Popular baking personality and lawyer turned baker Vallery Lomas was ecstatic when she learned she won the third season of The Great American Baking Show. However, her win was never seen by the world — Vallery’s season was pulled after just a few episodes when one of the judges became a focal point in a Me Too accusation. Rather than throwing in her whisk and lamenting all of the missed opportunities she hoped to receive (Book deal! Product endorsements! TV show!), she held her head high and hustled — which resulted in her getting press coverage everywhere from CNN to People magazine.

Now, Vallery debuts her first baking book. With 100 recipes for everything from Apple Cider Fritters to Lemon-Honey Madeleines and Crawfish Hand Pies to her Grandma’s Million Dollar Cake. Vallery shares heirloom family recipes from her native Louisiana, time spent in Paris, The Great American Baking Show, and of course sweets and breads inspired by her adopted hometown, New York City. Vallery’s “when life gives you lemons, make lemon curd” philosophy will empower legions of bakers and fans to find their inner warrior and bake their best life.

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The Reviews are In!

“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.”
— Julia Turshen, bestselling author of Simply Julia, host of Keep Calm and Cook On podcast, and founder of Equity at the Table

“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

more reviews

“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

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Full Details on Penguin