Joy Wilson's Blog, page 6

The Practice of Hope

Hello! How are you? I hope you’re doing well. After a series of challenging months, I think I’m feeling better. Maybe? I don’t want to speak too soon or jinx anything, but I feel like myself more and more each day. It’s a relief — it feels a little bit like discovering that favorite sweatshirt you thought you lost, and realizing it’s still as soft and perfectly worn as you recall. 

The thing is that nothing has changed — not really.

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Spring Hopefuls

Not that I’m counting (except I totally am), but this marks my third Mardi Gras season outside of New Orleans, and it remains hilarious to me how this weekend in parades and parties are the only thing happening in Nola, while the rest of the world just goes about its regular March business. Back in Louisiana, today would find me perched at my friend Suzonne’s kitchen island, a Bloody Mary in hand, taste-testing her gumbo and potato salad before we made our way to the parade route (or let’s be honest, her front porch).

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Your Oscar Party Menu, 2025

The scene is all set for your Oscars party: You’ve sent out the invites, printed ballots, and watched at least a few of the films. But you still need some ideas for dishes to serve alongside all the glitz and glamor. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Below are a few of our favorites to accompany this year’s Best Picture Nominees. We included a cocktail, a few apps, some mains and, because this is Joy the Baker, plenty of desserts.

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No Use Crying Over A Deep Sea Angler

Friends, hello – how are we? Cold? Exactly.

It’s not that I’m here to wish away February but I just can’t seem to get warm this week.  Here is a short list of things I’m looking forward to in March because that’s where I want to be, mentally –

The sun setting at a reasonable hour so I no longer feel like I should be in pajamas by 5:30 PM.

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Chocolate Croissant Overnight Breakfast Casserole

This Chocolate Croissant Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the make-ahead magic your weekend brunch needs—flaky, buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard with melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.  It couldn’t be easier which is absolutely key for winter weekend baking!

I suspect we don’t give grocery store croissants enough credit. Sure, they’re more soft than shattery, definitely more pillowy than crisp, but that just makes them perfectly toastable and downright re-workable, right?

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Small Beauties

Hello friends. How are we holding up? I’ll keep it real: things feel bleak. I don’t think it’s a mystery where I fall on most political issues: I’m an educator at a Title One school that supports many refugees, and I’m openly queer. I’m scared, both for me (though I acknowledge that I have significant privilege) and so many people I love. Wherever your beliefs land, I hope you can empathize with what it feels like to have fear.

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Double Chocolate Olive Oil Cookies

These Double Chocolate Olive Oil Cookies are rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chewy, made with good-quality olive oil for a perfectly moist texture. If you’re looking for an easy and indulgent chocolate cookie recipe, these are perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you need a simple, sweet treat which is, in fact, everyday.

There’s something about February that sinks in with a bit of dread for me… like here we are, lowkey trapped in the uncertainty and surprises of another year.

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Topsy Turvy

Good Sunday to you friends, and happy Super Bowl Sunday! Right now, I’m having a hard time distinguishing up from down and right from left because of the news. I oscillate between wanting to be informed and being so inundated with information it feels like my head will detach from my body. If you are feeling like I am, friends, I wish there were good words for this. There are no good words for this.

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Happiness Is Trying to Catch You

Hi friends, good Sunday to you!

We made it through January—one down, eleven to go. I’ll go ahead and cross it off the list, though I’d like to formally request that the rest of the year ease up just a bit. No need to come in so hot. I didn’t plan on starting the year at a full sprint, but here we are, catching our breath.

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Snow in South Town, USA

Friends, good Sunday to you! Please take in this image of The Bakehouse in southeastern Texas blanketed in several inches of snow. SNOW! What I can tell you about this record snowfall is that my house has no insulation but several fireplaces.  Texas Sage can apparently survive both brutal summer heat and Texas snow, and I’m glad I kept my Christmas garland up for the twinkling yellow lights alone.  We had a few days of a winter wonderland which was, despite its deep chill, such a delight! 

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