Vallery Lomas

"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."… (mehr)