So you're writing your first cookbook. Your first hope is that it gets published. Your next is that people like it. And find it helpful. You're not thinking of the critics. You're not thinking of awards. Maybe for your next book.

And then Cheri gets a call from the prestigious International Association of Culinary Professionals. Congratulations. She won the 2003 Cookbook of the Year Award in the health category.

How Do You Follow That Up?

More cookbooks, of course. Seven more to be exact, including Cheri's latest, 30-minute meals for diabetes.

Cheri's take on her instant success: "It's very simple. I have a lifelong passion for health, nutrition and fitness. I even have a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition."

A Healthy Passion

Cheri's in the right place to explore her passion. She's a senior cookbook editor in Betty Crocker Kitchens. Her expertise is healthy cooking. She even does some TV and radio work for the Kitchens, promoting healthy cookbooks.

But someone with a passion like Cheri's can't be too far removed from the kitchens. Cheri carves out time to tie on an apron and develop recipes for such brands as Yoplait.

No Place Like Homecooking

And if that isn't enough hands on experience, there's always home. Cheri and her husband Steve have three kids to feed: sons Christian and Carlton and daughter Ruby.

You'll most likely meet them in Cheri's blog. Which, if you're looking for good, healthy food ideas, is certainly a winner.