GWP

In my old business, "GWP" used to be standard lingo we used all the time. It probably still is.

You see, before my kids were born, I was an assistant jewelry buyer for Higbee's (long before it morphed into the present-day Dillard's).

But back to GWP. For those of you who have no clue as to what I'm talking about, GWP simply stands for "Gift With Purchase" -- which is exactly what I'm giving away with every purchase of my new book!

Here's the story of how it all came about.

Even before my book was published, I knew I wanted a GWP. It would be my way of saying, "Thanks so much for being so kind."

But what would that "gift" be? I wanted it to be clever but also useful. It wasn't until the uber-talented Chris Brooks, designer for KSU Press, unveiled her design for my new book cover that I had my aha moment.

The "whisk" idea is born!

That was it! A whisk!

I finally found a sturdy mini whisk that people could actually use to whip up a couple eggs, stir a small batch of vinaigrette, or create some frothy cocoa. Very cute but also so. very. very. practical.

Four talented culinary pros (three of them featured chefs in my book) agreed to sponsor these whisks. I designed the gift tags. One side features the sponsoring chef. The other side features my blog address. You see, I want anyone and everyone who has a question, comment, or feedback about any of the recipes in my book to get in touch with me at any time.

Then my sweet twin daughters helped me cut, poke, twist, tie, and attach these tags with green-and-white-striped kitchen twine (that matches the green border on the book cover) to about 500 whisks. No fast task, let me tell ya!

They're all done now and ready to be handed out to all the wonderful people who believe enough in my book to buy one. And if I haven't said it already, I'll say it again. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

GWP