18 Comments

I was told at an event I spoke at that when I walk into a room it’s like smelling fresh bread.

Expand full comment

At markets, people tell me that because I’m there with my real baking they actually can eat something 😁

And readers tell me they get hungry reading my work 📖

Expand full comment

One of my favorite comments was at a book signing and potluck for Home Cooking with Kate McDermott at a bookstore in Seattle. The comment?

“Your recipes taste like a big hug.” 🥰

Expand full comment

Wow that is one of the best things I’ve eaten for a long time

Expand full comment

That it was the best thing they’ve had, or the best thing they’ve made when making one of my recipes. I also think the act of cooking or baking for someone, especially when catering to their tastes or needs is always appreciated even if it’s not gushed over. It’s a way of showing you care.

Expand full comment

A couple of years ago we visited relatives for the Thanksgiving holiday (which is a big production with roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, other side dishes, and way too many sweet pies), my daughter said she felt like she hadn’t really had Thanksgiving yet because it wasn’t my food. It really melted my heart. She asked if I would make it. I mean, how could I not? So a week after we got home, our family of 5 sat down to another Thanksgiving meal. The kids were so pleased. And my daughter’s comment was, “NOW I’ve had Thanksgiving.” 😂

Expand full comment

Beautiful food! Keep cooking my good friend! Oh by the way! Gnudi for you! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9kXmEqO3Kd/?igsh=c2NkaHR4cXBrZHI2

Expand full comment

A reader once told me that my energy is delicious

Expand full comment

Emily Luchetti, the cookbook author and James Beard award winning pastry chef, called my bean to bar class “life changing.”

Expand full comment

That I brought back the taste of their mother's cooking after 35 years. I recreated my father-in-law family's famous pea soup with flanken recipe (that was always made by his late Mum) from just the flavor descriptions. The sweet smile on his face as he enjoyed each spoonful, made my heart sing.

Expand full comment

Not to brag, but Dame Prue Leith said, "Martin has been the most consistent of the bakers. He is the most technically accomplished and the most neat at the end of it: all of his decoration is very good; he finishes on time; and he is extremely organized. He’s the best baker."

And my 7-year-old niece said, "You make the best crust in the world."

Expand full comment

'You take me inside the market, I really want to be there, you write so beautifully"

And

'When's the book coming out'

Expand full comment

I can here you, your voice in my head when I read your writing.

Expand full comment

“The best low-carb or keto xyz they’ve ever tried” or “it’s definitely going into my dinner rotation” or “I wanted to lick my plate clean.” And basically any compliment from my kids because they’re the toughest critics!

Expand full comment
author

It's lovely when family compliment on what we make for them.

Expand full comment

Yes! Thats the true test, right? Cooking for loved ones is my favorite. Plus, they’re usually the ones who are brutally honest 😜

Expand full comment
author

Even when they don't say anything, an empty plate is often all we need to see.

Expand full comment

It's lovely when people write to me that a recipe has been lingering on their mind filled with anticipation to cook what one reader wrote, "feels both luxurious and healthy." But, the best compliment came from my teen, "Mom, I know I complain, but your food is actually amazing!".

Expand full comment