So many of you send me the most wonderful notes about issues you have enjoyed, and I truly love them and do read each one! Many of you ask the same questions, which have led to this blog post: What all do you publish at Hoffman Media? How many magazines do you have?
Those are two fantastic questions, and I always enjoy sharing what we do here at our company. There are some issues that may be unavailable on newsstands in your area, or you may not even know we publish them at all. That is why, last week, I decided to write a monthly review of some of our new releases!
During August, we release several exciting special editions that are sold on newsstands only and are not a part of a regular subscription. These magazines are a salute to the charm of autumn—a glorious season of rich color, delicious food, and celebrations.
I hope you enjoy this personal insight on all that is in the pages of the fall-inspired issues!
Victoria Classics: Autumn Bliss
When our Victoria staff set out to celebrate autumn, this issue led the way. From farms in Mt. Vernon, Washington, to homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the photographs will enchant you. As you turn each page, you are taken to another part of our country where beauty abounds. The floral designs for fall by Sidra Forman showcase the beauty of the blossoms and creative ways to arrange them. And if that wasn’t enough, a glimpse at the Cotswolds in England made me want to go there! Autumn menus and favorite recipes are wonderful with fall fruits and vegetables at the forefront.
Apple Baking
Oh, my goodness! Cakes, cookies, pies, and more all use a fall staple—apples! When I opened the cover and saw an easy-to-make Cranberry-Apple Upside-Down Johnny cake, I nearly left my office to go home and bake it. With the turn of each page, I rejoiced that our test kitchens developed a full collection of pies that are my favorites. I have always wanted to make a crostata, and this weekend, it’s happening! It’s the tart with the crust folded over the edges.
Pecan Everything
When pecans come into season, cooks everywhere go nuts (sorry…I had to). I love a good pecan recipe and this entire magazine is devoted to cooking with the fall favorite. Oh wow, let me tell you, the Salted Caramel Pecan Popcorn takes movie nights, or any night, for that matter, to the next level. And I was so impressed with our test kitchen when the Fried Pecan Pies appeared. I get to sample things from time to time, and this recipe won my heart. Pecans are it—and this collection is a treasure trove of ways to cook with them.
The Cottage Journal: French Home
Cindy Cooper and her staff have captured the spirit of French décor in this special issue. I learned that the violet flower has a special place in French history, too. As I studied the photos and interesting articles, I was thrilled that there are resources for picking up French items in our country. I can’t get enough of the wonderful linens, both casual and dressy. If you are looking for a beautiful magazine of inspiration, this one is for you.
Louisiana Cookin’
When we bought this magazine several years ago, I had no idea of the wonderful food traditions and offerings in Louisiana. When I tasted the Shrimp, Andouille, and Okra Gumbo with Jalapeño Cornbread Sticks, my, oh my, I just couldn’t get enough! From decadent desserts to wonderful seafood, Louisiana cuisine is fabulous.
Bake from Scratch
Fall baking is a time of great enjoyment for me. The harvest fruits of the season inspire many of our recipes here at Hoffman Media. When my son Brian shared the upcoming contents with me, I began imagining the recipes in store from our chefs. One of my favorite articles is on Nordic Ware—the Bundt pan company! The many offerings of shapes and sizes that are available to all of us are fascinating. Not to mention, the Ginger Pear and Walnut Tart in this issue. With a cup of coffee and dessert in hand, I was in heaven!
Cook Real Food Every Day
One of our newest magazines at Hoffman Media is Cook Real Food Every Day. Brooke Bell and her staff have made everyday cooking so much fun and a delectable experience. This issue features dishes that only require one pot, which I love! If you are like me, the fewer pots, the better. At our home, we are obsessed with butternut squash. Have you ever cooked with it? The cover recipe is a Butternut Squash Pasta that I know you will all enjoy!
Southern Cast Iron
The cover of this magazine totally won me over—Smoked Chicken and Tarragon Pot Pie. This recipe is a success, and the empty plates around here prove it. I adore my cast-iron skillet, and anything I can cook in it makes me happy. This fall issue has the most scrumptious dishes that can all be made in the cast-iron skillet. Apples and pears reign supreme in this issue, along with yeast breads!
Southern Home
I had the pleasure of touring some of the most beautiful homes in the South. Lynn Terry and her staff are challenged with finding stunning houses that are lived in by regular families! All of these wonderful homes inspire me to try new decorating ideas by some of the country’s leading designers and architects. Barbara Westbrook shares decorating tips that are priceless and result in elevated and expertly edited rooms.
Southern Lady Special Edition: Autumn
All I have to say is autumn in the South is a magnificent time. From pumpkins and gorgeous leaves to family time and outdoor fun, the season is exhilarating! This is one of the most popular issues we do every year and usually sells out in a snap. Why is it that cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage make us go crazy for all things cozy and beautiful? I also found exceptionally creative ideas for decorating my porch with pumpkins from this issue. Plus, there are loads of delicious recipes for fall gatherings!
So, what do I do at Hoffman Media? I get to be a part of teams that create beautiful magazines that celebrate life. When I can sneak into the test kitchens, I sample some of the food that we feature. Oh, my! That is like living in a five-star restaurant. I love working with our teams and hearing their wonderful ideas they are planning for features. I hope you have enjoyed a little trip through our latest releases and that you enjoy reading them even more.