Sometimes, I can't help but be amazed. When it comes to blogging, you never know if anyone is reading what you post and who they might be. A couple weeks ago, I received an email from Gayle who not only wrote to me but wanted to thank me for inspiration that she found on my blog.
AND she also wanted to send me a copy of her cookbook. Her Cookbook - how about that, I can only dream of being talented enough to write a cookbook. So talk about inspiring, that is inspiring.
Yes, Gayle is THE Gayle of "The Village Baker's Wife" and also owner of Gayles Bakery in Capitola California. Isn't that amazing! Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that I could offer any inspiration to a woman who not only has published a cookbook but also has her own bakery.
When she offered the cookbook to me, I felt like I really didn't deserve such a kind offer from someone I have never met but the greedy little baker in me wanted this cookbook.
As soon as the book arrived in the mail, it was quickly opened. I spent quite a bit of time in the post office parking lot scanning the recipes. I couldn't get home fast enough and try some of them.
It was tempting to try the recipe for Pecan Tassies first, but I spotted the Lavender Shortbread and knew that was the perfect first recipe to try. This summer, I harvested a large amount of culinary lavender from my garden and was wanting a recipe that has lavender as an ingredient.
Oh my!
The Lavender Shortbread recipe from Gayle's book is devine. The balance between the lavender and mint is incredible. The recipe is perfect and turned out very tasty as you can see. If I could offer you a cookie, you would be impressed. I would buy this cookbook if only for just the Lavender Shorbread recipe.
Not only is The Village Baker's Wife cookbook full of interesting must try recipes but Gayle also shares professional techniques to make the desserts and pastries. Her book is brilliant. I have learned some new techniques and quickly discovering new favorite recipes. "The Village Baker's Wife" is a must have in any cookbook collection. I highly recommend it.
hi!
Ive just become a stay at home mom and i live in south africa! my sister in law in the U.K. sent me a link to your post! i feel so inspired and just love it! Thankyou for all the ideas. Oh, by the way - i hav tasted lavender cookies and they are divine!
keep up the good work.
regards
Riekie
Posted by: riekie helberg | January 09, 2013 at 09:51 AM
Oh emm geeee! Fantastic. It's so hot here..but I need to bake shortbread immediately,
Posted by: Julie | August 16, 2012 at 11:56 PM
Like the new look to your blog. You had me when I read LAVENDER shortbread! What a wonderful thing Mail Call is and how nice of Gayle to send her cookbook to you!
Posted by: Snap | August 16, 2012 at 06:54 PM
I've never heard of culinary lavender before. The shortbread looks divine and sounds so good. What a sweetie she was to send you this gift.
Posted by: annie! | August 16, 2012 at 06:53 PM