The Bakehouse Almanac, March 2026
Welcome to The Bakehouse Almanac; a monthly ritual I’m so glad you’re here for. At the top of each month, this little almanac will land like a note taped to the fridge accompanied by a mug of coffee slid across the counter. It’s our monthly guide of sorts: a mix of good intentions, short lists, seasonal thoughts, and a few personal notes from me as we move through the year together. Think of it as a
Bakery-Style Chocolate Oatmeal Lactation Cookies
Bakery-style nursing cookies made with oats, flax, brewer’s yeast, and chocolate chips. Thick, chewy lactation cookies baked tall with crisp edges and soft centers – perfect for new moms and absolutely stocked in my freezer. A few weeks ago I shared my pregnancy news with you and goodness, friends… you
The Baker’s Secret for Cakes That Never Stick
This simple homemade cake release is brushed into pans so cakes slide out cleanly every time. Made from a two-to-one ratio of fat to flour, it clings to every corner of the pan better than baking spray and turns cake release into a sure thing! We love a sure thing
Is Joy the Baker Pregnant? Yes, you guys! Here’s the story behind the bump.
Hello, friend! I’ve been sitting on this piece of writing for a few months now. I’m going to talk about infertility and pregnancy – both of which can feel tender and complicated for some of us. If that feels like more than you want to take on today, I completely
7 Bright Citrus Recipes to Beat the Winter Blues
A cozy winter citrus recipe roundup featuring oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and blood oranges to brighten the darkest days of the season. There’s a particular shade of winter grey that settles in by late January/ early February. The trees are bare. The light feels a little flat. My kitchen window currently
The Bakehouse Almanac: February 2026
Welcome to The Bakehouse Almanac — a new monthly ritual I’m so glad you’re here for. At the top of each month, this little almanac will land like a note taped to the fridge accompanied by a mug of coffee slid across the counter. It’s our monthly guide of sorts:
Notes From An Estranged Sister
I wrote the essay below on January 25, 2026, before I took a much needed social media break for my health. I published it in response to a social media post my estranged sister shared several days prior, unprompted, declaring to the internet that I am “MAGA.” Because the internet
The Bakehouse Almanac: January 2026
Welcome to The Bakehouse Almanac — a new monthly ritual I’m so glad you’re here for. At the top of each month, this little almanac
My 18 Best Birthday Cake Recipes
January is supposed to be about fresh starts, good intentions, and maybe drinking more water. Luckily, one of my most reliable habits is birthday cake.
Perfect Cheddar Chive Scones with hot honey butter
These cheddar chive scones are big, flaky, and full of sharp cheddar and fresh chives, finished with whipped hot honey butter for a savory-sweet brunch
Giant Cornmeal Linzer Cookie Recipe
Buttery and crisp, this linzer cookie recipe swaps almond flour for cornmeal to give classic cut-out sandwich cookies a delicate, golden crunch. Filled with jam
Buttery Cheddar Pecan Crackers
Welcome, friends, officially to the holiday season. The big old house in Bellville, Texas is settling into its own traditions this year, and I have to say… it feels exceedingly sweet. We put the Christmas tree up on the front porch well before Thanksgiving (a premature move by my old
The Bakehouse Texas Chocolate Chip Cookies (Texas-Sized Bakery-Style Cookies)
Bakehouse Bakery-Style Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best chocolate chip cookie recipe for big, thick, chewy cookies loaded with melty chocolate. Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and irresistibly buttery – these cookies are your secret weapon. Friends, it’s a great day! After more than a decade
And Here’s Where We’ll Close This Chapter
Friends, good morning! My parents are coming to Texas next week, and I’m counting down the days. The last time they were here (last Thanksgiving, to be exact), I’d roped them into helping me pull off a surprise wedding before the big family dinner which was, as you’d imagine, no
Nesting Season Has Officially Begun
Are you feeling that—the pull toward nesting? Is your energy dipping? Do you fall asleep earlier? Because, same. I’m leaning into it—slower mornings, softer nights, and heartier meals with the impending colder weather and darker evenings. I won’t be denying it. There’s always a reason for our bodies’ shifts. It’s
