Meet Joy
I’m Joy. I’m a baker. Had you guessed as much?
I’m currently taking on my twenties, trying to show the world, and my kitchen, what’s what.
I live in Los Angeles. That’s where I do a majority of my living, working, eating, cocktailing and related horsing around.
I’m a self taught/ family taught/ taste buds taught baker.
I grew up in the kitchen in between my father, who has a love for all things pie, and my mother, who is one mighty fine cake decorator. Between my kitchen loving parents, the clinking cake pans, and the flying flour, it became clear that baking is in my blood.
I also really like brownies… and cookies.. and anything with the word ‘cake’ in the title… and funky things like Avocado Pound Cake. What better way to get to eat all of these goodies, then to learn how to bake them!?
Joy the Baker has been up and running and taking over the Internet since January 2008.
In that time I’ve made an immeasurable amount of friends in people like you. I’ve been nominated for the 2010 Bloggies ‘Best Food Blog’. I’ve been named one of the Top Fifty Food Blogs in the World by the London Times. I’ve been named Best Baking Blog by Foodbuzz… and Forbes said some really lovely things about me… all because I have a compulsion to take pictures of the things that I bake.
In August 2009 I threw a rooftop picnic in the middle of downtown Los Angeles. There was fried chicken, there were hundreds of cupcakes, I wore a pink dress, and close to 200 Joy the Baker fans joined me in the sun. It was incredible.
I also teach baking classes. Yea… that happens. My classes are a charming mix of awkward and informative.
This blog is proof that I’m navigating my way through the world. You’ll get a little bit about life, a healthy heap of love, cookies, cakes and creams. Together we’ll figure out how they all come together to create one incredibly sweet life.
Here’s a little of the nitty gritty:
I shoot using a Canon Rebel XSi with a 100mm macro lens or a simple 50mm lens.
I use natural light. Why? Because I love to bake and shoot in the morning, and my life works out pretty well that way.
My favorite color these days: grey and navy blue.
I love bourbon and tacos. Together or separate.
I love kittens and owl drawings and baby thighs.
My friends and I started an events company called On the Lamb Food and Beverage. We make food and throw parties in random spaces around Los Angeles. It’s joyous.
The blog is powered by Wordpress, an unbelievable amount of granulated sugar, and a sometimes unreasonable desire to share with you all of my kitchen happenings.
Thank you for coming here, baking things and saying nice words. I’m so glad you’re around.
Stay awhile. Have some biscuits.
Want to know more!? Suuuuure you do!
Check out these frequently asked questions and answers. And there’s FAQ Part 2 too!
Contact me at: joythebaker (at) gmail (dot) com.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Joy!
I’m happy to say that I stumbled upon your blog a mere month into its existence,
and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it!!!! I just wanted to pop in and say: love, love, LOVE the new layout!
Heather
Hi Joy!
I just happened across your blog by accident and now I’m hooked. I adore your recipes, and how easy to follow they are. I’m looking forward to trying many new and wonderful things. I love to cook and bake all kinds of homemade treats and my friends love to eat said treats.
Love your blog – cheers!
Robin
I am so glad that I came across your blog several months ago. I’m a faux finisher and so called “artist”, but I’ve always loved to bake probably because I have a major sugar addiction and needed something sweet to eat. I’ve devoured your recipe index and recently made the banana cake with dulce de leche for my son’s first bday! But really, I enjoy coming here cuz you just crack me up:) If I’m reading this before bed (which I usually am) my husband just laughs at me as I laugh out loud while I read. He gets to hear all about your “goings ons” too! Thanks for your inspiration!
You are the cutest, and I love every post. That is all.
Hi Joy, Love the new layout but wondering where the Friends of Joy section has gone?
Joy,
How do you get your food photos so clear?
I’d like to send you a few of my organic/fair trade chocolate bars to say “Hi”.
If you’d like these bars, please email me your address.
Cool blog,
Thanks!
John TravelChocolate (on facebook)
I love your blog but am very disappointed that you only provide a “summary feed” to your RSS subscribers. Would you consider changing it to a full feed? Otherwise I will, regrettably, have to unsubscribe because it just takes too much time for those of us who follow lots of blogs.
Rest assured that I do click through to your site when there is a post that appeals to me … and that’s a lot because I am a fan!
You have the cutest blog ever! Do you do your own design for your headers?
Please don’t think I’m a creep, but I want to compliment you on your well defined shoulder muscles. Were you just born with perfectly defined shoulders or do you lift weights? Either way I love your blog and your recipes. Every recipe I’ve ever made from here has been super delicious!
Gawd, I’ve always thought that you’re a male and that ‘Joy the baker’ was merely a name. I’m really impressed by your baking skills and your incredible recipes. You’ve helped me a lot and I really appreciate that. You’re not only gorgeous but witty and charming as well. God bless! X
I LOVEloveLoVeLOVE your blog. Amazing pictures and amazing treats!
Wow!! I stumbled upon your site by looking for a root beer cake! I love baking but my family isn’t too keen on it and it’s okay. I still do it. I look forward to the avacado bread. Take you for sharing your love of baking and the wonderful photos..:). I only wished I lived in L.A.,just to take some classes. You and King Arthur flour blog, are now my favorite! Keep it up!
Kristi
Would you please make something with zuchini? I happen to have a lot of it and desire something not run-of-the-mill. Thanks in advance.
Joy,
I adore your blog! You make me laugh. It’s a bit ridiculous!!! I know that I have seen a recipe to make bread flour on here. I can’t seem to find it. Would you mind reposting it??? Thanks!
Hello Joy,
I have been reading your blog for quite a while now and I LOVE it! I also wanted to let you know that when my family and I recently celebrated my Grandpa’s 100th Birthday I was in charge of all of the baking! With the help of 3 of your recipes (chocolate brownie cookies, strawberry banana cream pie, and Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Dulce de Leche Buttercream-which I made into a cake and added cream cheese to the frosting) everything turned out perfect and delicious! It was like I was borrowing recipes and tips from a friend! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
you make me wanna bake.
i thank you for that.
and i adore you for that.
Joy,
I love reading your blog. First of all, you are hilarious. My thought process is usually quite similar… especially your thoughts on peanut butter and chocolate. Secondly, your recipes are so fun and delicious. I just wanted to let you know that I tried making the “Best Chocolate Bunt Cake Ever.” You were completely right. Best. Ever. So, thank you!
Anna
Joy,
You are an absolute inspiration to me! I want to bake. I want to bring sugar filled, sensational creations (that make your taste buds dance) to the masses. You make me realize I can. And when/where are these baking classes? Thank you for sharing your wonderful world! God Bless!
all food very good
Oh my gosh! I love baking, I love pictures, I love love your site! Just found it:) Excited that I did!
Dear Joy,
Figfest fast approcheth! Here on the east coast it is nigh time for all things figgy. Please slap down some fabulous fig recipes (both savory and sweet) so that I may impress my friend who is about to harvest a heapin’ helpin’ o’ the most perfect fruit ever.
Dear Joy,
Up til now I’ve concentrated only on cooking. I’ve recently had an urge to do some baking but am having a hard time getting started. I must add that I don’t want to bake professionally yet but maybe someday. What I’m asking is how did you teach yourself?
Thanks,
Greg
I’ve always loved baking ever since I was little and just recently took it up again, more than ever. I was looking for brownie recipes today and came across your blog. I immediately fell in LOVE and can not wait to try some (if not all) of your recipes. You are an inspiration. If I am ever on the west coast I’d love to take one of your classes. Keep baking! Dessert makes the world a better and happier place :)
Hello!!!
Well, just like you, I’m an English major in college.. and I discovered my passion for cooking while testing recipes with my mom and singing in our kitchen.
I still don’t know what I love more…English (since I’m a Brazilian) or cooking lol but it’s been nice trying to figure it out. But I’m quite sure one of these days I’ll have my own bakery and wil live the dream of cooking for the rest of my life lol
Just looove your blog. It’s mouth-watering all the time! You are doing a great job.
A quick hi from Rio de Janeiro – Brazil xxxxx
I work for a school that is following the dietary guidelines for the state.. Last year we make muffins out of a box , this year our dietician would like us to make muffins from scratch…
using wholegrain flour, NO SALT, NO BAKING SODA .. dry ingrendient include whole wheat flour, 5 tablespoons baking powder, 5 cups of sugar.. then the wet ingrendient.. I know this is wrong this is to make 48 4oz. muffins … Last year we sold alot the kids loved them .. I do not want to start the school year off with a yucky muffin… HELP she want no salt very little sugar and wholegrain
Hi!
I just wanted to say, i love this blog. I recently stumbled upon another food blogsite that also gave a link to yours in their blogroll. As a teenager with a passion for baking, your witty sense of humor and awesome pictures made me stay on your site for over an hour! Thanks for being real with your readers. Keep bloggin and I’ll keep reading :)
I stumbled upon your Web site, and I just can’t get enough….What an inspiration you are. I started a blog back in 2008, but failed badly. I have now taken a different appoach and seem to be doing better. I love your blog, your foods (recipes), and your approach. I’m glad I found you, and I am now a true follower, but live on the other side of the U.S.
{ 8 trackbacks }