"Life Is What You Bake It: Recipes, Stories, and Inspiration to Bake Your Way to the Top: A Baking Book"--by Vallery Lomas--the winner of The Great American Baking Show shares her story of personal growth and more than 100 delicious recipes (see my review)

 

Life Is What You Bake It: Recipes, Stories, and Inspiration to Bake Your Way to the Top: A Baking Book

Popular baking personality and lawyer turned baker Vallery Lomas was ecstatic when she learned she won the third season of The Great American Baking Show. However, her win was never seen by the world--Vallery's season was pulled after just a few episodes when one of the judges became a focal point in a Me Too accusation. Rather than throwing in her whisk and lamenting all of the missed opportunities she hoped to receive (Book deal! Product endorsements! TV show!), she held her head high and hustled--which resulted in her getting press coverage everywhere from CNN to People magazine.

Now, Vallery debuts her first baking book. With 100 recipes for everything from Apple Cider Fritters to Lemon-Honey Madeleines and Crawfish Hand Pies to her Grandma's Million Dollar Cake. Vallery shares heirloom family recipes from her native Louisiana, time spent in Paris, The Great American Baking Show, and of course sweets and breads inspired by her adopted hometown, New York City. Vallery's "when life gives you lemons, make lemon curd" philosophy will empower legions of bakers and fans to find their inner warrior and bake their best life.

MY REVIEW:  "Life Is What You Bake It: Recipes, Stories, and Inspiration to Bake Your Way to the Top: A Baking Book", from author Vallery Lomas, is a delightful and inspiring cookbook-memoir. A lawyer turned baker/blogger, Ms. Lomas' love of baking comes from her mother and grandmothers and her upbringing in Southern Louisiana. Later in her life, cooking influences would come from college years of law studies in Los Angeles and a semester abroad in Paris. After settling into a law practice in Manhattan, her blog, "Foodie in New York", and her Instagram account showcasing her baking led to a chance to compete on "The Great American Baking Show". Thrilled to win the competition, she was later devastated when her season of the show was not aired due to a behind-the-scenes scandal involving one of the judges. However, she didn't stay down for long, and through a series of social media moves and publicity breakthroughs, she made a comeback which she describes as similar to the "second rising of punched-down dough". Eventually, she discontinued her law practice to devote her time to the work of her heart--her baking. "Life Is What You Bake It" offers dozens of fabulous recipes and a bounty of insightful and helpful baking tips. Along with chapters such as "Morning Treats", "En France", "Cookies & Bars", "Cobblers, Pies, and Tarts", 'Cakes", "Bread", and "Doughnuts", you will find helpful hints such as "5 Bits of Baker's Wisdom", "A Baker's Pantry (and Fridge)", and "Some Tools to Get You Started". So far, I have tried three of the recipes--all scrumptious--and I definitely plan on trying more tempting dishes. "Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Brownies"--perfect with a cup of good hot coffee or an icy cold glass of milk. "Bourbon Pecan Pie"--so good that no words are needed. "Granny's Million Dollar Cake"--couldn't resist--my own Granny was a wonderful intuitive baker and cook who brought me into her kitchen at a very young age. "Life Is What You Bake It" is a reminder to all to be true to yourself, know your own strengths, and to never give up on your dreams. 

Disclosure: "I've received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review."

 

Reviews

 

“Life Is What You Bake It is at once deeply personal and eminently practical. Vallery weaves together evocative stories about honoring family, overcoming disappointment, and pushing through fear. Her insightful tips and inspired recipes will help to make a champion out of any home baker. On top of that, her wisdom teaches us that baking is about more than creating something delicious; it’s a means of grounding oneself, connecting to others, and carrying on a personal legacy.”—Claire Saffitz, author of Dessert Person

“Lomas is an inspiration as a baker (have you seen Almost-Ate-the-Plate Carrot Cake?), a writer (headnote readers, you’re in for some beautiful storytelling), but also as a human being, pursuing her passion for baking and continuing it against seemingly impossible setbacks. We’re luckier for it.”—Deb Perelman, author of Smitten Kitchen Every Day
 
“I don’t know what’s more inspiring, Vallery’s incredible and deeply courageous story or her stunning, crave-worthy recipes. Life Is What You Bake It truly has it all: the kinds of stories that make you feel like you’re hanging out with a good friend, loads of tips that will help you become a better baker, and of course, baked goods that you’ll want to totally devour.”—Molly Yeh, Food Network host and cookbook author

“Chef Vallery’s story lets you know that if you can put your mind to it, you can achieve it. She also makes it clear that if you want delicious baked goods, you should take a page out of her book. From her simple nostalgic Strawberry Smash to her decadent bananas foster pancakes, there is a recipe in here for everyone!”—Kwame Onwuachi, author of Notes From a Young Black Chef, James Beard Rising Star Chef and judge on Top Chef

“[Vallery] will guide you with her endless charm and beautifully written recipes to bake like a champion.”—Zoë François, author of Zoë Bakes Cakes and TV host

“Vallery Lomas brings her trademark zest and enthusiasm to American classics and offers up a chapter of easy-to-master French pastries from her life in Paris. I can’t wait to bake my way through this delicious collection of recipes!”—David Lebovitz, author of Drinking French and My Paris Kitchen

“I LOVE IT! I felt immediately comforted and uplifted by Vallery’s writing, which is warm, engaging, and thoughtful. There’s something in the book for everybody, no matter their skill level or confidence.”—Ruby Tandoh, food writer and author of Eat Up!

“While the gorgeous photography and delicious recipes immediately drew me in, Vallery’s compelling journey and family history bring a depth and joy to each and every recipe.”—Sarah Kieffer, author of 100 Cookies and The Vanilla Bean Blog

“The Great American Baking Show winner Lomas debuts with an inspiring collection that combines life lessons, family lore, and behind-the-scenes peeks at the reality show world, with more than 100 indulgent recipes.”—Publishers Weekly

 

“Life Is What You Bake It is not only a collection of recipes but also an empowering book that shows us there’s often more possible than we can even imagine.”—Julia Turshen, bestselling author of Simply Julia, host of Keep Calm and Cook On podcast, and founder of Equity at the Table 

 

Vallery Lomas

Vallery Lomas is an attorney turned food personality. She transitioned from hobby baker and blogger to full-time foodie after winning Season 3 of ABC's Great American Baking Show. Her debut cookbook of 100 recipes will be published September 2021 by Clarkson Potter, imprint of Penguin Random House.

She is a regular contributor to Food Network Kitchen and has appeared on CNN, Fox, ABC, & NBC. Her writing and recipes have appeared in the New York Times, Food & Wine, Food 52, the cover of Better Homes & Gardens, People Magazine, and Taste. She is also a contributor to NYT Cooking. 

https://foodieinnewyork.com/