Hello, friends.
I’m glad you’re here for another Sunday.
This week marks thirteen years of Joy the Baker. I started Joy the Baker in January 2008 on a borrowed laptop with a borrowed camera (thank you, Michael) while I was working the 4am shift at a bakery in Burbank, California. Even then I was trying to make a business for myself, though certainly not with my blog. I was baking on the side for local coffee shops and selling my muffins and scones by the dozen. It was a teeny tiny operation but I sure made a mean cranberry orange scone. When I think back to that time, I think about the hard work more than the struggle. I think about my sore hands and full heart. I think about how tight money was though Los Angeles will get anyone in that way.
Thirteen years ago I didn’t even know what to aspire to in creating a little blog online. I didn’t know that I could dream up cookbooks, events, a magazine, an entire Bakehouse, and an incredibly generous community in you all. For the years, actual years, when only a handful of readers baked my recipes, I chugged along because I loved this space even as a little diary. This place has been a constant for me and I feel so fortunate that you’re here to share it with me. Thank you!
As I scroll through my old posts, you know… the really old stuff, I can see how much I was learning and trying to figure out – in and out of the kitchen. I think those of you who have been here for years were also in those growth moments and I’m thankful we were in it together. Spolier alert: we’re still in those growth moments. I always will be.
Some of my favorite recipes from way back when: Creme Fraiche Quiche and Cookie No-Dough Ice Cream.
I want to make sure you know how deeply grateful I am that you chose to be here and bake through life with me. You mean a lot to me.
The offering this week is below. There are some heavy topics here, but we live in heavy, troubling times. I hope you find a few things that serve you. Take only what you need:
• These are strong words about our current circumstance. Count me among those deeply worried about our democracy. “When we give up on truth, we concede power to those with the wealth and charisma to create spectacle in its place. Without agreement about some basic facts, citizens cannot form the civil society that would allow them to defend themselves.” The American Abyss (The New York Times)
• You can read the articles of impeachment here. They are short and to the point. (CNN)
• In case you’re looking for other business models to try out, turns out franchising a fast food restaurant is ‘spensive! Ok dang! Why it only costs 10k to own a Chik Fil-A franchise. ( The Hustle)
• This week I threw myself down a decidedly unhelpful rabbit hole trying to decipher the best average consumer mask choice. It’s really difficult to know whats legit. Why Aren’t We Wearing Better Masks? (The Atlantic)
• Related: How will you actually know when it’s your turn to get to COVID vaccine? Short answer: good luck. (Fast Company)
• I decided last year to really throw myself into the idea of being a grown up novice. I bought a piano and have taught myself to play. This year we have tennis and swimming lessons on the docket. Let me be the first to tell you that being a grown-up novice is uncomfortable and humbling and is an excellent ego check. 10/10 recommend. How I Learned To Surf In Middle Age (Outside Magazine)
• The Kitchn reviewed my recipe for Everybody’s Birthday Cake. They weren’t impressed by the cake (ok y’all thanks for the feedback). But I’ll tell you what – that chocolate frosting slaps. All of this to say, it’s time for a birthday cake refresh and a chocolate version on Joy the Baker. Soon! (The Kitchn)
• I’m making a batch of Winter Lemonade with ginger and cloves (and stevia) this week. (Joy the Baker)
• We have to fun virtual classes coming up at The Bakehouse soon! For Valentine’s Day we’re making pasta together! (Dust off that Kitchen Aid pasta making attachment!) Later in February we’re making Drake on Cakes! We’re hoping to offer some distanced, in-person classes later this spring and some in-person and virtual Camp Joy classes this summer. In other words, I’m plotting. (Eventbrite)
• Life hack: How to cook rice in the oven. (Bon Appetit)
• I need to make a cheeky doorbell like this for The Bakehouse that says Press For Cake. (Etsy)
Now if you’ll please excuse me, I have some masked galavanting around Texas to do.
My love to you today.
xo Joy
Katt
I’m not sure when I started following your corner of the internet, but it probably wasn’t much later than late 2008. Thanks for helping me bake out my feelings over the years.
samantha campanini
I’m so happy for what you achieved Joy and got so moved!! I was called to vaccine as pharmacist and than they called back to be told it’s not time, cause they don’t have enough doses, I hope for the future!!
Shila Soni
Happy anniversary Joy! Your blog is one of the bright spots of the internet and while your recipes are flawless, it’s your voice and generosity of spirit that keeps me coming back. Thank you for all that you do and cheers to more adventures.
Molly
Happy Anniversary Joy! You are a bright spot on the internet. Love you for you!
Karen C Lindell
Joy, I discovered your sugar cookie recipe in 2008 – I think the post was entitled, “A cookie I can believe in” and you had made the cookies into heart shapes and had “Obama” on them. I knew they’d be a hit. I still pull out the old printout each Christmas when we bake them for our family tradition of decorating Christmas cookies (and a few New Year for good measure). I thought of it today and wondered if you had done anything related to the inauguration – so I thought I’d look you up. Looks like things are going well for you – congrats! I need to check out some more recipes.
Rachel Wilkerson
Here to say, 1) that whole series on the kitchn is just ridiculous. tearing down other people’s comfort foods is just not something we need in 2021. 2) so much respect for you leaning into the adult novice idea. you’re a force.
Kari T.
Congratulations on being a bright spot in the darkness of the internet Joy, you are so appreciated. You are the reason I know about Browned Butter (yes, it should be capitalized ha) for which I am forever grateful. Thank you for the Times article, it was indeed very heavy but an important read (even for this Canadian). The way forward for democracy (and civility) is filled with obstacles but that does not mean there isn’t a way. Much love.
Kaleigh
I read that kitchn article and have to disagree! I love your birthday cake, and that frosting is in my permanent rotation! Also happy (late) blogaversary!
Carla
Happy 13 years! I’ve been loving on your journey for the last 8 years, and you have inspired and guided me in so many ways. I am undoubtably a better biscuit baker because of your passion for them.
Your Birthday Cake recipe is my go to vanilla cake recipe! It’s always moist, always flavourful, and always well received. So the Kitchn might want to try again.
Hazel @ Mamarella
Happy 13 years! I’m not sure when I stumbled on your blog but it was definitely in the days when Xanga and LiveJournal were still a thing, for sure. These Sunday posts have been one of the things I looked forward to the most in 2020!
Ania
So glad to have found you. So glad to have met you. So glad to have taken a class with you at the Bakehouse.
So grateful for your cookbooks, blog and recipes.
Thank you, Joy! Cheers to the next 13 years and more!
Sending hugs from Canada,
Ania
Abbi
Happy Birthday! (anniversary?) I’ve followed you ever since the chocolate avocado cake (a million years ago?)
I always thought you were so cool and cute and funny… and now with the piano and the upcoming triathlon (WHAT?!) I think you’re a total badass!!
Sarah
Happy 13 years Joy! I really wish I could remember how I discovered your blog but I loved it right away. I was hooked early with this easy cookie recipe that involves ginger and cherry jam (IN the dough, always thought that was weird). I was into your podcast with Tracy and have all of your cookbooks. In some ways I feel like I’ve grown up with you, you’ve made navigating my early thirties a little less scary and you continue to inspire me in and out of the kitchen. I’m thinking of taking tennis lessons! Excuse me, what. I’m now living in Tanzania for a work assignment – what even is life – and your Sunday posts make me feel more connected to a country that okay, is going through some shit but that I love and miss dearly. Big hug from Dar es Salaam :)
Jamie Shawyer
Oh Joy, happy anniversary! I am so thankful for this space and for you. I am planning to learn to skateboard this year!
Jill H.
Congrats on 13 years! Wishing you many more! I look forward to your weekly blog, perspective and candor. I enjoy your recipes … amazed by all you can do! I hope to someday make it to the Bakehouse… it’s on my bucket list. Keep up all the good work and enjoy your trip to TX
Lynne O
Joy, I am relatively new to your blog, and I love it! I was born in Nee Orleans, and grew up in Westwego (right across the river near the Huey P.). Now that I live in Sumerduck, Virginia, it is a real treat for me to read of your New Orleans adventures and recipes (especially the King Cakes). Looking forward to spending many more Sundays reading your blog & trying your recipes.
Jen
Happy anniversary! I’ve been a reader since the very beginning. We’ve done some growing! I’m proud of both of us.
Honestly, I think the Kitchn over baked your cake. Sounds like the main complaint was that it was a little dry. User error in my book ?
Hope you blog for another 13 years ?
Jen
And womp womp those question marks were originally emojis.
Alison
No offence to The Kitchn, but Everybody’s Birthday Cake is a WINNER. I’ve been making it for years and the cake is always moist and delightful and the perfect backdrop for the bomb Ovaltine frosting. Let’s agree to disagree with them. :)
Ronel Kappes
Joy, for what it is worth, I have made your Everybody’s birthday cake multiple times… it’s always been a hit and I think it is delicious and sparks joy ?. Congratulations on your blog! I always look forward to reading your posts! Take care and have a great week!
John Popovich
I have followed you for a number of years. I always look forward to your Sunday blog. Congratulations on 13 years
I have tried a lot of your recipes over time and I always learn something new. So you can teach an old dog new tricks. I’m 74 and look forward to a lot of learning from you. Take care and enjoy Texas. Good luck with your new man.
Anna Robinson
Congratulations on 13 years! You are one of my favorite blogs. I look forward to your Let it be Sunday every week. Thanks to you, I know how wonderful brown butter tastes in a cake. Keep up the great work.
Lisa Ann
You, girlfriend, have turned into one of my most reliable friends through good times and bad (me not you) Congratulations! Your talents know no bounds!!
Terry S.
Congratulations! I can personally attest that your frosting is the best buttercream ever! It is the only one I use!! I came to your first ever book signing at Vroman’s in Pasadena! You looked quite amazed at the number of people who has showed up! Your staying power is the result of the quality of the recipes and your genuine charm! Here’s to at least 13 more years!
Lindsey
Congrats on 13 years! I’m so glad you started blogging. I got married in 2011 and made a bunch of cakes myself for the wedding, including your big berry birthday cake. It’s delicious. Now, every year for one of my kids’ birthdays, I make your angel food cake recipe and cover it in chocolate whipped cream. And your brown butter chocolate chip cookies will go down as one of the best recipes ever in my family, not least because it saved Thanksgiving dessert one year when the pies are so-so. Maybe next year they’ll let me mix it up and make your dad’s sweet potato pie.
Stella
13 years! Congratulations Joy, my daughter and I have been along for the entire ride thus far. You feel like a family member to us. We love your books, recipes, your blog, but most of all YOU. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us, you are a prime example of dreaming big and working hard. By the way, your chocolate frosting recipe using Ovaltine is the absolute best.
Ella
Congratulations! I have been reading since (almost) the beginning. I made your oatmeal pecan chocolate chips for my now-husband, who claimed they were the best cookies he had ever had. I always love reading your Sunday posts!
bonnie
Congrats Joy on all of it! I’ve loved your blog and your evolution through the years and learned so much right along with you and been grateful for it all. You’ve provided a wonderful example of creativity and vision. There are so many of your recipes that I make over and over (sweet potato pie FTW!). And I’m so happy that through your posts I’ve connected IRL with other of your lovely family members. I love that you left the safety of your home in LA and are making such a success @ Bakehouse NOLA. Always blazing new trails. I’m always interested to see what’s coming next from you. Here’s to all the years to come!
Dani
Congratulations on 13 years. A very lucky number. I love these Sunday emails. It’s been part of my Sunday ritual for awhile now. I’d love to hear your Texas recommendations as I just moved to Dallas. Could you tell us what their obsession with donuts is about? Not dunking or krispy but just random donut shops everywhere.
Julie M
Go for the donuts, but stay for the kolaches. Seriously yummy!
Marisa
This blog saved my sanity ten year as ago. I had moved to a small town (3000 people) to take a teaching job in a town thirty miles away. You and I baked every weekend and learned new things together. As much as I struggled to live there, I cherished the time I spent baking and learning. And I started doing summer bucket lists a few years ago because of you. I always put one or two of those “I’ve always wanted to learn how to do that” items on my list, but maybe it’s time for a big ticket version of that.
Petula
Your everybody’s birthday cake is my go to birthday cake. I make it all the time and it’s always delicious. I have, however, had many recipe fails with things I’ve made from The Kitchn.
Their recipes are also riddled with typos and errors.
Maybe take the criticism gracefully, but consider the source.
nancy k
Happy Anniversary, Joy! I have been reading your blog for almost 10 years…enjoyed every post and insights.
I think my favorite post was your announcement that you had purchased The Bakehouse. It was such a huge “grown-up” milestone and brought back memories of my home purchase many years ago.
I am using your chocolate frosting on a chocolate birthday cake I will be making tomorrow for a dear friend and neighbor. The cake is yummy…very simple but super moist…dark cocoa, buttermilk and light olive oil. I am making a 6″ double layer version and am looking forward to choosing just the right birthday sprinkles.
Mary Ann
Joy, one of my forever dreams has been to learn to play the piano. You say you taught yourself – I would love some advice on how you did that. Online? Books? Classes? Thanks!
Suzannah Kolbeck
“A grown up novice” – this is the idea of the beginner’s mind, and anyone can cultivate it if they are willing. I started taking horseback riding lessons last month, at 49. I have owned horses and loved them for my entire life, but I have always been an unconfident rider and so avoided any really riding other than the occasional vacation trail ride.
And now twice a week I saddle and mount up and learn the finer points of equitation. It has become the thing that is getting me through these times, the joy of my week, and potentially my life.
Thank you for sharing your experiences learning something new as an adult. So many adults just fall into a rut or struggle to be humble enough to admit they don’t know, but a little humility from all of us could change the world, IMVHO.
Emolu
Thank you as always, Joy! I’ve been reading since either 2008 or early 2009. I actually made your birthday cake for my own birthday many years ago, and remember the frosting being absolutely fantastic. And having Ovaltine in my cupboard for a while after lol. Good luck with the swimming! I started lap swimming very occasionally a couple summers ago, and there is more etiquette involved than I realized, and it’s tricky when you’re by far the slowest person in the pool.
Linda
I just discovered your blog recently and I am so happy to have found it. Thank you for bringing joy everyday with your recipes and joy every Sunday, especially during these dark days of winter and dark days in our country.
Vicki
Lucky us that you decided to borrow that laptop and camera! You are a voice of sanity in very insane times. Here’s something a watched for the first time and it explains how Jan 6 was culmination of the same playbook used by the tobacco company. Worth the watch. https://www.asos.com/us/puma/puma-rs-x3-sneakers-in-green/prd/20287356?r=1&ctaref=welcome%20mat Thank you for all the wonderful recipes and your Sunday posts which bring together in place enlightening topics.
Vicki
Ooops, great shoes but wrong link! https://www.documentarymania.com/player.php?title=Merchants+of+Doubt
Lynn
Congrats Joy I can’t believe I’ve “known” you for 13 years!!!
Savannagal
I love cranberry orange scones. My husband used to pick them up for me at a bakery near his office years ago. Sadly the bakery, like so many others through the years, has closed. I’ve tried baking many recipes I’ve found online but have yet to find really good recipe. Seems like scones are rather basic and it wouldn’t be too hard to replicate that bakery scone, but apparently I’m mistaken. Nothing I’ve baked has come even remotely close. I’d like to try baking yours but I can’t seem to find the recipe on your website. I did find others I will try, spinach and blue cheese come to mind. Would you please tell me where I can find your cranberry orange scone recipe? Thanks much. I always enjoy your blog.
Rebekah
I’ve subscribed to your blog for a very long time. I voted for DJT, and because of that, w/o knowing me at all, you HATE me. I wish I could just speak to you in person for a moment. I feel that you allow YOUR prejudice to demonize me. I am not a racist. I am not wealthy. I grew up in poverty w/o healthcare, hungry and in an abusive home. I waited tables to pay my own way through college. I’m intelligent and kind. I’ve lived all over the country and travel internationally and appreciate the uniqueness of the world and its people. I am ANTI-GOVERNMENT and I DETEST wealthy fascists. I WEAR MASKS. My sleeve is rolled and ready for my COVID vax! It is so very true that ““When we give up on truth, we concede power to those with the wealth and charisma to create spectacle in its place. Without agreement about some basic facts, citizens cannot form the civil society that would allow them to defend themselves.” That statement applies to ALL OF US. I, just like you, want our world to be a better, safer place for EVERYONE. I, too, am afraid. I voted for DJT BECAUSE I’m FEARFUL—but of people like YOU! Have you considered that? Those with the “wealth and charisma” are DIVIDING us. I wish that instead of your believing the propaganda that you read and hear, that you would actually TALK to living, breathing HUMANS on the other side, who may not AGREE with you on every issue, but who may actually not be the murderous, demons that you believe us to be. After all, I am just a mom reading a very lovely cooking blog. Just think about what I wrote and thank you for the time you spend on your work. Rebekah
Jocelyn
beeen reading for years (and years!) and have loved seeing you grow. i’ll always follow along. thanks for it all, Joy. sending love xx
Jaclyn D Levy
“grown up novice.” I like that. I signed up for a drawing class later this month. Can’t wait to suck at it. ??
Kirsti
Yours was one of the first blogs I’ve ever read! Still here and happy to read your excellent weekly round up of articles and check whether you’ve posted anything new to eat! ;)
KC
Happy Anniversary Joy ! I love the blog. I look forward to reading this every Sunday morning. And I’ve made your cake – it’s awesome! Keep being you ?
Catherine
Joy, I have followed your blog since 2009. One of my favorites was August 2009 when you wrote to your bank and told them no one would ever make them Chocolate Espresso Sandwich Cookies!!! I have made that recipe and so many other recipes you have posted and printed in your cookbooks and in your magazine this year. Thank you for your hard work and for sharing your life. I hope to be in New Orleans one of the two weekends in April they usually hold Jazz Fest (Although I know Jazz Fest won’t be held until October for 2021). I am hoping you schedule a class during one of those weekends at the Bakehouse. Love to you and Tron and Happy Anniversary!
Ramona Puckett
Thank you, Joy, for being here for us to learn, grow and be a better baker!
Kat O
Congratulations on everything you’ve done! I’ve been reading since 2009 or 2010, and it’s awesome to see how the blog and your projects have evolved.
Re: cloth masks, I have some from Rendall Co that I really like (the ones with the tie-backs, so they’re completely adjustable and fit snugly). They seem like quality fabric, there’s a place for a filter, and they have nose bands. I also sew about an inch-long dart in the bottom of ALL of my masks, so they’re custom-fit under my chin/at my throat (ie, no gapping at all).
Ruth
I too look forward so much to your Sunday post. It brings peace, calm and connection to my life. Thank you Joy. Enjoy your time in Texas x
LB
Yours was one of the very first blogs I ever read. Too many years ago too remember. Thanks for continuing to do you!
Jenny
Happy 13 years! I’ve been a reader, avid recipe tryer-outer, and dedicated cookbook owner of yours for years now, and just want to say I’m grateful for your corner on the internet and on my bookshelf! Although we don’t know each other, your recipes have traveled with me through relationship changes, birthdays, moving across the world, and a whole bunch of bits and bobs in between over all the years. Wild! Wishing you a happy new year and good luck with that swimming! Xx
Darla
Good morning, Joy! It truly is one of my quiet Sunday morning pleasures to sit with you for a bit. I look forward to it each week; a steady, reliable constant. Thank you.
I received in the mail this week my Bake House sweatshirt. I bought it one size larger so that it is a cozy, comfy fit. I love it.
I hope your swimming is going well. Water, for me, always equals peace and a freedom.
Enjoy your Texas galavanting!