On October 6, 2020, my new book, The Chilean Kitchen, was published in the USA, a traditional Chilean cookbook for the US market, in English with 75 recipes written by me, with the texts written by Eileen Smith and photography for each recipe by Araceli Paz.
I cannot be more proud of this project. Del Blog A La Mesa was the original idea of my co-authors in Chile, and I joined the project in the initial phases, but they already had the idea. The Chilean Kitchen is my vision. After 17 years of living in the USA and already being a citizen of both countries, it seemed necessary to champion a Chilean cookbook like The Chilean Kitchen:
- hardcover
- With careful production
- and execution, where the recipes work because the ingredients are available in the supermarkets in the USA, but always ensuring an authentic Chilean flavor.
The chronology of this book was as follows:
In December 2017, I asked Eileen if she would like to work together on this project.
Between January and May 2018, we wrote the first proposal and were looking for a literary agent.
In May 2018, we signed with our agent, Ashley Collom.
In September 2018, Leah Zarra from Skyhorse became interested in the book.
In January 2019, we signed a contract with Skyhorse.
In June 2019, Eileen, Ara, and I met at my house in Houston to photograph the book in 10 intense days.
In October 2019, we delivered the manuscript with photos. That's when Leah's editorial corrections came in, and Daniel designed the cookbook.
In March 2020, the book was printed. The idea was to launch it in May, but with the pandemic, we decided to wait, and thus we arrived at the
October 6, 2020: Launch !!!
As you can see, books are slow processes. Many things do not depend on the authors, and being organized is crucial. Many details must be handled at the same time, and many people have to agree.
Of course, the work does not end with the launch; now I have to go out and sell the book, ask readers to leave reviews on Amazon, participate in interviews, etc. There are nerves of not knowing how the press will receive the book and, more importantly, by all of you who have accompanied me here on the blog for 12 years. Thanks for the support and love.
As you will ask me, the book is only available in English in the US. There are no plans for a Spanish edition in Chile unless a publisher decides to buy the rights and translate it. Of course, I would be thrilled if that happened.
If you want to buy it from abroad, I recommend comparing prices between Amazon (affiliated link) and Book Depository, as the delivery price varies greatly. You can visit the book site, The Chilean Kitchen, for more information and to see all the press we've received!
John Csukor says
Good day!
Please let me know where I can find your book. My mother, Maria Elena Barrientos Csukor was born in Valdivia and I would like to hold on to the traditional cuisine! Thank you in advance for your response!
Chao!
John Csukor
Pilar Hernandez says
Hello John! The Chilean kitchen cookbook is available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3BRyPi7 and in many small bookstores in the USA.
Jennifer says
I know what I'm getting my (Chilean) mother for Mother's Day!
Pilar Hernandez says
Excellent, thanks for the support.
Liz says
Can I just say, thank you so much for this. As a half Chilean Canadian I often feel removed from my roots. This allows me to bring some Chilean flavour into my home and share it with my husband and especially with my son!
I found your blog today looking for a torta mil hoja recipe and immediately ordered the book. Can’t wait! Thanks again.
Pilar Hernandez says
I'm so glad you found the blog, and thank you for getting the book. I hope it enhances the experience for your family. Any questions, please comment here on the blog.
Barbara Roberti says
Bought the book just now, I am so exited to get it in mid November ready for nice recipes for Christmas, Good on you PIlar and congratulations, you make me feel so proud to be Chilean living in Australia, I make losts of our traditional food but now with the two book you have plublished my range have increased a lot. CONGRATULATIONS.
Bárbara Craig de Roberti.
Pilar Hernandez says
Thank you, Barbara, for being a great supporter of my work. Hugs!!
Shu says
Congratulations!! I made your tres leche cake and the salsa for my chilean friend without having tasted any chilean food in my life - i was depending 100% on your recipes. He said it tasted like restaurant food in Chile.
I think I know what I want for xmas. 🙂
Pilar Hernandez says
Fabulous, thanks for leaving a comment, which makes me so happy.