I’m so happy to share Everyday Ingredients, Extraordinary Meals: 30 Ridiculously Simple Family Favorite Recipes with you, and the chance to win a copy of your own. But first a love letter to it’s author, Lauren of Lauren’s Latest.
When bloggers connect with their readers by sharing their life through cooking, magic happens. For Lauren Brennan of the food blog Lauren’s Latest, that recipe for success is one that’s propelled her to the top of the foodie blogosphere.
Lauren has a talent not all of us possess by making what she does look effortless. But I know the real deal, what’s behind her rosey glow and beautiful smile that creates an immediate, friend for life connection. I know the real secret to her success: Good, old fashioned, hard work is what’s behind this young wife as one of the web’s most creative content creators and comfort cooking powerhouse.
Like many bloggers, Lauren originally had a different career path in mind. She graduated from college with a Health Science degree and was a Developmental Specialist working with adults and children with developmental delays before becoming a stay at home mom to her newborn, now 4-year-old daughter.
And then the blog was born.
“In 2009, my husband needed to start an online business for a college class and couldn’t think of anything, so he made me a food blog,” Lauren explains. “I had mentioned it to him previously, but never thought he’d get me up and running, but he did.”
After starting her blog as her husband’s class assignment, Lauren posted random recipes when she found time in between taking care of her newborn daughter. She soon realized there were cooking contests that awarded great prizes to their winners and began entering and winning small prizes. Then in December 2010, she won a cooking contest that landed her on a Good Morning America cooking segment with Sandra Lee. After that, her blog grew by leaps and bounds.
I recently had the opportunity of working with Lauren one-on-one when she asked me to help bring her vision for an eCookbook to life, a trove of family treasures she hasn’t really shared on her blog because they are the recipes of her everyday family cooking. Simple recipes for simply extraordinary meals is how she described the idea. And that’s what the title of her book became. Sometimes you just don’t mess with a good thing.
The kicker to this whole plan to launch an eCookbook was that she hatched this idea with an entirely different bun in the oven that had a due date that wouldn’t wait for any delays thanks to an eCookbook. Lauren was set to deliver her second child at the end of April, and actually delivered baby Blake the same day we launched her eCookbook. How’s that for divinity?
All of this could have made the experience of writing and photographing an ebook a bit more harried, a bit more scattered. But for Lauren it simply brought focus to her mission to deliver an ebook that reflected her love for inspiring others to cook simple, healthy meals for their families.
Not only does Everyday Ingredients, Extraordinary Meals: 30 Ridiculously Simple Family Favorite Recipes showcase great recipes but it also gives solid advice on which staples to keep handy in the pantry to create her family favorites, quick weeknight eats and heartier weekend wonders.
When I asked her which are her favorite recipes from Everyday Ingredients, Extraordinary Meals, Lauren replied as any mother would about her beloved children. “Do I only have to pick one? I had a hard time narrowing it down to 30,” Lauren exclaimed. “I’m really proud of my Cinnabon knockoff recipe. I also really love my pizza dough recipe because it’s so versatile. And, my lemon cream tart because it’s so freakin’ delicious. And I’m OBSESSED with lemon.”
Choosing a recipe to feature from her gorgeously photographed ebook was a challenge, especially since I’ve been drooling over them for 2 months. But since I had never made pudding from scratch, and Smudge is always begging for pie, Lauren’s eCookbook-only recipe for Chocolate Cream Pie was beckoning me to fall victim to its chocolateness.
And I was happy to do so. I only hope I do it it justice.
While I was prepping to make the recipe, of course I ran out of milk so I substituted half of the milk for cream since I had that on hand, ready to whip for the topping. It was perfect and heartily Smudge approved and I hope Lauren will be impressed with my substitution.
But before we get to the creamy center, first, a few words from Lauren who I thank for being a verified foodie crush.
1. Describe your blog in 3 words:
Happy, creative, fun
2. If you could be one food blogger other than yourself, who would you be?
Probably Ree Drummond! I’ve always wanted to be on the Food Network, plus she lives with real life cowboys! Hellllloooooo chaps.
3. Which 3 blogs do you follow/are obsessed with/can’t live a day without?
Spoon Fork Bacon–I silently drool over all the recipes and photos!
Edible Perspective– I love Ashley’s photography and her recipe ideas are fantastic.
Kevin and Amanda– Since I’ve gotten to know Kevin and Amanda as friends, I love following their lives! Does that sound stalker-ish? Oh well!! Plus, I love ALL the recipes Amanda posts.
4. What is the one kitchen tool you could never give up?
My really sharp chef’s knife. It cuts like buttuh!
5. What dish are you obsessed with mastering that you just can’t get quite right?
Right now, I’m working on falafels! I’ve gotten them good, but not great. Still figuring it out…
6. What did you have for dinner last night?
Tacos!
7. What’s one secret talent outside of the kitchen nobody knows about you:
I can play the piano.
8. You’re happiest when cooking/eating:
Really, really good salad. Or warm brownies and ice cream. Or anything involving whipped cream.
9. You new eCookbook shares family favorite recipes that form the base of your weekly menus. Where else do you find your cooking inspiration?
Other blogs, Pinterest, pictures in magazines, new products featured at the grocery store….pretty much anywhere! Sometimes, I dream recipes too. The recipe that landed me on Good Morning America was a recipe I came up with in a dream! Weird, and kind of awesome.
10. The one secret ingredient to your success is:
Doing what I feel like doing and not caring what other people think. It’s taken me a while to get to this point, but now that I’ve had a second baby, I do what works for me. I’m not always on twitter or Facebook and I post two recipes a week. That’s what works for me. If people want to come along for the ride, then great! I’d love to have ya!
Follow Lauren on > her blog Lauren’s Latest > Facebook > Twitter > Pinterest
To celebrate the release of Lauren’s eCookbook, I’m happy to share a giveaway with you to win your own copy, just check out the widget below for more info on how to enter/rules/all the gist.
Or better yet, buy yourself and your mom your own copies for Mother’s Day, and if you’re a winner, I’ll reimburse you for both copies making mothers everywhere very happy. Please read the complete rules found on the widget. Valid worldwide.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And now for that recipe you’ve been waiting for.
Chocolate Cream Pie
Ingredients
For the filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch sifted
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- 2 cups milk
- 2 oz. chopped bittersweet chocolate
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
toppings
- sweetened whipped cream
- chocolate shavings
1 9-inch pie shell, cooked and cooled
Instructions
- In a small pot, stir sugar, cornstarch and cocoa powder together. Whisk in milk and place over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil and starts to thicken. Once hot and thick remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla. Pour into pie plate and cover with plastic wrap. Be sure to place the plastic wrap directly on the filling. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until completely chilled and plastic wrap comes off clean.
- Cut pie into 8 pieces and top with dollops of cream and chocolate shavings and serve.
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Averie @ Averie Cooks says
A huge congrats to Lauren on her successes, her new baby, her ebook, and juggling all the balls that are motherhood, books, blogs, babies, and trying to stay sane. Bravo, Lauren! :)
The recipes & images are stunning…the choc pie and those cinnamon rolls are spectacular!!!!!!!
Kathryn says
Congrats Lauren, the ebook looks beautiful and it’s full of such useful and inspiring recipes. You totally deserve all the great success that you’re having!
Beth Chernick says
I love your daily e mails! I get up early just to look for them! I enjoy your easy recipes and especially your sense of humor! An mazel tov on the birth of your son! Look forward to more e mails and the cookbook!
JaneC says
I see so many delicious recipes and learn about so many good food blogs from your newsletter. Thanks.
How do you find time to keep up with them all?
Brianna says
Congrats, Lauren! Your new eCookbook looks amazing!!! :)
Sarah Beth says
Lauren’s cookbook looks amazing and I can’t wait to buy it! Or win it! :) This chocolate cream pie looks heavenly…I think I need to make it soon.
Ashlee says
My favorite family recipe would have to be my grandma’s turkey casserole. She takes leftover turkey from Thanksgiving every year and whips it up into this hearty and delicious casserole that I have to hold myself back from eating the whole thing. I’ve since started to take over that tradition (mostly for myself, since I’m a single college student at present), but every bite I take always reminds me of her.
abby slaton says
my grandmothers macaroni and cheese. it always makes me think of fun family functions!
Avi says
Love Lauren’s Latest, have been following it for a few months now, congrats on the newest addition and to the e-book!! :)
Jennifer says
Congratulations to Lauren and her new cookbook! My favorite family recipe is chicken and dumplings.
Sunnie says
Awesome job on the book! My favorite family recipe is my moms sheet cake.
Heidi Babi says
My Mom’s Cheese Fondue recipe that she got from a lady in a cheese shop in Luzern, Switzerland.
Holly says
I can’t wait to get my hands on Lauren’s cookbook! Love her blog – and this one. Favorite family recipe is scalloped potatoes with ham. I can’t divulge the secret recipe, but it’s creamy and de-lish-ous!
Jerri says
Lauren’s book looks A-mazing! So happy for the introduction to another talented food blogger…thanks! My son will be all smiles when I make him the chocolate cream pie! Yuuum! :)
Denise Wilson says
Lauren’s daughter is so cute! I get her daily emails :)
lauren says
Found another blog to follow!
Janet T says
My favorite family recipe is apple crisp, it brings back many memories. Can’t wait to try that chocolate cream pie, it may become the new family favorite recipe!
Karen says
Lauren is amazing ! Having a second baby and a cookbook all on the same day.
Lately my go to dish is fried rice. It is so simple. I use whatever I have on hand….left over chicken,BBQ pork or for tonight, shrimp.
Susan P says
My family loves turkey pumpkin stew–it’s an autumn tradition!
Melissa M. says
My favorite family recipe is my Grandpa’s Oatmeal crunch cookies- so delish!!
Laura says
My favourite family recipe is my nana’s whiskey cake… it doesn’t look like anything special, but it’s delicious!
Gina says
What a gorgeous book. It’s good to have great recipes but the photos of them are stunning too. That is always what grabs me & draws me to a new cookbook.
Kim Porter says
The timing of this post is incredible! Just yesterday, my daughter said she would love to make a homemade chocolate cream pie. I have never made one before so now I get the chance to make this with her. Thanks for sharing!
Juli V says
I love reading Lauren’s blog. She always has such great recipes and ideas. I would love to try the ones in her new cookbook!
Stephanie M says
I love my families Artichoke recipe.. just with a regular artichoke with oregano or parsley with garlic salt and pepper, steamed in olive oil its sooo italian and sooo good!
stephanie says
I love reading Lauren’s blog. Great recipes, great words and great pics!
Auntiepatch says
My favorite family recipe is Chicken & Dumplings!
ashley - baker by nature says
I’m off to explore Lauren’s blog… how I didn’t know about it kills me! And speaking of killing me – THAT PIE! I want a slice, pwease.
Bridget Lorenz says
My favorite family recipe is baked ziti! I love Lauren’s blog and the pie recipe looks delicious :)
Ellen says
Mmm. I’d love to download this cookbook!
Anna says
My favorite family recipe is my mom’s cinnamon rolls!
Cookin' Canuck says
Lauren is truly one of the sweetest and most genuine people in the blogging world. Not only that, but she consistently comes up with amazing recipe ideas. It’s been such a pleasure to watch her blog grow…she deserves every ounce of success that has come her way.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I love Lauren’s blog! It’s one of my faves :) My favorite family recipe is my mom’s homemade mac ‘n cheese :)
Joanna says
My favorite family recipe is my grandmother’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. My mom taught me how to make then when I was little and its funny because no matter how many times I make them, they never come out like my moms! And my mom always said that she could never make them like grandma!
jessica says
Love it! Looks delish!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Congrats to Lauren on her baby and the book and all the success!! The pie looks delightful! Gorgeous shots!
Karen says
I actually can not tell you how I discovered Lauren’s blog, but think it was through facebook. I signed up right away and have NOT been disappointed. I have made many of her recipes, and really love the blue cheese chopped salad. It is awesome! I can’t wait for the “hard copy” of her cookbook. I will buy that one as I prefer the book in hand. Yes, I am old fashioned! Love reading about her life and children and she is a pretty amazing lady with an amazing family.
Catherine O says
My favorite family recipe is Italian Plum Coffee Cake
Lori Budnik says
The chocolate pie looks awesome.
Emily K says
My favorite family recipe is icebox dessert. My great great grandmother called the frig the icebox.
Heather Farris says
I can’t wait to make the chocolate pie! Yum!
Aggie says
Great interview! Congrats to Lauren to her new baby and new book! Can’t wait to see her falafel recipe ;)
Caryn says
My family loves my noodle kugel. I make it for every family get together; the grand kids gobble it up!!!
Eileen Likes To Eat says
My favorite family recipe is my soy chirozi spaghetti.
Amber says
I first loved reading her recipes and now I love the bits and pictures of her family, her adorable daughter and new son.
Abby says
I’ve been drooling (not literally, thank goodness) over this e-book since Lauren first posted about it! Can’t wait to check it out, even if I don’t win!
Julianne says
I wasn’t aware of Lauren’s blog and am going to add it to my feed! I’d love to win this book!
Natalie S says
My favorite family recipe is baked ziti!
Cori says
My grandma’s meatball recipe is my favorite. They are delish and remind me of fun times cooking with her.
shanna says
I’ve been following Lauren’s Latest for awhile! I love the way she “talks” and her recipes and pics are awesome!! Would love to have her new e-book.
Ashley P says
I’m excited to have found a new food blog to read through this post.
My family’s favorite meal is my grandmother’s mac & cheese recipe.
Yvette Novak says
My favorite recipe from Lauren’s blog is her Lemon Crinkle Cookies. I just love
anything having to do with lemon!
Susan P says
Lemon Meringue Pie…my grandmother made it in the summer for almost every Sunday supper. To this day whenever I see one of these pies it reminds me of her.
Leah says
My favorite family recipe is a chocolate cake recipe that has been made for every birthday in our house for as long as I can remember!
Shawna says
My uncle’s hot & spicy chicken. He’s no longer with us but we always talk about how he showed us how to make it. It’s an every Wednesday night family dinner meal.
Melinda @cookingalamel says
Oh my goodness – this ebook looks fantastic! My favorite family recipe would either be my grandma’s apple dumplings or my other grandma’s molasses crinkles! Both are to die for.
nessa says
My Tia’s authentic Mexican/Syrian recipes. Especially greybeh-yum!
Jennifer C. says
Here’s a favorite recent recipe from Lauren: http://www.laurenslatest.com/eggless-banana-chocolate-chip-muffin-tops/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+laurenslatest%2FyMlk+(Lauren's+Latest)
Sara says
I love Lauren’s blog and all her recipes. Can’t wait to see her e book
Lily Sheng says
My favorite family recipe is this butterfly chicken with teriyaki sauce, just cooked in a pan until the bird is done and the sauce is reduced to a glaze. Requires a lot of patience and constant watching, that’s why it’s a great family recipe!
Chelsea says
Just learned about Lauren’s blog today. Excited to follow it and cook up some of her recipes!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Congrats on the e-book! I absolutely love Lauren – she’s one of the first blogs I started following way back when!
Tieghan says
Huge congrats to lauren on her e-cookbook and new little baby!! She is amazing and I love following her!
cindi says
love the basics – roast chix or chix soup
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
I love Lauren’s blog. She is so real. Great job with the beautiful eBook Heidi!
AJ says
My favorite family recipe is pound cake – a recipe passed down from my grandmother.
Terri says
Chocolate cream pie….yum! Sounds like summer, I’m on it. :-) Thanks for the opportunity! I follow Lauren and love her recipes!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I love Lauren’s blog!!! :) so happy to see her here!!
Aimee Porter says
My favorite family recipe would have to be my dad’s chicken and rice! So comforting!
Brandon says
I love cooking with my iPad. An eBook would rock !!!
Kristin says
my favorite family recipe is my mom’s meatloaf. it is delish!
Noelle says
The eCookbook looks delis, congrats!
TaraO says
I am a subscriber to Lauren’s blog and enjoy her recipes! It’s hard to pick a favorite family recipe, but we make waffles almost every week.
shelly (cookies and cups) says
Such a great feature!
Amanda says
Love this!!