I’ve started and stopped this post about 100 times since January.
My head was filled with so many things that any time I’d sit down to write a new post I’d get all restless and distracted. My thoughts would eventually seize up like a bad hollandaise sauce (bless the delete button…).
Yes, I know. Excuses, excuses.
The truth is, I’ve been busy working on a very special project; one that’s literally consumed all of my time, thoughts, energy- you name it. Every day, I’d wake up and dive head first into the arduous task of balancing creativity with life, kids, work, and whatever else. It wasn’t easy and I took on way more than I could handle (hence the radio silence in this space).
But now I’m delighted to report that it’s over! No more deadlines. No more pressure. All of the pages have been signed, sealed, and delivered to my editor and we are in the final stages of completing the details.
What details you ask?
Cookbook number two!
For the past several months, I’ve been submerged in writing, baking, and creating a new book that I’m really excited to share. But first, I do sincerely apologize if I left any of you hanging- I can’t stress this enough. I really had to dig deep and barricade myself in order to think and truly write from the heart. I even have that ‘mad writer’s look’ with crazy hair and bags under my eyes to prove it.
Here’s the backstory that led me to writing this book…
Before I got into blogging, I taught myself how to bake sourdough. Occasionally, I’d post a recipe here and there and that was it. Most of my sourdough baking endeavors went undocumented.
Behind the scenes however, I was busy baking away and scribbling recipes onto the pages of tattered notebooks, the back of bills, and whatever else I could get my hands on. This became my most prized sourdough collection and I hoped to have them published in print one day.
Ironically, when brainstorming ideas for my first cookbook the concept of sourdough had initially come to mind. But instinctively, I knew it wasn’t the right debut book. So, I waited…. patiently. When my publisher approached me to write a second book, I knew that the time was now.
In October of this year, 2017, Artisan Sourdough Made Simple will hit the shelves wherever books are sold! You’ll find over 65 easy to follow recipes including my Everyday Sourdough, soft sandwich bread, hearty whole-grain loaves, twists, braids, and so much more! You’ll even learn how to create your very own sourdough starter with easy to follow storage options and tips. And there’s plenty of step-by-step photos to inspire you along the way. This book is not just recipes; it’s a beginner’s guide.
And the best part?
You don’t have to have any working knowledge of sourdough to get started. You don’t even have to be a baker. Anyone can dive right in, and in my opinion it’s the best way to learn.
So that’s where I’ve been friends! It’s been a wild ride since the start of this year but it’s all settling down nicely. I do hope you’ll join me as I gradually transition back into updating this space. There will be more details about the book when it’s time to pre-order, but in the meantime if you have any questions, please let me know!
I’d love to hear how you all have been doing too! Cook anything fun lately? Any sourdough baker’s out there?
xo Emilie
**Update: Many of you have asked where to buy the book! Click here if you’d like to pre-order now! Thank you so much for your support. **
Comments
Christi says
Hi!
Can you explain why you don’t preheat your Dutch Oven inside your 450 oven? Most artisan bread recipes do this.
I noticed that you use a cold Dutch Oven to start your bread dough in.
Donna @thehangingspoon says
Congratulations on your book! What an accomplishment! Looking forward to both the book and reading your posts again! Welcome back! xoxo
Emilie says
Thank you so much, Donna! I really appreciate it! Hugs to you! xx
The Boozy Epicure says
Congratulations on Book #2! I too learned sourdough baking just by practice and am happy to say my sourdough mother has been alive in my fridge for almost a year now as I keep baking and loving it. Can’t wait to check out your book!
Emilie says
Hi there! Thank you! Wow, that’s incredible :) Sourdough is a fun craft, isn’t it? I just had a look at your site and your bread is BEAUTIFUL! xo
Jessie Snyder says
Yay Emilie! I’m so excited and proud of you! Book number two, phew, what a feat – and on sourdough bread alone. You’re amazing. I’m super excited to learn from you with this new book, I’m such a sourdough novice. And also so happy to see you back in this space, you’re amazing presence was missed! Lots of love and congratulatory hugs from the other coast friend – XO.
Pamela Green says
Congrats on the wonderful sounding new cookbook Emilie! What an exciting endeavor!!!
Emilie says
Pam! You are so sweet! Thank you so much! So happy to see you here :)
Emily says
Oh hooray, Em! I keep trying from Tartine No. 3 and my bread is good, but still not quite where I want it to be. I’m going to have to give your book a try. How exciting! It’s been so quiet around here so it’s good to know you are well!
Emilie says
Hey Em! I’ve heard that Tartine No. 3 is challenging! But just think: you’ve made bread with your own two hands! I always remind myself of this when one of my loaves comes out of the oven all wonky-looking, and as you’ve put it, ‘not quite where I want to be.’ Ah, the journey continues, right? Thank you so much for your sweet words! xoxo
Aysegul Sanford says
SO SO happy that you are back. I know this book is going to be a HIT and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Cheers to your success my friend. You have so much to be proud of.
<3
Emilie says
Thank you my dear friend! That really means a lot to me! xoxo
Jodi says
Oh congratulations! I’ve been making sourdough at home for about a year now, and I love learning about it so much, it feels never ending. Everyone has a their own way of doing it and I’m so excited you’ve decided to write a book about it! I can’t wait to see all the delicious flavors you come up with! A million times over, congratulations x
Emilie says
Hi Jodi!
Yay! Another sourdough baker, I love it! You are absolutely right- everyone has their own way of doing it which I find fascinating. I used to find it intimidating and then I got over it ;) There’s no right or wrong way! Thank you so much for your kind words! xx
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
It’s amazing how much adrenaline we can muster when we need to :) Very excited for you beauty and wish you continued success and blessings in all that you do ♥
Emilie says
Don’t even get me started on adrenals! It truly is amazing what the human body can do (and how it can crash afterwards. But I guess that’s why we have lavender candles ;) Thank you so much Kelly, many blessings to you and yours as well. xx
Amisha Gurbani says
Hi Emilie! I knew you were writing a cookbook about breads etc, but I did not know it was coming out in Oct! I am so thrilled and excited for you and I know it is going to be as good or even better than the your first book! Am sure it is hard to juggle with family/work and other things that we moms do! But You are a trooper! Good luck and best wishes with the new cookbook :) Cant wait to see it!
Emilie says
Hi Amisha! I know, time goes by so fast, doesn’t it! It was incredible challenging to juggle everything this time around (note to self: never write a book during the holiday season!) but I think that helped to shape the overall message of the book. You don’t have to be a professional, you don’t have to even be a baker- anyone can bake sourdough! Even the busiest of people! Anyway, thank you so much for commenting here. It’s great to hear from you. xx
Sis says
I’ve been trying to learn sourdough bread baking too. Sometimes successful, yet not consistent. I’ll be getting your book and comparing notes to your techniques, and hopefully will develop as a bread baker! Excited about your news!
Emilie says
Hi Sis!
I read a quote somewhere (I forget who said it) that bread baking is 10% recipe and 90% baker. And I couldn’t agree more! It’s all about learning the basic skills and then branching off on your own- there’s no right or wrong way. Sourdough is definitely an ongoing journey, but if you stick with it, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. Happy baking and thanks for your support! xx
Stephanie McKinnie says
How exciting! Congratulations!! My husband has been perfecting his sourdough and it has been a challenging road! I can’t wait to share your cookbook with him!
Emilie says
Hi Stephanie,
Ah yes… for the love of sourdough! There’s just something about it! I hope you and your husband enjoy the book- thank you so much for pre-ordering. PS: if he has any questions regarding baking, tell him to shoot me an email. xx
Donna says
WOW! Congratulations, can’t wait for the new book, love your first one!
Emilie says
Thank you Donna! That is so very kind of you! xx
Sandy R says
I was wondering just today where you were. I have never made sourdough but I am excited to learn. I preordered since I love your first cookbook. Welcome back.
Emilie says
Thank you, Sandy! I know… it’s been a while. There were so many times I just wanted to pop in and say hi but couldn’t find the right words! I’m happy to be back and thank you so much for your support. xx
Jodi says
Your low hydration sourdough recipe was my first ever attempt at sourdough and is still my go-to recipe. I am very excited for your book and have already pre-ordered!
Emilie says
Hi Jodi,
That’s so wonderful to hear, thank you! I really appreciate your support, too. :) xx
celia says
So…you know I’ve been pre-ordered for ages, right? Love you, kiddo.. xxx
Emilie says
LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! XOXO
Lydia Ruddy says
The new book sound wonderful. I am always looking to improve/enlarge my sourdough repertoire. Can’t wait to read it. A good sandwich bread would be awesome. My English muffin bread is too crumbly, and my sourdough boules are great, but sometimes you just don’t want super crunchy crusty bread.
Emilie says
Hi Lydia,
Thank you! And you are in luck- there’s a whole chapter on sandwich bread in the book ;) I’ve included a recipe for my Country Farmhouse White Bread (house favorite) and a great version of Soft Honey Whole Wheat. I’ve always wanted to try English muffin bread- I’ll have to put that one on the list. Thanks for the idea! xx
Gretchen says
I’m so excited and just preordered! I barely survive every day, I don’t know how you managed to write a book too.
Emilie says
Hi Gretchen,
I’m with you all the way- everyday is a marathon! Thank you so much for ordering. It means a lot! xx
Janell says
Congratulations! Very exciting news … was thinking of you just this week as I printed your brioche recipe (once again) for a customer of mine who just took a sour dough making class. Your brioche recipe is one of my all time favorites because it’s just so easy and it brings tears to my partner’s eyes (no joke) when I make it. She loves it and there’s nothing more homey and comfortable than baking bread. It’s the ‘gluten’ that binds us ;) It’ll be Christmas in October when your book arrives!
Emilie says
Hi Janell,
Thank you so much! Oh, I’m so happy to hear that you like the brioche. Who doesn’t love a good buttery brioche, right?! Happy to hear that your partner likes it as well. I’ve cried over food before, lol ;) And may the gluten be with you too. THANK YOU for your support!
Jennifer Emilson says
How wonderful Emilie! I’m so looking forward to book number two! Your first cookbook is a joy to use. And I’m definitely a newbie when it comes to sourdough. Love eating it. Just haven’t been brace enough to bake it yet!!
Love Jen
Emilie says
Hi Jennifer,
It’s so nice to see you here! Thank you so much for your sweet words! I wish I could give you a hug ;) You know, the cool thing about sourdough is that you don’t need to know it all before you begin- it just looks complicated because half of the things we are exposed to (social media + bread forums) are oftentimes so advanced! I had no knowledge of sourdough when I started. And in my opinion, jumping in head first is a great way to learn. I hope you give it a go when you’re ready!
Laura McG says
Yayyy you’re back! So excited! Congrats on the new book, can’t wait to get my own copy and get to baking!!! xoxo
Emilie says
Hi Laura! Thank you! I’m excited to be back too, it feels great!
Nancy says
Wonderful news and congratulations!!! I am so looking forward to this next chapter of your creativity and talent. I’m pre ordering now.
~Nancy
Emilie says
Hi Nancy,
You are so very kind! Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it. Glad to have you here. xx
Lisa Conner says
Cool Emily, congratulations, best wishes! Lisa
Emilie says
Thanks Lisa. So nice to hear from you! xx
Elizabeth says
Great news, but will this book be available to purchase digitally? I don’tluve in the US.
Emilie says
Hi Elizabeth! Yes, you can purchase a digital copy! Plus, I believe Book Depository offers free worldwide shipping (when the book becomes available). :)
Rafaella Sargi says
You inspire me every day Emilie! I admire your work, talent, creativity and dedication…
I just pre-ordered the book! I am extremely happy for you and I hope you know I will always be cheering for your success…
Big Love.
Emilie says
You really are THE BEST! Thank you so, so much. I might explode now. xoxo
Anne says
How exciting! I was going to say that I hope there’s a chapter about what to do when your sourdough loaf is so heavy it could double as a doorstep, but then I realised that the whole idea is to follow your instructions so that the loaves don’t turn out like that. A book to go on my wishlist.
Emilie says
Oh Anne, how I’ve missed your humor. It happens to the best of us! There was a period in time where my loaves refused to color- they were just blonde. All blonde! Drove me nuts. It all worked out in the end and is a gentle reminder that the process is not black and white (ever!). I think you will like this book ;) xx
Laney says
So glad you’re back! Figured you were up to something special and wonderful-can’t wait to see it! Xo
Emilie says
Thanks Laney! It feels great to be back, thank you. Hope you are doing well! xo
Laura says
Was so happy to see your email!
Congratulations on the new book. I will look for it. I have always wanted to try baking my own bread but was intimidated. Your book sounds like the perfect way to get over that!
Emilie says
Yay! I was so happy to finally send it! If you’ve always wanted to bake sourdough, and have no clue where to begin, this book is your starting point! And you have me to answer all of your questions ;)
Symphony says
I started following you because of your sourdough and I’ll buy your book because if it too! I’m excited!
Emilie says
Ah! Thank you so much! So excited to have a sourdough baker here :) xx
Mugs says
Hi Emilie, I am indeed an avid Sourdough baker, though I have only experimented a little. I am excited to read your book. I really hope it has British/metric measurements in it or at least a conversion table in the back? So excited to read it, there is a real gap for a good Sourdough Recipe book, hope yours fills that void with huge success. Mugs
Emilie says
Hi Mugs! The book will have both metric and volume measurements. You will be all set! And thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I wrote this book to represent the beginner. There is so much info on bread out there and it can seem very intimidating and advanced- especially the terminology. I do hope you enjoy it. I put the link to pre- order (if you’d like) at the bottom of the post. x
Katy Hanlon says
So happy you’re back! Looking forward to your second book. Can’t wait to get baking! :)
Emilie says
Hi Katy! Thank you so much! xoxo
lyn payne says
Hi Emelia, I am a sourdough maker and have got it down to an almost effortless exercise. Will look out for the book – many congratulations; life does get impossibly busy so very well done.
Emilie says
Hi there! Another sourdough baker- welcome! I’d love to hear all about your exercise. One of the things that fascinates me the most is how flexible sourdough really is. Each baker has their own unique way of incorporating slow bread into modern day. Thank you for your support!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Congratulations! I had a feeling, and was hoping, you were going to say cookbook number two!! I can imagine that the job of writing a cookbook kept balanced with life, kids, work and everything else must be daunting at times! I look forward to your lovely new book!
Emilie says
Yay! I’m excited you’re excited ;) I literally got swept up in the book and found it so challenging to keep up. And I wasn’t expecting it because the process was different the first time around. Ah sourdough.. what we do for love. Anyways, it’s so lovely to see that you here- huge smile on my face! xo
Elaine @ foodbod says
Lovely to ‘see’ Emily and to read your exciting news!!! huge congratulations on your second book xx
Emilie says
Elaine! So nice to ‘see’ you too! I’ve been loving all of your sourdough creations on insta- the ciabatta looked scrumptious! Glad to be back and hope you are doing well. xo
Norma Jean Partie says
How do you get your new sourdough book ?
Emilie says
Hi Norma! You can follow the link here (https://goo.gl/BIuexh) and it will arrive in October. Thanks so much for your support! xx
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
You know I can’t wait to get my hands on your book, Emily! Book #1 is a constant source of inspiration and one that I pull regularly. I’m a sourdough wanna be baker. I’ve been futzing around with it for at least the past year but haven’t quite mastered the techniques. As you know though, sourdough is a work in patience and progress. I will master it with the help of your guidance, I can’t wait! Congratulations on setting your goal and keeping your eye on the prize! I’m so excited for you! xo
Emilie says
Traci, you are too, too kind. It’s so nice to receive such positive feedback. As you know, blogging and writing is such a solitary craft and it’s comments like this that certainly keep me going. I’m excited for you to have a go with this book and I’m happy to help with any questions along the way. Like you said, it’s “a work of patience and progress” but so rewarding at the same time. Thanks again for your sweet words- I’m excited too! xx
SallyBR says
Wonderful! Is that going to be the cover of your book? Or is it asking too many details too early?
just saying… it is a gorgeous photo!
Congratulations, I am sure if feels like having run a marathon! You should be overly proud of yourself…
Emilie says
Hi Sally! No, it’s not the cover ;) But it’s on the intro page in the book. I’m so glad that you like it! Thank you so much! If you’d like, you can see the cover here: https://goo.gl/BIuexh. And yes, it was a marathon indeed. I’d like to use this phrase “it kicked my you-know-what!!” Hugs to you!
SallyBR says
Beautiful cover! I just pre-oredered…. I have many many bread books, but would never let yours pass by
it shall be mine, all mine!
;-)
Marisa Greason says
Dear Emilie:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful news and can’t wait to get the book. It was so good to receive your email this morning-you have been very much missed!
Emilie says
Your comment made me beam! I was so nervous I’d hear nothing but crickets once I hit the publish button ;) I’ve missed you all very much too! So glad to be back, and thank you so much for your kind words. xx