You may already know from my Joyous Health Instagram, but in case you missed it, I’m thrilled to announce that my third cookbook, The Joyous Cookbook, is now available for pre-order! It’s set to release on December 31st, 2019. I’m so excited to share this news with you because you’re the reason I love sharing recipes and writing cookbooks. Your support keeps me going!
I wanted to give you a sneak peek into the journey of creating this cookbook. All the photos in this blog post—from myself, Walker, and Carol—were taken with our iPhones.
Why did I write a third cookbook? Since childhood, I’ve loved being in the kitchen, turning simple ingredients into delightful creations. Initially, I mostly baked goodies like triple-layer carrot cakes, pumpkin cheesecakes, and chocolate chip cookies—but they weren’t the healthiest. Back then, I considered myself more a baker than a cook. Today, I still make cakes, cheesecakes, and cookies, but healthier versions without refined sugar. In fact, I think they taste even better now! I also enjoy making savory dishes like one-pot meals, hearty mains, and salads.
Creating recipes is pure joy for me, and it makes me happy to know you enjoy them too!
What is The Joyous Cookbook about, and who is it for? This cookbook is all about nourishing, delicious meals! I wanted it to be a cookbook for everyone, including plant-based lovers, meat-eaters, and those with food allergies or sensitivities. It includes plenty of dairy-free, grain-free, and nut-free options throughout the book.
The cookbook is designed for families, food lovers, and health enthusiasts—it’s for YOU! The recipes reflect how my family eats: simple, real-food dishes made with ingredients readily available at most grocery stores.
How did I create these recipes? Through lots of trial and error! We enjoy home-cooked meals more than take-out or dining out, which gives me plenty of practice. I also had my adorable helper, who loved helping me in the kitchen. This photo of her is from May 2018, during one of my recipe testing days.
Since this is my third cookbook, following Joyous Health and Joyous Detox, I’ve refined my skills and incorporated feedback from those books into this new one. It features the best 100 recipes I’ve ever created!
More about the recipes in The Joyous Cookbook: The recipes reflect how I eat, but I’ve also listened to you, my community, over the years. I know what recipes you love, and I’ve made sure to include them in this cookbook.
From easy breakfasts and hearty mains to one-pot meals, sides, salads, snacks, and desserts, my recipes will keep you nourished daily. You’ll find simple, delicious recipes like Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Crunchy and Creamy Soba Noodle Salad, Fish Tacos, Sweet Potato Veggie Pad Thai, Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler, and Superfood Chocolate Bark.
FAQ: What happens to all the food I make and photograph? We eat it! Walker eats a lot too!
Are there any galette recipes? Absolutely! I’ve included both savory and sweet galette recipes. They are like the easy version of a pie.
The photos shared here are from my iPhone, not the ones in the cookbook, as I’m keeping those under wraps for now. I wanted this post to give you a behind-the-scenes look at creating the cookbook.
Speaking of photos, who did the food photography? This cookbook is extra special because my husband Walker took all the photos using our Sony A7RII camera, the same one we use for family vacation photos. He’s been doing blog photos since 2015, and they’ve greatly improved. Working together on this was a natural choice, and I’m proud of what we’ve created!
Curious about working with your significant other? Walker and I talked about it on a podcast!
We worked from April to July 2018 to shoot the book, balancing it with regular Joyous Health activities like events and creating blog recipes.
Food Styling and Prop Styling: Our amazing prop and food stylist, Carol Dano, has been with us since Joyous Health’s early days. She sourced props old, new, and rented, mixing them with pieces from Homesense and Pier 1. We’re all quite obsessed with cutlery!
Also key was Caroline Young, who helped make all 100 recipes in our small kitchen. Her support was crucial, especially when I was pregnant and feeling extra tired.
Our Communications Lead, Rachel Molenda, managed the office and tested recipes with our wonderful testers Laura, Andrea, and Erin.
Creating this cookbook took a village, including Vienna!
Although the book officially hits shelves on December 31st, 2019, you can try six recipes before then by pre-ordering! It’s a great way to start 2020. Simply enter your receipt number for a pre-order bundle.
Thanks for your continued support. I’m thrilled for you to have this cookbook and hope it becomes well-loved in your home.
I’m eager to see you enjoying these recipes—tag me on Instagram and use #joyouscookbook as you cook from the pre-order bundle, and share your thoughts!
P.S. UPDATE: Walker and I recorded a podcast about creating The Joyous Cookbook. You can listen here.
Thank you for the insights into the book’s creation and your motivations. Much love from Melbourne, Australia! xx
Thanks for reading, Samantha!
I can’t wait to buy it! Congratulations on the new book!
Thanks, Nicole! I appreciate it.
I just pre-ordered! So excited. Love your work!
Thank you, Karine! Don’t forget to enter your receipt number at joyouscookbook.com for your free pre-order bundle.
(Note: The testimonial about herpes treatment seems unrelated to the cookbook announcement and was not included.)
