In 2003, three women got together and decided to publish a cookbook, Taste and Tales of Massachusetts.  Together we covered the three essential items necessary in putting together a book, design, content, and artistic.  One day I was in the studio of Louise Minks (www.louiseminks.com) and I saw this wonderful painting of a tidewater scene on the wall. I said, “that would make a wonderful cover, could I use it?”  She was thrilled with the idea.  I then asked Cathy Cornwell, a graphic designer, if she would be interested in designing the book and she said, “yes.”  So I wrote, Cathy designed and Louise illustrated.  The Massachusetts book was published in 2004 and is in its third reprint. 

My next book was on Cranberries, then Cape Cod and the tale goes on. I was a history/political science major in college and my books give me the opportunity to bring together my love of history and food.  People enjoy reading the tales and cookbook collectors have enjoy learning about the little facts about a region or food product.

In 2006, Lynne Rudié became our graphic designer and since that time has designed our last three books, including the cover of “A taste of lobsters and some tales too…”  She is a great asset to the company.  Louise continues to do the covers of our regional books.  She is a wonderful artist.

The Phoebe’s Kitchen pre-packaged mix line came into being as a result of my participation in craft shows.  The first year I had only the books and found I needed a little more excitement so I created the mixes.  They have been very popular through the years and will soon be available on-line.

This year we have brought the company into the electronic age.  I have been told that this is the way of the future and I am doing my best to understand it all and participate in it. The company now has a facebook and twitter pages and a blog.  I have also learned how to do newsletters via e-mail.  I view this as not only becoming modern but being a little bit “green.”  Instead of driving hundreds of miles to show our books to clients, I do it electronically – just think about all the gas I am saving.  I need to write a blog at least once a week and that is a challenge. Bon Appetite!!