Note: This drawing is now closed. About a year ago I was in Philadelphia at Brown Betty Dessert Boutique, art directing the photoshoot for their first cookbook which was just published this week. Ah, my life was different then. I was still in a bit of denial about my gluten-intolerance, and I was “taste-testing” every dessert as it came off the set. Going gluten-free has been great for me, and there aren’t many wheat-based things I miss, but the treats at Brown Betty are an exception. Oh my god, if you have any chance to get to Philadelphia and try it for yourself, do it. But if you don’t live anywhere near there, you might want to check out The Brown Betty Cookbook. And for my lucky blog readers, if you live in the U.S. or Canada and want to be entered into a drawing for a free copy of the book, just post a comment below!
The amazing Alison Conklin took the photos. These are just my behind-the-scenes snapshots–for the real photos, you’ll have to check out the book itself. Alison is a bit sneaky and managed to dodge all of my photos except for this one taken over her shoulder. I really can’t say enough about how gorgeous Alison’s photos are. This was the first cookbook she photographed, and I’m honored to have worked with her on it.
Here’s a setting for the photo which we ended up putting on the cover of the book. I love that board against the wall, though on the book cover you can’t actually see much of it because it’s very soft in focus. The table is also great — I wish I could have taken it home with me!
Speaking of the amazing props, that’s Amy Elise Wilson, the prop stylist, above. I’d worked with Amy before, but I think The Brown Betty Cookbook was more of her style. I just love working with her.
And then there was the amazing bakery staff! These girls are seriously talented (and perfectionists). I could have stood in the kitchen all day watching them frost the cakes.
Speaking of the cakes, there are too many beautiful ones to show you them all. This was a favorite though.
And here is one for you chocolate fiends (I know you’re out there). Pink is sweet and all, but I’m thinking about making a batch of the frosting on this cake right now and eating it straight from the bowl. The cake is called “Dear Ruth,” which is part of the charm of this book — personal stories of friends and family and vintage photos throughout. The book itself feels like a keepsake. Remember to post a comment if you want to be entered to win a copy of the book. The drawing will be closed at the end of the day on October 19.
Man, now I need a bowl of icing!
I want! Pretty pretty please!
I have seen the photos in the book and l-o-v-e them & the recipes – Yum! Yum! Yum! I have seen Alison’s work in Lehigh Valley Style, Organic Gardening, and on her website and agree 150% with your assessment – she IS amazing! Beautiful work all around on everyone’s part and these behind the scenes shots give a nice context for the content in the BB Cookbook! Cheers!
Ooh how fun! I remember you telling me about this shoot. I would love to win a copy of the book.
Yummy! Their cupcakes are to die for.
I’d love a copy of the book!
Alison was my wedding photographer and amazingly talented! Can’t wait to check out the book.
oh that’s really cool!
Love brown betty and Alison Conklin’s work! Would love to win this book!
These cakes look amazing! I’d love to win a copy of the book and try out some recipes for myself
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Thanks for that great post, I love seeing behind the scenes like that. I, like you, will fee quite ill if I eat gluten- so I don’t need to be entered to win the book- I just wanted to say how much I like the post!
Aww thanks for posting a comment anyway!
My mom’s fave dessert is a brown betty! This would be such a treat to win and all those cakes look incredible. yum!
It’s not a stretch for me to comment.. I really enjoy coming to your blog. What’s exciting for me as a baker, is that I have made an icing rose cake and a chocolate cake with the swirled icing on it. I’d love to have the recipe for that pink one.. to try the smooth finish they’ve done here. I also love that scalloped vanilla icing technique as well. Anyway.. lots to love here!
I really need to visit Brown Betty – I’ve heard nothing but great things about there here in Philly
Thanks for giving us a glimpse “beyond the page” Justin!
I’m a pastry chef who went gluten free about a year ago too. And I still love baking books. I have managed to adapt recipes and learn so much from the visuals. These are especially gorgeous.
These look great! Allison is a great photographer. I can taste each piece all the way back in Canada.
Haha I meant an apple betty.. and a brown derby… wow I’m tired!
I’m so incredibly excited for Alison! The photos are amazing! I can’t wait to try all of the yummy recipes. Well done! ; )
Those cakes look amazing!! The pink one was so adorable!!
I would love a copy of the book but sadly live in the UK! Beautiful looking cakes though and great styling, I will be sure to check it out
Everything looks amazing! Would love to get a copy of this!
Yum! For a minute I was hoping you’d fed-ex some cake as the giveaway. Still, a book is great!
ha, that would be sweet
Gorgeous cakes! Love the cake stands, too — kudos to the props team!
allison does a great job with the phots,this book is amazing,the cakes look like you can take them off the pages and eat them
I don’t know whether I’d rather eat the cakes or take pictures of them! Maybe both (:
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance.
OK these cakes not only look truly delicious, but amazingly beautiful as well! I don’t want to ruin my chances to win the book, Justin, but if I don’t win one, I’m definitely going to buy it anyway!
What beautiful cakes! They look perfect!
gorgeous photos … I’m going to go check out her website right now. Would love to win a copy of this book.
thanks for this giveaway! lovely pics!
These are incredible! If I win, I’ll bake you guys a [gluten-free version?] cake of your choosing, how’s that?
Ha, that would be amazing!
Ugh you people have the best jobs in the world.
I hope I win!
What a beautiful book that you’ve art directed on. So amazing. I agree, thar table and background are gorgeous. Now I wish I live closer to Philadelphia to try their cakes!
Amy (at) utry (dot) it
LOVE to look at the photographs and, especially LOVE to watch food photographers in action! But I also love to cook and bake and, unfortunately, to eat too much. Thanks for posting this opportunity to win this book!
Me want.
My husband’s birthday is coming up so this book would be coming at the perfect time! I want to make him something extra special!
I want all of those cakes…and those cake stands! What a fabulous photoshoot.
I know the contest is over,but just want to say hey and finally checking out your blog. Your photos make me drool and the cakes look amazing!
aww, thanks for the note!
I do own a copy of this book. The photographs are AMAZING and I have eaten the BB cupcakes. Yummie! A perfect combination!! This book would make a great Christmas gift for my friend. Alison was the photographer for her wedding
)
that’s cool — Alison is such a great wedding photographer
Only for Eliza [sweet potato poundcake + spiced vanilla bean buttercream] is one of the best cupcakes in Philly. Their cookbook is on my wishlist, though the day I get it will probably be the last day I see my skinny jeans…