Hello friends! Good Sunday to you!
You live in the world with me. You know what it is. We’ve waited all week to find out who the next president and vice president of the United States will be and it looks like change is on the horizon! Nothing in politics feels clean or perfect to me but I think there’s a lot to be said for intention towards unity and just… decency. I believe that we can, again, and with gusto this time, move towards a more perfect union. Even beyond politics, that’s the point of our time here, isn’t it? To be better with and for each other.
It was hard to focus this week. I think I managed, but I’d be hard pressed to tell you anything I actually did. Actually that’s not correct. I just spent an unhealthy amount of time scrolling through people’s nasty comments back and forth on Instagram. Y’all it’s wild out there. I came away thinking we have a long way to go in understanding one anther if Instagram battles is how we’re communicating.
Here we are. The offering this week is below. Take only what you need. Next week I’ll have chicken pot pie for you so… we’re on the up and up if you don’t see anything you need in this particular post.
• It took two constitutional amendments and the Voting Rights Act for Black women to get the vote and here they are changing the tide in this country. I found this to be an important read: What Black History Should Already Have Taught Us About The Fragility of American Democracy. (The New Yorker)
• This feels like truly 1000 years ago but this is an incredibly gracious and unifying moment lead by a good man (still though, you can hear the beginning of a ferocious dissent). The late John McCain’s concession speech in 2008. I also watched Barack Obama eulogize John McCain and gosh, we’ll get back to this kind of politic I hope?(YouTube)
• A very brief moment to remember U.S Representative John Lewis. (Instagram)
• How Do You Advertise a Town Ravaged by Hurricanes? We’re still thinking about our neighbors in Lake Charles and offering our relief donations here. (The New York Times and Imagine Water Works)
• It is gumbo season and if you don’t already have the Mosquito Supper Club cookbook I highly recommend it. She has an entire chapter dedicated to gumbo and we’re all the better for it. (Book Larder)
• This week I’m making Lemon Meringue Pie with a shortbread cookie crust from Erin McDowell’s Book on Pie. It was my grandfather’s favorite pie and we always used to make one as a special treat for him. Without him here we haven’t been eating nearly enough of this gem. I’ll fix that. (Parnassus Books)
• The 2020 Saveur 1oo. I do love a list. (Saveur)
• I’m not going to skimp on creating my Christmas tree decorations. Last year was paper oranges and this year I’ve got my eye on this paper candle ornament tutorial. Cute and classic, don’t you think? (House That Lars Built)
• On my list of things to make and stock in my freezer last week was this Lentil and Sausage Soup from Food 52. It got pushed to next week’s to-do list but I’ll get there.
• I ordered a little sample of this Pluck Seasoning and I LOVE IT. It’s an everything seasoning made from bovine organs (which, as I type this, sounds wild) but it’s salty, oniony, umami, and full of nutrients. (EatPluck)
• Book club for two includes me and my lightly long distance boo. We’re reading Island of the Lost together. (Amazon)
• From the JtB archives I just a reminder that last year’s Winter Gin and Tonic is fresh and cozy AND Peanut Butter Banana Bon Bons make for excellent freezer snacks. . (Joy the Baker)
• Thank you THANK YOU to all of you who bought Joy the Baker Magazine and shared it with me on Facebook and Instagram! It really filly my heart to see you with it and to know you’ll be baking from it this holiday!
I’m glad you’re here, friend!
Have a wonderful day!
My love to you.
xo Joy
samantha campanini
I am so glad something is changing in your country! I am politically involved in mine and the result of the 2016 elections was really difficult to accept for me since I’m a democratic exponent. I’ve cried over Kamala Harris speach and I look forward to visit Biden’s US (when Covid will let me!).
Sasha L
Joy, long long time reader and admirer of your talent as a baker and cook and blogger, and also of your compassion, spirit, and character. You are a good person. I don’t think anyone here could argue with that. What’s starling to me is that some people commenting here can simultaneously read your blog, see your heart, and kindness and wisdom, and yet not seem to learn anything from you. You are so incredibly patient, your intentions are always good and kind – and yet, here are a cadre of self proclaimed fans who I can only presume read the same posts I do here, and yet still, still, support such a morally corrupt man. It’s mind boggling. I don’t know how they can reconcile their belief in you (and countless others like you), and their cult following. Cults and their leaders, and even more their followers, just defy all reason.
I love you Joy, thank you for all you do to promote decency. You have been a lifeline for these four long years.
Kari
Unreal what our world has come to. It’s an absolute waste of time trying to change people’s minds when everyone is hiding behind their keyboards. If you don’t like something move on and focus on changing the world around you.
Bravo Joy on an amazing blog… your recipes are fantastic! I also appreciate your honesty and openness that you share with us every week. Onward!
Grace
The level of corruption during the election was astonishing. I have to say it was mainly the democrats. Why can’t they be more tolerant of others. I was screamed at! Very sad. This country is meant to be a democracy.
Amy W
Hi Joy! I sincerely hope you got around to making that sausage and lentil stew this week. I made it last year and it was DIVINE!!
Nicole
I just want to point out that y’all have taken time out of your lives to fight about politics in the comments section of a food blog. No wait, in the comments of SOMEONE ELSE’S FOOD BLOG. You might have missed this, but JOYTHEBAKER.COM is Joy’s space where she gets to say what she wants. You can always…not read it? And you don’t have to bore the rest of us with some barely comprehensible deranged screed for why you’re not reading. This is America! You have freedom! THAT MEANS YOU CAN JUST GO.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Kim
Hi Joy, love and appreciate you! Just want to make sure you know your friends are here. To the folks who made the choice to come to a personal blog of a human being living through 2020 and spew their feelings and demand empathy and contrition: you don’t get to opt in to free content and years of free recipes and then opt out of the humanity of the person who gives that to you. Learn how to read a room. Quit assuming that your viewpoint is universally held. Fellow white women, quit coming into non-white spaces and demanding ANYTHING. If you’ve been following Joy for years and you have feelings about her, that’s a conversation for you and your therapist. Your feelings about Joy aren’t Joy’s problem. That emotional intelligence 101. Love you, Joy. Sorry for all these truly bonkers comments. xoxo
Sarah
I’m so thankful for this outcome– I hope we can return to decency in this country. I have never been so offended by a politician as I have over the past 4 years, and Trump has encouraged meanness, division and hate (among many other things that I oppose). I am so proud that we (FINALLY) elected a woman into the Whitehouse. I was so emotional telling my 8 year old daughter!
Marci
Thanks for being you, Joy! I just bought the magazine and can’t wait to make my first recipe from it.
Cy
Hi Joy,
Someone posted John McCain’s concession speech on instagram and it made me cry. Ladies, that is what we are talking about. Whatever side you fall on, that is the way to concede, with grace and dignity. I’m sure we all would like to see this happen now, but it’s not looking good and doesn’t seem to be in our outgoing president’s nature. My other favorite was a cartoon of McCain and John Lewis as angels in heaven fist bumping! The soup looks fantastic, making that soon. Currently reading Caste by Isabelle Wilkerson, fantastic. It’s Sunday night and I’m working through the rest of your post now. I do feel hope again that we can perhaps heal the divide. Hurray for Kamala for making history! That took way too long
Sarah Knewell
Please, please stop. If each of us made a list of the changes we would like to see in our country, I’ll bet our lists would share several issues. We may just have different ideas for solving them, Let’s share our ideas and find some common ground with each other. Then we can then move forward with a shared view. Working together to solve a problem builds trust. Arguing clouds the issues and makes everyone emotional and defensive. I am very worried about families going hungry because of this unpredictable virus this winter. Children who are not physically in school right now are particularly vulnerable. We are bakers. Would anyone like to join me in hosting a bake sale for No Kid Hungry? It`s not the ideal time to have one, but I’m sure we could problem solve that one together to make it a success. Any Biden supporters or Trump supporters interested in joining me?
Karen B
Well, after reading all the comments people are really having a difficult week. I am just happy I have your magazine. I will now read it with my dowton abbey tea and Amos Lee playing in the background. Life is good and everyday life changes. Enjoy today!!
Julia
So sorry a simple affirmation is skewed
Kudos to you!
We all need to look inward and not accusing outward
Thank you for showing up each Sunday
Rain or shine
Love your site
Erica
Thank you for always showing us around your favorite bits of the internet and working so hard to bring us well tested recipes. I always know a joy the baker recipe will never let me down.
Demethra Pinkston
Let me just say that this is disappointing that people would try to turn such a place of brightness and joy into a place of hate and divisiveness. This is not the place. I am sure there are plenty of blogs out there that would love to hear your political views. We want to hear about cooking on this one though…PERIOD! Sorry, Joy, for our ignorance!
Rose
I was delighted to find a copy of your magazine at my local Independent Grocer on Friday. Congratulations on a beautiful issue! Can’t decide what to make first but I do have one more Winter Luxury pumpkin to use up. Also, thanks to you I have to put stove top stuffing mix on my shopping list- something I didn’t know I needed.
We’ve already celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada but I’ll be thinking of you on the 25th.
Zita DeGraffenreid
Thank you once again, Joy, for your thoughtful comments and offerings. I’m so sorry you have to put up with all of the political comments. This is not the place for them. Anyway, I’m looking forward you your pretzel making class on Thursday. My best friend and I both signed up! We live 1500 miles apart and can’t wait to Zoom with you!
Tabitha Griffith
I’ve been baking out of your Homemade Decadence cookbook and recommending you to anyone that will listen. I’m NOT a cookbook buyer—I generally rely on a tiny handful of bloggers whose recipes I trust. One of them linked to a delightful skillet cake recipe of yours though, and I was off. After I’d checked it (and the 100 Simple & Comforting Recipes one)out from the library an embarrassing number of times, though, I bit the bullet. (I did just request the Mosquito Supper Club book as well—if I enjoy it half as much, it’ll be delightful.)
I always look forward to your Sunday posts! I gathered that you’d probably be pleased with the announcement of Joe Biden as president-elect, and that’s fine. I do wish you could’ve held space for the grief and frustration of other half of the country, though. I’ve tried to stay informed (via Allsides news) through the past few years. For families that have grave, grave concerns about the changes promised during the campaign under a Biden/Harris administration, there’s been precious little space held for us, aside from ultra-conservative corners of the USA and internet. Until now, I’ve said nothing at all online since the elections—I remember being horrified and sickened with the reception Pres. Trump received from the media and political opponents from Day 1 in office. I may think many of the proposed policies are disastrous, but I cannot turn around and act the same way just because I’m worried and anxious. “Mainstream” news, bloggers, various organizations all seem to be assume that all decent people must be rejoicing right now. We’ll be fine, of course, but you seem to genuinely care for those you share your food and recipes with. I thought perhaps it was worth the time to share my perspective, as I hope to follow your blog for years to come. I wish you well, and I look forward to the chicken pot pie next week.
Michelle
If you are genuinely grieving the fact that a racist, sexist, inept criminal is no longer in charge of our country, then i think you need to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself what exactly it is that you stand for. And what exactly are your “grave concerns”? You’re worried that people are now going to be treated as equals? Worried that we’re no longer going to allow our environment to be destroyed? Worried that human decency is going to prevail again?
Kate
THANK YOU, Michelle! 100 percent my thoughts. ?
P
Space to grieve – hilarious. Join the family and friends of the 240,000 Americans Trump’s ineptitude killed if you want to grieve.
Lee
I went ahead and took a flyer, ordering a bag of pluck. Now how can I use it?!
Samantha
Trump supporters upset with this loss – Please read this speech and really think about a time when Trump, over the past the past four years has offered the same kind of inclusiveness and hope to the all Americans not just republicans. We need to move together as one and bring dignity back to the office.
My fellow Americans, the people of this nation have spoken.
They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for “We the People.”
We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation — 74 million.
I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify. Who doesn’t see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.
For that is what America is about: The people. And that is what our Administration will be about.
I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation — the middle class. To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home.
It is the honor of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision. And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time.
As I said many times before, I’m Jill’s husband. I would not be here without the love and tireless support of my wife, Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family. They are my heart.
Jill’s a mom — a military mom — and an educator. She has dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn’t just what she does — it’s who she is. For America’s educators, this is a great day: You’re going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great First Lady.
And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president — Kamala Harris — who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent, and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country.
It’s long overdue, and we’re reminded tonight of all those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. But once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.
Kamala, Doug — like it or not — you’re family. You’ve become honorary Bidens.
To all those who volunteered, worked the polls, local election officials — you deserve a special thanks from this nation. To my campaign team, to all the volunteers, to all those who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I thank you for everything. And to all those who supported us: I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am proud of the coalition we built, the broadest and most diverse in history.
Democrats and Republicans and Independents. Progressives, moderates and conservatives. Young and old. Urban, suburban and rural. Gay, straight, transgender. White. Latino. Asian. Native American.
And especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest — the African American community.
I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that.
And to those who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple of elections myself.
But now, let’s give each other a chance. It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric. To lower the temperature. To see each other again. To listen to each other again. To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy. We are not enemies. We are Americans.
The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal.
This is that time for America. A time to heal.
Now that the campaign is over — what is the people’s will? What is our mandate?
I believe it is this: Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and the forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.
The battle to control the virus. The battle to build prosperity. The battle to secure your family’s health care. The battle to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country. The battle to save the climate. The battle to restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.
Our work begins with getting COVID under control.
We cannot repair our economy, restore our vitality, or relish life’s most precious moments — hugging a grandchild, birthdays, weddings, graduations, all the moments that matter most to us — until we get this virus under control.
On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.
That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern. I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.
I ran as a proud Democrat. I will now be an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me — as I will for those who did.
Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end — here and now.
The refusal of Democrats and Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control. It’s a decision. It’s a choice we make.
And if we can decide not to cooperate, then we can decide to cooperate. And I believe that is part of the mandate from the American people. They want us to cooperate.
That’s the choice I’ll make. And I call on the Congress — Democrats and Republicans alike — to make that choice with me.
America’s story is about the slow, yet steady widening of opportunity. Make no mistake: Too many dreams have been deferred for too long. We must make the promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their race, their identity, their ethnicity, their faith.
America has always been shaped by inflection points — by moments in time where we’ve made hard decisions about who we are and what we want to be.
Lincoln in 1860 — coming to save the Union. FDR in 1932 — promising a beleaguered country a New Deal. JFK in 1960 — pledging a New Frontier.
And twelve years ago — when Barack Obama made history — and told us, “Yes, we can.”
We stand again at an inflection point. We have the opportunity to defeat despair and to build a nation of prosperity and purpose. We can do it. I know we can.
I’ve long talked about the battle for the soul of America. Now we must restore the soul of America.
Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses. It is time for our better angels to prevail.
Tonight, the whole world is watching. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.
I’ve always believed we can define America in one word: Possibilities.
That in America everyone should be given the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them.
You see, I believe in the possibility of this country. We’re always looking ahead. Ahead to an America that’s freer and more just. Ahead to an America that creates jobs with dignity and respect. Ahead to an America that cures disease — like cancer and Alzheimers. Ahead to an America that never leaves anyone behind. Ahead to an America that never gives up.
This is a great nation. And we are a good people. This is the United States of America. And there has never been anything we haven’t been able to do when we’ve done it together.
In the last days of the campaign, I’ve been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.
And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
“And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.”
And now, together — on eagle’s wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.
With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be.
A nation united. A nation strengthened. A nation healed.
God bless you. And may God protect our troops.
Joe Biden
Sarah
Thank you for posting that. That speech sets a tone for our country that we have not heard from that office in 4 years. I appreciate the reminder.
Barbara
Found this on Facebook and I totally agree
I already know you don’t like President Trump…that’s a given, SO let’s move on from that…
How about the division of America….
Do you really blame Trump for that?
How about when NONE of the DEMOCRATS showed up for his inauguration? Don’t you think that started the division? He hadn’t even been president yet, and EXCEPT for Clinton and Obama, not one democrat showed up….Is that when Trump divided America? Can you imagine if the REPUBLICANS didn’t show up for Obama’s inauguration because they lost??? Can you even start to imagine what would have happened?
How about when 19 minutes after Trump was inaugurated, the Washington Post declared the IMPEACHMENT CAMPAIGN has STARTED? Was that when Trump divided America?
How about when Nancy Pelosi ripped up Trump’s state of the union right in front of the world, showing complete disrespect for the President of the United States? Did that bring the country together and is THAT when Trump divided America?
How about when America had to endure, 3 years and over 30 million dollars spent.. on trying to PROVE that Trump only won because of RUSSIAN COLLUSION and NOT because America voted him in and 17 democrats did EVERYTHING in their power to PROVE that there was Russian Collusion…and came up with ZERO…?
Was THAT when Trump divided America?
I can’t even start to go over the NEGATIVE PRESS he’s received since his surprise win…
Remember, the DONORS, the likes Bloomberg, who gave 27 million, Tom Steyer who gave 17 million, George Soros who gave 9 million and MANY MORE that gave MULTI-MILLIONS to Hillary, wanted a return on their investment…
Do you really think that donors give MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS just because they love Hillary?
NO, these weren’t campaign donations, they were INVESTMENTS into what HILLARY had promised them when she became president….
They were so sure she would win and they would be SHOWERED with HUGE RETURNS, and when it didn’t happen and they LOST all those millions, they went all out to TAKE TRUMP out of OFFICE by any means possible…
DID YOU KNOW that 90% of the Mainstream media and the corporations that own them, are owned by or run by BIG DEMOCRAT DONORS? You can verify all of that for yourselves…I did…
Since the moment Trump won, even before he was inaugurated, the mainstream media’s reporting was 92% negative on Trump, do you know why?
It was those big donors that lost their dream of MILLIONS of dollars, on their returns that they were going to receive when Hillary was president and they weren’t going to take that loss lightly…They needed to PUNISH TRUMP and those that VOTED HIM IN…
I’ve said this since the night he was elected…
“There is NOTHING the left won’t do to take down our President”, our country and us, no low they won’t go to, to get their power back”, and sadly, we have seen this every single day since his election.
Let me ask you this…Have you ever listened to Trump or appreciated any accomplishment or campaign promises he’s kept, have you ever gone to one of his rallies or have you just closed your mind to ANYTHING he does?
Please ask yourselves the following questions, if you dare…
What has Joe Biden done for America for the last 47 years that he’s held an office?
What did Joe Biden ever do for BLACKS when HE and Obama were in office?
What has Joe Biden ever done in his entire life to create a private-sector job?
What has Joe Biden done to help the American middle class worker?
President Trump and his entire family has been vilified, demeaned and disrespected, for one reason and one reason only…….HE WON…
Have you noticed the DEMOCRATS only throw tantrums and OBJECT to everything he does and have NEVER ONCE gotten behind him to make America the best it can be? WHY?
They can’t afford to get behind him…he would WIN AGAIN, and they can’t let that happen….if he wins again, the Democrat party will be destroyed and they know it…
Did you notice that the “CAGES” the left claimed that Trump built to put Illegal children in, WERE BUILT BY OBAMA for the very purpose of PUTTING ILLEGAL CHILDREN IN?
Was THAT all over the news when Obama did it? The very same “CAGES”…but the media was silent!!
How about when Trump commuted Roger Stone’s sentence, and was DEMONIZED 24/7 but NOT A WORD when Obama commuted 1715 inmates, which included 330 that he granted on his last day in office…
DID WE EVEN HEAR one WORD about it?
Were there reporters even reporting it…NO! Just look at the difference in the reporting. By the way, since Trump’s been in office he’s commuted 10 people…compare that to Obama…Is that reporting fair?
How about when Biden and Obama allowed the H1N1, the SWINE FLU, to INFECT MILLIONS of Americans before declaring it a health emergency….
Was the press losing it’s minds and calling it the OBAMAFLU AND BLAMING OBAMA and BIDEN for the spread ? SILENCE!
Compare this to the NEGATIVE COVERAGE that Trump got when, he immediately halted travel from China when, in February, Nancy Pelosi went to Chinatown and said come on down, or when DeBlasio, in March, said ride the subways and go to broadway…BUT those same people are blaming Trump for the spread of coronavirus..
Susan Kennedy
I totally get what you are saying here. I for one am not a fan of Trump or Biden, and agree that so many people voted for him in 2016 because they were tired of the same old do nothing for us Dems. What I find interesting is the number of well educated supposedly woke folks that do all the Trump name calling. (Starting with Hillary and ‘deplorables’ comment) and think that they are so different from a Trump supporter. You are not, you are engaging in the same middle school behavior instead of just keeping your mouths shut and trying to be a better person. I have a good friend with a couple of Phd’s and I have been aghast at some of her comments on the FB threads. Us VS them is never a good choice. Hunger and loss of jobs is real to both sides of the fence, so folks woud do well to find some common ground and get working in your local communities. And one more thing re: Trump, I applaud him for exposing all the corruption in DC and for not starting any wars while in office.
Christy
This is so true!! But now somehow they want unity. Unity is what they will get. Even though I didn’t vote for this president I will keep my mouth shut and not go four years bashing the next president. Because this is what people with integrity do. I will not post bad comments or disrespect our president but hope for a better future for America
Caryn
How about when the Republicans went after President Obama for supposedly not being an American? Or ObamaCare? Regarding the shut down of flights from China,the airlines did it first. I know because my in laws were scrambling to get on a plane to attend my wedding. H1N1 is a known beast, not an unknown one as COVID-19 and President Trump called it the China virus and Kung-flu. But go ahead, blame the Dems for everything. Because the Republicans have always been the bigger person ?.
Kara
The number of falsehoods in this comment are absolutely ridiculous. So many lies, which is, I guess, typical for a Trump supporter
Sally
What a week! I just learned that Alex Trebek has passed. What a kind, brilliant soul. RIP and my thoughts go out to his family.
I really need to bake today. I’m going to borrow some lemons from my neighbors’ tree.
Thank you Joy
Marylou
Squeak and squeal as far as the new President and his amazing VP.
Joy, I have been ready your blog for a long time and now discovering you’ve got a magazine out how did I miss that news?! Enjoying your gram stories too!
Lise Ode
Joy, I’m loving your holiday magazine. I think the first recipe I’m going to try is smothered chicken. I’m bad about baking all day and then having nothing planned for dinner. I need to work on that. Will let you know how it turns out. xo
Vicki
Well said, Joy. Love lemon meringue so much only without the meringue! Did you have a Marie Calender’s pie shop in southern California? They topped their lemon pie with the sweetened sour cream topping that is on certain cheesecake recipes and my mom tried it with hers. Voila! Your shortbread crust with a lemon pie sounds so good. Stay well.
francesca
gigantic YASSSSS to you for understanding of and projecting the power of calm ????? here for all of it
-A fan from Amsterdam
Karissa
I just love your wittiness and style of writing. Thanks for sharing.
Jess Melgey
Thank you for always being a calming and gracious stop on my Sunday morning routine, Joy. And I totally want to do a book club for two now!
Lindy
I never comment on blog or social media posts, but I just want to give hearty thanks for including the article and donation link to help those impacted by the hurricanes in Lake Charles. My brother and his family are local business owners who lost both their home and barn but are tirelessly working to rebuild their community and to give others a helping hand along the way. I’ve visited the area twice since Laura and the devastation is apocolyptic, to say the least. I’ve been completely ashamed of the media for their woeful lack of coverage and I’m very grateful to you for using your platform to promote awareness. Thank you so much!
Kayla
I am 24 years old, and I have not once ever written a response to any blog post I have read. However, after the turmoil of this election and the ridiculous partisanship that has pervaded the American conscious, I feel obligated to point out the utter hypocrisy that comes with claiming that a vote for Joe Biden means unity while simultaneously claiming that Trump — and ergo anyone who voted for him — is indecent. This is the exact type of evil versus good mentality that the Democratic party has set up which has made America divided today. Almost 71 million people have voted for Trump; to suggest that such a vote means that people simply want to maintain indecency is not only divisive but clearly false and ill-informed. Why is it so hard to imagine both parties as wanting America to be at its best but just approaching this solution differently? Why must it be constructed in a way that paints one side as good and one side as evil? The truth is that through this post, which I assume you’ve made in an attempt to end divisiveness, you’ve done nothing but promote and create it. I have no doubt that this post will be censored, as we’ve also come to a place where free speech is not tolerated, but hopefully you might read this and possibly consider how this kind of language might also be contributing to the intolerance you hate.
Laura
Kayla, I think you are taking offense to something without taking a step back to assess whether your perception of what was said is actually what was said. Joe Biden’s central campaign message was unity and decency, so now that he is president elect, people are hopeful that we can work toward greater unity and decency. Joy did not mention Trump or anyone who voted for him. Biden did mention those voters his speech last night and said he hopes to work for their interests, too. I hope you watched it! In saying that, I will add that one cannot ignore that President Trump has used divisive rhetoric throughout his campaigns and time in office, and the fact that you are taking a positive message about hope for our future and twisting it into an attack on anyone who voted for Trump indicates that perhaps the confrontational environment created by Trump has influenced your perceptions and caused you to feel defensive. This is the kind of attitude that perpetuates division. Defensiveness prevents self reflection and growth. Please take this beautiful Sunday to relax and reflect and decide how you want to see the world. It’s a much more enjoyable place when you choose to see the beauty in it.
Deborah
Laura, YES! I wish I could “love” your comment to Kayla, as I wholeheartedly agree. I too feel optimistic and excited about the message of unity, and I wonder why it is a problematic message for some, regardless of political affiliation or specific beliefs.
Mary Poppins
Keyla,
(And perhaps to all your sympathizers)
Don’t worry. I know dear, you lost your binki.
I’m looking for it. As soon as I find it you can have it back. By the time the teething is over, you hopefully have mastered a few more milestones that will enable you to cope and thrive and gain wisdom every day of your life, a happy one!
Liz
That is another example of disrespectful ness. She has a right to voice her opinion without anyone treating her like her voice doesn’t count. Did you miss Biden’s message of unity AND DECENCY .? OR DOES IT ONLY HOLD MEANING WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT FOR YOU. ? I have age on my side but I have the wisdom to know youth doesn’t mean they are not adults and the future leaders of this world.. And their voice is every bit as powerful as well.
Nicole
Ma’am this is a food blog.
Liz
What has come to light is how we live in a society that was on attack on President Trump from the onset. One can sugar coat what happened to him by his opposition with platitudes but the truth is that if society did not extend common courtesy to a duly elected President Trump, can they really expect society to acknowledge a Biden -Harris administration ? They attacked every single person in his administration, his family, his supporters, and daytime and late night television became a vile , hate filled collection of putrid unentertaining garbage . How do you see a return to normal? The only side causing destruction and hurting their neighbors and businesses were the protesters . Now we all have to foot the Bill for these people throwing hissy fits at the expense of the tax payer . So many entertainers have lost the respect of viewers who no longer watch them or listen to their music. I cannot see where destruction and violence is an answer to any problem.. Since when do our differences make us enemies? It is what makes the United States unique. President Trump acccomplished many of his campaign promises and to that he should be Congratulated and thanked. I saw no one turn away the stimulus money he provided, and living close to the U.S. / Mexico border we immediately saw relief from the endless drugs and human trafficking that was a problem with the previous administration. Each new President gives a sector in society something that is important to them or their livelihood. Give President Trump his credit . He maybe didn’t address your needs but he certainly addressed a huge need for his supporters. In four years we will see either his administration or the Biden administration try to make a difference . They all come and go, but this is the first time in my 66 years that I I have witnessed such disrespect towards a U.S .elected President..
Kay
I don’t truly wish to start anything on Joy’s blog which is normally a corner of food, taking what we need and leaving what we don’t – but it’s just TOO much to hear someone say “what has come to light is how we live in a society that was on attack on President Trump from the onset” when I could print out a literal mile of 140 character Twitter attacks on – everyone. Everyone. Everything. Rude, disrespectful, demeaning, insulting, mean, prejudiced, racist, sexist (are you a 10?), there was an attack for everything and everyone. Not once, not one minute, did he pretend to govern me, BIPOC people, my city, my state, my profession, my religion – after 4 years, 5 if you count the primary, that wears on a soul and on a people. So, if people are temporarily joyous to be free of the constant debasement, let them have it. It’s the greatest exhale I’ve ever taken, and not because the new regime is crushing down people who aren’t like me – but because he isn’t.
Liz
I am a woman , a minority, over 65 , I know what racism is . My family and I knows what racism was at it’s worst. I know what it is like to be confronted at my job by racism or what it is like to have men at work think you deserve less pay or be their object of unwanted attention. I attended college. I have voted Democrat. I have voted Republican. Every voice should be heard. I hear yours . Thank you for hearing mine.
devorah
You a one smart young lady!
Poppy
Amen. The Democrats have done nothing but spew hate and throw a tantrum for four years. Now they want unity? Ummm…no.
Katie
Love trumps hate. Let’s erase the last four years of hate and move forward!
Sam
I think you need to look at the viciousness of the trump presidency and the divisive rhetoric that was key to his presidency – and the hypocrisy of your statement. The only ones throwing tantrums here are the hateful trump supporters who are refusing to let Democracy happen with dignity.
Bridgette
And how is saying “hateful” trump supporters not divisive? The irony with pitching the Democratic party as the loving and unifying party while describing 71 million voters as hateful.
Katie
I don’t think Sam is saying that ALL Trump supporters are hateful; only the ones who are refusing to accept that Biden won the election and are continuing the lying, ignorant rhetoric of the last four years. Let it go and move forward.
Stella
Poppy,
Please look up the word grace. Learn it, live it, spread it. It must be so tiring to be so angry and bitter and only 24! Aren’t you tired?
Cally
“Why is it so hard to imagine both parties as wanting America to be at its best but just approaching this solution differently?” Because of dialogue like this. Based on what you have written here I personally have absolutely no idea what you are trying to say. Your “truth” is your opinion. You’re entitled to it, of course, but it’s just a starting point for discussion. if you want to actually have a discussion then you may want to consider getting out of reactionary attack mode. and choosing different language. Lots of name calling and derogatory accusations here. If you want to make progress toward less divisiveness, and be respected as someone who prioritizes decency, then maybe re-think how you enter the conversation. Ask some questions, ask better questions, try to understand the other point of view, and state your concerns more clearly.
Janet C.
Agree wholeheartedly with Cally.. I’ve visited this blog for years, shared with family and friends your scrumptious recipes, purchased your cookbook and magazine, I say goodbye today Joy.
Cally
Hi Janet- you may have misinterpreted my comment, which was in response to Kayla’s post. Sorry fo the confusion. Best o luck to you though.
Cathie
The letter from George HW Bush to Bill Clinton is also a great example of a unifying approach to a change in presidents.
Suzannah Kolbeck
Can you imagine the letter from 45 to Biden? Will most likely be childish and illegible.
Liz
That is the kind of attitude that got us in this mess in the first place. Try to tone it down. If you truly want change. We have to try to remember not everyone thinks this was the solution either.
Katie
Try to tone it down? Did you offer those words of wisdom to Trump at any point over the last four years? He is childish and there’s nothing he could say in a letter to President-Elect Biden that would be of any value whatsoever. This is a time of unity for all. Get on board. It’s going to be an incredible journey.
Liz
You heard me . I said tone it down. You can’t get unity continuing to be a hateful mess. I feel sad for you. You say you want unity but you want to control the world. You can’t.
Poppy
Thank you for just proving my point. Truly sad.
Cally
Poppy – what is your point exactly? why are you sad? what exactly is it you are concerned about? this is a comment section. If you have something to say, then say it.
What democrats? what hate? What spewing? what do you mean when you say you are against unity? Do you hate anyone who is a democrat? which policies have had the most impact on your life? What has personally been the most difficult for you over the past 4 years? what do you propose instead? what do you think should be done? are you in favor of more divisiveness? are you against collaborating? do you feel that policies should only be created to represent your own opinions? do you think that elected officials are elected to represent all constituents- or only those in their party? what do you think the biggest concerns are right now facing our country?
Demethra Pinkston
I, too, Joy can’t tell you much about what I did this past week. It has been exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. I learned more about the election process and I am happy about that…and to end it all with someone who looks like myself, my mother, my daughter representing us in the White House…mind blown… I am ecstatic to go on with journey with Mrs. Harris! Thank you for your honesty and your truth. I look forward to seeing the selection for the week…know that it is the titles for me! Wishing you the very best, Sis!
Betty Lazarus
Loved your vegetable crumble recipe. I even subbed cauliflower rice for the crackers, equally delicious. I’ll be making this one many times!