An Exciting Update
By Amanda Paa – Updated April 22, 2022
Life sure seems to be speeding by lately, which explains why I’ve been a little absent from this spot. There’s been lots of work & joy around a few special happenings I’d like to share with you:
- the launch of a project I’ve been working on for the company best known by the “Bullseye”
- a trip to the San Francisco & Healdsburg area
- the redesign & renaming of this site (hoping to reveal in September!)
- and most exciting of all ——> recipe testing for my cookbook that will be published in the fall of 2014 – Eeeeep! I know, I’m still kind of in shock to be honest. Earlier this spring I was contacted by the editor of the Minnesota Historical Society Press about collaborating on a cookbook for their Northern Plate Series. In 2012 they launched this series, which focuses on a single ingredient found in abundance in the Upper Midwest. The first book was Rhubarb Renaissance by Kim Ode and this year Modern Maple by Teresa Marrone and Sweet Corn Spectacular by Marie Porter were published. I honestly couldn’t believe I might be in the company of these fantastic authors and cooks.
After pondering for a few days on what local ingredient has stole my heart as well as one that I would like to inspire others with, I decided on……. squash, both winter and summer varieties. Would you believe there’s over 100 different types? There’s so many different preparations, flavors, colors, and possibilities with this vegetable. My proposal was accepted earlier this month so recipe testing has been a top priority. Summer squash and zucchini are at their peak, so I’m taking advantage of it and creating some delicious, healthy dishes that I think you’re going to love. Here’s a few snapshots of what’s to come in the book. Also, I’m in need of recipe testers so leave me a comment below if you’d like to join in on the fun!
Did you make this?
tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen
August 4, 2013
Kristi Hughes
October 27, 2013
Amanda, I also love squash. We just bought a 45lb. bag from the St. Paul Farmers Market and I’m looking for new recipes for them all. I would love to be a tester for any of your recipes.
amandapaa
October 27, 2013
Hi Kristi! That’s awesome – I bet you probably go to the same lady I do there. She has SO many kinds of squash! Did you get any carnival or delicata? How about a butternut? I’ve got a few recipes for those types that I need testers for! Miss seeing you at Swirl – xo.
Kristi Hughes
November 7, 2013
I bet it is the same lady! Yes, I got a mix of carnival, white lightning, delicate, butternut, acorn and some others that I’m not sure what they are. I would LOVE to test some recipes for you! I need some interesting recipes for all this squash so my family doesn’t get bored with them. Miss seeing you, too!
Nikki Navratil
September 13, 2013
Hooray! :) I got to test a recipe and it was fabulous. I love that you’re doing squash as a focus; a friend of mine & his partner were just asking me what to do with summer squash! I’ll be buying several copies.
Congrats again! <3
amandapaa
September 13, 2013
Thanks Nikki! I am so glad you had success with the curry recipe and I can’t thank you enough for testing. I’m just ending all the summer squash testing and now the winter varieties start. First up on my list – Red Kuri Pecan Pie :)
robin
August 5, 2013
Congrats! Have fun, I’m sure this is just the first of many!
amandapaa
August 5, 2013
Thanks so much Robin, that means a lot to me. Ironic that you comment today — I just ordered your Whole Grains Cookbook and it was sitting on my doorstep when I got home! Having a hard time deciding what to make first but I think I’m set on the Chilled Soba with Crispy Tofu & Watercress. Hope to see you sometime this summer!
Nicole Briggs
August 4, 2013
We have a garden with tons of zucchini – I would love to taste for you or try some recipes that you love!
amandapaa
August 5, 2013
Hi Nicole! Great to hear from you. I would love to have you test a recipe or two. I know how abundantly it can grow even when you just have one plant. I will put you on the list to test and you can look for something in the next two weeks from me!
Jacqui
August 4, 2013
Wow, Amanda!! I’m in awe. You’re amazing. Congratulations, and save some celebrating for when we’re in the same city.
Sabera Kapasi
August 4, 2013
Sign me up to be a recipe tester!! So happy for you Amanda! :) So many awesome things are happening.
amandapaa
August 5, 2013
Thank you Sabera :) I’m still kind of in the mindset of “Wow, I can’t believe I’m really going to be published?!” I would love your help. Be in touch soon.
Amy
August 4, 2013
I’d love to help test recipes!
amandapaa
August 5, 2013
Hi Amy — Thank you for the support! So glad you would like to help test a few recipes and help make this cookbook great. Could you send me your email address and I will put you on the list of testers?
Amy
August 5, 2013
Sure> writerrea at gmail dot com. I should note I’m a much bigger fan of winter squash than summer squash. Although I have a ton of summer squash in my fridge from my CSA this week!