How The Hollywood Cookbook Became Real

Home and Hollywood.  Without ever knowing that we would someday embark on this project, we were living in both these worlds.  We met when our daughters were in kindergarten twelve years ago and unknowingly, saw each other again at a Hollywood reception the same night.  As moms and creative artists in the entertainment industry, we found ourselves trying to make the most of both of these worlds.  Along the way, we became great friends. And as friends will do, we often found ourselves floating some big ideas. This one stuck. 

We had both observed the outpouring of love and respect  that fans have for celebrities and we talked about how great it would be to harness that positive energy  to help people who could use a little of it in their own lives.  The idea of this cookbook was born.

Implementation was a new challenge.  We were trying to put together a model that really hasn’t been done before.  Instead of the book benefiting one charity, as many of these cookbooks have done in the past, we wanted to benefit lots of charities.  Instead of a single recipe, we wanted to really have the opportunity to share an entire meal from each celebrity taking part. 

We also wanted to highlight the different charities that these talented actors and actresses take time out of their busy schedules to support.  And we wanted to know and appreciate why. As we’ve gotten to know the different charities, it’s now easy to see the attraction.  From disease fighting and support, to children’s causes, to environmental concerns, to entertaining the sick, and providing camps for the less fortunate, these are all amazing non-profits.  Art of the Elysium brings people art programs to encourage healing.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital never turns a child away.  The Tree People organization inspires people to take care of the environment.  Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s Foundation hopes to find a cure for a cruel disease.  The Boys and Girls Clubs of America gives kids a place to hang out and a sense of community.  And that’s just a few of the charities named in this cookbook.

We have discovered many things along the way.  Some things were easier than expected, a few harder.  What was easy was finding good-hearted celebrities.  Contrary to what the tabloids would have us believe, these people are in the public eye because they are great role models.   We are very proud to follow their lead in this book, and not just in their philanthropic choices, but also on their culinary adventures. Someone else along the way told us that food brings people together.  It’s true.  Being able to gather and enjoy favorite recipes does help us remember to celebrate the good life we all enjoy.  We truly hope that feeling of celebration comes out of this cookbook.  We’d love nothing more than family and friends to enjoy a meal from the book in the same joie de vive spirit that the celebrities offered it. 

We were so delighted when the chefs at Kitchen Academy confirmed what we suspected, that we actually had a book that also works from a “foodie” point of view. Many, many people made the cookbook possible in ways large and small. 

This was not a solo journey, by any means.  From our generous sponsors, to student chefs, to talented photographers and food stylists, to our great publishing team, to our diligent legal, hard-working accounting, and innovative marketing folks.  And, of course, there’s the understanding and bolstering we received from family and friends. 

We are indebted to all of you for indulging us this grand idea and for all the take out you ate while we were chasing our culinary dreams. We’ve always approached everyone involved with the notion that this project would be a win-win situation. 

Now that it’s all come together, we realize we have built this very special community within a community – one with such good feelings.  And we are hoping the same for you, the reader.  We wish you a lot of great food enjoyed with the accompanying good karma of helping a lot of can-do charities that are trying to change the world for the better.  Bon appetite!

Jackie & Morgan