Episode 320: Writing a Cookbook for The King Arthur Baking Company with Staff Editor Jessica Battilana

In today’s episode, I’m excited to bring you an interview with Jessica Battilana. Jessica is the staff editor at King Arthur Baking company and the co-author of The Big Book of Bread. Along with Martin Philip and Melanie Wanders, Jessica helped write and create their newest book that offers a comprehensive collection of over 125 bread recipes for bakers of all levels.

During our conversation, Jessica shares insights into the King Arthur Baking Company, the inspiration behind The Big Book of Bread, and what it was like to collaborate on a cookbook for such a renowned brand. We also dive into some of the book’s unique features, including an index organized by time, flour type, and baking timelines for each recipe—plus, we explore the helpful King Arthur Baker’s Hotline, designed to support bakers at every step.

In this episode, we discuss:

About King Arthur Baking Company

• The history and mission of King Arthur Baking Company

• Why they are a trusted name in baking and cookbooks

Creating The Big Book of Bread

• The inspiration behind the book and its focus on bread

• The collaborative process with co-authors Martin Philip and Melanie Wanders

Key Features of the Book

• User-friendly design for bakers of all skill levels

• Indexing by time, flour type, and recipe difficulty

• Detailed timelines to help bakers plan their day around bread-making

Baker’s Hotline & Extra Support

• How the King Arthur Baker’s Hotline supports bakers with expert advice

• Tips on how to get the most out of the hotline for troubleshooting and guidance

Jessica’s Personal Insights

• Jessica’s favorite recipes from The Big Book of Bread

• Her personal tips and tricks for perfecting your bread-baking skills

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this incredible bread bible and get inspired to bake your next loaf!

Things We Mention In This Episode

King Arthur Baking Company

The Big Book of Bread

Zuni Cafe by Judy Rogers