"Sizzle & Swing: Jazzin' Up Food" is a cookbook and accompanying CD, "Java Jive," that pairs vocal selections with recipes and stories from musical and culinary adventures.

It's the brainchild of Erin Dickins, jazz vocalist and co-founder of the Grammy-winning vocal quartet, The Manhattan Transfer.

Dickins signs copies of her new cookbook 2 - 4 p.m. Feb. 7, Moravian Book Shop, 428 Main St., Bethlehem.

Dickins grew up on Long Island, N. Y. Her father was a gifted musician and her mother was a talented dancer, photographer and cook. Her parents inspired her love of music and cooking.

"Since I've experienced both passions for a lifetime," says Dickins in a phone interview, "I thought I would bring them together, jazz and cooking."

Dickins performed for five years with The Manhattan Transfer, which she joined when she was just out of high school. "My mom had to sign off on my record deal," she says.

Feeling the need to explore her voice on her own outside of the vocal group, Dickins emerged as one of the top vocalists in New York City. She performed, toured and recorded with Leonard Cohen, Bette Midler, James Taylor, Barry Manilow, Ashford & Simpson, and many more.

While pursuing her music career, Dickins fostered a successful career in the food industry. She studied at the New York Restaurant School and established two Manhattan restaurants, Possible 20 and Jose Sent Me with 20 other successful musicians, including Will Lee of the "Late Show with David Letterman" and The Fab Faux Beatles tribute group.

Dickins believes that food and music make a perfect pairing. "I don't know a musician who can't cook," she says.

"I have so many stories from my experiences," says Dickins, who chose recipes and songs to match her life's stories.

"I toured several years with Leonard Cohen when I was just 21, 22. After one performance in Paris, Leonard took the entire crew of performers and staff out for dinner. I remember that I ordered the "steak frites [steak and French fries]."

Cohen was a role model for Dickins. "He is the poster child for authenticity. That's what I wanted in life, to be authentic."

An evening in Paris with Leonard Cohen was just one of the many magical memories for Dickins that inspired "Sizzle & Swing: Jazzin' Up Food."

Dickins has also created a line of herbal seasonings called "Sizzle & Swing," designed to allow the home cook to give gourmet taste to home-cooked meals with ease.

"In five years, I would love to see my seasonings in a lot of stores."

Dickins uses her successful career in the music and food industry to raise awareness about hunger in the United States through charitable performances.

"I really feel that my connection with food can bring awareness to hunger. There shouldn't be anybody hungry in America."

"I've had a long career," says Dickins. "The cookbook was not an afterthought for me. It brought my two passions together. Food and music together can reinvigorate home cooking."