Hi friends! Happy Sunday.
You floored me. I read every single one of your comments on the blog this week and it was deeply humbling. You all were so generous. I’m really so thankful we’re all here together every Sunday. If you’ve never commented, thank you for peeking out to wave ‘heeey!’. I love it. Please feel comfortable going back to your quiet enjoyment of this page. I’m just glad to know you’re here. And here is exactly where we are! Taking a moment today. Feels steady.
How are you feeling this weekend? Planning for a holiday? A different sort of holiday than we ever anticipated, to be sure. What I do know about my Thanksgiving is that it will be entirely different from the 18 friends I had around the table in the backyard last year. This year there will be a Turkey Pot Pie and we’re good with that.
It’s all weird and feels endless but here we are just doing our everyday as best we can.
The offering this week is below. Please take good care and take only what you need:
• It’s all still happening and we’re overwhelmed. (AP)
• Our must read of the week: What if Instead of Calling People Out, We Called Them In. (New York Times)
• Ok I’m going to need this level of passion when you bake and taste Dad’s Sweet Potato Pie (colorful language and all, please) Review of Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie. (Joy the Baker and YouTube)
• Our friend Ree Drummond brought us a new book this week! Frontiers Follies: Adventures in Marriage and Motherhood in the Middle of Nowhere I’m enjoying it. It’s the kind of book I’m going to give to my mom after I finish. (Amazon)
• These plants are BUSY: How much your houseplants move in a day. (Moss and Fog)
• I feel like Polly nails it with this one: Why Can’t I Stop Lying All The Time? I can remember a time when I would lie to avoid criticism or conflict. I think part of getting older is a) not giving a hoot and b) learning how to sit in discomfort. But this article also reminded me of something Oprah said in her book The Wisdom of Sundays about growing past the lies that you tell to yourself. Oh snap. The work is never done. (The Cut and Parnassus Books)
• Feel free to file this under: Things I Had No Idea Joy Cared About, but… I absolutely watched John Mayer talk about very fancy and very special Rolex watches and I think he has incredible taste and great insights. Ok wow sorry. (Hodinkee)
• This week I listened to Wynonna Judd talk about ‘Blue Eyes Cryin’ In The Rain’ on a podcast called One by Willie. Which reminded me of this Revisionist History episode about the devastation of country songs. (Texas Monthly and Revisionist History)
• If you’re looking for the best Pecan Pie on the internet, The Pancake Princess has really done the legwork for you. Also, remember my very old Parker House Roll recipe (what’s up 2010)? Well, turn out they hold up and were voted very high in the in her Parker House Roll bakeoff! (The Pancake Princess and Joy the Baker)
• Quick note from the internet: owls have long legs. (Google)
• It’s been so wonderful seeing so many of you bake from Joy the Baker Magazine already this holiday! If you don’t yet have your copy – heck, what are you waiting for!? Pick up a copy at your local grocery store with your Thanksgiving groceries or buy it online with the link above. I appreciate your support and I love that you’re baking along with me. (Also, I’m only very lightly raging at the one random 2 star rating. It’s fine, is what I’m going to keep telling myself.) (Amazon)
• Maybe you’d like to take this orange and clove tree on as your long weekend holiday decor project. I’m VERY INTO THIS but I’m not yelling. (Instagram)
• Versace or Versausage? (Seemore)
That’s the offering today. If nothing else I hope you laughed at the owl legs. Take good care of yourself and have a beautiful day, friend!
My love to you.
xo Joy
ab
I’ll quote Leslie Knope and stay away from John Mayer!
Amy Perciballi
I asked my boys to get me your magazine for Christmas!
And I loved the article about calling people ‘in’ rather than ‘out.’ As a single mom of two teen boys – ages 16 & 19, I hear their frustrations when girls call them out. I am trying to teach them to “seek first to understand” but it is rough with the social media driven world in which these kids are growing up. That article gave me hope.
Beth
That Sweet Potato Pie video is prompting my first comment ever. Thank you for giving me great belly laughs this morning! Much needed. I’ll be re-watching that all day. I’m giggling now just thinking about it.
The other Joy the Baker
Oooh–can I have the recipe that goes with the picture at the top? That looks sooo good.
Jaclyn D Levy
Joy, this year I finally got my chance to make your Dad’s sweet potato pie. I made it alongside my 6 year old who is an enthusiastic baker. It should be no surprise to you that we LOVED the pie and I can’t imagine making or eating any other pie for Thanksgiving ever again. Thank you and your dad for sharing your beloved recipe with us. It truly lived up to the hype and I can’t wait to dive into the leftovers tomorrow!
Rebecca
I love all your posts, especially the sunday ones! I made your dad’s sweet potato pie for several friends, and dropped it on their porches. And enough leftover for me. Such a good recipe.
Catherine
Extending gratitude and appreciation to Joy the Baker… inspired by James Wright Chanel’s review of Patti Labelle’s sweet potato pie… that was amazing. I am not a regular Walmart shopper however may do more shopping bc of the pie review. I purchased Art of the Pie and Poe Camp books as gifts for my mom’s 75th birthday this year and she loves them.. thank you for sharing such varied and wonderful content. Your honest and open hearted appreciation that differences are valued makes this a very appealing space for me to return to regularly. Wishing everyone who sees this especially Joy a wonderful day.
Meagan
That Patti LaBelle pie video ?
I needed that in my life.
Katt
I keep looking for the magazine in the store, but no luck yet. Maybe it’ll be there when I venture out again in a week or two (I told myself last week that I wouldn’t need to shop again until after Thanksgiving, but then I went again yesterday).
Stay safe and healthy. Thank you for always being you. <3
Danielle
Hi Joy – I’ve been reading for almost 8 years by my count. Thanks for being here. We don’t agree on everything, but that’s mostly because true crime keeps me up at night and inspires me sometimes to lock the car door before opening my garage… Don’t let the haters get you down. Your droll responses to the occasional sass are highlights on my Monday.
Paula
I won’t pretend that I did not IMMEDIATELY go to check out the John Mayer Talking Watches video. And I also won’t pretend that I did not immediately remember this article from like a decade ago discussing John Mayer as a “meta-douche.” I think about that article a lot when I’m feeling conflicted about how much I love his music.
Laura
I’ve been following along for at least the past decade or so. I don’t comment often, but I’m here every Sunday and I always love these posts so much. Sometimes I can’t take on the heavy content, sometimes all I want is the more challenging offerings. Thanks for putting this together for us every week! I loved the article about “Calling in” and will be sharing with others I know will find it valuable.
I hope you have a nice holiday in these crazy days. Thank you for all the pies, cookies, happiness, and fantastic links you share!
Jill
Joy – loved so many of your links. They made me laugh and cry – Overwhelmed. And I will be getting your magazine next trip to grocery store. Would like to experiment this long Thanksgiving weekend. Have some extra time trying to be a good citizen and not doing anything to spread Covid. Thanks again for a lovely Sunday. Enjoy your holiday and stay safe.
Catherine Craig
Who knew there was so much involved with watches? Just had no idea collecting rolexes is a thing but I’ll watch John Mayer talk about anything! ?
joythebaker
oh it is SUCH A THING.
Cy
Hi Joy,
As I enjoy reading through another Sunday post, your red beans and rice are simmering on the stove. I took some liberties with what I had in the house, but i knew you wouldn’t mind. I splurge on some Rancho Gordo cranberry beans though. I’m enjoying your magazine so much I bought a copy for my bestie too. We are both avid home bakers and i taught him how to cook savory many years ago. . I made the smothered chicken last week and its a keeper. Now time for a cup of tea and some more Sunday reading…….
Hannah
Thank you for these Sundays, Joy. They keep me informed and make sure I take some time for reflection on the week past/ahead. They’re grounding and thoughtful and beautifully balanced. My closest crew has been following you since we were roommates in college together and your Sunday posts bring us together each week.
M
Thanks for the article of Professor Ross. The called out issue was very interesting. I hope to read the issue of called in when she has completed her study. Very informative…Thanks again.
Linda
You are a true blessing in my life!! I kneaded this recipe today! Thanks
Sarah
Joy, I’ve been reading and loving your blog since almost the beginning (although to be honest i’m not really sure if it was 2008 or 2009) and have been making your parker house rolls annually for family events since you posted the recipe! Thanks for the years of great recipes, and here’s to many more. stay well my internet friend from afar!
Terry S
Wow, a two star review and they did not even say why! That is just rude! Love the magazine! It is a great addition to my holiday recipe resources and my Joy the Baker cookbook section.
joythebaker
I appreciate you Terry!
Deb Christenson
I’ve only been to New Orleans once, yet you make me feel like I could come and be welcome. I love visiting your house and your sunny soul through “Let it Be Sunday.” Let it be, for sure! I’ll be alone on Thanksgiving this year–putting up my Christmas tree so I can ignore the holiday that is about family and friends and move on into the holiday that is about comfort and JOY!
Gina
I just got so annoyed for you about that 2 star review!! I just wrote you one to help counteract it some!! Obsessed with your magazine and love coming here on Sunday’s to read your offering!
Marilyn
Where can we leave reviews! I’ll write a good one! I love coming to this site, and making her recipes!
joythebaker
Gina you’re a real one!
Chris W.
Those owl pictures are positively hilarious !!! Looks like they’re flashing all of us. Your magazine is so nice and I love he no ads feature. It’s a nice sturdy addition to my extensive cookbook collection – thank you for all the work that went into it. I did find it interesting that my pantry staples are so much in line with yours. Probably doesn’t make me as good a baker as you but at least I have a running start with supplies. I truly do look forward to Let It Be Sunday…a comforting start to the week.
Linda
Hi Joy, I love reading your blog every Sunday morning with my cup of tea. When I heard you had a magazine out I was so excited but I couldn’t find it here in my little corner of Ontario. But….on a little trip to Walmart this week what did I find in the magazine section….yes!!!! Thank you Walmart! It was there and I’m so looking forward to trying some of your recipes from it.
Melissa McKay
I DO SO look forward to your post every week, I am sure we are friends. xo
Vicki
Love love love the plant video article and the sweet potato youtube guy! I’ve watched that video so many times since I discovered her pie while waiting in line at Walmart. A beautiful lady and her adorable son had one. I asked if it was good and I’ve bought many. The flavor profile is the best. Have a lovely Thanksgiving Joy. Turkey pot pie is brilliant.
Kara
I have a pie for you to try, Joy. It’s kind of a gateway pecan pie. . .when I was younger, I thought I didn’t like pecan pie because pecans are delicious, but I didn’t love an entire mound of them as dessert. I came across a recipe for an oatmeal pecan pie in an issue of Cooking Light, and thought that might be a great compromise, and oh my. I just googled it, because I know I have made it every single year since that first time, but I didn’t know how many years that would be. . .and I found that the recipe was from the November 2006 issue! A 14 year pie record, it’s got to be good, right?! My husband would probably cry if there were no oatmeal pecan pie in the thanksgiving dessert lineup, and I would too. It is absolutely delicious, and has a depth from the oatmeal that plain pecan pie misses. If you were to decide to try it, I will say: I make a from-scratch pie crust of course (the recipe suggests a pre-made refrigerated crust), and I bake it much longer than the recipe suggests, in order to get it to set up properly. The recipe says to bake for 50 minutes, and I probably do 20 or 30 more than that. . .so the recipe is not without a flaw. But with that homemade crust and a long enough bake. . .it’s divine. If you want to try it: https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/oatmeal-pecan-pie
Sarah
Oh Joy….I love this week’s offerings! Gray and cold here in Michigan, but we are all happy and cozy staying home this week with our copy of your magazine, that we LOVE. I sent a copy to my sis in Canada so we can continue our Zoom baking sessions all winter long. Currently sipping coffee and eating your olive feta soda bread (so so good) while my daughter plans our cookie wreath from your magazine. I know you love a good craft, so I can’t resist sharing that she is currently making a clay miniature model of the wreath that will become a Christmas tree ornament. Thanks for making our quarantine Sunday Joyful!
Marilyn
I was SO excited to see your magazine at our checkout counter in Colorado!!! I have decided since it will be a very small Thanksgiving, that I am making your dad’s Sweet Potato Pie as our side dish this year, instead of my usual sweet potato casserole. It seems like a good year for dessert for dinner! And, the meringue will put some extra protein on our plates!!!
Jane
Thank you for so many great offerings! What a beautiful singing voice from the Patti LaBelle Pie video person! ..amazing.
Kristin Law
Hi girlie..as always love my Sunday morning with you.
Well my birthday was last Saturday and I (or the universe) decided to SLOW this gal down with a unfortunate fall:( :(
16 stitches in eyebrow and a swollen foot!!
Sooooo……after resting and being a good patient for 8 days now I will be scooting around kitchen with my boot on…your magazine ( which hello….10 Starz!!!!!) All week baking away..My kitchen is my happy place and you my dear are one of my faves.
Cheers to 54:)… Cheers to my favorite season and holiday.This too shall pass.
Sending blessings
Elizabeth Thompson
I got your magazine last week and immediately made the cornbread. Who knew browning the butter would make such an incredible difference in flavor? (Well, obviously you knew). Thank you for all the wonderful recipes and for the glimpses into your life and New Orleans culture.
Amanda
Wow, no. I very much enjoyed your posts on Sunday when it was clear you had a political position, as gentle and kind as you were about it.
But after the backlash from actual Nazis you bring us… an article against a made-up issue (“cancel culture” doesn’t exist) and hey, here’s a dose of the very apolitical (but small-town wealthy Christian so you know exactly what that means) Ree Drummond. I’ll come back for a recipe or two, but not for your Sundays. I’m done. November 2020, of all possible times, is not when you preach unity. There’s a literal coup in progress as I type.
shawneen hammer
Talk about opinions
Lisa
Are you under the impression that Joy writes this just for you? I’m so sorry that this post wasn’t catered to your specific ideals. Really, the nerve…
joythebaker
Sounds like you didn’t find anything you needed here.
Demethra Pinkston
Period!
Vaughan
Hey Joy,
You just seem to be one of those folks that throws good stuff into the universe and that makes me glad you’re there.
Thank you and keep at it – you’re appreciated.
I live on the gulf coast in the Panhandle of FL and love me some NOLA (was a Jazz fest junkie all thru the 80’s and 90’s plus too).
Maybe I can take one of your classes in our reconfigured future. Hope so!
You keep on doing what you do so well.
You’re a gust of clean clear wind.
thanks!!
Rose
Thank you Joy for your Sundays with us. Your musings from the internet always make me think, sometimes challenge me and allow me a time to stop and see what is out there in our beautiful world! Oh ya, and your baking is beyond amazingly WOW!! Sending socially distant hugs from western Canada. xo
Denae
Honestly just thank you for understanding what a cultural gift and brilliant mind John Mayer is. I’d listen to him talk about laundry detergent, and no one ever agrees with me.
joythebaker
Oh he’s very polarizing but the dude knows watches if nothing else.
Emily
Oh man. Eagles have long legs too. Caught me off guard when I saw it the first time. So cute.
Catherine C.
The owl legs… borderline disturbing, if I am honest. Great offerings as always!
Darla Layton
Happy Sunday.Joy! It truly will be an odd, and difficult holiday season, this crazy 2020. We sadly had to make the decision not to see our daughters for Thanksgiving. They live in Georgia, we live in Indiana. I cried, but it is better than having to plan funerals…so, here we are. Our plan is to FaceTime often, and even put up our Christmas trees together Black Friday. This strange time will pass. We can do hard things. Thanks for the reminder, Glennon Doyle.
You helped me with a gift for my in-laws today. They are so difficult to buy for, but love good meat, so I ordered sausages from Seemore this morning; the variety pack. I’ll even print out the suggested recipes to help them with ideas.
So, for now, we do us one day at a time. Currently, laundry is tumbling in the washer and dryer. Kitties are napping, all snuggled in, and I am being an elf, going over the Christmas list and checking it twice.
Happy Thanksgiving! This will be a year to thoughtfully count our blessings.
Kim
I’m the Pie Lady on Thanksgiving, baking 8-9 pies for 30 or so people. This year, it’s two humans, 2 dogs. But I never considered NOT baking your dad’s sweet potato pie. I’m only making what I want to eat: turkey, lumpy mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, and fudge pecan pie. And no one there forcing food on me.
So cool to watch those plants move. I know my cyclamens are busy. It’s been so grey, overcast, poor things are straining for light and I’m giving a 1/4 turn daily to keep them from leaning too far. They’re showing off for the season!
Catherine Killeen
I love that long owl legs made it into the Sunday links! As always, thank you for this post that grounds me and helps conclude my work week. xo
Lisa Taylor
Has anyone tried mixing the Parker house rolls and letting the dough sit overnight in the refrigerator before shaping?
joythebaker
Oh it would absolutely work!
Lisa
Dear Joy, I can’t comment on the 2 star rating, but at 4:33am, I’m reading your blog!
Thank you for your time, efforts, insights and offerings that I will find “Joy” in the partaking.
Happy Sunday, and all the days that follow.
Graciously, Lisa