve only made that a hundred or so of times. Huge moment.
Anyways, the basics chapter is gold. I have post-its up on SO many pages. Seasoning blends, pizza sauce, pizza dough, guacamole… the list goes on. That chapter is my pride and joy.
And because I’m still madly in love with this cookbook and because I want this book in your or your neighbor, best friend, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, mother, sister, brother, niece, co-work or loved one’s kitchen and life… I’m giving away THREE signed copies of Simply Scratch 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy! But not just signed… I want to personalize these books to you or to someone you want to gift the book to. I’ll pick three lucky winners and then we can iron out the details.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all! My blog, the cookbook and me, myself and I would not be here if it wasn’t for you. I love and appreciate every single one of you, more than you’ll ever know!
XoXo!
Laurie
My cookbook Simply Scratch : 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy is now available! CLICK HERE for details and THANK YOU in advance!
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I love the roasted tomato soup from your book and so does everyone I used to work with. I brought it often.
My favorite thing to make is new things. With a well executed recipe. Like yours. 🙂
Making cookies has always been my favorite, especially your dark chocolate Merlot cookies. Any excuse to drink a glass while working in the kitchen!
Pancakes
I love any kind of comfort food 🙂
I love making new recipes or improving classic recipes. I especially enjoy making pies and candy.
I love cooking lasagna because I find it labor intensive yet relaxing. I like when I am done and cut into it and see all those luscious layers….I always think, wow, I created that and now I am going to wreck it!
On the other hand, I love making meatloaf. Its the easiest thing to make yet so satisfying and multidimensional and comforting. Its like a hug in a loaf dish.
I love to make cut-out frosted sugar cookies. I’ve made them with my children, and now I make them with my grandchildren-precious memories.
I love cooking breakfast, but more importantly, anything that you can put an over easy egg on top. Whether it’s guacamole toast, black bean burgers or a hearty Italian red sauce, I’m in! By the way, I’ve been following your journey and I’m so amazed by your accomplishments. Keep it going and love your email recipes, too! Happy Thanksgiving!
I love to cook breakfast, but more importantly, anything that you can put an egg over easy on top ( i.e., guacamole toast, black bean burgers, or a hearty red sauce). I have so enjoyed following your journey and am amazed by your success. Love the emails, too! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy 1 year Anniversary! Well, I’m a baker, so I always appreciate your dessert recipes. Thanks!
I somehow discovered your blog and started to follow it because I love your recipes, photography and writing. It was so cool to also discover the Michigan connection; I am originally from Michigan but moved to Maine 20+ years ago. Nice to connect with Michigan every time I read your blog!
Congratulations! it looks beautiful. I’m a long time follower of yours. my favorite things to make are multi-layers of food. Like Nachos, Tacos and salads. 🙂
I love cooking comfort foods. But my real passion is baking (and thus why I need help with cooking ideas!). Love your recipes and your photos. Great job!
Well, I love to bake, its my favorite on an enjoyment level. But I also like to cook easy, but from scratch, recipes. It might be how I ended up here 😉
I love to bake bread! Cookies and cheesecakes are a favorite too. I like to make healthy dinners using fresh ingredients. I guess I like any type of cooking!
Your cookbook looks like something I would really enjoy using. I am a simple, no frills kind of cook but love my food to look and taste good. Your book looks like it would be perfect. Thanks for the giveaway ( I hope I win one!!).
My favorite thing to make is vegetable lasagna and dog biscuits for Scout and his friends.
My favorite thing to cook is cheesy polenta with shrimp! But I love trying new recipes of any kind.
As for baking, I love making yeast breads. The kneading is therapeutic to me!
Congratulations!
I have not followed your blog that long yet is one of my go to food blogs where I find simple creative healthy recipes I can recreate and or enhance for my own use being a single guy one still has to eat.
Thank you!
Jeff
I brought this book home from the library and renewed it a couple times. I fell in love with the Greek dressing recipe and made the Greek chicken salad for a family gathering. We all enjoyed it tremendously! Thanks for a wonderful resource.
My favorite thing to cook would be sweets! Particularly to share with others so I can be a bit more indulgent.
I have been following you for some time now and would love this book! I appreciate your scratch approach to cooking.
I love to cook anything sweet.
My favorite thing to cook is any new recipe!
You really do have THE best recipes. Your site is my go to for cooking and I love ❤️ reading your commentary. Glad to know I’m not the only one who has to follow recipes too. I couldn’t memorize if my life depended on it. Haha.
Pasta and soup! Warm comfort food.
If I have some time I love to make a good lasagna..but if I’m worn out & it’s late I love a quick spaghetti!
I love to cook whatever my family loves! Pasta is a family favorite, homemade sauce with ingredients from our garden.
I love making homemade bread.
I love cooking desserts, unfortunately, my whole network of friends and family seem to always be on diets…
I love cooking with different flavors, like a curry one night, or an enchilada casserole another.
Happy Anniversary! Yes time does fly!! I love cooking and knowing that my husband and I are getting made from scratch foods. Thank you for this giveaway.
My favorite thing to cook these days are whole grain risottos with roasted root vegetables, herbs, caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar!
I love experimenting with pasta dishes–different sauces, different cheeses, different spices!
I love your blog and the recipes you post. I need to purchase your cookbook for all the yummy recipes!
I’ve been dying to get your cookbook! I like cooking anything, especially things that stretch me as a cook or take me out of my comfort zone. I also love that I can make almost anything from scratch. 🙂
I bake!! I consider myself a long time fan of yours (4 years?). Your red velvet cake, chocolate chocolate chip zuchinni bread, and pretty much every cookie/bar recipe you ever posted are among my favorites- esp the mississippi mud brownies and coal cookies!! Last night i made the one-pot broccoli cheddar soup and it was a huge hit. So thank you Laurie – I have so much more fun in the kitchen because of you!! 🙂
I love to bake and greatly appreciate the homemade versions of mixes you have devised.
My favorite is soup – especially now as the weather is colder. I borrowed your book from the library but would love to have my own copy – which would be shared with my daughter who prefers “from scratch” rather than processed foods for her family. Happy 1 year anniversary!
Happy Anniversary!
I love experimenting with eggs…In all forms…with all other foods..
Anything simple and delicious!
I love to cook soups!! My favorite is probably gumbo, but here at Thanksgiving, I love Turkey Pot Pie Soup & it uses leftovers!! 😉
I love to cook so choosing one thing is really tough for me. And of course it depends on the time of year, now we are getting into my soup, stews and casseroles time along with baking. Sorry i can’t tweet this contest out I’m not a tweeter
My go to thing to cook is goulash but I love to try new recipes!
p.s. I have to keep going to printed recipes for anything baked, can’t remember how much of what I used for the life of me!
I love making a fruit pies. All butter, flaky pie crust with fresh, crisp fruits – a match made in heaven!
My favorite thing to cook is mac and cheese. Everyone loves mac and cheese.
We love your book and use it all the time. We used it religiously when we lived in Romania and HAD to make so many things from scratch. Now that we’re back in the states, we recently completed our first Whole 30 and used some of your recipes (and blended a few of them with Whole 30 recipes to make them compliant). We love your book and rave about it to family and friends. Thank you for all the hard work to put into creating it! Keep up the good work!
I am a soup junkie and this is the perfect time of year to try those recipes out!
My most favorite is savory comfort food from scratch…that’s why your blog is my favorite too!! Happy anniversary 😉
I love cooking ethnic foods!
baked ziti. it is so easy to make but everyone is always impressed by it!
you know how much I love this book!!!! thank you so much for it!
Would love a copy of your cookbook.
My favorite thing to cook is something that can be shared with anyone! I love a good crowd pleasing appetizer or a comfort food meal.
I love to cook dishes with beans. peas, etc
I love making the recipes I’ve been handed down from my Mother, Aunts and Grandnother with my daughters and putting our own spin on them – except for my Grandmother’s shortbread, we couldn’t improve on perfection.
My favorite thing to cook is Indian Food, samosa’s w/ chutneys. I enjoy cooking anything new also. I am interested in making my own tortilla’s and I am going to try my hand at homemade cranberry sauce and apple real soon 😉
Rebekah
I love making muffins and breads.
I love cooking chicken fried steak. I love cooking for friends and not using any recipe and them being amazed by how easy it actually is. I’ve been following your blog for 3 years. Your restaurant style salsa was the first thing I ever made. You’re the only blog I follow because you’re real and true to yourself.
I love to cook but I love baking even more! Mostly muffins and cookies!
I love making grilled chicken fajitas with Sargento Four State Cheese and Clint’s Mild Hot Sauce. It is the most requested item in my home.
Dear Laurie,
I know I said this before but honestly I cannot say it enough many times: I could not imagine my kitchen/ dinners without you! Before the cookbook (and even now), my cookbook is in the shape of a binder filled with printouts from your blog. I know some of the recipes by heart, some I tweaked to my own liking, some I love just the way they are.
You remain such an inspiration of doing what you like and bring simple yet so important moments of joy that I cannot even begin to describe.
Thank you for all this and please keep doing this as you have such a wonderful talent of cooking and writing that make all your recipes even more delicious!
All the best,
E
I would love the chance to win your cookbook! Your blog is one of my personal favourites. I love the fact that you’ve been posting new recipes daily, too. Very helpful and inspiring. My favorite recipe is your Italian Sausage Bucatini with Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce.
Congrats on the one year anniversary
My favorite thing to cook is chicken pot pie and other comfort foods! Yum!
Congrats on hitting a year! Our family favorite is the classic lasagna with garlic bread sticks. The one meal that everyone will eat with no complaints. Thanks for sharing such great recipes.
I love making soups or chilis, where I get to be creative about what to throw in the pot!
I have checked your cookbook out from the library and would love my own copy. Thank you for the chance for my own copy!!
I love making soups, pastas, curries, stir fries – anything saucy and delicious full of vegetables!
Oh what a difficult question! I love tacos because of the versatility-you can put anything in them! Love to bake all kinds of cookies for my kids. Love soup. Love pasta. Btw, your cookbook is on my christmas list 😉
I love to cook everything. Spending mindful time in my kitchen, cooking healthy, nourishing food for my loved ones is therapeutic for me 🙂 Love your recipes, Laurie!
Thank you! I enjoy so many of your recipes!
oh gosh…so many things! I love making cookies and bread the most!
cinnamon rolls!
My favorite thing to make (which is actually a twist one of your recipes – ha!) is Venison Stroganoff using venison backstraps. YUM!
I love to cook any kind of pasta–but especially with homemade meatballs.
Would love a signed copy for my fabulous mama. And my new favorite recipe of yours is the creamy cilantro lime chicken- so easy, so delicious.
We have a new kitchen and I love to cook more and more. You will make me very happy with the cookbook !!
I checked your cookbook out from the library and quickly made a few recipes. The orange ginger chicken was to die for! I had taken a picture of the recipe on my phone, made it several times before my phone died and I lost it. I would love to actually own it!
I love to cook Thanksgiving dinner.
My favorite thing to cook? Food!! 🙂
This time of year – anything and everything pumpkin! it’s a problem…
congratulations on the anniversary!
my favourite thing to cook is elaborate, multi-course meals that take all day to prep, simmer and bring together.
but for everyday, realistic life, the thing i find myself cooking most often is stir fry – tofu, any veggies i have hanging about the fridge and a salty, spicey sauce.
We LOVE your balsamic pulled pork sandwiches!!
Did not realize I had to name a favorite — I guess the one dish I probably made the most and implicitly like the best is the very same one that got me hooked on your blog in the first place: healthy sesame chicken.
I enjoy making soup, no matter what the weather or time of year.
My favorite thing to cook is Sweet Potato Hash using whatever’s in the fridge.
I love making a yummy Lasagna
I love cooking soup. It’s warm, comforting, and like a big hug right when you need it. Congrats on your cookbook, it’s lovely.
I love to make muffins and mashed potatoes!
I love that your recipes remind of the type of recipes my Mom creates. They are wholesome and as my mom would say made either love!
I love to bake banana bread. I buy the over ripe bananas at my local grocery store for 29 cents (about 8 bananas, I know, a bargain!). I add nuts or nutella and the kids and I enjoy it every morning. It says love .
I love cooking homemade pizza.
I love to cook anything new.
My favorite thing to cook is homemade chicken n rice soup. My boys love it.
i love to make comfort food that my family will enjoy!
I love to bake always – still really learning to cook. I am working on soups now trying to get that flavor base just right.
I love love love your website. It’s my most visited site for dinner recipes. Moroccan Spiced Lettuce Wraps is one of our favorites! I’d love a copy of your book. I’ve been eyeing it for sometime now!
I’m not sure what my favorite thing to cook is…I think I like making pork tenderloins because they seem fancy but they are super easy. I also like making desserts because people LOVE dessert!
I love trying new things all the time. Two favourites right now are homemade chicken fingers and chicken biryani!
The favorite thing I’ve made in the last few months is your broccoli cheese soup (with toasted ham and Swiss sandwiches) – no joke! The hubby raved about it!
i love making braised short ribs – so simple but so delicious!
Love your website! Have so many recipes printed on loose paper in labeled folders in my kitchen. Would LOVE to have a book instead. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
homemade pizza!
I love to make pizza and love to make all kinds of soups – getting ready for a wonderful split pea from the silver pallete after the ham is gone – so delish – thanks for the giveaway and Happy Thanksgiving!
Pizza
I just found this site and I’ve made your Caramelized Brussel Sprouts twice—LOVE THEM!
I love anything I can make in my crockpot, and making treats for my grandkids.
I love to cook vegetables!
I like trying new recipes that I think my family will enjoy. Our all time favorite cookies are your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies! I bought your cookbook when it first came out and I’ve enjoyed using it this past year. I’d love to have a copy to give to my son. Thanks for all the great recipes!
Hands down, soup!! I love having a pot of any type of soup simmering on the stove. The longer it cooks, the happier I am. I love your site!