Welcome to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast.
Today I’m excited to share a conversation with Helen Goh, the author of the beautiful new cookbook Baking and the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes.
Helen is widely known for her work as a recipe developer with Yotam Ottolenghi, co-authoring the New York Times bestselling books Sweet and Comfort. In this episode, we talk about her debut solo cookbook and the deeper meaning behind baking.
Helen brings a unique perspective to the kitchen. In addition to her acclaimed baking work, she also maintains a psychotherapy practice. In her new book, she blends these two worlds—sharing not only wonderful recipes, but also reflections on why baking matters and how it can bring joy and meaning to everyday life.
Drawing on her upbringing in Malaysia and Australia, as well as years of developing recipes with Ottolenghi, Helen shares both sweet and savory bakes that celebrate creativity, connection, and nourishment.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Helen’s journey from recipe developer to writing her first solo cookbook
- Her collaboration with Yotam Ottolenghi and what she learned along the way
- The inspiration behind Baking and the Meaning of Life
- How baking adds meaning to everyday moments
- Why baking is about more than survival. It’s about joy and connection
- Highlights from the table of contents and some of the recipes in the book
- Tips, techniques, and baking insights from Helen’s years in professional kitchens
Want to Get Paid to Write Your Cookbook?
If you’re dreaming about writing a cookbook, you might assume you need to finish the entire manuscript before approaching publishers.
But in traditional publishing, cookbook authors are often paid an advance before they write the book.
In my Get Paid to Write a Cookbook Masterclass, I teach the step-by-step process for positioning your cookbook idea so publishers can invest in it.
You’ll learn:
- How traditional cookbook deals actually work
- What publishers are looking for in cookbook ideas
- The path to pitching a cookbook proposal with confidence
Register here for the masterclass.
Listen to Episode 391 below:
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