ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Even as I sit down to type these words of thanks, this whole project still seems like a dream. I spent all of middle school and parts of high school writing short stories, novellas, and poems in the free time I had, dreaming that maybe one day my work would make its way to book form. So while cookbook was never in my early plans, I am still pinching myself that here I am, years later, publishing this book.

First, so much thanks to Avery Books and Penguin Canada.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with my amazing editor, Lucia Watson. Knowing that each phone conversation and email sent is listened to and thoughtfully considered is incredible. I feel so lucky to have my book in such good hands. Thanks also to Andrea Magyar for sending me that most amazing email and making my dream a reality.

Thanks to my literary agent, Jane Dystel, who has taken such good care of me along the way. I appreciate your help and guidance.

Thanks to Forage Modern Workshop, William-Sonoma, Le Creuset, Sur La Table, and Emile Henry for providing marble slabs, serving pieces, and baking equipment for the book.

To all my many recipe testers: First and foremost, the Blue Heron bakers: Diane Leutgeb-Munson, Melanie Murray, and Walker Edwards-Robeson, who baked their way through so much of this book. Thank you, thank you. Zoë François, Joy Summers, Heather Meyen, Yossy Afari, Molly Yeh, Melissa Coleman, Sara Forte, Tara O’Brady, Linda Mueller, Lisa Heaner, Nik Sharma, Billy Green, Alana Kysar, Kate Selner, Jenn Tudor, Jennifer Graham, Kate Watson, Scott Beck, Kristin Zoellner, Prerna Singh, Trish Laughbaum, Diane Atneosen, Linda Heikenene, Amy Wyland, Kristin Zoellner, Ellen Kaldor, and Rebecca Aguilar, your input was invaluable and I appreciate your time and effort spent. Last, Kelsey Tenney, who swooped in at the last minute and baked an incredible amount of recipes in record time. You were a lifesaver.

To Yossy Afari, Ashley Rodriguez, Tara O’Brady, Jeanine Donofrio, and Aimée Wimbush-Bourque, thank you for answering questions, helpful advice, and words of encouragement. I appreciate all your answers to frantic texts and panic-stricken emails.

To Melissa Coleman, for all your help with detail and design, answering frantic texts, and always being so encouraging. I’m so glad we’re (kind of) neighbors.

To Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François for being such great people to work for. I feel like this book might not be here if it wasn’t for your taking a chance on me a few years ago and including me on your team. I appreciate all your help and guidance. Thanks also for epic photoshoots and business team lunches. And to Zoë, for all your help in so many ways: talking me through recipes, photos, book covers, and life. I’m so thankful for all our coffee chats and terrible jokes.

To Melody Heide, for your helpful suggestions and writing guidance. I hope one day to be as good a writer as you.

To Bordertown Coffee, for giving me a chance in that teeny-tiny kitchen. I learned so much about baking in my three years working there.

To Larry and Colleen Wolner, every baking compliment I have received, every successful attempt in the kitchen has its roots in the Blue Heron. You both mean so much to me, and I’m so thankful for you.

To Bill Kieffer, for being here for us and being such an amazing help. You’re the best kind of Grandpa-neighbor we could have.

To Linda and Jeff Mueller, thank you for your encouragement, for coming our way so often and helping us out, and for always making us laugh. We love you so much.

Angie, Dave, Daniel, Cassie, BJ, and Livvy, I couldn’t ask for better siblings and sibling-in-laws. Thank you for all your recipe sampling, kind words, and encouragement throughout the years. You all make my life so much better.

Mom and Dad, I can’t thank you enough for always believing in me, and supporting me. You taught me that hard work really does pay off. I am grateful to belong to you.

Winter and River, you are the loveliest little souls, and I’m so glad you’re mine. I look forward to all our kitchen adventures.

Adam, your belief in me and respect for what I do both personally and professionally gives me the courage to pursue what I love, including baking my life away. This book wouldn’t be here without you. You’re my favorite one.