The Joy of Baking: The Everyday Zen of Watching Bread Rise

by Steph Blackwell

Discover the therapeutic power of baking in this warm and uplifting book, and embrace a world of floury calm with 20 mouth-watering recipes.

This book encourages you to become absorbed in the everyday magic of transforming a few simple ingredients into something utterly delicious. From the focus of baking sourdough to the quick-win of a cheesy biscuit, gut-friendly muffins to crowd-pleasing carrot cake, there is a recipe for every mood and every occasion.

Steph Blackwell took her own baking journey to the final of The Great British Bake Off, and having experienced the wellbeing benefits of baking first-hand, she is on a mission to share her passion with others and sprinkle a little baking joy in the world.

Genres: Cooking

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2022

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a little at a time, when I needed a pick-me-up, and it did the trick every time. Very thoughtful and honest, with great recipes. Feels like a friend is in the kitchen baking with you, which is just lovely.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up until last year baking had always been one of my favourite activities - for happiness, relaxation and therapy - I loved the process and having something I could enjoy and share with others at the end. This relationship with baking broke down in the last year but on starting to follow Steph Blackwell on Instagram and discovering she had written a book, I knew I had to read it. Having now read it, I am completely inspired and want to rekindle my love of baking as this book reminded me of the reasons I did it in the first place, the size of place it previously occupied in my life, and that there has been a part of me missing without baking regularly. In all honesty, this book says nothing that I didn’t already know subconsciously about baking but perfectly encapsulates the joy of baking along with some recipes that look AMAZING and I really want to try, and I will always be returning to this book if i ever fall out of love with baking again.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!! While I can't bake a lot if the recipes due to chocolate I absolutely loved this book and I definitely felt like I gained a new perspective on my love for baking and what it means to me, but also ways to rethink the way I do things. I read it chaoter by chapter over time and definitely think that's a way to read it as you get to just sit with each chapter for a bit. I 100% see myself returning to this book to reread some chapters overtime.

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read, sweetly written (pun intended). This book combines mental health, little lessons on self-compassion and learning to love oneself, with the beauty of baking. The recipes are easy to follow, reading it I almost felt like I was in Stephs warm kitchen. I would highly recommend and I am looking forward to making some of the bakes!

[Laura Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book with some delicious recipes but this book is about more than just the recipes, but all the other wonderful benefits you can get from the process of baking. Many thanks Steph, getting a lot from your book aswell as some delicious bakes!!

[Kyle Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the honesty and simplicity. Such a helpful book with a different take on how to strive for joy and happiness!