Mind over Batter
75 Recipes for Baking as Therapy
by Jack Hazan
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Pub Date Mar 21 2023 | Archive Date Mar 20 2023
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Description
You may not realize it, but many essential therapeutic techniques can be accessed right in your own kitchen. In Mind over Batter, licensed psychotherapist and master baker Jack Hazan guides you through 75 simple, healing recipes that can help you tap into whatever you might be going through that day.
Inspired by the Syrian and Middle Eastern baked goods he grew up with, along with his take on classic American desserts, recipes are organized into themed chapters based on common life moments and needs.
- In need of connection? Make some Pesto Pull-Apart Bread to share with your loved ones.
- Looking for a way to release some anxiety? Knead away your stress with a Chocolate Babka Crunch.
- Simply in need of some self-care? Whip up a single-serving indulgence like a Devil's Food Mug Cake.
UNIQUE TAKE ON SELF-CARE: This is a different way to get a sweet dose of self-care—baking-as-therapy is really just a problem-solving approach to mental health. Although it is not intended to serve as a replacement for traditional psychotherapy/psychiatric treatment, the 75 recipes relate to psychological problems people go through, including connecting with others, practicing self-care and self-esteem, dealing with disappointment, exercising mindfulness, and feeling your feelings.
EXPERT ADVICE: Licensed psychotherapist Jack Hazan has an engaged online audience with an interest in both his baked goods company and psychotherapy practice. He posts weekly baking videos and weekly therapy "advice" videos. He is known for connecting with his audience on an intimate level, and his videos and techniques are well received and trusted.
SUPER APPROACHABLE: These recipes are easy to follow and fuss-free, but different enough to speak directly to whatever you might be going through. No recipe contains so many steps that the task of finishing feels daunting or demands complicated techniques that prevent you from making progress. As a psychotherapist, Jack Hazan's goal is to help you focus on one thing at a time. In baking, you take recipes one step at a time, too.
Perfect for:
- Home bakers of all ages
- People looking for new ways to think about self-care and mental health
- Procrastibakers or stress cooks
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781797212302 |
PRICE | $35.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 272 |
Featured Reviews
I thought the premise of this book was interesting, but maybe I didn't fully grasp the aim of this book since I wasn't overly thrilled with the excessive narrative throughout.
Pros:
There was a good variety in the recipes.
The recipes were pretty simple and didn't look like they involved too many steps. I also liked that none of the recipes called for random and/or obscure ingredients that would be difficult to find and use again for another recipe.
These recipes would appeal to a wide variety of dessert-lovers. There were some recipes that were more traditional and chocolatey and sugary, and others that were fruit-based. I really liked this since a lot of books have a tendency to be heavy on one type of recipe and not everyone likes certain types of desserts.
Cons:
There was a lot of narrative throughout this book. While I see that I didn't properly understand that this book is supposed to be a bit of a combination between baking and mental health, I still don't like when there's too much narrative in a cookbook. I want the recipes with little to no narrative.
I would've liked more pictures to go along with the recipes. Some of them had pictures but others didn't and I prefer to have a visual to go along with a recipe.
Overall, the recipes in this book seemed good and if you want a more simple baking book then I think this would appeal to you.
I received an advanced digital copy of the #MindOverMatterCookbook to review. "75 Recipes for Baking as Therapy." This books releases in March 2023.
First off, he had me hooked at MADONNA loving his challah! Yeah, Madonna.
There are tons of recipes in here, 75, lots of pics, several recipes I had everything in the cabinet to make. The chapters cover topics like anxiety, depression.... lots of quirky stories and tips. I enjoyed this book and have frequently considered cooking time as me time, aka therapy time.
#bookreviews #bookreview #cookbooks #cookbookreview
For anyone who is always trying to find an excuse to bake, Jack Hazan, therapist, has validated our wishes by using baking mouthwatering treats as therapy. Of course, to be honest, most of us could also use therapy, so Mind Over Batter: 75 Recipes for Baking as Therapy is a perfect excuse to add a new cookbook to our personal collection.
Hazen presents 75 incredibly luscious-looking recipes for baked goods – mostly sweet, but some savory – that anyone who needs therapy or not will love. Many of the recipes have Jewish leanings, and some are unique and not recipes those of us who aren’t Jewish have ever heard of. The recipes are written in the traditional manner, so they are easy to follow. The ingredients are easy-to-find at any grocery store, so readers and bakers won’t need to go anywhere special to stock up their pantry in order to make these incredible baked goods.
Included are also beautiful photographs of some of the dishes; unfortunately all of the recipes aren’t pictured, which is the one drawback about this cookbook. Because of all the good things, that isn’t a game changer. The author has also included comments at the beginning of each recipe to help with the therapy of baking.
All told, this is an excellent cookbook; every time readers like me, peruse it, the queue will get longer and longer. You simply can’t go wrong adding this book to your cookbook collection.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute recipe book!
Blending baking and mental health tips this is a unique book. As Hazan notes this book isn't a replacement more therapy or other mental health support that may be needed. The book has recipes for sweet treats as well as some high level mental health tips. This book talks about the importance of taking care of our bodies and brains.
Overall an interesting read.
We all need a creative outlet and baking is an excellent one. What I love most about this book is how the author ties into using baking for helping you get through whatever is going on in a given day. Second best are the recipes!
I’m so glad I found this book. It’s like Jack wrote this just for me…and I am grateful to have it in my toolbox!
This is a great cookbook! The author begins each chapter with an overview of the topic these recipes are designed for like anxiety, mindfulness, etc. and what his experience as a therapist has shown about these. Then he follows it up with recipes that sound so good! Plus there are baking affirmations or food for thought bubbles on each recipe. As someone who bakes a lot for stress relief, I loved this cookbook and probably will buy it when it comes out!
I liked this one. I too enjoy baking for comfort. There are a lot of sweet recipes in here. But I felt there are a lot of good recipes that would be comforting in here too.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
Totally delightful! The warm encouraging personality of therapist/master baker Jack Hazan radiates throughout. I loved the unique concept of a baking cookbook entwined with therapeutic sections that boost the spirit. Highly recommended!
Cooking is one favorite thing, It helps to relax by indulging my mind into something i love.
The cover is so good. I loved these (mouthwatering)photos and the easy to follow instructions for the recipes.
Also the name of the recipes were so cool.
I am definitely going to try these recipes!!
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the arc.
This cookbook was made for me and it was made for YOU too if you enjoy baking as stress relief! Written by Psychotherapist and Master Baker Jack Hazan, this cookbook explains how baking can soothe, comfort and bring joy. The author provides information, helpful info and appropriate recipes for the main mental issues we all deal with as well as sprinkling in “Baking Affirmation” and “Food for Thought” bubbles that bring encouragement to our busy, stressful lives. My favorite encouragement was this; “worrying is a down payment on a problem you may never have”… thank you and I’m going to remember that one!
But let me break down the chapters with the delicious recipes:
Chapter 1 is about Self Care and Hazan explains that baking can be meditative and allows us time to escape the crazy to take care of ourselves. Baking should be fun! Some of the recipes I can’t wait to try are the Slice and Bake Raspberry Pecan Cookies, Mushroom and Gruyere Quiche and the Self Care in a Cupcake filled with cinnamon and allspice and made in a mug in the microwave.
Chapter 2 is about Mindfulness and “feeling your feelings” and all the recipes are designed to NOT turn out perfect. My favorite Baking Affirmation came from this chapter and it said, “Today I am letting things turn out the way they turn out”. Such a simple bit of advice but also powerful! In this chapter, the Marbled Rye Breadsticks and Lemon Ginger Bundt Cake really caught my eye.
Chapter 3 is all about Finding Comfort and the author explains the steps to grief and how baking can help us on that sorrowful journey by keeping our minds and hands busy as well as providing something delicious to enjoy. In this chapter we are gifted with Jack Hazan’s famous Challah recipe!
Chapter 4 is all about dealing with Stress and Anxiety and I learned so much about what causes this mental anguish. I can’t wait to try the Chocolate Chip Babka Crunch and the Five Star Meringue Birthday Cake made with coconut, slathered in sweet meringue and garnished with homemade dried fresh pineapple.
Chapter 5 is Letting Go of Frustration and, again, so many helpful tips on dealing with that in my daily life were provided. A few of the delicious recipes were to make Churros with dipping sauces, Mint Thumbprint Cookies and Slap it Together Focaccia. Who can stay frustrated when your house smells like herby bread?!
Chapter 6 is about “Connecting to Others” and there are so many yummy treats in this one. Lemon Ricotta Fritters, Jumpin’ Java Cake, Pesto Pull Apart Bread, Limoncello tiramasu in a Glass, and Syrian Carrot Cake (there is a genius secret ingredient swap in this version. You’ll just need to read the cookbook to find out what it is!)
And the last chapter is all about Finding Joy with happy recipes like Confetti Pound Cake, Lemon and Lavendar Cookies and Twix Tart….WHAT?!
I can’t recommend this cookbook highly enough, SO MUCH LOVE was put into this with not just yummy and simple recipes but so much good information so we can feel good in this crazy, wonderful life! Gift one for yourself and gift one to your loved ones and happy baking everyone!
Thank you NetGalley, Chronicle Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on March 21, 2023 and is available for preorder now!
I love this book! I love to bake and I have always found it to be therapeutic and Jack Hazan took it to a whole new level with this book. There is so much information about how baking can help with mental health and the recipes are amazing. Some of the recipes are time consuming, but I feel like that is for a reason. We need to slow down and focus on something that will bring us joy. This is a great book.
This cookbook offers a fresh perspective on baking. Instead of just recipes, it presents baking as a way to embrace self-care and mindfulness. This is a completely unique take on baking. Far too intriguing to pass up.
Recipes range from surprisingly simple to fairly intensive, but directions are easy to follow, making this book appropriate for any skill level.
I love the idea of baking as therapy, and I can't wait to try some of the scrumptious-looking recipes!
What a refreshing take on the tried-and-true cookbook! I loved Jack's approach to the genre and how he really took the time to discuss the benefits of mindful baking. This slower, more peaceful approach to food feels like a such treat in our fast-paced, grind-culture world.
This book has a new and interesting concept. It teaches you recipes in a therapy, self-help way. The recipes look good and the photos are very nice. The recipes are Jewish, Syrian, Middle Eastern inspired. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
A whole book talking about baking as therapy! From a therapist and a baker! This is so up my alley. I bake for sanity, I make food for people as a love language. If I can’t bake I get antsy.
I think this is a mostly excellent book. Hazen connects recipes to aspects of mental health that he wants you to keep in mind. He may focus on the sensory aspects of baking (aroma, feel, sound), or the necessary lessons of patience. He also uses recipes to encourage adventure and flexibility. He shares lessons and thoughts along the way. Some worked better for me than others, but I particularly appreciated his preamble to the peach galette:
So when you fold the crust over the spiced peaches, be forgiving with yourself. No matter how this tart turns out in the end, it will turn out the way it was supposed to.
This was a hard lesson that I had to learn, letting go of perfection. Baking started to teach me that lesson, and I often need reminders. And I have often suggested the galette as way to ease in to pastry. It’s very hard to screw up a galette.
I loved that the first recipe called for cake mix and instant pudding mix, and the second recipe was for a microwave mug cake. He doesn’t use many mixes after that, but I appreciate that he starts out that way. There’s also a whole chapter on stressless baking. And, of course, I tried some of his recipes. I did try his famous challah recipe. I’ve tried a lot of challah recipes, but I always go back to Mollie Katzen’s recipe. I would say that Hazan’s recipe is as good. It made a beautiful loaf. I also tried the muffin recipe. I made some plain, some with a dollop of lemon curd, and some with a mix of chocolate chips. The base batter was a little sweeter than I like, but I know I’m an outlier on this issue. Otherwise the crumb was tender.
I wish Hazan was better about a couple of things, To be fair, they are places where most people need to do better – stop insisting the kitchen must be organized and uncluttered, and stop putting food on a “healthy” ranking. Both of these things are subjective, and they are unnecessary barriers to baking. Organized and uncluttered compared to what? Healthier compared to what? I have made large 3 tier wedding cakes in tiny cluttered kitchens. I have seen soufflé made in the embers of a campfire out in the woods. It is ok if your kitchen is messy. I absolutely disagree that a cluttered kitchen equals a cluttered mind, and frankly, even if it does, that’s not a barrier to baking. Bodies are different, so the healthiness of various foods is not universal. I would love to see a whole lot less judgement in the food conversation.
If you want to bake – do it! Do not let the imperfections of space, ingredients, or equipment stop you from baking. Baking is about transmuting individual ingredients into a whole different thing with effort and time. People have been doing it for centuries in all kinds of conditions. (Someday I’m going to write my own cookbook called The Grumpy Baker Wants You to Know You Are Fine as You Are, Now Eat a Damn Cookie.)
I generally think Hazan is on the right track with this book and it could be of value to people looking for ways to engage in self care and community care.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Chronicle Books and Net Galley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
This was such a cool cookbook! I love how the author incorporated self help tips and therapy into the baking recipes featured in this book. This cookbook features a ton of recipes, and most of them are pretty easy to make. A lot of the recipes are super unique and ones that I cannot wait to try out in the future. The author incorporated different cultures into a lot of the recipes, which was really nice to see, because I was pretty unfamiliar with many Middle Eastern recipes prior to reading this cookbook. I also love that each chapter of the cookbook is a different theme, because it makes it easy to find a specific recipe you are looking for. I cannot wait to see what else Jack Hazan comes out with, because I was super impressed with this cookbook and I think a lot of people will really love it!
This cookbook is written by a therapist who combines his passion for baking with thearapy. It’s pretty great. He pulls from his own experiences of using baking as a way to work through issues to help show others how the love of baking can be a tool for self care. Many of the recipes are inspired by the women in his family who gave him a safe space in the kitchen and his Syrian Jewish roots.
Nice approach to a crowded field. The recipes are enticing, the instructions are clear, and the suggestions on keeping your sanity are clear and simple.
The premise for this cookbook is very intriguing. The author is a counselor and guides the reader through a self-help book with recipes. There are very basic and familiar recipes like vanilla pound cake and challah bread, but the author also includes lesser-known recipes from his childhood growing up in a Syrian Jewish community. Many bakes are accompanied by photos and several are not. The only change I would make to this book is to include photos for every recipe. More food porn = endorphins, right? ;)
Mind over Batter by Jack Hazan is an affirming nod to those of us who like to escape to the kitchen. There is something to be said for being up to your elbows in flour and spices and pounding, rolling, or stirring. I absolutely loved the variety of recipes provided. I also enjoyed the Quick Session provided at the end of each chapter. Personal insights and nuggets of wisdom are shared that align with the topic of the chapter (various topics include self-care, mindfulness, finding comfort, dealing with stress and anxiety, letting go of frustration, connecting with others, and finding joy). A great gift to those who enjoy baking therapy.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I loved the concept of this cookbook. I've had years of mental health issues, mainly depression and anxiety, and cooking has always been therapeutic for me. It's nice to see that an actual therapist believes that it is a form of therapy that can help those in need in addition to baking some wonderful recipes.
This is an absolute wonderful cookbook. The author and therapist, Jack Hazan takes time to really introduce himself, talk about his life and why he chose to write this.
This cookbook is a perfect example of finding different ways to cope with stress and give yourself love. These aren’t just recipes. The author includes reasons why he makes them or where he might have gotten the recipes. You can feel the love through every recipe. What I love the most is that he includes food for thoughts or baking affirmations
This is a great therapy guiding baking focused cookbook. The look and seem amazing. They are very creative and just as creatively named. I appreciate that we get an understanding of Hazan's background and how his culture has influenced these recipes. It's beautifully and eye-catchingly designed. Overall, it is a lovely guide and aesthetically pleasing.
I really enjoyed looking through this cook book. Not only was there a wonderful selection of treats to try out, there were also truthful and thought provoking messages attached to each setting making you think and reflect. Each recipe seemed easy enough to follow with clear directions and language.
What an interesting take on the art of baking ! A liscenced doctor takes through the journey of self care as you make mouth watering baked creations! Amazing and gorgeous photography and easy to follow step by step directions. Should be on anyone's cookbook shelf!
In the world of self care, we are always looking for the next best thing. Mind over batter puts a self help spin on baking. This is genius in my opinion for a few different reasons. First off, all your senses are involved, you are having to focus on something other than what’s going on in your mind at the moment. Second, it’s something you get to share with others making them feel good too. There’s a reason why people say that there is more happiness in giving! Third, what better way to self care than to eat your feelings. Personally if I have to put in the work to make something I don’t scarf it down like a whole box of Cheeseitz. Making things gives you a sense of pride in what you do. And knowing what goes into the stuff you put into your body gives you a sense of satisfaction. This cookbook is an awesome example of this. Not only was it beautifully arranged, but the humorous titles and pictures really made this book special. It’s unlike anything else I’ve seen on the market and I want many copies to give away to my friends too. Great cookbook and very grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this!
I love the stories and tools mixed into the recipes. As someone who is a stress baker I think combining therapeutic practices really was a smart to reaffirm baking is a healthy coping strategy.
This book was interesting and different in a good way. I love that he's a therapist and a baker. He gives you some good tips and tricks. I loved the breakdown of five stages of grief and then he talks about what how baking can help you through it. This was quite the little gem.
Was not able to access this book so will not be able to review. I am so sorry. This book looks amazing and I can't wait to one day read and use these recipes.
This is a great baker's cookbook. A self-care cookbook for using baking as therapy from licensed psychotherapist and master baker Jack Hazan with 75 simple, therapeutic recipes. It's healing recipes that can help you tap into whatever you might be going through that day. In need of connection? Make some Presto Pull-Apart Bread to share with your loved ones. Looking for a way to release some anxiety? Knead away your stress with a Chocolate Babka Crunch. Simply in need of some self-care? Whip us a single-serve indulgence like a Devil's Food Mug Cake. I am definitely buying this cookbook. The recipes look so delicious and sounds like a good way to indulge yourself. Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for a copy for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading through this book from Netgalley. Jack Hazan is both a baker and a therapist and he has great suggestions for both your mental health and your kitchen! There are intriguing recipes as well as discussions of how to improve your emotional state - what a great idea!
What a BEAUTIFUL book. The whole concept of this book is amazing, pairing self care with creative expression and food. The recipes are divine, the discussions around mental health are compassionate and the photography and design is beautiful. Excellent execution.
I love the premise of this book. After weathering Covid, a baking book like this was inevitable and much-needed. He covers the full spectrum of baking recipes and adds some wonderful “baking” affirmations and wisdom throughout to give your spirit a lift. I might be a simple girl, but my favorite recipe is the Baked Apples with the Cheater Crème Anglais! The Chocolate Hazelnut Mouse Pie looked pretty amazing too. There is a delightful mix of savory recipes as well. We all need this book on our shelves for that rainy day, bad breakup, or after that particularly stressful meeting. Definitely recommend!
I've always found baking to be therapeutic. After all, we talk about "stress baking" or making something to share with friends - in celebration or loss alike. Hazan delves deeper into the idea of baking therapy, explaining it's impact on his life and how it can help us as well.
The recipes are a treat and there is something for everyone and every situation, from recipes for Self Care such a as Better Than Sex Cake, Coconut Lime Bites, or edible cookie dough, for Mindfulness with Mandela Bread or Pistachio Muffins, for Finding Comfort with classics like rice pudding and pineapple upside-down cake, for handling anxiety and stress with a Peach Galette, and so much more. To include even all the highlights would take too long, but this at least gives a taste.
Each recipe includes an affirmation and each section a mindset and food for thought. It is enjoyable and calming just to read, and the recipes themselves truly fit their categories and feed the soul.
Thank you Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this wonderful book. I really enjoyed the unique premise of combining mental health and self care tips and baking. Thinking about it, it totally makes sense, so it’s about time we see more books like this one. The recipes are interesting and the stories and tips made this book such a great read! I’m glad to have come across this gem.
This was a different kind of cookbook. I'm not sure how the recipes were grouped into the categories they were. Most had photos but not all. There were some fun names for the recipes. I probably won use this often, but you never know.
Thanks Netgalley for a chance to read this before its release date. I loved it, and such a unique book. Each chapter covers a self help topic, anxiety, mindfulness etc. The chapters discuss steps to take in improving and then give several recipes for each topic. I can't wait to buy this book once it's available and try the recipes.
This cookbook was so soothing and well written. As someone who has bipolar 2 disorder and finds a lot of great solace and peace in cooking, I love the concept of this book. It definitely delivers and I will be getting it for my friends.
As someone who loves saying baking is my therapy this book felt very on-brand for me! I loved the mixture of baking recipes with mental health tidbits throughout. That may not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The names chosen for some items were incredible and so fun. There are so many recipes I want to try and so many I want to share with friends. This is definitely a cookbook I will be gifting to everyone!!
As a former social worker and a person who cooks/bakes to relax, this book was made for me. I loved the sections focused on mental health and how baking can serve as a therapeutic activity. Sometimes just the act of making something from scratch where you get a tangible (and tasty!) result can turn a day around--especially if you are working on long-term projects at work where it feels like results are so far away. Plus, if you share your baking, you get to make other people a little happier too.
In addition to the helpful information about mental health, this cookbook is also chock full of delicious-looking recipes and photos. There is a good mix of simple, accessible recipes and others that are more aspirational for when you're feeling adventurous. If you ever find yourself eating cookie dough straight from the package when stressed, get this book and bake yourself something wonderful from scratch instead.
Requested this because I love reading cookbooks and use cooking as selfcare I was immediately drawn to the concept of the book and was interested to see how the author would pull together baking, mental health and self-care.
I really liked the layout and structure of the book that made it easy to align recipes with your state of mind. I didn't mind that there is a lot of narrative happening in this cookbook but it may not be your cup of tea if you are looking for a cookbook with a more traditional feel. I was impressed with the number of recipes and the variety although I felt like it leaned towards the sweet side. Nice pictures and recipes that seem both delicious and the right level of challenging.
This was an enjoyable cookbook to read and I definitely recommend checking it out.
Excellent cookbook. I've been wanting to get into baking more (I'm kind of bad at it -- I hate to measure! I prefer cooking) so this really helped me.
Great cookbook with a good purpose. Using food as a way to help with self-care is fantastic and it is backed up by a licensed therapist
Baking and self-care?! Yes, please!! I loved the premise of this book. It is unique and transcends the typical cookbook you might have found in your home growing up. Part autobiographical, part self-help, with plenty of delicious and unintimidating recipes - there is something for everyone in Mind over Batter. I personally enjoyed the author's narrative between sections. To be honest, with the advent of food blogging and eBooks, cookbooks are a dime a dozen today. But cookbooks that address how to not only nourish the body but the mind and the soul? Those are more elusive (and should be protected at all costs!). Hazan has a writing style that is both inviting and engaging. His recipes, which are the heart of any self-professed cookbook, not only sound delightfully delicious, but his story is equally compelling. The recipes themselves are made with easily sourceable ingredients, with clear and concise instructions, and accompanied by beautiful photos. While the recipes themselves are influenced by the author's Syrian Jewish heritage, the therapeutic principles discussed are universal truths and therefore easily extendable to other areas of culinary creation. Now that I have read the book, I can't wait to get in the kitchen and cook. Now I just need to settle on a recipe. Better than Sex Cake, or Cheesecake with Pomegranate Twist?... or both?!
"Mind over a Batter" is having a friend come over who is friend, therapist, and master baker rolled into one. The book starts with a lovely introduction to our author, the baking therapist. Each subsequent chapter is devoted to one emotional state or issue. Each begins with what might be considered part of a talk-therapy session with a completely non-judgemental friend followed by recipes both sweet and savory. There are chapters on self-care, mindfulness, finding comfort, dealing with stress and anxiety, letting go of frustration,, connecting with others, and finding joy. I was immediately drawn to the focaccia recipe in the frustration chapter; I admit that slapping that dough around was therapeutic even on a day when perhaps I didn't need that particular outlet. And the focaccia was delicious! I'm on to the dessert for one in a mug (found under self-care) next.
Thanks go to Jack Hazan, chronicle Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy to review.
I received 'Mind over Batter' by Jack Hazan to review through NetGalley. I found this book enticing, but lacking the content I was looking for in a cookbook.
Jack Hazan describes each section of the book by using different therapy techniques and relating it back to baking techniques. These pages were the most interesting of the book, whereas I was expecting (&wanting) this to be the recipes themselves. Based on the size of the book I found most of the recipes were not a true fit for me. I would have loved to seen more images of the finished product - maybe this would have changed my mind on the recipes & actually wanting to try them?
Initial attraction thoughts: The title & cover design were an instant grab, the colors and design layout work so well together, it's clean and polished and appears to be a book I would want to display in my kitchen or bakeshop.
Overall rating: 3 out 5
Pub Date: 21 March 2023
I love the pun title of this book. It does tell readers/bakers what this took is about. The author, a therapist, offers recipes that he believes have a therapeutic value, hence the subtitle which is 75 recipes for baking as therapy.
A few of the chapter headings are Self-Care, Finding Comfort, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Connecting with Others. Each section includes self-help and recipes.
In his introduction the author notes that baking engages all of the senses and is easily available. He shares the biographical information that led him from a traditional Syrian Jewish family of immigrants to his becoming a therapist-baker. This is worth reading before going to the recipes.
There are helpful therapeutic sections in this book. For example, early on, there is a section on setting boundaries. There are also, of course, beautiful photos and delicious recipes. Make the Self-Care in a Cup Cake. It serves one; sometimes that is just the right amount. Try some of the others as well.
I very much liked the approach of this book. I think that I may purchase the hard copy for me or someone I know.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the tips and tricks for mindful baking. I've tried several of the recipes and they were not only easy to follow but they were also delicious. We have a lot of patrons really interested in exploring mindfulness, so this will be a great addition to our collection.
This was a cookbook that I thought would be really cute, and some of the recipes are fun, however, it just wasn’t relatable for me to get into, but loved seeing how this journey for Jack led to encouraging others especially with something fun, like baking.
As a hobby/stress baker, this was such a great idea. Many comforting, sweet treat and simple recipes intertwined with mental health and therapy insights. It’s a great blend of the two and really meets you where you’re at in the kitchen.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
What a cool idea. I suffer from anxiety and always found solace in my family’s kitchen. This book takes that up a notch. Not only are the recipes lovely, the quick sessions and tips are amazing.
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