First there was one award, then another, another, and yet another, bringing the trophy count now to an impressive five for Okanagan-based writer Jennifer Schell.

Schell grew up in the sunny Okanagan, a farm girl at heart, who’s equally comfortable dressing to the nines to check out the latest hot spot in dining. She’s traveled the world but has come home to her roots to promote the Valley she grew up in.

The result? The Butcher, The Baker, The Wine & Cheese Maker – An Okanagan Cookbook a celebration of the Okanagan Valleys farmers, artisans and chefs. The book is full of not only recipes, but the intimate stories of those behind them.

While Schell is already working on her next book, a similar work but this time focusing on the characters of Vancouver, The Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island, this initial masterpiece continues to garner worldwide attention.

The awards?
• Gold Medal IPPY – Best Non-Fiction Western Canada Independent Publisher Award
• Winner – Gourmand World Cookbook Award – Best Local Cuisine Cookbook,
Canada and shortlisted for Best in the World at Gourmand World Cookbook Ceremony
on May 21, 2014 (fingers crossed).
• Winner – Best Cookbook – Paris Book Festival
• Winner – Best Cookbook – San Francisco Book Festival
• Honourable Mention – Green Book Festival

I am pleased to call Jennifer Schell not only just my editor (BC Food and Wine Trails Magazine) but also a friend. We are all looking forward to watching her unravel the culinary secrets on the next leg of her adventures. Congratulations pal!