Friends, hi! It’s Sunday and also somehow October 1st. I, for one, am not asking too many questions about this year. I’m certainly not asking things like HOW? Frankly that’s none of my business. That’s G’s J.
Running coaches (I have one because I use the Nike Running app) tell runners to look straight ahead. Looking up, looking down at the literal flight of my feet? A fool’s errand, a waste of energy, a great way to trip.
Motorcycle instructors (I’ve had more than a few who have wagged their finger at me) tell riders to look where they want to go. Look where you don’t want to go (say the cliff off the side of the mountain) and somehow you will go there. That cliff is none of your business. Again, G’s J.
All of this to say – we’re looking straight ahead and exactly where we want to go right now. We want to go deep into October and into the aisle at the grocery store where the canned pumpkin is stocked… mmmkay? Pumpkin is our purview.
It’s another fine Sunday. No need to freak out. As always, take only what you need.
• I ate up every one of these words: An Ode to My Beloved Uncles Who Always Stepped In When I Needed Them. I have two beloved uncles. Uncle Dan would lay on the car horn anytime my sister and I yelled “Horn Check!” from the back seat, and took us sailing. Uncle Larry taught us how to read maps and start IRA accounts. They’re both my favorite. There’s something wild about an uncle. It’s like… they’re more liable to hold you upside down for too long when you’re a toddler or give you the car keys and wave you off when you’re 14 – but all in the most loving, protective way. (Huffington Post)
• My friend Cara and I have a pact that if we’re ever living in the world without the men we currently love and date, we’re moving in together. We’re buying a house, painting it pink, and filling it with plants, expensive olive oil, soft fabrics, and a library room full of cookbooks. And it’s not that we don’t live that gloriously within our respective relationships. It’s just different. Our fantasy Pink House is huge. You’re invited. Of course it was Cara who shared this Pink House come to life, and I couldn’t be happier for these ladies. ‘We have brothers, sons, lovers – but they can’t live here!’ The happy home shared by 26 women. (The Guardian)
• Much like George Costanza, “I’ve gotta focus. I’m shifting into soup mode.” Soup mode also ushers in gumbo season which obviously begets a giant pot of Texas chili. What I’m saying is, we look cute in sweaters holding a steaming bowl of something yummy. I’m starting with this vintage recipe for Spinach Soup with Garlic Thyme Croutons. (YouTube, Joy the Baker, Homesick Texan, Joy the Baker)
• I love Erica’s Instagram Bake Offs in which she tests a handful of internet recipes and shares her favorites. Her latest is a timely bake off of Pumpkin Bread. My favorite for years now: Deb’s Pumpkin Loaf for its height and crumb but now need to try the All Recipes and Epicurious versions. (Instagram, Smitten Kitchen)
• It has recently come to my attention that I have yet to make this Crispy Cheese Pan Pizza from King Arthur Baking and as much as we’re shifting into soup mode, I’d argue we’re also progressing into pizza posture so…
• I love Survivor. I wouldn’t last pass the first vote, but still. (GQ)
• I have the book Do Interesting on pre-order thanks to Rob Walker’s Art of Noticing newsletter. I find myself drawn to little reminders to be present, to notice, to appreciate. I have a feeling this book could be a sweet holiday gift, too. (Amazon)
• My friend Timothy of Mississippi Vegan writes the most thoughtfully curated monthly newsletter. I have a naked rendition of Suzanne by Leonard Cohen on thanks to Timothy which is really no surprise because whenever I visit, he’s chosen the perfect playlist. The man can cook and locate the vibe. Sign up for his newsletter here! If I’m repeating myself by mentioning this newsletter, forgive me and sign up if you haven’t. (Mississippi Vegan, Spotify)
• I’m collecting inspiration for my future and forthcoming Texas Country Bakehouse as a way of closing the chapter on my New Orleans Bakehouse. It’s not grief I feel over leaving New Orleans to grow in Texas. It’s just the sadness of leaving a party even when it’s good and time to go. (Instagram)
• We are cleaning house, babes. Yes, I’m talking about the closets in New Orleans but also this here website. I’ve been posting since the year of our lord 2008 and, rather sentimentally, not deleting even the embarrassing stuff. At this point, to keep Joy the Baker running smoothly, I need to trim some of the older content. Now… I was silly enough to experiment with the delete button a few weeks ago and scrubbed a 2009 recipe for Baked Polenta from the site. I kid you not, four of you have frantically emailed asking where the post was and if I could send the recipe along. Ok so… you’re not printing out these recipes and taping them to the inside of your kitchen cabinets? Got it. I’ll retest and reshoot the Baked Polenta and make a new 2023 post for us. My advice: in the comments below, tell me what old JtB recipes from over a decade ago you rely on and I’ll make sure they’re pretty and printable or reshot and reposted for you! (Joy the Baker)
• Speaking of sorting through sentimental clutter, here’s how. I feel like this post fails to mention the required glass of wine and several extra hours needed to space out down memory lane. (Apartment Therapy)
Thanks so much for being here, friends! An extra special hello, hug, and happy Sunday to Joanie!
My love to you.
xo Joy
a
– https://joythebaker.com/blog/2011/12/fresh-cranberry-cream-scones-with-candied-ginger/ is dead now, can you pls revive?
Daci
the vanilla bean confetti cookies get requested here often :) congrats/sob on your new chapter — I loved seeing Louisiana (my home state) through your lens and can’t wait to see more of Texas through it ?
Sage
Just shy of a decade old, but anytime a cauliflower is in the CSA box, we’re making your roasted cauliflower soup with cumin. It’s exquisite.
Kaye
I cannot live without:
Chilaquiles frittata
Caramelized mushrooms & dumplings
French onion pasta
Dad’s buttermilk biscuit
Baked polenta
<3
Nat
I’ve been making your Sit and Stay Awhile Apple Crisp every year since you posted it in 2008… I know, I should just print the dang thing, but can you please keep it somewhere safe? It has absolutely made me friends in each new place I’ve moved over the years and probably helped make my boyfriend my husband. Precious treasure of a recipe!
Nami
Is it humanly possible that your apple crumble recipe was lost in the shuffle?? Would love a re-do given the season
Amanda
Individual peach crumble for one or two if you’re nice, please!!
Sara
Please keep the chocolate avocado cake! I think I still have an autographed printout ? but just in case!
Kate
Your sweet potato zucchini bread AND your tomato cobbler with blue cheese biscuits should be committed to my memory but for now I just return to them again and again here.
Naomi
The whole grain waffles with millet, poppy, sunflower and flax must stay please!! Others that are just as wonderful, some older and some newer, and all just as necessary: the browned butter carrot loaf cake, sit and stay awhile apple crisp, and confetti holiday shortbread. There are dozens that I’m forgetting in the moment, so let’s just leave it at: thank you for years of wonderful recipes and baking inspiration!
wymamma
White Bean Skillet Crostini…..I have this one saved as priority….Always impresses, EVERY
SINGLE TIME….and sometimes I just make the bean mix and spoon it right into my mouth followed by bites of whatever bread I have on hand….even once, crackers….a perfect mix of many ingredients I love….
Rebecca
Strawberry rhubarb crumb pie. OOOOOOH. Brought our neighborhood cornhole group to a HALT. And I had made two, so I could share freely and encourage seconds. :)
Janelle
Your cranberry orange pecan coffee cake is a staple every Fall…please keep it on here forever.
Katie
Another non sweet and non baked one – tuna, kale and egg salad!
Amy
Please never delete the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pudding recipe circa 2013!
Bethany
Your Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls are a staple for when I host breakfast. They were the favorite of a dear friend who passed a couple years ago – I made them many times for her. During covid, they became a staple at an easter sunrise meeting in the park to help us break the fast together in a way that felt luxurious in a time of scarcity. My friend made these for her family, and now her dad always wants to make these when the whole family is together. I have so many sweet memories shared over these cinnamon rolls. Thanks for being my go-to for bakes for (looks at calendar) close to 15 years?? Nvm not counting!!
Meghan Lewis
Your dad’s sweet potato pie is a go-to for me every Thanksgiving. Gotta have that recipe forever!
Kathy
pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I’m sure there are a million recipes out in there in the wild west of the internet… But, it was you that popped up when I searched about 10 years, or so, ago
jodi
I second this! Its a tradition to pull up this recipe every single fall!
Wendy
110% spacing out time required. I rely heavily on the peach cobbler cinnamon roll recipe. Game changer.
Claire
Very un standard Joy the Baker as it is deeply not baked – but the Marrakesh Carrots are my absolute favorite carrot salad (and the list is unsettlingly long, thanks CSA that gave buckets of carrots in the winter for years).
Haley
All the Blueberries Buttermilk Waffles is my go-to waffle recipe. Never fails.
Mara
Please keep your strawberry raspberry crisp recipe! We use it for any fruit, and I always get asked for the recipe.
Kaitlin
Please re-post the jalapeño pepper jack scones! Love that recipe and being the one who brings a savory snack to a holiday cookie party.
Jennifer Davis
The Snickerdoodle Strawberry Shortcakes are a GO TO for me!!
Warren Kelly
One thing I always do when I find a recipe I can’t do without (or even one that sounds good that I might attempt one day) – I hit the Evernote Clipper button and save it to the Recipes notebook in Evernote. Tag with ingredients and you’ll never have to panic again.
Of course, I’m up to 2,261 recipes in that notebook, so ….
Joy the Baker
That’s excellent advice, Warren! What a collection!
Mary
I ran to check that my favorite scones – the Orange and Dark Chocolate Buttermilk Scones – are still there, phew! Scones are intimidating (to me anyway), but they come out perfect every time and are such a delightful flavor combo. I remember making them for my coworkers for a British royal wedding in the early 2010’s, to rave reviews.
I love all things Deb/Smitten Kitchen, but I will never deviate from your vegan pumpkin bread from your first book. It is always moist and delicious and so freaking easy. Thanks for many years of tasty treats!
Aliison
Double chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream…it’s the recipe that introduced me to you.
Chris
I make your cranberry orange & pecan coffee cake at least twice during the holidays.
It is amazing and always a hit.
Christine
My family would have an absolute meltdown if the cream cheese King Arthur cinnamon buns weren’t on the table Christmas morning. Please never delete.
Joy the Baker
Ok that’s very important. No one want’s a Christmas meltdown.
Maddie Woda
Just a note to say I DO have the weekday weekend cookie recipe taped to the inside of my baking cabinet!
Joy the Baker
I love you for that, Maddie!
Kat Taylor
The salty caramel cheesecake pie. After many failed attempts at a springform version, this was a (tasty) revelation.
Joy the Baker
KAT, hi!!! Gosh I love this little pie! Thanks for the reminder to make it again! I hope you’re doing well!
Francesca
The single girl single pancake. Even though I’m married now, I still love it as a perfect weekend breakfast.
Joy the Baker
That recipe is really important to us.
Susan
The spicy sausage and lentil soup is a go to in this house. I do have it printed in a binder, but it’s definitely getting fairly stained and may need to be reprinted sometime.
Stacy
Years and years ago you posted a recipe for a red cabbage slaw. It had a spicy gingery dressing. I used to make it all the time and I had a craving for it recently but couldn’t find the recipe. Thanks!
Joy the Baker
HM. Stacy, I’m really not sure that was me. I don’t remember ever having a slaw recipe on the site!
Mary
Goat Cheese Biscuits! It was with a soup recipe, Curried Sweet Potato soup. I never did make the soup, as sweet potatoes are one of 3 foods my husband doesn’t eat (he’s spectacularly not picky!), but those biscuits have accompanied many, many pots of soup or stew in our house!
Joy the Baker
Those are some sweet little biscuits!
Anete
My go-to recipe is Old-style Brownies (with walnuts) which I discovered a while ago has been missing!
Joy the Baker
I can find those brownies for you!
Lori
Baked Lemon Risotto! Just made it again just a couple of weeks ago!
Ryan Boselowitz
I have been following JtB since about 2009? When I started baking and not gonna lie, I feel a bit panicky that you’ll delete anything but I love whatever makes you happy xD I just love this safe little spot on the internet!
Joy the Baker
It is a safe little spot, you’re right Ryan! Thank you for being here forever and ever.
Sally
My favorite JtB recipe is the fig apricot marscapone tart.
Joy the Baker
That’s an old one!
Maaike
One of my favourites is already gone (fortunately I saved a copy in my recipe folder): Spicy chickpea salad from 2011. Other old favourites include: Whole wheat banana millet bread (2011) and Oatmeal pecan chocolat chip cookies (2010). So many good recipes I keep coming back to!
Joy the Baker
You’ve reminded me to make banana bread with millet again thank you! I appreciate you being here!
Christa
Please don’t delete Chicken Pot Pie with Cream Cheese and Chive Biscuits!
Joy the Baker
OMG – Never!
Katie
The Single Lady pancake is my solo breakfast treat of choice!
Claire
My oldies but goodies:
– Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes from 2010
– Extra Nutty Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies from 2015
– Fresh Fig and Almond Breakfast Cake from 2013
– Ginger and Lentil Soup from 2011
– Absolutely the Milk Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Pancakes from 2008 (yes I have memorized the recipe for a 1/4 serving which is exactly enough for me, but just in case I forget)
– Tiny Strawberry Cream Scones from 2014
– Zucchini Pistachio Bread from 2015
– The Best Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from 2014… I know you’ve been hyping up your dad’s recipe but I can’t bring myself to deviate from this recipe whenever I replenish my freezer stash (yes I have a batch of this cookie dough in my freezer at all times) and every time I feed one to someone new they always text me asking for the recipe
Many more that I’ve saved to my Paprika so I’m good but I’m looking out for the rest of the internet!
Kelly Meier
Please don’t delete buttermilk chocolate chip pancakes. If my kids convince me to make pancakes- I need your help!
Ellen
Buttery Layered Buttermilk Biscuits is my go to biscuit recipe! And Bonkers Awesome Mushroom and Onion Shells and Cheese is just that. Also love Salty Honey Pie with your buttermilk crust!
Kim
I don’t think it’s that old, but please don’t ever delete the the pear bourbon pie. That helped me win my neighborhood bake-off. And yes JTB was credited lol.
Christina Miller
I love and often use the chicken shawarma recipe. I’d love if it was a separate recipe from the yogurt pita. Thanks Joy!
Kate
Please don’t delete the recipe for French Onion Pastry Puffs – it’s the best! Or maybe I just need to print a copy :)
Amy
Best Chocolate Bundt Cake. Keep!!!!!
Joy the Baker
That cake really is so simple and so good! It absolutely deserves a re-do!
Priscilla
Please please keep the Kale and Sweet Potato Soup recipie. So delicious and comforting on a cold day!
Dottie
Judging from the comments, you have to put ALL of the recipes back. I’m seeing some that I didn’t know about and I need to try them. For example, tomato cobbler and blue cheese biscuits (yes, please) and oatmeal chocolate chip pecan cookies (yikes, I need those!). And, all of the rest. When you have time between all of your other amazing projects.
Looking forward to all that comes next. TY!
JessicaD
All of these comments have made me VERY, VERY HUNGRY!!! Joy is a national treasure.
I have also learned that when carrying a glass of water/a platter of drinks — don’t look at the drinks, look at the horizon and you won’t spill the drinks! It’s crazy, but it works!
Kristin
I’m always coming back for tomato cobbler with blue cheese biscuits, cappuccino cookies and candy bar blondies (which you’ve already reshot thank you so much!). Other faves: pistachio smoked sea salt cookies (but are they in Homemade Decadence?), chicken spinach meatball soup, and the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies on everyone’s mind rn :) I also appreciate a few seasons worth of your NOLA recs!
tracey k.
I think it’s been missing for years, but I made the cranberry ginger scones every Xmas for years. I think I have a ratty print out but would LOVE if it made a comeback so I could make sure to download it forever.
Another fave is the biscuit chicken pot pie.
Natalie Vergara
A few more that I realized are close to that decade mark (how?!)…strawberry pie, peppermint pretzel fudge, double chocolate chip cookies, lemon bars, morning glory oats, marcona and chocolate blondies, brown butter donuts, pumpkin scones.
Elisa
Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Pie. Carrot Cake. Baked Oatmeal. Single Lady Pancake. Single Lady Chocolate Cake. Tomato Cobbler with Biscuits. Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Giant Sugar Cookies. Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread. And that’s just what comes to mind first…
You’ve given us so many great recipes, Joy. Thank you! (And please don’t take them down too soon!!)
JNH
You posted/re-posted a lovely oven-baked risotto with peas and pancetta not that long ago, but I have a deep fondness for your baked lemon risotto. It came along during a difficult (and exciting!) transition period, and I’ve found myself making it again now as I roll into another transition time.
Thanks as always for your Sunday posts; they’ve led me to so many delicious/beautiful/inspiring meals, reads, and dresses.
Averie
Regarding the accidental deletion, if you use WPRM as your recipe card, or Create, it likely isn’t gone forever. Of course you needed to have the recipe in a recipe card, and not just written freeform and ‘loose’ in a body of blog post text which we all did in 2009! However, you can probably go back in and get it that way. Just a thought! Good luck!
Kristin P
The pumpkin chocolate chip cookies from 2008 are a staple in my house and circle this time of year. They are the best!!
I also second the tomato cobbler comment.
Chris
probably an unpopular idea but …. compile an E-book of all the recipes and sell it to us… If that feels icky donate the proceeds to a charity or social justice cause.
Tina
The tomato cobbler with blue cheese biscuits and the shrimp and grits
Kim
I think it’s decided, based on all the comments…
you can’t delete any of them!
long time reader here, as well, and I can’t even begin to list all your recipes I make for my family! It all started with just my husband and boys at home and now I have grandchildren that I make your recipes for!
YES! welcome to Texas :)
Natalie
Please keep the browned butter blueberry muffins, oatmeal pecan chocolate chip cookies, chocolate peppermint roll, ginger walnut chocolate blondies and the shrimp & grits. There are soooo many more I love but these are my favorite oldies.
Alexis
Please keep the 2012 Kale and Quinoa Cakes recipe! It’s one of my favorites!
Tiberia
I love Mississippi Vegan! Tim writes a great newsletter!
And – am I weird because even though I initially try recipes directly from the computer, if I like them I print them out and keep them in a binder? ; )
Beth
me too re: recipes!
Sar
The creamy chicken and dumpling pot pie! We make it every fall
Chelsea
All of your scone recipes! My family
Loves them and they started me down my scone path. I go back to your recipes over and over again!
Erica
Your All Purpose Holiday Cake! I made it when it was first published, back in college, for a holiday gathering with friends. I continued to make it in the years that followed, and will likely make it again soon, as it is the perfect mix of warming, seasonal, and unfussy…a beautiful complement to any fall/winter occasion.
Kerrie
Beer brownies! I make them all the time.
Karen Ziemniak
Pink Grapefruit Yogurt Cake
Jenn P
Your All Butter Pie Crust and the post where you encourage us to make pie crust from scratch. I used those posts AT least twice a year, RELIGIOUSLY.
Allison Boyer
Not quite a decade old but New Orleans Red Beans and Rice is one of my all time favorites!
Camille
Chicken Pot Pie with Cream Cheese Biscuits is my go-to dish to take to new moms and sick or grieving friends. I cut the biscuits into fun shapes and it is the perfect comforting dish!
Arlene
Will need to spend a few hours going through the recipes to make sure I print what I need, just in case ;-D
Kelly
Frozen Chocolate chip cookie dough balls!
Katy R
The one pot no chop chicken/turkey meatballs. So good!
Sara
Chewy molasses chocolate chip cookies please! They’re a must for family gatherings.
Charly
Please don’t delete the chocolate beet cake recipe or the crunchy kale and coconut bowl recipe or any of the banana bread recipes involving browned butter! And this is not yet a decade old, but please never delete the smothered chicken recipe. I make it several times a month, sooooo good!
Erin
I need all of your inspired grilled cheeses to stay (lasagna, spinach and artichoke, etc). The buttered crouton avocado and smoked salmon salad. The bacon and black pepper waffles. And the pear and cranberry crumble…actually, if it’s a pie or a crumble, better keep it!
Kate
Caramelized mushrooms and dumplings! Made them the week you published the recipe and at least once every fall since.
Caitlin
I think these are newer recipes, but I’m always going back to Red Beans and Rice, Detroit Pizza, and Chai Sugar Cookies. Can’t wait to see what everyone else loves!
And welcome to Texas! I’m a native Houstonian and it’s been so cool to see you discover our underrated city!
Amy
Riding a horse is similar in that you turn your head the direction you want to go. I recall once that I didn’t catch the directive my riding coach yelled so I turned my head and asked “What?!” And the horse started turning too. ?
Alanna
Don’t delete, just No Index!
Sondra
Popovers!
Anne
Weeknight cobbler for two!
Jessi B
Peanut Butter Banana Bread…. There’s more! But that’s what comes to mind first! I baked it while in early labor, to share with midwives and those attending me. It was the first thing I ate while holding my newborns, who are now 11&13 years old.
Joy the Baker
Life is so wild! And you’re right that’s a great recipe! Definitely worth retesting and bringing that one back to the front of the line!
Karen
Please never delete small batch granola!
Joy the Baker
Oh I love that one!
Jenny
I have been here since almost the beginning. There have been so many great recipes over the years. I am sure I have forgotten lots of them. I have two favorites that I make at least once a fall. The Brussels sprouts salad with apples and pomegranate seeds is a favorite of mine. Although when I went to look it up I would say all the Brussels sprout recipes are keepers. And the simple roasted apples. It is simple but I always need to look up the quantities.
Thanks you for the hundreds of great recipes over the years.
Kay
The restaurant quality Brussel sprouts recipe cannot be deleted!!
Carmen Robinson
Speaking of canned pumpkin, the recipe that I always come back to is your spiced pumpkin pancakes from 2009!
Joy the Baker
Taking it back to the beginning Carmen! Thanks for reminding me of those pancakes!
April A
I printed out your baked oatmeal recipe back in 2011 and pull it out of my recipe binder to use at least once a month!
Marsaille Knight
Gah! Your Dad’s pancake recipe! Actually you don’t need to do this at all, Love. Delete nothing. Ok then- Put all of it in a cookbook! Straight up Cookbook from the Blog. ?
Joanne Turner
Black eye peas with cornbread dumplings.
Joy the Baker
Absolutely one of my favorites!
Jackie
Yes! This is the only way I will make black eyed peas! My other go to recipes are the turkey and bacon meatloaf and big fat bolognese sauce. Also love the individual peach cobbler which have since been removed, but Kate (of Cookie and Kate) has her own rendition which I now use :)
Missy Harden
It’s the Everybody’s Birthday Cake and the Best Chocolate Buttercream Frosting for me. <3 Longtime reader, first time poster. Regardless the season, Joy the Baker is always the reason!
Jocelyn Sutherland
Candied pecan biscotti!!
Jocelyn
Sweet potato kale soup and brown butter chocolate chip cookies! I’m pretty sure the latter has been reposted over the years, but just in case. Thank you!!
Caitlin
One pot Chile garlic bread!
Kate
Lemon Ricotta Waffles with Poppyseeds! Family tradition for Mother’s Day ??
Hunter Terry
With love apple pie
Sit and stay awhile crisp
Strawberry rhubarb crumb pie
Roasted strawberry buttermilk cake
Pear and cranberry crumble
Thank you!!
Sara
It’s funny you mentioned the Spinach Soup with Garlic Thyme Croutons because that is one of my favorites. Please keep it around!
Jessica
Tomato Cobbler with Blue Cheese Biscuits
Celia
I love your chocolate peanut butter cupcakes recipe! I would definitely miss it if it was no longer on this site.
Kathy C
In strawberry season, I make your strawberry coffeecake recipe, every year since 2009. One of my favorites.
Jamie
Morning Glory Oats are a staple over here! Also, your Sweet Potato Waffles are always a big hit. My kids don’t even complain that they’re eating vegetables with breakfast when we make these. Thanks Joy