First, this is my absolute favorite line "It felt like spotting Jon Hamm at a dive bar: so gorgeous I couldn’t figure out how to approach it."
Second, I LOVE that you went ahead and asked a question and let go of the result, yet the result is soooo cool! Excited to hear more of your baking adventures!
Sarah, you made my day—thank you! I’m partial to that line (and Jon Hamm) myself 🤣
That last part is such a good reminder that there’s no downside in asking pie-in-the-sky questions, right?! A lesson I always need to keep relearning myself.
Yes! I remember when I challenged myself to appear on 100 podcasts. I didn’t quite get there (I burned out on interviews after 40) but I got to meet so many cool people!
Oh my GOD this feels like a Lifetime movie in the making in the best way possible. I couldn’t be more obsessed that this resulted from your trip. I can’t wait to sample your baked goods sometime in the near (manifesting this for us!) future!
OK, you win for best comment...the Lifetime movie connection somehow (shockingly!) didn't occur to me, and I am HERE for it! 🤣 I just signed up for beginning + advanced dough lamination classes, so I will *absolutely* be making you croissants for our inevitable first in-person hangout.
OOOh, la,la!! I've been obsessed with bakeries myself lately, but closer to home. We have a new cafe/restaurant that opened up near my place. It is a bakery by day (she is the baker) and a restaurant by night (he is the chef) and it's winning awards galore. Lineups out the door. My hubby was going far too many mornings during the summer, I had to ask him to stop because I wasn't going to be able to fit into my pants come fall! (And, true to form, I didn't!!) I am so excited to see what you learn from your work in the bakery (and what gems you decide to make as a result). Welcome back.
Reading your comment over here in my new elastic-waistband pants...I feel this, Kim 😅 I'm now SO curious about this incredible-sounding bakery/restaurant that you'll have to DM me the name for my next (inevitable) trip to Vancouver Island. We'll definitely have to visit together!
MADDIE!! First of all, I have you missed you so. I was thinking to myself the other week, God I miss Maddie's newsletter. As a fellow ardent pastry lover, I am so here for this!!!! Pastries are my favorite treats in life and those pictures look incredible. I am so proud of you for taking this leap!!! And so so excited to see where it will lead. In my dream, you'll be on The Great British Baking Show.
I love your openness to life and all of its adventures that are just behind every bend in the road. Probably the most valuable trait to acquire. Cheering you on the whole way!!! Go baby, go!
Oh gosh, I missed you too, my friend!! (As an aside: in a world of constant digital inputs bordering on overexposure, isn't it delightful to miss someone's words, and to be missed when you step away for too long?)
I remember you writing about sharing a raspberry doughnut with your love that looked so good, it inspired onlookers to seek out the same pastry. How amazing to be able to offer something so joyful to the world!
I was honestly quite nervous to share the last paragraph of this piece—it's such a new interest that it feels quite vulnerable at this stage—but hearing your encouragement makes me SO glad that I did. ❤️
It is the BEST delight. I love this place. It's like having all my favorite penpals in one place.
No matter where the pastry making leads, it is incredible that you've said yes to your curiosity. Even if you only do it for a month, know that it is making an impact on all of us. ❤️🔥
Caroline, has anyone ever told you you’re the best hype woman?! Because you are! 🥹 Your comment makes me think that we need to organize some kind of food-centric Substack girls’ trip…
Cheers for taking a leap into the unknown! Your baking journey sounds a lot like Megan Gordon's, another Seattleite transplant who is now living on the East Coast! If you don't have a copy, definitely check out her cookbook, Whole Grain Mornings :)
Sophia, it’s like we’re the same person…I have Whole Grain Mornings on my shelf! I adore the pancake recipe so much 🥰 I didn’t know Megan left Seattle, though…a loss for the PNW food community. I adore her!
(PS, I bought Tower 28 Sunny Days on your rec and I *love* it.)
It's such an underrated cookbook! No one has ever been mad when I bring over that smoked salmon quiche or a batch of granola. Last I checked, Megan writes for the company that owns Simply Recipes, but it's been a while!
(And hooray, so glad Sunny Days works for your sensitive skin!)
Ooooh, you should definitely change that sooner than later! Though in your defense, the grocery store granola game has improved a lot since that book was published.
Such wonderful writing, Maddie! And so excited to read of your new job. How to combine these two passions? Please work on learning some gluten free offerings for girls like me. Our own trip to Japan was a delight of gardens, museums, Shinto shrines, the big Buddha in Kamakura and yes, food along with our reunion with our Japanese son and his family. We enjoyed a day in D.C. with your Dad before flying into the night into day, over Alaska to Tokyo. Sending love, Sue
Thank you so much, Sue—and oh my gosh, your adventures sounds absolutely incredible! I can’t wait to see the photos…
For now, the bakery is a volunteer gig, but who knows what it might become someday? Baby steps! (We actually have a dedicated gluten-free bakery in town—I wish we could visit together for a cup of tea this weekend! ❤️)
About once a year I have the opportunity to travel to Denmark for work and I have developed my list of favorite Danish pastries and breads. The rhubarb horn and “tebirkes” are on my list. I am curious to learn if you are located near Portland. If so, I live in Yamhill County and would like to sample the baked goods from your bakery!
Jeanne, if you ever want to send along that list of Danish baked goods, I’d love to see it! After this trip, Copenhagen is very high on my list for the dessert prospects alone…how amazing that you get to travel to Denmark regularly.
I wish I lived near Portland—it’s an amazing city! But next time you’re up near Tacoma, you should definitely try Midsommar Bakery at the weekly market. 🤗
YAYYYYY! Yayyyy! Yay for you!!! I nearly jumped out of my seat at this surprise ending! Applauding from afar on your bold move to put yourself out there – and then get what you wanted! 👏👏👏👏
I wish this essay had a scratch and sniff button.❤️
Okay, your lovely note just brought me BACK to the scratch and sniff books of our youth…! 🥰 So much nostalgia.
First, this is my absolute favorite line "It felt like spotting Jon Hamm at a dive bar: so gorgeous I couldn’t figure out how to approach it."
Second, I LOVE that you went ahead and asked a question and let go of the result, yet the result is soooo cool! Excited to hear more of your baking adventures!
Sarah, you made my day—thank you! I’m partial to that line (and Jon Hamm) myself 🤣
That last part is such a good reminder that there’s no downside in asking pie-in-the-sky questions, right?! A lesson I always need to keep relearning myself.
Yes! I remember when I challenged myself to appear on 100 podcasts. I didn’t quite get there (I burned out on interviews after 40) but I got to meet so many cool people!
Ah yes…didn’t we all have a #girlboss era though! 🤣
LOL true true
I didn’t know this about you—what an amazing story! 40 podcasts…I am *beyond* impressed, Sarah. 🤩
This was during my super ambitious #girlboss era lol. I have since softened (which is a good thing!)
I think this needs a pastry warning 🥐 my mouth is watering and my taste buds in need of melty buttery goodness!
That’s the best feeling—I am *so* delighted to hear this! 🤗
I’ve saved it for whenever I’m next in Edinburgh! 💚
Oh my GOD this feels like a Lifetime movie in the making in the best way possible. I couldn’t be more obsessed that this resulted from your trip. I can’t wait to sample your baked goods sometime in the near (manifesting this for us!) future!
Something about this feels very, very right.
This makes me so happy to hear! Can't wait to share all the details in our next chat ❤️
OK, you win for best comment...the Lifetime movie connection somehow (shockingly!) didn't occur to me, and I am HERE for it! 🤣 I just signed up for beginning + advanced dough lamination classes, so I will *absolutely* be making you croissants for our inevitable first in-person hangout.
OOOh, la,la!! I've been obsessed with bakeries myself lately, but closer to home. We have a new cafe/restaurant that opened up near my place. It is a bakery by day (she is the baker) and a restaurant by night (he is the chef) and it's winning awards galore. Lineups out the door. My hubby was going far too many mornings during the summer, I had to ask him to stop because I wasn't going to be able to fit into my pants come fall! (And, true to form, I didn't!!) I am so excited to see what you learn from your work in the bakery (and what gems you decide to make as a result). Welcome back.
Reading your comment over here in my new elastic-waistband pants...I feel this, Kim 😅 I'm now SO curious about this incredible-sounding bakery/restaurant that you'll have to DM me the name for my next (inevitable) trip to Vancouver Island. We'll definitely have to visit together!
MADDIE!! First of all, I have you missed you so. I was thinking to myself the other week, God I miss Maddie's newsletter. As a fellow ardent pastry lover, I am so here for this!!!! Pastries are my favorite treats in life and those pictures look incredible. I am so proud of you for taking this leap!!! And so so excited to see where it will lead. In my dream, you'll be on The Great British Baking Show.
I love your openness to life and all of its adventures that are just behind every bend in the road. Probably the most valuable trait to acquire. Cheering you on the whole way!!! Go baby, go!
Oh gosh, I missed you too, my friend!! (As an aside: in a world of constant digital inputs bordering on overexposure, isn't it delightful to miss someone's words, and to be missed when you step away for too long?)
I remember you writing about sharing a raspberry doughnut with your love that looked so good, it inspired onlookers to seek out the same pastry. How amazing to be able to offer something so joyful to the world!
I was honestly quite nervous to share the last paragraph of this piece—it's such a new interest that it feels quite vulnerable at this stage—but hearing your encouragement makes me SO glad that I did. ❤️
It is the BEST delight. I love this place. It's like having all my favorite penpals in one place.
No matter where the pastry making leads, it is incredible that you've said yes to your curiosity. Even if you only do it for a month, know that it is making an impact on all of us. ❤️🔥
best title ever :)
Minh, you made my day—thank you!
yes because this is what I do every time I'm in Europe, particularly France:)
We're clearly on the same wavelength! 😅
This made me emotional 🧁
Rachel! Thank you so much for letting me know! ❤️
Have a great time!! Pastries are a true obsession.
Susan, I’m still dreaming about the sufganiyot you brought for all of us to share…if anyone knows amazing baked goods, it’s you!
How I wish I could’ve tasted all those pastries with you!!
Damn, girl!! I’m proud of you for taking action! Get your bake on!!
Caroline, has anyone ever told you you’re the best hype woman?! Because you are! 🥹 Your comment makes me think that we need to organize some kind of food-centric Substack girls’ trip…
Let’s do it, all!!!!!!
Cheers for taking a leap into the unknown! Your baking journey sounds a lot like Megan Gordon's, another Seattleite transplant who is now living on the East Coast! If you don't have a copy, definitely check out her cookbook, Whole Grain Mornings :)
Sophia, it’s like we’re the same person…I have Whole Grain Mornings on my shelf! I adore the pancake recipe so much 🥰 I didn’t know Megan left Seattle, though…a loss for the PNW food community. I adore her!
(PS, I bought Tower 28 Sunny Days on your rec and I *love* it.)
It's such an underrated cookbook! No one has ever been mad when I bring over that smoked salmon quiche or a batch of granola. Last I checked, Megan writes for the company that owns Simply Recipes, but it's been a while!
(And hooray, so glad Sunny Days works for your sensitive skin!)
Megan knows her granola...can't believe I haven't tried the granola recipe in her cookbook yet!
Ooooh, you should definitely change that sooner than later! Though in your defense, the grocery store granola game has improved a lot since that book was published.
ON IT.
WowWowWow!! Maddie, this is so exciting and I can’t wait to hear more about your bold leap into baking! Yay! ❤️ 🥮 🥐
Jolene, I’m thinking we might need to do a Chicago bakery crawl together next time I’m in town… 🤔
Absolutely!! 🥐 🥮 🍰
Such wonderful writing, Maddie! And so excited to read of your new job. How to combine these two passions? Please work on learning some gluten free offerings for girls like me. Our own trip to Japan was a delight of gardens, museums, Shinto shrines, the big Buddha in Kamakura and yes, food along with our reunion with our Japanese son and his family. We enjoyed a day in D.C. with your Dad before flying into the night into day, over Alaska to Tokyo. Sending love, Sue
Thank you so much, Sue—and oh my gosh, your adventures sounds absolutely incredible! I can’t wait to see the photos…
For now, the bakery is a volunteer gig, but who knows what it might become someday? Baby steps! (We actually have a dedicated gluten-free bakery in town—I wish we could visit together for a cup of tea this weekend! ❤️)
About once a year I have the opportunity to travel to Denmark for work and I have developed my list of favorite Danish pastries and breads. The rhubarb horn and “tebirkes” are on my list. I am curious to learn if you are located near Portland. If so, I live in Yamhill County and would like to sample the baked goods from your bakery!
Jeanne, if you ever want to send along that list of Danish baked goods, I’d love to see it! After this trip, Copenhagen is very high on my list for the dessert prospects alone…how amazing that you get to travel to Denmark regularly.
I wish I lived near Portland—it’s an amazing city! But next time you’re up near Tacoma, you should definitely try Midsommar Bakery at the weekly market. 🤗
I’m not sure how to send you a message with my list of favorite Danish pastries and breads. Here’s an article with some of them described: https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/every-danish-pastry-you-need-to-try-in-copenhagen/
Jeanne, you’re the best—thank you so much! Bookmarking this link now! 🤩
YAYYYYY! Yayyyy! Yay for you!!! I nearly jumped out of my seat at this surprise ending! Applauding from afar on your bold move to put yourself out there – and then get what you wanted! 👏👏👏👏
Thank you SO much, Erin! 🤗 Isn’t it wild how much can be accomplished with a thoughtfully-written cold email?! I almost can’t believe it myself!
I’ve read your compelling writing! I’m not at all surprised. Keep us posted on the journey! 👩🏼🍳
You can be sure of that! 🤗
wow! I am so excited for you and can't wait to hear about your adventures in pastry-making!
Thank you so much, my friend! Time will tell if they’re adventures or misadventures, but I will certainly share the results! 🤣
I am SO excited for you! Can't wait to live vicariously on this adventure!
🥰🥰🥰