Janet K. Keeler, Tampa Bay Times’ award-winning travel and food editor, has been recognized by the Association of Food Journalists, the Society of American Travel Writers, the Society of Newspaper Design, the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Association of Sunday and Feature editors for her contributions and work.

Janet’s story, “The Crock-Pot That Saved Dinner Time,” appears in an anthology of work by American writers, Best Food Writing 2001. As a Pillsbury Bake-Off Judge in 2004, she learned that competitive cooking entrants should never worry about whether to submit a dish to the judges at the beginning or end of the competition. The real secret is to make it so good that it will rise right to the top.

Janet started work as a newspaper journalist in 1980, and has held a variety of editing positions and covered several beats, including education and government. Janet and her family love to turn their kitchen into a testing lab and photo studio. Son Jensen is a confirmed chocoholic and chief taster, and husband, Scott, a Times photographer, is always ready to accept his favorite peppermint Wand cookies in payment for his photos.

Once you try Janet’s recipes, you’ll understand why Santa Claus spends extra time at the Keeler home every Christmas eve. Make every holiday throughout the year Cookielicious at your home, too!