Hey Reader!

This summer is already off to a wild start, and I’ve got two big updates to share.

First, I’ve taken on an incredible opportunity as a full-time private chef for the summer, based up in Muskoka, one of the most beautiful (and busiest!) cottage regions in Ontario. If you’ve never been, think lakeside living, winding forest roads, and some truly spectacular properties tucked into nature.

It’s often compared to the Hamptons, and while I can’t share any details about the client, I’ll be giving a behind-the-scenes look at what I’m cooking and how I’m navigating this new role over the next couple of months.

Second is something I’ve been working on behind the scenes for a while now… and I’m finally ready to share it.

We Have a Brand New Website! 🚨

Big news!!! Our website just got a full makeover! 🎉

The amazing team at Grace + Vine Studios helped us redesign the entire thing from the ground up, including a fresh new logo, updated colours (you may have noticed the shift in this very email), and a much faster, cleaner experience overall.

All the recipes now have updated layouts, improved formatting, and a few custom features to make browsing and baking even easier. If you’ve never checked out the blog before, now’s the perfect time, it’s packed with sourdough recipes and lots more, I’d love to hear what you think!

New Baguette Video Tutorials (Special Offer) 🥖

Over the past few months, I’ve been shaping, scoring, and baking hundreds of baguettes, testing formulas, refining techniques, and filming it all. The full video tutorials are in final edits now, and until they go live (aiming for July 14th), I’m offering early access at a special price.

Inside, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials for:

• 🥖 Straight dough baguettes (great for same-day bakes)
• 🌕 Poolish baguettes (my go-to for an open, balanced crumb)
• 🌾 Overnight Seeded Rye levain baguettes (full flavoured
• 🍇 Baguette au levain (classic French sourdough with a touch of yeast)
• 🌾 100% Whole Grain baguettes (complex, hearty, and nutritious)
• 🇫🇷 Baguette de tradition (a love letter to classic French style)
• ✨ Decorative baguettes (with advanced scoring techniques)
• 🥖 Demi baguettes (perfect for home ovens or smaller loaves)

Whether you’re baking at home or in a bakery, this is your chance to take your baguette skills to the next level.

Sourdough S’mores Cookies 🍪

This is the ultimate summer cookie.

Think gooey marshmallows, graham cracker crunch, rich dark chocolate, and a touch of sourdough discard to bring it all together. It's nostalgic, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make.

I baked a batch on day two of my new private chef gig, and let’s just say they didn’t last long.

The best part? You can prep them in advance and keep them chilled or frozen until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for summer entertaining or anytime cravings.

Whole Wheat Pita Bread 🥙

I made a dozen of these today and served them with roast chicken, cucumber raita, and roasted eggplant puree — and honestly, it was a hit all around.

They were soft, warm, and perfectly puffed. I wrapped them in a towel after baking and served them family-style, a total crowd-pleaser.

This is one of those recipes that’s fast, fun, and super flexible. You can bake them in a wood oven, pizza oven, or just use your home oven with a baking steel or cast iron.

If you’ve never made pita at home, this is the one to try.

Happy Baking,

MJD

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