Dessert Comes First: The Book

by Lori Baltazar
August 23, 2013
91 Comments
Words: Lori Baltazar
Photos: Lori Baltazar
DCF-book-cover

There weren’t many people who knew I was writing a book. It’s not my style to announce my projects before they happen, as I prefer to get the work done first then reveal and revel in their completion. And from the handful of people who were aware that I was working on a book, even fewer knew what the cover looked like. As proof of how secretive I can be, even my own husband, my Bin, is seeing the book cover for the first time today, along with everyone else.

So now it can be told. This book is the project I alluded to last February when I mentioned that I couldn’t breathe from the sheer stress of it all, and it’s also the reason why I only produced one post in March, the month I submitted my manuscript.

Dessert Comes First, The Book, is my biggest and most important work to date. It’s composed of three major parts. First, there are the essays and memoirs, an updated compilation of some of my most popular blog posts along with new, never-before-been-published pieces I’ve written especially for the book. The chefs make up the second part: profiles of 10 illustrious people in the food industry, each esteemed for their talents and creations. This section is made even more memorable with the inclusion of two recipes from each chef. And speaking of recipes, it makes up the final part of my book: 11 of my very own recipes of the sweets I like to eat, including the recipe to the cheesecake I used to make back when I was a home baker. A cheesecake that I’m known for, it’s so special that it’s on the cover of my book.

As someone who adores books, I made sure that my very own would be a pleasure not only to read but to hold. Dessert Comes First is printed on thick, matte paper, the perfect canvas to showcase the photos, all of which I myself styled and shot. If you love food and if you love to read books about food, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this one.

And for YOU, the readers of Dessert Comes First
In my 8th anniversary post, I hinted at a celebration that would be even bigger than DCF’s 6th Anniversary Party. Details on that will be unveiled next week. Some of my friends in the food industry are also celebrating the launch of my book with me, details of which are also forthcoming. It’s a magical, heady time here on Dessert Comes First so check back often for updates on what’s about to happen.

For now, I have this to say: the upcoming big event, the ensuing surprises, they’re my way of thanking you for being with me all these years. Because you should know, DCF readers, that Dessert Comes First, The Book, is for you.

~

Dessert Comes First, A book by Lori Baltazar
Hardbound, 302 pages
Full color
ISBN 978-971-94-6096-1
8.5 x 11 inches
Publication Date: September 2013
Publisher: Sketchbooks, Inc.
Available exclusively at Fully Booked.
P1,499.00

Comments

  1. It’s beautiful! Can’t wait to read it thoroughly. 😀
    (and have it autographed…ooh, a first edition, signed by the author!)

    Reply

  4. SUPER CONGRATULATIONS LORI!!!

    So happy for you! Must’ve been a massive undertaking. How perfect, your book hits during the “-ber” months. This will make a brilliant birthday/Christmas present. 🙂

    Reply


    • Hi Mahar! “Massive” doesn’t even begin to describe the enormity of this project; it consumed me. But once you see this baby, I daresay you’ll agree with me that it was worth it.

      Reply


    • Kat-
      There will definitely be a book signing but not on September 14. Please check the blog next week for the date.

      Reply

  15. CONGRATULATIONS Ms. Lori!

    Can’t wait to get my hand on a copy of your book. For the cheesecake alone it’s worth it!

    Reply


    • Hi Aji-
      My recipe testers and my editor and I GUARANTEE that the cheesecake recipe alone is worth the price of the book.

      Reply

  17. Congratulations Miss Lori! Can’t wait to get my hands on it!

    Ps.
    Was it like giving birth? Or worse? 🙂

    Reply

  19. Congrats Lori! Though I’m no longer part of the FB team, I share their excitement and pride in having you in their roster of authors 🙂

    Reply


    • Rhea!!!
      So good to hear from you. Ooh, ‘author.’ Still getting used to that word. Thanks for commenting. See you soonest, okay?

      Reply


    • Joy Cruz-
      You’ve been one of my long-time, regular readers who’ve let me know for years that you wished that I would write a book. I’m happy to have made your wish come true. Thanks ever so much for all your support.

      Reply

  24. Nooo I’m leaving the country Aug 29 :'( would be amazing if we could order this in the US! In any case, congratulations!!!! your blog is awesome haha.

    Reply

  25. Everything about that cover is so luscious!

    This may be the closest thing I can get to tasting Manila away from Manila. Need to figure out how to get one since I live outside the country.

    Reply

  26. Who is surprised? The quality of your posts has always been in the same quality as (favorite!) books. If there is a genre called Literary Food Review, you would be its Shakespeare 🙂

    I wish I can invite myself to the party! I have been a commenter TOO LONG. I wish to see lovely Lori and upgrade my status to a proper Fangirl. 🙂

    Reply

      • By the way, I have always commented as anotherwise, but my parents named me Lex (without MY permission!)

        “Come to my party” I’ve read that as a invitation, and yes I will! 🙂

        Reply

  27. Also, can I comment that your handwriting (that is yours, right?) is ADORABLE. You’re a great writer in all senses of the word 🙂

    Reply


    • And yes Lex, that *is* my handwriting. When my dad saw the cover, he said, “Wow, your writing hasn’t changed since the 6th grade. It’s still as big and curvy as ever!”

      Reply

  29. In the immortal words of a popular celebrity who shall not be named… let’s just say she is one of those with “star” attached to an adjective used to describe their “title”…

    “This is really is it!”

    Reply

  30. Definitely a must-have for every food lovers and DCF fans. And that includes me. =) Will surely grab myself a copy.

    Reply

  33. Congratulations Lori!!
    Hope your book doesn’t sell out before I get the chance to purchase a copy (or maybe, I should wish that it does sell out. Anyway, I’ll get one from the second printing).

    Reply

  35. What a milestone for the blog! It’s amazing how DCF has grown over the years. And now, a book! This is the perfect way to celebrate your 8th year. Can’t wait to see the pages.

    Reply

  36. Congratulations! Cheesecake is interestingly delightful to see. Hope can duplicate it somehow when your baby is out. 🙂

    More power and keep on sharing.

    Espie G.

    Reply


    • Aina L.-
      You’ve been a longtime DCF reader and fierce supporter. You let me know when you want your copy signed and you’ll have it.

      Reply

  38. Oh my! Congratulations Lori! 😀 I will definitely get a copy on September 5!:D I’m so happy for you! I am so excited to get my copy, of course I want to have it autographed too! 😀 And beautiful cover. Just beautiful! You’re gorgeous!

    Reply


    • Thank you so much, Gail! Haven’t seen you in a while but let’s get together soon for dessert and a book signing.

      Reply

  39. congratulations Lori! so happy & excited!!!
    pls pls make sure i can get your book at fully booked marquee mall in angeles city. should i pre-order? 🙂

    Reply

  40. I’ve been a fan of your blog since 2007 and I’ve been waiting for this – a book by my fave filipino food writer. My relationship with your blog started when I was pregnant with my firstborn and I remember browsing your photos at 1am and wanting to eat everything you wrote about. haha (old habits are hard to break, it’s 1am now and preggo with my 2nd) So happy news! Cheers to you!

    Reply


    • Hi Kim E,
      Am happy that DCF and I have been a part of your life in such a special way. Thanks for all your support.

      Reply

  41. Congratulations Lori!! I can’t wait to have a copy of your book! 🙂 And know details of your event, of course 😉

    One question: will this be available as an e-book? I loooove printed books, I have my own mini library myself (and I love sniffing paper)… but I’d love to be able to bring the book with me anywhere I go especially on sudden out-of-the-country assignments.

    Reply

  42. To say that I am “happy” would be a desultory expression compared to the revelry that has enraptured my very person. It has been said many times (and will be done so in greater magnitude) but I believe a “Congratulations!” and “Here Here!” is definitely in order. You can count on one purchase from this quiet but fiercely loyal supporter. 🙂

    Reply

  44. Congrats Lori,

    Ill will definitely buy your book, been a long time fan and reader of yours, I am one of earliest who fall in line for the tickets of your 6th anniversary. Unfortunately we did not attend it because of an urgent family matter arise.Waiting for your 8th anniv and have your signature on my copy of your book.

    more power

    rhiza

    Reply

  45. Wow congratulations! I have some of your blog posts bookmarked in my computer. I’m so glad, there is now a book compilation of some of your posts. I will definitely reserve a copy before Sep 5.

    Reply

  46. WOW! Congratulations on the book! Can’t wait to get my hands on it! 🙂

    I wonder.. does the book come with that lovely chocolatey brown apron?? I HOPE IT DOES!! hahaha

    Reply

  48. That is a terrific cover, Lori! There are several things about the layout that I appreciate, but I particularly like the little detail of the scotch tape mark on top and the remarkable restraint of not including your whole face (it can be incredibly difficult to convince people it isn’t always necessary), but instead focusing on the part of you that all your loyal readers and close friends would immediately recognize. Brave and smart decision! May I ask who designed it? 🙂

    Reply

  49. Hi Lori! Im excited about your book. Do you know by any chance how can i get hold of your b0ok? Im based in New York. I wanna have your book in my collection

    Reply


    • Jesuit Paul Nugas –
      Am currently working on addressing overseas orders. Please check back regularly. Thanks for your interest.

      Reply

  50. Wow, this is huge, congrats! The book looks downright luscious. I usually only buy e-books now because of space constraints, but this should be worth making an exception for. Congratulations again on the new “baby”!

    Reply

  51. Dear Ms. Lori,

    We would like to invite you to try our great tasting Gelato and Panna cotta at Lucia Ristorante inside Hotel Celeste.

    Looking forward to your response.

    Thank you.

    Reply

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