Reviews
" Life Is What You Bake It is as much about a collection of recipes that makes your mouth water and tugs at your heart with food memories as it is about the chronicles and life lessons of a true comeback kid. Vallery Lomas's life's mantra should be 'Punched down, dough always rises again!' Vallery shows us how to deliciously bake our way to satisfaction." --Carla Hall, author of Carla Hall's Soul Food , Food Network Host and Judge "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 "This book could have easily been called Life Is What You Make It! 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 makes me feel like I can make things in my kitchen that I would normally purchase at a bakery. 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. Between the recipes (which are so trustworthy since Vallery writes with lawyerly precision!) and the stunning photography, Vallery's stories paint a picture of what it looks like to walk the walk of living out your dreams." --Julia Turshen, bestselling author of Simply Julia, host of Keep Calm and Cook On podcast, and founder of Equity at the Table "Vallery Lomas comes out on top with this winning collection of cookies, cakes, pies, and more. She 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. Vallery makes everything doable and easy, no matter what your skill level. 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! It's a beautiful, bright, timely book, bringing new life to the baking classics. Reading through 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 kept me turning the pages. Her stories, such as strawberry fields with her father, jazz and cupcakes with her sister, and her great-grandma's biscuit legacy, bring a depth and joy to each and every recipe. This is my favorite kind of baking book: both a tome of reliable recipes that will become staples in my kitchen and a book to curl up with, reading cover to cover." --Sarah Kieffer, author of 100 Cookies and The Vanilla Bean Blog, " 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." --Claire Saffitz, author of Dessert Person "Brimming with fond memories, gorgeous full-page photography, and expert tips and tricks, Life Is What You Bake It is all about managing the unexpected twists thrown at you--while baking or otherwise." -- Michelle Baricevic, Food Network online editorial coordinator "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 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 as much about a collection of recipes that makes your mouth water and tugs at your heart with food memories as it is about the chronicles and life lessons of a true comeback kid. Vallery Lomas's life's mantra should be 'Punched down, dough always rises again!' Vallery shows us how to deliciously bake our way to satisfaction." --Carla Hall, author of Carla Hall's Soul Food , Food Network Host and Judge "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 "This book could have easily been called Life Is What You Make It! 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 "Vallery makes me feel like I can make things in my kitchen that I would normally purchase at a bakery. 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. Between the recipes (which are so trustworthy since Vallery writes with lawyerly precision!) and the stunning photography, Vallery's stories paint a picture of what it looks like to walk the walk of living out your dreams." --Julia Turshen, bestselling author of Simply Julia, host of Keep Calm and Cook On podcast, and founder of Equity at the Table "Vallery Lomas comes out on top with this winning collection of cookies, cakes, pies, and more. She 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. Vallery makes everything doable and easy, no matter what your skill level. 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! It's a beautiful, bright, timely book, bringing new life to the baking classics. Reading through 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 kept me turning the pages. Her stories, such as strawberry fields with her father, jazz and cupcakes with her sister, and her great-grandma's biscuit legacy, bring a depth and joy to each and every recipe. This is my favorite kind of baking book: both a tome of reliable recipes that will become staples in my kitchen and a book to curl up with, reading cover to cover." --Sarah Kieffer, author of 100 Cookies and The Vanilla Bean Blog, " 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 imbues the heart, soul, and joy of a great baker. Her stories of tenacity will inspire you to bake everything from Grandma Leona's Cornmeal Pancakes to fancy French macarons. She 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. This is my favorite kind of baking book: both a tome of reliable recipes that will become staples in my kitchen and a book to curl up with, reading cover to cover." --Sarah Kieffer, author of 100 Cookies and The Vanilla Bean Blog
