Hello friends.
Welcome to a Sunday together!
I’ve been in a flurry this week shooting the last of the images for the holiday magazine which means I’ve had more bundt cakes in this home than is normal for any non-bakery building. These are sweet little egg nog bundt cakes made with my favorite small bundt pans which means I can bake TWO impressive little cakes from one batch of batter. It’s the little things that thrill me.
Honestly, at the start of the week I wondered if where I’d find the energy to make it through. The energy is there, usually… probably because my parents played a record with a song whose lyrics chimed “Be the best of you that you can be!” when we were growing up and that message echoes in my head even today so, we at least have to try.
This week I’m also thinking about what it looks like to put energy into our friendships. Post panini that’s changing, right? I feel like I’m still getting into the swing of life and friendship outside of the house. Now maintaining friendships means showing up for the birthday dance party on Wednesday night instead of working through the night or getting to bed at a reasonable time. Show up, dance – no regrets, truly.
The offering this week is below. I hope you’re cozy and well and find something that serves you.
• Now more than ever we’re fighting over who gets to vote and how. States across the country are dropping barriers to voting, widening a stark geographic divide in ballot access. (The Washington Post)
• Please take on this week’s long read. There’s so much complicated humanity, somehow beautiful. My Father Vanished When I Was 7. The Mystery Made Me Who I Am. (New York Times)
• #FreeBritney. (Buzzfeed)
• Divorce is Down But Will It Last. Four recently divorced people talk about how Covid impacted their marriages. This satisfies the part of me that is very nosy about other peoples’ relationships. (The Cut)
• Related – a quickie podcast Getting Down and Moving On with Dr Ruth. (The Atlantic)
• This classic Joni Mitchell song calls to me every summer: California (Spotify)
• In Food Blog Land, Jon made Watermelon Daiquiris and Deb made Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches. I still want to make Adrianna’s Miso Peanut Butter Cookies.
• Kendra Scott’s summer collection is cute. (Kendra Scott)
• This week’s skin care splurge is one of my favorites yet. It’s a clay mask that’s not drying, super glowy and brightening: Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tightening Facial.(GlowRecipe)
• I’m still working on my 2021 Summer Bucket list. Have you made yours for this summer? Here’s last year’s. (Joy the Baker)
• You know I love a summer craft and I can feel myself about to go down a Marbled Clay Statement Earring rabbit hole. (A Beautiful Mess)
• I suppose we should all try these chewy Rice Krispie Mashup Cookies, right? (The Kitchn)
Question for you, friends! I’m working on redoing joythebaker.com. It’s high time for a little update around here. If you’ve been here for a long time, what’s your favorite Joy the Baker recipe? I’m going to be cleaning up the archives and want everything you love here for you and extra beautiful.
Have a wonderful Sunday, friends!
My love to you.
xo Joy
Carrie
Please keep the single pancake recipe! I love that it incorporates blueberries AND chocolate, can be thrown together with what I have on hand (I sub yogurt for the buttermilk), and is a delightful Sunday-morning breakfast for one.
Christine Kregg
I’d be sad to see any recipes go since they’re all gems, but the one I treasure most at the moment is the Peanut Butter Strawberry Jam Cobber. It taste like summer and is flawless, like all of your work. Thank you for being here for us after all these years.
Nicole
Single lady pancake! With bananas and chocolate chips. Not single anymore, but I have been making it since you first posted it! Also, chili, egg roll bowl, cobbler, and every version of a chocolate chip cookie. OOH and the sweet laurel snickerdoodles! You’re the best. This LA girl is still a big fan.
Emily
You have a peanut butter tart from quite a few years ago that I adore. Also a couple of loaf cakes—banana bread and pumpkin bread and one with cornmeal and cranberries. I think you actually removed this recipe a while ago for a cookbook, but I remember a really great carrot cake pancake recipe.
Ally
Spicy Vegetarian Chili and One Pot Lamb Meatballs with Orzo, Spinach and Feta but I always make them with Turkey like you recommended. These are tried and true favorite dinners in my little fam!
Sheryl
I have made your orange dark chocolate buttermilk scones so many times and they have never failed me—always get compliments, too! I also loved the peanut butter banana bread (and much, much more). I have appreciated your blog for sooo long!
Elizabeth Johnston
Chicken pot pie, beef and stout pie, Guinness brownies. Blueberry muffins. Apple crisp. Buttermilk pie crust.
Julie
The chicken pot pie recipe is the only one I’ve ever used, or ever will use!
Jocelyn
Brown butter chocolate chip cookies and sweet potato kale soup! Two of my favorites over many years!
Kathy
soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. This is the recipe that brought me to your website the first time.
Ashleigh
The mini chocolate chip cookie baked doughnuts are a favourite, as well as the one dish King cake!
Stella
Hi Joy,
I really loved the story from the NYTimes about the father who vanished. I have always believed that the way in which we respond to and feel towards others, is by far the best reflection of ourselves. The notion that we are islands unto ourselves is just plain nonsense. By our very essence, mankind is a social being; and it is through others that we are able to divine who we are, what we’ve done and why we are to begin with.
My favorite recipe is Everybody’s Birthday Cake:Chocolate Peanut Butter
Hillary
Single lady pancake; strawberry rhubarb crumble pie (I make this every year and also force others to try the recipe!); strawberry shortcake with the cinnamon sugar biscuits. Thank you Joy!!
Emilynn
The tomato cobbler with blue cheese biscuits are essential!
joythebaker
I very much agree with you!
Staci
I’ve got a few but the one that is the most requested is the Chicken Shwarma with pita
MaggieToo
No contest: your Dad’s sweet potato pie!