Baking and the Meaning of Life

‘Helen in her absolute element. It really doesn’t get any better.’Yotam Ottolenghi‘I have rarely leafed through a book and wanted so much to get into the kitchen!’ Diana Henry‘The unsung hero of your favorite Ottolenghi recipes takes the pen! Helen Goh knows the secret to brilliant baked goods: A story, a technique, a flavor combo, and a ratio produce something so much greater than the sum of its parts - simple, delicious, unadulterated JOY.’ Christina Tosi, chef/founder, Milk Bar ‘Baking & the Meaning of Life is a book that is breathtakingly unique in every way. In addition to a vast array of beautiful, inspiringly photographed photos, and approachable recipes, Helen’s writing is a perfectly authentic reflection of her thoughts, spirit, and soul. The headnotes are graced with the two most important features for each recipe - what to expect flavor and texture/wise, and a charming personal history. This book, written by a master baker, goes beyond baking to an invaluable realm of human connection. The reader will be gifted not only with original, wonderful, and approachable recipes, but also a deep dive into the life of an extraordinary and beautiful person. Rose Levy Beranbaum, author of The Cake Bible, two times winner of the James Beard Award for Best Baking Books ‘Helen Goh has written the kind of baking book I want to keep by the bedside as much as in the kitchen. These recipes are tender, generous, and profoundly human, infused with the flavors and sensibilities of a life lived across multiple continents. You’ll come for the cakes (and stay for the shortbread), but what lingers is something more profound: an invitation to find joy, connection, and meaning in the act of baking. This is a book that understands how much of life can be folded into flour and butter. It’s elegant, comforting, and quietly brilliant, just like Helen herself, and it reveals her quiet mastery of the bake.’ Nik Sharma, author of The Flavor Equation and Veg-table, Editor at America’s Test Kitchen ‘This book is a must in every kitchen for Helen’s fabulous baking recipes, learning the meaning of life is just a delicious bonus!’ Jake Cohen, NYT bestselling author of Jew-ish and I Could Nosh

Helen Goh was born in Malaysia and came to Australia with her family at age 11. A trained psychologist, she combines psychology practice with a cooking career, becoming head pastry chef at a landmark Melbourne restaurant before moving to London and joining Ottolenghi. Co-author with Yotam of the bestselling baking book Sweet and family food book Comfort, she has worked closely with him in recipe development for over 10 years, drawing widely on Asian, Western and Middle Eastern influences. Helen is a food columnist whose recipes appear in The Sydney Morning Herald, Guardian and Observer. She lives in London with her husband and two sons.