If you’re a first-time reader, welcome! Get yourself a cup of coffee, maybe a snack, and dig in. I’ve been writing Words to Eat By since 2004, and in that time I’ve posted hundreds of recipes for everything from Polynesian Flank Steak to Pasta with Cauliflower, Figs, and Mint to Gazpacho with Honeydew and Peppadew to a shockingly decadent-yet-healthy Chocolate Yogurt Loaf. If that doesn’t tell you enough about me, here’s the Cliffs Notes Life of Debbie:
- I write about food, and especially food as it relates to parenting. So you’ll see tons of recipes and tips that’ll help you get a tasty, healthy, satisfying meal on the table while there’s a baby attached to your body. I also teach a cooking class for new parents, called Parents Need to Eat Too. In 2012 William Morrow published my first cookbook, also called Parents Need to Eat Too.
- Over a decade ago, I lost 100 pounds on Weight Watchers. As of this writing (April 2012), I’ve kept off about 80. Until my son came along, that number was 90. Sigh. Nearly all of my recipes are created with nutrition and weight-management in mind; it’s my reflex.
- That said, I also created a recipe for The Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies in the Entire World. Life’s too short to live without cookies. Especially these.
- I used to be infertile. Harry was born 5 years ago, but I’ll never forget the intensity of the pain that came with all that waiting.
- I write professionally, too, about all these subjects. My work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents, American Baby, Natural Health, and Weight Watchers magazine, among other places.
- Before I went freelance in 2002, I spent 15 years in book publishing. When I left, I was VP of Advertising & Promotion at a division of Random House. While I still write catalog copy, flap copy, and reading group guides for many of my old colleagues, I’ve never considered going back to corporate life. Freelance writing is the life for me.
- In June 2009, Words to Eat By was completely revamped and redesigned. In the process, I lost almost five years’ worth of comments from readers (including several dozen on this page). It now looks like I’ve been talking to myself all this time, which makes me terribly sad. Please, if you’re reading my older posts and something piques your interest, talk to me! I’ll answer you, I promise.
Photo © Bennington Photography
The new site looks fantastic Deb!!! We can’t wait for the book to come out
xoxo Karen, David and Michelle
Thanks, Karen! I can’t wait either.
This is my first time to your site and I just absolutely love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First, congrats on the 100 lb weight loss (even though it happened years ago). Losing weight is so hard, but to lose 100 is commitment!
Second, your idea of cooking these recipes and then adapting them ever so slightly (or not even) for a child is brilliant. I will be sure to visit back very often to try out our recipes. My 9 month old is completely over the “baby food” stage, so I am excited to introduce him to real food.
Great blog!
Thanks, Gao, and welcome!
I was searching for a recipe and found your site – just love it! My daughter is a new Mom and loves to cook too and I have sent her your way
Thanks for the site and all the best to you and your family
Thanks, Leslie!
Too true, Kymbrlee! They’re pretty much a food group for me
Oh.my.GOODNESS!!
As a mom of two boys (4 and 7 months), I love ‘crappy’ mom’s blog (and sense of parenting, and crappy pictures, and you get the idea), and her post about your book led me here. Sadly, I didn’t win the copy, but happily for you, I’ll be buying one! You are now marked as a favorite so I can eat well, too…thanks for infusing life into my 30 minute meal lifestyle. I’m sure the kids and hubby will thank you, as well.
First up, that spanikopiza…mmmm, can’t wait.
Thanks, Jen! I love Crappy Pictures too–but I’ll bet you knew that
Just got my copy in the mail. After making my way through about half (yes, I read ‘em first, cover to cover, and dog-ear pages as i go…), I set it aside, posted a link on my mama’s birth board Facebook page, and wrote a review on B&N. It will be one of my often used references, and will most likely see many, many kitchen splatters grace its pages. Thanks for your hard work!
Wow, Jen, thanks! I’m honored.
I love your site, and your recipes are delicious! Very random question: did you attend MSJA in NJ?
Thanks, Alexandra! That *is* random… Nope. I’m not sure what MSJA is, even! Just googled & I’m still not sure
Hello Debbie
So glad to have stumbled upon your space. I am in love with each and every recipe of yours. I have a 14month toddler and I am slowly incorporating few Indian spices to him in the meal. I am sure your book will be a definite keeper in the kitchen counter for those moms who want their kids to eat the mainstream food, so there is no separate cooking time for them.
Hi Vijitha, and welcome!
Hi! I Googled easter morning breakfast and found your baked french bread with apples. I cant wait to get it together this evening.
I have been reading through your blog and I kinda got teary eyed (happy tears). I noticed that you answer many of the comments you receive, that is awesome! You don’t find that too often, so thank you for taking the time to answer.
Hi Dawn, thanks for writing! I do try to have a conversation here, as well as on the blog’s Facebook page. Love that you got teary-eyed–is it strange that knowing that made *me* strangely teary? Anyway, Happy Easter!
Hi!
I just found your wonderful site while searching for a great Choc chip cookie recipe. I need to make some cookies for a really great gal pal that’s turning 60 next month and when I googled “best cookies in the world” I landed on your page! How cool is that! I’m a freelance writer too and mostly write about astronomy and skywatching.
I’ll be back for more visits now that I’ve found you. I love to cook, but more than that, I love good food!
Nice chattin with ya!
Hi Becky! Thanks so much for stopping to comment. Glad to hear you’ll be back!
Hi Debbie,
I just discovered your site…and although my “baby” is 14 and getting ready for high school in the fall…I have enjoyed reading all your posts about trying to prepare meals when you have a new born. Oh how I remember those days…and the one handed eating!
Thank you for sharing all your truly heartfelt stories and thank you for reminding me of my own days as a new mom (at age 40!).
Continued Succes,
Mary
Hi Mary! Thanks for this lovely comment–you should see my smile.
Hello Debbie,
Great site you have and love your comments (made me smile). Loved the information on the caramel sauce which I hope to make soon. Will be back to check out a few more recipes and learn a few cooking tricks from you. Best regards to you and your family.
Thanks, Bella!