May 15, 2012 
Sometimes I can’t tell whether or not I’m doing a good job.
I realize this sentence might sound trite and indulgent, and downright silly… but I mean it. Sometimes I can’t tell.
I’ve realized that part of the reason I can’t tell what’s going on in the ‘good job’ department is because… nothing ever stops anymore. Never. Emails never stop. Twitter rarely slows down. Food ideas keep flowing. And email… did I already mention emails? I used to categorize jobs as ‘well done’, partially because they were… done!
Do you remember when things were actually done?
I know what you’re thinking… it’s my responsibility to make things both done and good. You’re right. Good and done. I’m working on the done, and I’m working on the good. I’m chasing them down. I’m fueled by melty onion sandwiches. I’m even writing this business in the streets!
Now… I could have written ‘do well’, but I meant ‘do good’, as in… deeds. Perhaps I should have written ‘ do done’.
Let’s talk sandwiches! We’ve got a French soup inspired sandwich today… but there is other sandwich madness you might be into. Since you’re here, and all:
Green Goddess Tea Sandwich. Ham Cheese Pickle and Potato Chip Sandwich, right!? and. Coffee Bacon Sandwiches.
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May 13, 2012 
Things I Like Because of Other Things I Like:
I like black and white striped shirts because they are the perfect compliment to bright pink lipstick.
I like super short fingernails because they are just begging to be topped with bold red nail polish.
I like deep navy blue because it makes me crave the burn of spicy grained mustard.
I like dusty blue hair because it makes beauty feel lighthearted and unexpected.
I like baking with asparagus because it reminds me of nature’s beautifully green and imperfect lines.
It feels like every bit of life can inspire another bit of life. There’s something endlessly exciting about that… like everything belongs. The best place to be inspired by belonging? Pinterest. Are you obsessed yet? It’s the spot for food, color, and inspired living.
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May 12, 2012 
Some cities are just filled with magic. London has magic. St.Louis has spooky magic. I think my Venice home has a good amount of sparkle magic. But New Orleans… New Orleans is aalll magic.
I was lucky enough to visit this special city last week. Because it was my first visit to New Orleans, I.. a) melted in the humidity. b) was horrified by my frizzy hair. c) drank daiquiris in the streets. d) ate beignets several… SEVERAL times.
Want a peek? Here we go!
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May 11, 2012 
It couldn’t have been easy to be my mother. I was shy, stubborn, and resistant to change. I’d observe a national day of tantrums every time she cut my hair. I was obsessed with Julia Child, Lucille Ball, and McDonald’s… every McDonald’s we drove by. Obsessed. And I was (capslock) pissed when my little sister was born. Just livid.
It’s still not easy to be my mother. I’m still shy, stubborn, and resistant to change. My mom knows not to approach my head with a pair of scissors in her hands. I’m still really into Julia Child. I enjoy Lucille Ball… and if one were to hand me McDonald’s fries… I’d sure as heck eat them. These things are all still realities, it’s just that my Mom doesn’t have to live with it all up in her house everyday.
I love this photograph of me and my mom. In this picture she’s the age that I am now… which isn’t stressful to me at all. (Realtalk: it’s just a teeny tiiiny bit stressful.)
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May 8, 2012 
Let’s categorize this post as not cupcakes, not pancakes, and not kale. Let’s categorize this post as real life real talk.
Five Ridiculous Things I’ve Said to Boys that I May or May Not Have Had Crushes On:
“Oh my goodness! You have two different colored eyes! You look just like a dog I know!” It turns out that’s not really the compliment I intended. But seriously… do you know the dogs I’m talking about?
“I like your shoulder cat!” Because a dude in raver jeans, smoking a clove cigarette, with a cat that lives on his shoulder is totally a giant heap of red flags.
“Yea. You can totally borrow my car to pick up your girlfriend from the airport.” Rethink! No car + girlfriend = NO GO! Ps. Jerk!
“Yea… I love The New Yorker.” Be real, Joy. You know you don’t actually read The New Yorker. Seriously… unless Nigella Lawson is on the cover, you probably didn’t read it. It’s ok. It really is.
“No… it’s cool. I’m spiritual, not religious.” Oooh this one. Oooh these words that are not true for me. These words that I used to say because I thought it would make me more palatable in the dating world. These were my worst of words… making me more palatable to the wrong people for me. Grow up and learn things, Joy!
Learn from me. Don’t be like me. Don’t compare boys to dogs and project yourself as a fancypants New Yorker reader. It’s ok if you don’t listen to vinyl. It’s totally cool if you want to throw your cat a birthday party and hang out at church. I’m just sayin’. It’s cool.
This recipe is a result of standing in the kitchen… hungry… having just taken a beautifully golden, but utterly disastrous cheese danish out of the oven. Apparently I’m still learning how to make a cheese danish without pulling an oozing, melted mascarpone mess out of the oven. I’m working on it.
Danish aside, I mustered up the last of the delicious ingredients I found hiding in my cupboard and pantry. The result is a sweet and savory, breakfast and lunch dish. It’s a delicious surprise! Danish though? I’m comin’ for ya. I’ll figure you out.
Disasters happen. Praise God for polenta and hazelnuts.
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May 6, 2012 
Recipes knock on my door everyday. They come in, take off their shoes, and make a complete mess of my kitchen. They stick around for a few days, really get comfortable… and then the recipes leave. Actually, the recipes make their permanent home here at Joy the Baker… but they’re out of my life once they’re adapted perfected and cleaned up after.
But! What if I’m not done with the recipes? What if I want them to stick around a while? There’s not a lot of time for an extended recipe stay when I’m always trying to create something new new new… but here are five things I have in mind. Please consider this a much needed mindshare.
Take this Quick and Easy Spanakopita from Martha Stewart. This recipe is solid… although not completely quick. The Spanakopita is made with traditional filo dough, and a spinach and feta mixture. Because I can’t leave well enough alone, I believe this dish is best served with kale instead of spinach. Really… either way it’s a lovely meal. Add spicy chili flakes for added interest.
The real life application of Kale Spanakopita (Kale-akopita?) involves a slow fried egg and two pieces of black forest bacon.
Kale instead of spinach. Bacon instead of the absence of bacon. Chili flakes for heat.
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May 3, 2012 
London oh London, how I love you!
Can I show you some images from my trip to England?
Now… before you go thinking me all sorts of fancy, I need to make a confession. This is the very first time I’ve used this little blue passport. Seriously. The first time!
Here’s a bit of London adventuring. Thanks for letting me share!
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May 1, 2012 
What would you do if I told you that I’m in just a teeny-tiny-weeee bit of a rut?
I’ve got some nerve, right? Soooome nerve.
Lately, I’ve been lucky enough to travel the country on book tour meeting so many of your smiling faces! You people have been amazing! You’ve helped me set my shyness aside, and jump out into the world with you. You’ve welcomed me, and my book with such sunshine and enthusiasm, and I’m so so grateful for you!
I’ve also had adventures in London… and I can’t wait to show you the images. I have a couch to sit on. I have a kitten to cuddle with (when he’s not feeling claw-y). I have Tracy and Michael. I even have a man that brings flowers and hot coffee. I mean… come on!
What the heck do I have to be in a rut about?
I suppose ruts (I totally just typed ‘nuts’) have no rhyme or reason.
I’m coaxing myself out of this rut with a simple skillet. I’m eating myself out of this rut with easy eggs, and well cooked mushrooms. Bacon clearly doesn’t hurt either. Oh, and I’m about to start reading myself out of my rut with The Happiness Project.
Note. Very important note. It’s not wise to go shopping for jean shorts while in a rut… with very pale legs. That’s solid advice I wish someone would have told me. Shopping for jean shorts is much like shopping for a bathing suit. Not to be taken lightly.
K. I love you! Byeeee!
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April 29, 2012 
Today I was totally successful at inspiring frustration and anger in at least several people. At least several. Ooooh my goodness. Have you ever had one of these days? It’s the kind of day when you think the world (or at least all of the people around you) have gone mad, only to realize that you are the common denominator… meaning that you, in fact, are the common jerk? I’m completely talking about myself here. You are a kind and lovely person who never loses yourself to angrybears. I am not always as kind… and that’s why you inspire me.
Since I was in a crunchy attitude, I made the appropriate cookies. These biscotti are crunchy and sweet… and I guarantee that, when served with a bitter cup of black coffee, they inspire an attitude adjustment. They help flip the switch. Yes… I use food to adjust my feelings. Welcome to my real life living.
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April 28, 2012 
I’m back from London, and I already miss the Queen, the polite taxi drivers, and Beefeater (the gin… and the red-coated dudes with the bear skin hats).
London is so lovely. The only problem is that I always feel like I’m doing something disastrously rude or uncouth. I don’t hold my fork and knife in the correct hands. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to clink my tea cup. Good grief, I think I just slurped my tea. Holy smokes… that’s the third time I’ve almost been hit by a car. Which way am I supposed to look down the street!?!?
I’m back in Venice where I can put my feet up on things, and slurp whatever I see fit. There’s a super hippie drum circle taking place down the road… no matter what I do, I look pretty posh in comparison.
In honor of thirst and homecomings, I’ve gussied up a pitcher of lemonade using dried lavender. It’s simple and divine. Most likely Queen and drum circle approved.
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April 24, 2012 
It’s a beautiful day when I start preparing a salad by taking out a crusty baguette and butter.
It’s a beautiful day when sunlight shines through my beer.
It’s a lovely day when I can successfully keep my giant kitten away from my smoked Alaskan salmon.
Also… it’s totally a wonderful day when I can find something simple and inspiring on the internet. It’s a magical day when I see a person in the car next to me totally rocking out to Kelly Clarkson. It’s a dang good day when I choose the fastest line at the grocery.
I find that beauty is simple, even if I’m not looking for it.
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April 22, 2012 
Where did you find comfort this weekend?
I found comfort in hazy, chilly mornings. I found comfort in my 100% beat up house slippers. There was comfort in bacon sandwiches. I found comfort in taking things just a bit slower.
My crazy brain refuses to be slow. It’s always thinking about cookie combinations, new podcasts, second books, and the next the next the next. I tried to be slower this weekend… because too much time is spent being not slow. Can I give you some real-talk? I think I take comfort in the fast crazy brain. It’s hard for me to take comfort in slow. It makes me a little wonky bonkers.
I found a dish that fosters both comfort and reduced speeds. It’s rice pudding. It’s totally rice pudding.
This vegan version is made with creamy coconut milk. It’s swirled with big, chunky strawberry jam… and it’s utterly perfect. Between the warm starch and sugars… I feel like this is super comfort, coma inducing food.
It’s Monday. I know that this is no time to slow down and relax… but put this dish in the back on your brain. Maybe this will be your perfect Wednesday night comfort food recipe. And yes, rice pudding is totally dinner.
I’m off to London for a few days. I’m afraid it’s not for any book signing festivities. I’ll be touring the city and drinking a questionable amount of gin. I’m going to make new friends, put my eyes of some fresh sights, and I also plan on constantly wearing plaid socks. You’ll see little peaks of my journey as it unfolds… and if you really want to get all up in my business, Twitter was built for that sort of stalking.
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April 19, 2012 
I do this thing that I know… I KNOW… is completely annoying. I know it’s annoying, because I sometimes annoy myself doing it.
I make voices for things.
I make voices for… sometimes…everything.
Stray cat scampering across the street? Squirrel running up a tree? Shopping cart abandoned in the middle of the parking lot…? I make voices for them. They’re generally child-like with a hint of surly irreverence. Ok… to be real… every voice is my (spot-on) impersonation of Eric Cartman from South Park.
My kitten. My friend’s cat. My neighbors dog. …. all the same voice, usually making astute observations about how cute and fluffy they are.
I know this is a problem, and I know I’m powerless to stop it.
I tell you all this because I gave voice to these cookies. I gave voice to them… I ate dang near all of them… and then I hid the rest of the cookies near the back of the fridge in hopes of selfishly consuming them later.
To be fair… the cookies told me to do it. That’s my story. Sticking to it.
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April 17, 2012 
I saw people in bikinis today. People. In. Bikinis.
Friends… apparently it’s time. Granted, I live in Los Angeles. It’s SunnySunTown.
Just a few days ago I was eager and ready for summer. Summer is great, right!? Well… I was mostly thinking about watermelon, picnics, and late night tacos. I was NOT thinking about bikinis. I’m not ready to think about bikinis. I’m medium ready to think about tankinis… and that’s about as far as it goes.
I tend to have really strange reactions to seeing people in bikinis. I make muffins. It’s sort of a knee-jerk reaction. People are wearing very little clothes in public? Right… right. I’ll be right back. I have to go make a dozen, and eat at least two muffins. (brb. no bigs)
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April 16, 2012 
I want waffles… all the time. In my dreams, I replace all of the bread in my life with warm waffles. Waffles with peanut butter and jelly. Waffles with ham and cheese. Waffles with ice cream and hot fudge.
Perhaps this is just a phase… equal to my cargo pants and cropped jean jacket phase.
Actually wait… I still maintain that I looked great in those cargo pants. I wish someone would have told me not to actually carry cargo in my pockets though. No one needs the bulk of a lady wallet and lipstick added to their thighs. Fashion pockets, Joy. Fashion pockets.
So… waffles! Consider them delicious, freshly-made bread… and act accordingly. Prosciutto, spinach, and tart apples slices are a wonderful place to start: open-face sandwich style.
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April 14, 2012 
I’m ready!
I’m ready for summer lunches with pink wine and dark sunglasses. I’m ready to be almost annoyed by the big, bright sun in my face. My love affair with Spring always makes me think of my absolute love-obsession with Summer.
This tropical rice dish totally has me ready to go sandal shopping and wear tie dye.
Perhaps I’m also considering a henna tattoo. I dunno. This rice has cast a spell.
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April 11, 2012 
Beyond being a baker, I’m also a blogger. Had you noticed. Yea… it’s a real thing.
Maybe you’re a blogger too! There are tons of blogs these days. They’re beautiful! The internet has definitely become a more lovely place… thank you fashion and design bloggers. For real. With so much bright, fun, and creative ideas flowing… do you ever wonder HOW? How do bloggers consistently come with new content, and new clever things to say?
Let me tell you a bit of truth… sometimes I just sit in front of the computer and wonder what… what what whaaat I could possibly write to you. Should I tell you more about my cat? No… probably not. Should I tell you more about my nail polish obsession? I should probably go easy on that.
Sometimes the work is effortless. Other times… it’s nice to fall back on a few tricks.
Here’s a list of Ten Super Awesome Blog Post Ideas. Try working within these little bits of inspiration. Sometimes we just need a nudge in a different direction.
From my blogging heart to yours,
Joy
ps. The cupcakes? They’re Twelve Cupcakes and Frosting with just one stick of butter… it’s like a party trick in your kitchen.
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April 9, 2012 
Some problems can only be solved by Fiona Apple songs. Loud. In headphones. All up in my brain. In the car. Drowning out surroundings.
Fiona Apple reminds me of heartbreak that I no longer mourn. Young loves from years ago. Young loves that feel old now. Loves that I feel faded into just good memories. The sting is gone… and it’s all just sweet. The memories are indulgent. The drama so pleasingly removed. It’s like watching a movie in my head… me and that cute boy I loved are the star. It’s tender and earnest.. and there is good even when it gets sad.
It’s hard to imagine how my now will someday have this faded comfort of my current memories. All of the now feels so… now… and pressing and urgent. If I’m lucky, my now will be my sweet moments later.
But really… the now is sweet indeed.
I made pastry vessels for whipped strawberry cream…. then I covered the whole thing in chocolate. I’m not the first and I won’t be the last to do this.. but I feel pretty much like a genius.
If you had told me ten years ago that I’d be sitting on a bed eating strawberry cream and NOT crying to this song… I wouldn’t have believed you. I would have called you a liar… because that song would always and forever tear out my heart. Or.. not! Because now it just feels sweet, and tender, and reminds me of love and strawberries and cream.
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April 6, 2012 
We are lucky enough to live in a world with both bright Spring asparagus and perfect eggs. I approach both with extreme reverence… and then I smash them together on a plate and call it lunch. Praise the Lord.
It’s time for another Simple Lunch! I’m usually smashing lunch together on a baguette, as evidenced by this avocado, and these edamames.
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April 4, 2012 
Do you have an investment piece? Wait… do you even know what an investment piece is?
Don’t feel bad… I’m just figuring this out myself. An investment piece is a bonkers awesome, typically super expensive, designer dress that one (say… you!) might wear to a gala, ball, or um… red carpet event (because people totally do that). Can you wear it to a wedding? Only if you don’t look better than the bride.
Do you own an investment piece? ….anytime a dress is called a ‘piece’, I know I can’t afford it… let’s just be real.
I don’t own a piece.
I do, however, own one Le Creuset pot in a dusty purple. I have yet to figure out how to wear this to a gala… but luckily I haven’t been invited to any galas.
I don’t anticipate owning a piece. I do anticipate a lot of blazers, summer shorts, and loose tank tops in my warm weather future.
While I may not have the luxury of investment pieces… I do have the luxury of just enough time to make these special little quinoa cakes. They have kale in them! They’re divine and sophisticated! Just like galas.. but without the control top hose (…yea, that’s totally still a thing).
These little gems might remind you of the Lemon, Olive, and Parsley Quinoa Cakes I made last year. They were a good idea. Kale is totally a good idea too!
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