The Giving Spirit Behind the BryonySeries Cookbook

One of the marvelous elements of initiating a creative--rather than strictly commercial--fiction endeavor is the enormouis amount of freedom for auxiliary projects. Even as I was writing the first draft for Bryony, I was planning a fundraising cookbook. Also, as a former Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, I knew which organization would be its recipient.

I've shared three pieces below. One is the cookbook's introduction, which allows you to "meet" the wonderful woman who inspired my idea for a cookbook, as well as how Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties fits into the BryonySeries theme.

The second is the cookbook's dedication, which expresses my viewpoint on anyone who makes a significant, positive difference in the life of a child. The third is a story in today's Herald News Progress Edition about the cover artist for the 2012 holiday edition of Visage, a man that has been a Big Brother for six years. Read that story HERE.

All proceeds from the sale of Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony" are donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy County. Lean more about the organization HERE.

Order the cookbook HERE.
 

 

 

 

Introduction to Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from “Bryony.”

   

     Why a cookbook?

     Well, why NOT a cookbook?

   Even before I began submitting Bryony to agents and small presses, my kids and I talked about all the fun, additional products the novel might inspire.

   Although I’ll probably never see bendable dolls with their own line of clothing (too bad, since we could make a fortune on all those lost, little shoes) or a Simons Mansion dollhouse (I REALLY want one), the cookbook idea flourished inside me, especially after I wrote a story on what Kathy Carey did for March of Dimes..

    For two decades, this remarkable woman participated in Grundy County's March of Dimes walk. In 2000, after a friend gave birth to a premature baby, Carey increased her efforts. She assisted the district coordinator. She contacted companies for donations and sponsorships. She re-routed the local walk to increase its visibility.

   Three years ago, Carey read an advertisement for fundraising cookbooks. Although she owned no computer and had no previous cookbook experience, Carey sent for the information. She studied it closely and decided she could do it. She set a fundraising goal of $7,000 and calculated that she needed to sell 1,000 cookbooks to reach it. Carey peddled the books at local stores, craft shows and festivals until she sold them all.

   Inspired by Carey's story, I decided to create a Bryony themed cookbook and donate any profits it might make. Its recipient is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. In its 40-year history, the organization has matched over 15,000 at risk children from single-parent homes.

   Because Bryony's main character, Melissa Marchellis, spends part of her childhood in a single parent home, the group was a good match for the cookbook. I am humbled that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties agreed.

   So, I scrolled through the manuscript, jotted all the food references, and began collecting recipes. I modified many of the Victorian dishes to ease preparation, but kept the original language intact. Some, such as boiled calves head, are included so readers can learn about the culinary delights of days long past.

    But enough talking. As Melissa’s younger brother Brian said during a holiday dinner, “We made all this food to eat, right?”

   Right, Brian. Happy reading and bon appétit!

Denise M. Baran-Unland

Freelance Features Writer and Bryony’s Author
July 4, 2011

 The Bryony Cookbook is fondly dedicated to all the Steve Barnes’ in the world, the unassuming men and women who positively influence children by their tireless parenting, teaching, and mentoring. Never underestimate the unforgettable mark you leave. You are the true heroes of this world.