It’s been nearly 10 years since this blog came into existence, and in the intervening years you all have traveled with me into outer space, back in time to the Roman Empire, and into more fictional realms than I can count. We have discovered unusual flavor combinations, quirky historical recipes, and some fabulous spices that are only now coming back into fashion. We’ve learned to brew mead and make flour from acorns, We’ve learned to bake bread for our families, rediscovered old favorites and made a few new ones. We’ve learned the value of blending fictional settings with delicious real food.
If you’ve been along for the ride for the past several years, you probably noticed that the posts have become more sparse, with considerably more time in between each post, and I wanted to apologize for that.
I had a kid! That’s a doozy. There’s a pandemic on (What the actual fork, amiright?!). I often rely on conventions and signings to reinvigorate me to knuckle down and get some awesome work done, but… well… this year’s been a weird one, and we’re only halfway through it. We’ve been pretty fortunate that so far, at least, the supply chain has held up here (apart from yeast anyway).
I’ve been enormously lucky in so many other ways- I’ve gotten to work on projects that were only on my dream list, and are now a reality. I had four cookbooks come out just last year, and while I am proud of the work I did on each of them, after that juggernaut I burned out HARD, in every sense. I came out of that process with a case of carpal tunnel so bad I couldn’t even lift dishes out of the sink- that’s been an up and down recovery, which is currently on a down slope.
But despite all of that, I still feel bad. I feel guilty for not posting more often. So many of you have been so kind and supportive throughout the years. The emails I receive and the photos I see online of dishes you’ve made buoy me more than you know. In fact, I’d say the personal feedback does more for me on an emotional level by far than good sales or reviews of my books. It’s amazing to feel like I’ve made a positive impact on people on a day to day level.
But there’s still SO MUCH I want to do!
I have over 200 draft posts started behind the scenes. Some of those are just some sparse notes about a historical recipe I came across at some point, some are for dishes I made and photographed, but never wrote down the recipe. Creativity often gets messy. Like, WOAH messy. Just like my kitchen, which I hope to take a sledgehammer to one of these days and turn it into the kitchen you all probably imagine I work in, not the frankenroom from the 70s it actually is.
I have a dream project for an amazing cookbook that I’d love to write. It’s unique and immersive and delicious, and so far only in my head. But GUYS it’s so COOL.
I have what basically amounts to a lecture on medieval beekeeping, and how awesome it was. I even made my own woven skep beehives. Bees are the best.
So all of that is just to check in and say how awesome you all are for still being here. Please know that I’m still here, too, and I’m still doing my best. Like for everyone, some days the best is better than others. So hang in there, have patience, both with me and with yourselves in these super weird times. I promise we’ll go adventuring again soon!
-Chelsea
I’m here when you post, and I enjoy them, but feel no obligation. You need to do you, in whatever way that means.
I am going to take this opportunity to thank you. You inspired me to get cooking (and growing my own!). The Elder Scrolls cookbook took me through a world I loved in a whole different way, I never really paid much attention to the items beyond getting my health back but suddenly there were whole layers of information I realized I missed in the thought behind the dishes like pairings, flavour, eating seasonally, foraging and so on and it’s been a fantastic new journey!
Please do not worry if it takes you time as each one is a carefully thought about adventure and that can’t be rushed! You are always here with us in the form of your recipes and its always a delight when you return with a new one. All the best and I can’t wait to hear what your next book will be, I am crossing my fingers for The Witcher!
I discovered your blog ages ago (2012? 2013?), I´m just pretty shy when it comes to commenting, so this is the first time I say hello. I discovered so many things here, so many favourite dishes, and I´m sure I will continue to do so in the future. The Game of Thrones cookbook is completely falling apart from use – which is, I think, one of the best compliments possible for a cookbook. I also found a general love for historic dishes here, so thank you for that!
That said, your health is more important than all of this, and believe me, when I say, I learned this the hard way myself. So rest and take care of yourself, and I hope things well get better for you soon!
And in the meantime … well I have not cooked my way through all the Star Wars dishes yet ;-)
You’re amazing! Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do. Your recipes have made my dinner parties a little extra special for years, and the memories of those good times will never change. And I’ll continue to be delighted whenever a new post pops up in my Feedly feed. Do you, enjoy your family, rest up, and we’ll all be here with our forks and/or trenchers at the ready.
I remember your blog fondly and keep checking in every few months. Take as much time as you need to rest this year, and have a work-life-family balance that brings joy, and whenever you write it will be appreciated – even if it is more rarely. Take care x
Thank you so much! I have a copy of the fire and ice cookbook, and I am so grateful this website is here! I pop in every few years and remember why I love it! I hope your carpal tunnel is getting better! Mine went away when the kids grew and I stopped lugging toddlers and babies around all day ! Now that my kids are launched I hope to have time to make more of your wonderful recipes!