43 Comments

Thank you Anne for this lovely post on Christmas Eve. I was not aware of your health issues; so glad things are better. I saw you at the Nashville book festival this year and a friend gave me your wonderful cookbook! I consider it the finest cookbook about Southern baking I have ever seen! I have made one of the biscuit recipes (so good) and plan to bake more of them in the coming year.

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Thank you, Deborah!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! Thank you for being an inspiration to me: you persevere with such grace and wit, and you hold fast to what you believe in. The best kind of role model. 💚❤️💚

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❤️❤️❤️

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Merry Christmas Anne.

O'Keeffe is one of my favorites. I have a cookbook called A Painter's Kitchen by Margaret Wood who was O'Keeffe's personal chef. Georgia was ahead of her time eating local and sustainable food.

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Yes, she was!

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Anne you are a remarkable woman and a beautiful writer. I am not much of a baker but in the New Year I will make this recipe in your honor. Happy holidays and thank you.

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Thank you, Alice! 💕

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I wish you peace and happiness as you marvel in the magic of the seasons! Loved reading your words and glad you are mended! ❤️

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Me too! 💕

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Merry Christmas, Anne! I respect and admire you, your talent and your gumption! So glad that your health is restored and the book is a smashing success!

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Thank you for your friendship and kind words, Jolene!

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Grateful for your steady words, and your grace. You are a Steel Magnolia. 🤍 And I’m loving reading your book. 22 (or is it 23?) cornbread recipes!!! I’ve got goals for 2025 now. ☺️ Thank you, Anne. You’re an 😇

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Thank you, Gwen! 22 or 23 - all wonderful! 💕

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What a year you’ve had and shared with us. I can relate. Thank you for being an inspiration to keep on keeping on.

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And thank you Amie for your kind words. Happy 2025!

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Hi Anne, this year also brought me a cancer diagnosis—unfortunately, a stage IV one. I’m doing well on treatment and have a realistic chance for several more years, I hope. I’ve retired early, at 54, and mostly feel well enough to putter in my garden when the weather’s good, spend time with loved ones, read, cook/bake, and even take up creative projects…all the best things!

One thing you wrote is a perfect description of what’s bringing me such joy: “I can care for others and improve the community in which I live[.]” Thanks for encapsulating that so perfectly! Sending you all the best for a happy, healthy, and sane 2025 for you and yours. ❤️

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Thank you, Tawni. I’m awfully sorry to hear about your diagnosis. If possible think only positive thoughts. Don’t let your mind go other places. Defy the odds. Savor every minute. Cheers to a loving and caring 2025. ❤️

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What a beautiful post!

I'm so sorry about your health scare. I'm glad you got through this and were able to do your book tour.

It has been a pleasure getting to know your book and baking from it. Happy holidays, and all the best to you in the coming year.

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Thank you Faye for kind words and being such a wonderful cheerleader. Happy 2025!

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Thank you Anne! Happy 2025 to you!

Looking forward to more baking from your book!

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What an amazing year for you . You have met each challenge with strength and courage as I knew you would. With my love for a happy and peaceful time ahead ps not forgetting the assistant chef. Julie.

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Thank you, Julie. Your words mean so much to me. You are a woman of great strength, and sous chef sends his best holiday wishes. 🌲💕

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What a year for you! Merry Christmas, I hope you have a chance to relax and enjoy some great food.

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So far this holidays, we have savored great food and awaiting the relaxation! Thank you!

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I hate to hear about your cancer diagnosis but am glad to hear that you’ve recovered well and wish you continued health in the new year. I might try out the chocolate roll recipe tonight. Love a good pantry recipe! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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Thank you, Taylor! It’s yummy. Merry Christmas!

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Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gifts (prose and recipe) Anne. Wishing you peace and joy.

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Thank you, Elizabeth!

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Thank you for the gift of sharing your life experiences this year. I was inspired by your story.

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Happy to share. So many people go through tough times. We can persevere. 💕

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Happy New Year! 2024 was a wild ride for you. I hope 2025 is a little less wild, filled only with things like perfect tomatoes and good cookbook reviews and much less of the cancer b.s. 🩷

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Thank you! Amen!!

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