• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Dessert First

a san francisco food and travel blog | all things sweet

  • About Me
    • about pastrygirl
    • faq
    • press
    • Contact Me
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • My Books
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Cakes
    • Candy
    • Chocolate
    • Cookies
    • Custards
    • Fruit
    • Ice Cream
    • Pastry
    • Tarts
  • Sweet San Francisco
    • Sweet Spots
    • SF Events
  • Travel
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • California
    • Hawaii
  • reviews and recs
    • Cookbooks
    • Chocolate
    • Tools
  • Conversions

Happy News, and an Invite to You All to Participate!

Jul 17 by Anita 79 Comments

Cover

What’s this photo doing up there? Well, lovely readers, I just couldn’t wait any longer to share this with all of you!

This is the cover (currently, anyways – no guarantees until it’s actually out!) of my very first cookbook!!

It’s called Field Guide to Cookies and it’s a collection of over 100 cookies from around the world, from chocolate chip to linzer to speculaas to alfajores. Each cookie has its own entry that describes its origins, what special holidays and traditions it’s associated with, and of course a recipe!

This book is the culmination of a lot of hard work from me, my publisher, and not least of all my dedicated crack team of recipe testers who worked feverishly to make sure all the cookies in the book are delicious!

 

 

I apologize for not providing more updates along the way, although I’m sure they would have fallen along the lines of, “Doing research on the 85th cookie…surrounded by cookbooks and can’t see straight anymore,” or “Testing 3rd batch of cookie recipe…running out of butter and eggs again.” During the nascent stages of a book, or any other project, really, one is often advised to keep mum about the specifics – certainly, it would be awful to announce to the world that you’re doing a book on the best chocolate desserts ever and then to see that someone’s snatched your idea and put out a competing book on the shelves a month before yours!

But now that the book is off to the printers, and it’s been officially announced on various retail sites, I think it’s safe to unzip the lips a little bit and share some of the excitement with all of you!

Yes, the book is now available for pre-order – here’s the listing on Amazon.

The book is going to be available in November, so I’m sure in the coming months I’ll be talking more about my experiences writing it and even sharing a recipe or two from the book.

Thank you all for your continued support and friendship while I’ve been involved in this project – it was definitely a huge challenge to balance work + book + blog + friends and maintain my sanity and good humor!

While I’m ruminating over what lies in the future, I’d certainly love to refocus some of my attention back on Dessert First and continue to offer recipes, photos, stories, as well as connect with all the wonderful people out there. So I’ve created my very first poll asking what you’re all interested in seeing more of on this site. I’m trying to think up what I’d like to add to the site, so let me know your opinion. All suggestions and comments are welcome! If you don’t like any of my choices, just leave your suggestion in the comments!

In fact, I’d like to invite all my readers to comment and say hello! Every once in a while I’ll get an e-mail from someone saying, “I’ve been a long time lurker and I just wanted to say hi.” Well, I’d really love to get to know who all of you are out there, so here’s your chance! Whether it’s your first visit or tenth, whether you’ve commented once or twice or never, say hi and I’ll say hi back! It would really thrill me!

Thanks! I love you all and hope Dessert First continues to be a source of sweet inspiration for you!

 

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Filed Under: Field Guide to Cookies, My Books

Related Posts

  • Announcing My Next Cookbook: Lollipop Love
  • A Sweet Little Holiday Gift GuideA Sweet Little Holiday Gift Guide
  • Field Guide to Candy is Out! Win a Copy of Your Own!
  • I’m Still Here…Really!
  • Lollipop Love is Here! A Giveaway to Celebrate
« Olallieberry Season
Reconsidering the Chocolate Chip Cookie »

Comments

  1. 1

    Vera says

    Jul 17 at 12:10 pm

    Anita, congratulations! This is the amazing achievement! You certainly can be proud of yourself.

    Reply
  2. 2

    asan says

    Jul 17 at 1:00 pm

    Hi, I just recently found your blog and had enjoyed it tremendously so I am sure I will likewise love your book! Great job and good luck! Looking forward to reading your blog on a regular basis.

    Reply
  3. 3

    Maria says

    Jul 17 at 1:04 pm

    Anita…CONGRATS!! This is SUCH great news! I am thrilled for you! The cover looks great! I can’t wait to see the inside of the book. Thanks for the heads up! I am already adding it to my wish list of cookbooks! I know it was a lot of hard work, but you are beyond talented so I know the finished product will be amazing!! Good for you!!

    I enjoy reading your blog and love all of your posts. Of course I love seeing your beautiful photos and tasty recipes. So keep doing what you are doing. You do it best!
    I do love ice cream, sorbet, gelato recipes in the summer:) And cookies are always my favorite!

    I am all smiles for you! Congrats again!

    Reply
  4. 4

    Danielle says

    Jul 17 at 1:33 pm

    Congratulations; you should be very proud!

    Reply
  5. 5

    Deborah says

    Jul 17 at 1:43 pm

    I’m so excited for you! And I love cookie cookbooks!

    Reply
  6. 6

    Sunday Baker says

    Jul 17 at 1:57 pm

    Well considering I’ve been a fan of your blog for awhile now, that is so exciting!!!! How cool. You deserve it!! Best wishes to you.

    Reply
  7. 7

    Chelle says

    Jul 17 at 2:00 pm

    Congratulations! What an exciting time for you!

    Reply
  8. 8

    Y says

    Jul 17 at 3:41 pm

    Oh wow. Congrats on the upcoming book. I love the title!

    Reply
  9. 9

    Brittany says

    Jul 17 at 3:43 pm

    A cookbook?! That’s great news! Congratulations, can’t wait to look through it!

    Reply
  10. 10

    Bea says

    Jul 17 at 4:29 pm

    Wonderful Anita. A great achievement. I cannot wait to see it!

    Reply
  11. 11

    kat says

    Jul 17 at 4:32 pm

    congratulations! wonderful news indeed! I can’t wait to get the book. remember, if you ever open a bakery, let me know, I’ll be the first in line 🙂

    Reply
  12. 12

    Asianmommy says

    Jul 17 at 4:45 pm

    Congrats on your new book! Woohoo!

    Reply
  13. 13

    Food.Baby says

    Jul 17 at 4:45 pm

    How exciting! I’ve been reading your blog for ages so I know your book will be fabulous 🙂

    Reply
  14. 14

    Christine Tham says

    Jul 17 at 5:31 pm

    Hi Anita, you are a marvellous person. Your blog has given me inspiration to start my own blog. Congrats on your achievements and you will do better in years to come.

    Reply
  15. 15

    lauren says

    Jul 17 at 5:38 pm

    Anita-
    Congratulations! I can’t wait to purchase your book!

    Reply
  16. 16

    Susan says

    Jul 17 at 6:07 pm

    Hi Anita! Just wanted to say congratulations 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you have to say about alfajores…for now I get my fix from the Ferry bldg or Alemany farmers markets!!

    Reply
  17. 17

    Jen Yu says

    Jul 17 at 6:19 pm

    Brilliant! Love the title. I have several field guides, but none for cookies – so I’ll have to go and get this to round out my collection. Congratulations on your new book! xxoo

    Reply
  18. 18

    cookienurse says

    Jul 17 at 6:25 pm

    Anita, glad to see that you have a cookbook out! Looking forward to getting my own copy..I love your blog and your creations!
    Congratulations!

    Reply
  19. 19

    Jellieo says

    Jul 17 at 6:28 pm

    First time commentator, long time reader. Took your poll, and it was a toss up between the “basics” and “wanting more.” I’ve learned a few handy tips from your blog so I went with the basics vote although I do definitely want more! Thank you for posting and congratulations on your new cookie cookbook.

    Reply
  20. 20

    Madam Chow says

    Jul 17 at 6:33 pm

    What great news – congratulations!

    Reply
  21. 21

    Sweet Tooth says

    Jul 17 at 6:58 pm

    Congratulations! This must have been a huge project, and without co-author – respect!

    Looking forward to the real thing,

    Alexandra, the cook(ie)book fanatic

    Reply
  22. 22

    Karen says

    Jul 17 at 7:02 pm

    Congratulations! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

    Reply
  23. 23

    Jessica "Su Good Sweets" says

    Jul 17 at 7:48 pm

    Congratulations! I really don’t care what you blog about, as long as it’s about dessert.

    Reply
  24. 24

    Verena says

    Jul 17 at 8:48 pm

    I don’t know what to say except for cOnGrAtUlAtIoNs! You are a talented pastry cook and I’ve always admired your creations and enjoyed reading your blog, and will continue to do so. 😀

    Hope this is a happy and worthwhile experience for you. Your cookbook looks stunning and I bet it’ll be a big hit. Now when are your cookies gonna be on sale? Hee hee …

    Reply
  25. 25

    Cathy C says

    Jul 17 at 9:59 pm

    Congrats that is so wonderful – What a tremendous accomplishment.

    Cheers
    Cathy
    http://www.wheremydamnanswer.com

    Reply
  26. 26

    Rosa says

    Jul 17 at 10:23 pm

    Congrats! That’s so great! Very interesting and promissing…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  27. 27

    Thip says

    Jul 17 at 10:23 pm

    Congratulations! Anita. 🙂

    Reply
  28. 28

    K-Nut says

    Jul 18 at 12:12 am

    Congratulations! That is fantastic for you! I can’t wait to give it a whirl. 🙂

    Reply
  29. 29

    peabody says

    Jul 18 at 12:50 am

    How very exciting for you Anita. I hope it sells big time!

    Reply
  30. 30

    Holly says

    Jul 18 at 6:38 am

    Congratulations!!!! It must be so exciting! I can’t wait to get my copy.

    Reply
  31. 31

    Veron says

    Jul 18 at 8:51 am

    Congratulations Anita! I’m so glad that all your hard work has paid off and it looks fantastic! Looking forward to november!

    Reply
  32. 32

    Katie says

    Jul 18 at 9:01 am

    Wow your first cookbook how exciting! You must be sick of cookies but now though. You must have had a happy bunch of taste testers though.

    Reply
  33. 33

    My Sweet and Suacy says

    Jul 18 at 9:57 am

    So excited for you Anita! I can’t believe you are a real cookbook author…what an accomplishment! Can’t wait to read the book!

    Reply
  34. 34

    lucette says

    Jul 18 at 10:10 am

    I’m one of those lurkers! Congratulations on the book.

    Reply
  35. 35

    Amy says

    Jul 18 at 11:45 am

    Congratulations, Anita! What wonderful news, and what an amazing accomplishment! I’ve admired your pastry creations on your blog for some time now, and I’ll be sure to check out your cookie field guide (I love that clever name, by the way!

    Reply
  36. 36

    Ivonne says

    Jul 18 at 4:55 pm

    Anita,

    This is the best news I’ve had all week. My baking heart is full of of joy for you. I am putting a copy on my amazon wishlist now and I hope that one day we can meet so you can sign it.

    And I’m glad to hear that you’ll have more etime to be back to blogging. I’ve missed you!

    Reply
  37. 37

    Meg says

    Jul 18 at 8:18 pm

    I love the title of your book- congratulations! You must be really excited and proud. And probably tired, too. I love the title, and although lately I haven’t been doing tons of blog reading, I really enjoy yours.

    Reply
  38. 38

    Jenny says

    Jul 19 at 5:36 am

    Congrats on the book!
    Since you asked about lurkers, I do lurk for more than just during DB time, I just don’t always speak up and say anything.

    Reply
  39. 39

    Jenny says

    Jul 19 at 5:36 am

    Almost forgot – need anyone to review the book on the blog? I’d be happy to volunteer! 🙂

    Reply
  40. 40

    breadchick says

    Jul 19 at 6:45 am

    Congrats Anita! I love the cover and can’t wait for mine to arrive from Amazon.

    Reply
  41. 41

    Deia says

    Jul 19 at 8:50 am

    Hello there!
    Long time reader and first time commenter as well here… haha
    Congratulations on the book, what an adventure… and it looks great!

    Reply
  42. 42

    Christy says

    Jul 19 at 6:56 pm

    How exciting!! Oh my God if I were you I think I’d die with the excitement!! All that you’ve worked and dreamed hard for finally coming together…and this is just the start!! I can’t wait!!

    Reply
  43. 43

    Jennifer Mark says

    Jul 19 at 9:16 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS LADY Anita! So inspired by you. The cover looks great. I’ll be on Amazon placing my Christmas orders 🙂 BTW- I am on a mission for the koeksista on my upcoming travel to South Africa. Thanks for the tip-off. You are truly amazing. Sending my best, Jen

    Reply
  44. 44

    steph (whisk/spoon) says

    Jul 19 at 11:48 pm

    ack–a cookie book! that’s so cool! one of my favorite subjects, for sure. can’t wait to get my copy!

    Reply
  45. 45

    Zita says

    Jul 20 at 6:12 am

    whoa!!! Congrats!!! can’t wait ’till your next book eventhough the first one not yet out I know for sure that you’re gonna have a next one 😉

    Reply
  46. 46

    Christine says

    Jul 20 at 6:48 am

    I love your blog. I don’t bake anything complicated yet but I love reading about what you make. Congratulatons on your book. I’ll be adding it to my wish list.

    Reply
  47. 47

    brilynn says

    Jul 20 at 7:37 am

    Congrats on the book! It is certainly a huge accomplishment. I don’t know how you get everything done that you do. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product!

    Reply
  48. 48

    Tony says

    Jul 20 at 9:41 am

    CONGRATS!! I have no idea how you possibly managed… I just graduated college and have had the most difficult time adjusting to an 8-hour work day (probably 10-hour in reality) while keeping up with friends and posting on my blog.
    you’re amazing!

    Reply
  49. 49

    Heidi says

    Jul 20 at 2:02 pm

    Ooh, so great, congrats! I’ve been rading your blog for a few months and I’m going to keep doing it as it’s so great! I’m jealous of you for being a pastry chef, I’m on a different career path but have a passion for baking! I just created my own food blog after weeks of considering and hope to make my first post tomorrow! It’s in Finnish so not as internationally approvable as yours but gotta have some love for my own tongue! 😉 Keep the owen running! 😀

    Reply
  50. 50

    snooky doodle says

    Jul 20 at 2:54 pm

    Hello. I ve been reading your blog quiet a long time and got alot of inspiration and decided to make a blog myself. Your entries are wonderful. Congratulations for the book. I m looking forward to buying it and bake all the amazing cookie recipes. Keep it up. 🙂

    Reply
  51. 51

    snooky doodle says

    Jul 20 at 2:55 pm

    Hello. I ve been reading your blog quiet a long time and got alot of inspiration and decided to make a blog myself. Your entries are wonderful. Congratulations for the book. I m looking forward to buying it and bake all the amazing cookie recipes. Keep it up. 🙂

    Reply
  52. 52

    Julie says

    Jul 20 at 3:08 pm

    Big congratulations!! And as for your poll, I vote for “all of the above.”

    Reply
  53. 53

    Hirono says

    Jul 20 at 7:39 pm

    Hi Anita,

    This is my first time leaving a comment but I’ve been admiring and drooling over your blog for a while now. I love all your lovely creations and most of all, I LOVE your writing. Congratulations on your accomplishment and the best of luck on your future projects! I can’t wait to dive into your book in November!

    Hirono

    P.S. I’m glad indulging in your blog is calorie-free 🙂

    Reply
  54. 54

    JP Pelosi says

    Jul 21 at 12:20 am

    Hi Anita,
    I’ve been visiting your blog on and off for a while and really am a fan. I enjoy the detailed descriptions you your food outings and of course the top recipes. I’m from Sydney Australia, and also share a passion for great dessert. My sister and I recently started a dessert blog which is more pop-culture orientated than anything…anyway, would love for you to check it out…we call it “Stories from Sugartown”. In the meantime I will be adding you to our favourite sites section and look forward to visiting your site more often.

    Cheers and congrats,
    JP

    Reply
  55. 55

    babycakes says

    Jul 21 at 7:01 am

    I won’t be very original but : CONGRATS !!! I mean it : you truly are talented 🙂
    have a nice day from the south of France

    Reply
  56. 56

    evinrude says

    Jul 21 at 7:15 am

    hey anita! it’s great to hear such great news! the book looks exciting and i just wanna say congrats! btw, can i ask if the recipes in the book require some “exotic” tools for the cookies?

    anyways, i recently just made meringues with roasted strawberries that i found on your site! =)

    Reply
  57. 57

    AppleTree says

    Jul 21 at 8:34 am

    Relatively new reader, first time commenter.

    Love the site…I am a total recipe addict.

    Congratulations!

    Reply
  58. 58

    Renee says

    Jul 21 at 10:26 am

    Woohoo!

    Reply
  59. 59

    TeaLady says

    Jul 21 at 3:17 pm

    Fantastic! How Wonderful for you!! Way to go, girl.

    Reply
  60. 60

    LINA says

    Jul 21 at 5:33 pm

    Contrats! What exciting news! I will be one of the first in line for this book for sure!

    Reply
  61. 61

    Patti says

    Jul 21 at 6:21 pm

    Wow, that is awesome! Congrats to a talented person. 🙂

    Reply
  62. 62

    Charlotte says

    Jul 21 at 6:34 pm

    You have been tagged! Visit my blog for details!

    Reply
  63. 63

    Anh says

    Jul 21 at 7:50 pm

    Congrats on your book, Anita! Now I need to figure how to pre-order it to Oz!!!

    Reply
  64. 64

    cakewardrobe says

    Jul 22 at 11:04 am

    Congrats! I rarely comment on your blog but always do come visit! You shall be much supported by me with the book! I am always inspired by your blog – esp when you incorporate your recipes with Asian ingredients.

    Reply
  65. 65

    Paula says

    Jul 22 at 2:27 pm

    congratulations – I’ve been a semi-lurker for a while now, so thought I’d come out of the woodwork and say how much i like your blog. best of luck with the final stages of the book

    Reply
  66. 66

    Nancy says

    Jul 22 at 2:54 pm

    Congratulations! Even though I’m vegan, I’m definitely picking up a copy 🙂 Your recipes have been a great turnout and most are easy to convert. Thank you for all of your hard work and shared inspirations! Can’t wait to see the book and more of Dessert First 🙂

    Reply
  67. 67

    JanJan says

    Jul 23 at 10:26 am

    Congratulations! It’s so heartening to see someone succeed at something they love and are truly talented at.

    This is my first time commenting. I’m a Chinese American gal who grew up in the Bay, now pursuing a doctorate in religious studies…but I keep looking up pastry schools. Your journey and blog have been very, very informative for me! Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
  68. 68

    Christine says

    Jul 23 at 12:48 pm

    Delurking to say congratulations! I’ve read your blog for quite some time and it’s always been my go-to when looking for dessert recipes. Looking forward to buying the book!

    Reply
  69. 69

    Aran says

    Jul 24 at 8:41 am

    congratulations anita! this is fantastic news!

    Reply
  70. 70

    Tartelette says

    Jul 24 at 10:17 am

    I am so happy for you! I realised I had yet to answer your mail…sorry. I am so excited for you and hope a Southern book tour is coming:)

    Reply
  71. 71

    T says

    Jul 24 at 3:09 pm

    Hi Anita,
    Congratulations! I can’t wait to get a copy. =)

    Reply
  72. 72

    Sara Farrar says

    Jul 24 at 9:28 pm

    wow! you are so very talented! i cannot wait to get your book. as a food photographer, i LOVE cookbooks and your recipes look just fabulous… congrats on all your hardwork!

    Reply
  73. 73

    Ashley says

    Jul 25 at 9:52 am

    Oh wow how exciting! 🙂 I can’t wait to check out this cookbook as I am a cookie fiend.

    Reply
  74. 74

    Elizabeth says

    Jul 25 at 3:23 pm

    Congratulations on your book!!! How wonderful 🙂 I can’t wait to go out and get a copy for myself..I’m sure its going to be well used over the years!!

    Reply
  75. 75

    valentina says

    Jul 27 at 2:37 pm

    I have always been such a fan of your work.Congratulations! I will be getting your book.

    Reply
  76. 76

    Lisa says

    Jul 29 at 3:29 pm

    Hi Anita!

    I’ve been reading your blog for a few months and really enjoy it. I’m also a Bay Area girl and couldn’t help but notice we have a mutual friend on Facebook – Joyce Guan (I know her through dragon-boating). LOVE the local blogs so I was very excited to find yours. Congrats on the book! I LOVE that a prior “non-baking-day-job-holder” now has a cookbook. It gives me more passion around doing what I love the most.

    Feel free to visit my (not always cooking/baking) blog. At the very least it has a slightly local air about it. 🙂

    ~Lisa

    Reply
  77. 77

    Tea says

    Aug 8 at 4:38 pm

    Congrats, my dear! I had no idea this was in the works–which makes it even more of a lovely surprise. Nice job, I am delighted for you!

    Reply
  78. 78

    Warda says

    Aug 11 at 12:55 pm

    I am so happy for you, Anita! And wish you only th best for your cookbook and your furtur projects. Here’s to more 100 cookies!

    Reply
  79. 79

    amy says

    Aug 24 at 10:01 am

    congratulations!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





About Me
Mentions in the Press
Want to go to pastry school?
Email me

subscribe to receive posts in your inbox

Archives

best of dessert first


The Making of Macarons (Sucre Cuit Style)

Hong Kong Eggettes (Daan Jai)


Tis the Season (Chocolate Mint Macarons)

A Better Brioche


Consider the Humble Chocolate Chip Cookie

A Feast of Figs


Pure Dessert, Pure Inspiration (Chocolate Citrus Tart)

My Own Remembrance of Things Past: Daan Tats


The Slow Drip of Coffee on a Languorous Summer's Day

Still Life of Strawberry Tart

disclosure

This site uses affiliate links. Purchasing through the links will give this site commissions. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

about pastrygirl

Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and dog Max. More about pastrygirl

my cookbooks



contact me

Please e-mail anita {at} dessertfirstgirl {dot} com with all collaboration inquiries, pastry questions, or just to say hi! I look forward to hearing from you!
  • home
  • my books
  • recipes
  • sweet san francisco
  • reviews
  • conversions
  • shop
  • archives
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2006–2025 Anita Chu. All Rights Reserved. Design by Deluxe Designs