Cookbook author Mollie Katzen visits UNH

New York Times bestselling cookbook author Mollie Katzen visited UNH on Friday, signing copies of her latest book in Holloway Commons during lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    Katzen, best known as a vegetarian and healthy alternative cookbook author, was promoting her latest book, "Get Cooking: 150 Simple Recipes To Get You Started in the Kitchen," which is aimed primarily at the college student demographic, offering simple, easy to follow recipes for people just starting out on their own.

    "The book can really open the door for people who need to learn how to cook," said Katzen. "I really care about people having that skill."

    However, "Get Cooking" is not solely meant for students just leaving college, said Katzen. It's also a book for newlyweds, young adults, divorcees, or anybody who just needs a little help in the kitchen.

    "I believe people generally want to learn how to cook," Katzen said.

    UNH Dining held a contest on its Facebook page the week before Katzen's visit that affirmed this sentiment. The first 100 fans to post the words "get cooking" on the page's wall received a free signed copy during Friday's visit. Those who missed out on the opportunity were able to purchase a copy.

    Dining's Senior Marketing Coordinator Kristin Lonsinger said the contest was very successful.

    "People were posting constantly," said Lonsinger. "We got 100 wall posts in three days and had to send out a message that the contest was closed."

    Lonsinger said that the idea to have Katzen come to UNH came at the National Association of College and University Food Service Conference held over the summer, where Katzen was a keynote speaker.

    "We thought it would be nice to have her come this year," said Lonsinger.

    Katzen said she began cooking when she was 10 years old and held a job flipping burgers after school when she was 15. She began writing her first book, "Moosewood Cookbook," while she was still in high school. She has written 11 books, including children's books and cookbooks for a variety of tastes.

    "Once you get everyone cooking, everything will fall into place," said Katzen. "People will be healthier and take action. I'm on a mission."

    Katzen said her son was the inspiration for writing "Get Cooking" because she would receive many phone calls from him asking for advice in the kitchen. From there came the 150 easy to follow recipes in the book, along with free videos on her website, molliekatzen.com, as a companion.

    Katzen said she really enjoyed meeting students because that is the demographic she is primarily trying to encourage to get cooking. She said the students seemed enthusiastic about the book.

    "The students I've talked to are excited about how user-friendly the book is," said Katzen. "It's about making cooking simple."

     Katzen said she's always nervous when one of her books is released because she wants to make sure she has gotten through to her readers.

    "This is uncharted waters," she said. "It's always a test to see if I've communicated correctly."

    And what did the renowned cookbook author think of UNH Dining, which prepared some of her new recipes for the lunch?

    "I'm really impressed with UNH Dining," said Katzen. "They're efficient, have great food products, and are less wasteful than most."

    Lonsinger said she felt the event was great, as well as the cookbook.

    "It's definitely a great cookbook for people to begin cooking," said Lonsinger.

    Jon Plodzik, director of dining, said that having someone like Katzen visit is great for the students and the program.

    "It's nice to have a celebrity come visit us once and awhile," said Plodzik.