The PinkHouse lives on, beautifully preserved in the pages of “The PinkHouse Project Cookbook.” Tucked inside the pages are an abundance of family recipes and stories of love, heartache, and triumph. For Cat (Ms. Darlin) and Patrick (Mr. Darlin), the family behind the beloved PinkHouse, this cookbook is a collection of cherished dishes and a unique way to preserve the past while embracing the future.
The response has been incredible. In just the first week, over 1,000 copies of the cookbook found their way into kitchens across 46 states, six countries, and three continents. It has become an international celebration of food, family, and timeless stories. The overwhelming support reveals the universal connection found in every recipe and memory lovingly preserved within its pages.
The PinkHouse itself may have changed hands and been repainted, but the cookbook preserves its soul, forever tying its memories to the meals families have shared, the stories they told, and the love that filled its walls.
“The book is an extension of the house,” said Ms. Darlin. “It’s really all that’s left of it in the form people have known and loved.”
The cookbook represents the family’s journey and brings the spirit of the house to life for readers, inviting them to experience its legacy and find comfort in the uniting tradition of cooking. Each page of this cookbook holds a piece of the family’s heart, but a few moments stand out, even among the hundreds of recipes. One particularly meaningful section is the opening chapter, which tells the story of how the family discovered the PinkHouse and the beginnings of a love story that would lay the foundation of their culinary journey.
“The storybook party,” as it’s called, is an intimate glimpse into their lives, offering insight into how they found the PinkHouse, how the couple met, and how food became their love language.
Aside from the stories, the recipes also warm the heart. From the iconic “Better Than Playtime Cake” — a family favorite and Little D’s birthday cake request for his 21st — to the tradition of “Perfect Pancakes” featured on Page 207, there’s a special joy in the way these recipes have been passed down through the years.
“Food connects us all,” Ms. Darlin reflected. “Whether it’s through birthdays, family dinners, or quiet moments shared in the kitchen, these recipes hold the memories of the people we love.”
One of the greatest challenges in creating this cookbook was translating the recipes from memory into something anyone could follow.
“I’m a ‘by eye’ cook,” she explained, “so figuring out measurements and times was a bigger challenge than I expected. I had to slow myself down and make sure the recipes were easy enough for a beginner to follow.”
With over 500 recipes initially on the table, narrowing them down wasn’t easy.
“Mr. Darlin and I started with more than 500 recipes, and, to be honest, he pried some of them from my hands, insisting we couldn’t have a 1200-page book,” she laughed. “Plus, perhaps that leaves something for a future book.”
Food has been a constant source of comfort through moments of loss, uncertainty, and hardship. Ms. Darlin credits cooking as an important part of her healing process. She sees time in the kitchen as a time for peace and reflection, helping her ground herself and remember what really matters. The thought of sharing her delicious meals at graduations, birthdays, and other special occasions inspires her to push through the hardships and remain grateful for the opportunity to share in some of her clients’ most special moments. Whether for a celebration or a moment of serenity, she sees food as a way to share love and create lasting memories.
She remembered how, during the uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic, her family offered free online cooking classes to bring people together. It was also during that time that “Dinner with Ms. Darlin” was born. The weekly classes brought people together, offering them comfort and the opportunity to connect when they needed it most. Even now, as she prepares to revitalize those classes, her joy in sharing the love of cooking remains strong.
As the book promises, there’s something for everyone in “The PinkHouse Project Cookbook.” For those new to cooking, a great starting point is the simple yet beloved “1,2,3 Buttercream,” a frosting that can elevate any baked good. For more experienced cooks, the “Quick Ramen” on Page 232 offers a creative twist on a classic, with plenty of room for personalization.
“It’s a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ recipe,” Ms. Darlin explained. “Before the book went to print, I gave this recipe to a single father to make with his two daughters. I wanted to test the customization and instructions on it. They not only made it and loved it that week, but they continue to make it and send photos of their pretty creations as time goes by. Those memories and experiences were my goal when making this book.”
The memories of their time at the PinkHouse are endless, and without them, the cookbook wouldn’t be the treasure it is today.
“I have a 7-year-old that came in so often that when she brought new people in with her, she gave them a grand tour, repeating all the info she heard me give to newcomers. Hearing her explain the house was over 150 years old to her 6/7-year-old friends would crack me up.”
She added, “I have a gentleman that came into the shop while I was doing a live video explaining the menu for the week. He proceeded to seek the advice of the viewers about which cupcake he should bring to a first date since he felt cupcakes were way better than flowers.”
When it comes to future adventures, she’s already dreaming of new projects.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to be a writer,” she said. “I’ve already checked ‘published author’ off my list, but I’m not done yet. I’m working on a children’s book series called “Bear & Foxy’s Big Adventures” and hope to release the first book next year.”
And while cookbooks may not be her only focus, she noted that it doesn’t mean there aren’t more cookbooks on the horizon. But for now, she’s content knowing that “The PinkHouse Project Cookbook” has found its place in kitchens across the country, sharing recipes and a piece of her heart. And as the pages turn, so does the legacy of a house the Darlins and their clients will never forget.
