As the cookbook launches, here are some thoughts from a lovely review by Mary Sprunger in the Harrisonburg Citizen:

Above all, if you are looking for concrete ways to turn concern and despair about the state of the world into positive energy, this 50^th anniversary edition leans into joy and hope. While the subtitle of the 25^th anniversary edition (2000) was suggestions by Mennonites on how to eat better and consume less of the world’s limited food resources, 2026 brings us Time-tested recipes for resilience, generosity, and joy. Beachy infuses the book with her own infectious cheer and optimism. For example, the new section at the end of the book, “Extra Joy,” contains her own recipes for fun and whimsy: homemade playdough, bubble solution, Snow Ice Cream and Ice Luminaria (required: outdoor temperatures that stay below freezing). 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Herald Press as project manager on the 50th anniversary edition of the More-with-Less cookbook. Author copies just arrived this afternoon! I’m loving all the contributed stories connected to this edition’s focus on resilience, generosity, and joy, as well as the illustrations by Rebecca Souder Gish. I’ll link to the free digital companion materials when those are posted.

The book launched a year ago this month, and what a beautiful year it has been to connect with and expand the Granola Mennonite community, from Virginia to Indiana to Pennsylvania to Winnipeg to West Virginia and back home to this weekend’s Rocktown author festival! What’s next?

1. I’m playing with audio recording! Watch for some Granola Mennonite tracks to land in the near future.
2. I’ve been collaborating with Herald Press to project manage/edit the fiftieth anniversary edition of the More-with-Less Cookbook, the founding text of Granola Mennonitedom. It’s forthcoming this fall, full of your favorite classic Menno-hippie food recipes, an updated cheese section (blessed are the cheesemakers!), and a collection of contributed anecdotes focusing on resilience, generosity, and joy. We’ll also offer some digital materials for small groups and families who want to gather around food and celebrate the ways that it strengthens our community.
3. I’ve been invited to write a column for Anabaptist World, so you’ll see me over there on a bi-monthly basis.
4. I’m still writing–the current focus is a neurospicy eco-revenge fantasy. Can pacifist Mennonites have revenge fantasies? I’m really not sure, but I’m having a good time exploring the possibilities. I think it might need to be cozier. Send me your book recommendations, if you have found anyone doing cozy pacifistic revenge.