If you follow me on Instagram, you might already know the news, but if not, I’m thrilled to share that my third cookbook, The Joyous Cookbook, is now available for pre-order and will be out on December 31, 2019! This announcement fills me with joy because sharing these recipes and writing cookbooks is something I do for you—my wonderful community. Your support is the reason I keep doing what I love.
I’d like to take some time to give you a peek behind the scenes and explain how this cookbook came to be. The photos I’m sharing here were all taken with our iPhones by Walker, Carol, and myself, to give you an authentic glimpse.
Why did I write a third cookbook? Well, I’ve adored cooking ever since I was a little girl, loving the craft of turning raw ingredients into delicious creations. In my mid-twenties, I was more of a baker, making indulgent desserts like carrot cakes and cookies, even though they weren’t the healthiest! These days, I’ve embraced healthier versions of those treats and expanded into savory meals like one-pot dishes and hearty salads. What fuels me is this love for creating and the joy of hearing how much you enjoy what I make.
The Joyous Cookbook focuses on nourishing and delicious meals. I’ve designed it with everyone in mind—from plant-based eaters to those with specific dietary needs, offering lots of dairy-free, grain-free, and nut-free options. This cookbook is for families, food lovers, and health enthusiasts—essentially, it’s for you!
Creating these recipes involved plenty of trial and error. Since we mostly eat at home, I have ample opportunity to experiment and refine my recipes. Plus, I had help from my little kitchen assistant! This photo is from one of our recipe testing sessions back in May 2018.
Having already published Joyous Health and Joyous Detox, I’ve gained a lot of experience and taken feedback from past cookbooks to make this one even better. Inside, you’ll find my top 100 recipes.
This cookbook mirrors my family’s real-food eating style, with easy, grocery store-friendly ingredients. I’ve listened to what you want, infusing the book with the kind of recipes you’ve told me you love. From quick breakfasts and satisfying main courses to snacks and desserts, these recipes aim to keep you nourished daily. Think Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Fish Tacos, and Superfood Chocolate Bark—there’s something for everyone!
People often wonder what happens to all the food I prepare for the cookbook. The answer? We enjoy it, though Walker tends to eat quite a bit!
Galette fans, rejoice! I’ve included both sweet and savory galette recipes, bringing a no-fuss pie experience to your kitchen.
I also want to highlight the incredible work of my husband Walker, who did all the photography with our Sony A7RII camera. He’s been handling the blog photos since 2015, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. If you’re curious about working with a partner, we even recorded a podcast on the topic!
Our shooting spanned from April to July 2018, and we spaced it out to balance other Joyous Health responsibilities. A big thank you goes to Carol Dano for her creative styling with props, and Caroline Young, who assisted me in the kitchen—especially needed when I was pregnant during part of the shoot. And, of course, to Rachel Molenda, who kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. It truly takes a team, and Vienna was part of it too!
Even though the book officially releases on December 31, 2019, pre-order now to get a bundle of six recipes to start cooking right away. It’s a great way to kick off 2020!
Thank you for your ongoing support. I can’t wait for The Joyous Cookbook to become a treasured part of your kitchen. Please tag me on Instagram with #joyouscookbook when you try out the recipes, and share what you think!
P.S. Walker and I recorded a podcast about creating the cookbook—check it out!
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