Amanda Hesser
@amandahesser.bsky.social
Executive Chair of Food52, Schoolhouse, and Dansk. Recovered journalist. Toast burner. Enthusiast.
I did a deep dive on cooking ranges: gas burner innovations, induction, oven “drift,” BTUs, technology, and design. Hope you enjoy the read and find it helpful — settle in, it’s detailed!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
My epic stove range research led to this discovery
Eight brands, 100 reader tips, and a tinge of regret.
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:21 PM
I did a deep dive on cooking ranges: gas burner innovations, induction, oven “drift,” BTUs, technology, and design. Hope you enjoy the read and find it helpful — settle in, it’s detailed!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
This week I wrote about moving into a community where newcomers like us are, understandably, not welcomed by all.
Also: l needed a chef’s knife — so I took you shopping with me.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Also: l needed a chef’s knife — so I took you shopping with me.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
What makes a newcomer a local?
On setting down roots in Ojai (it’s complicated).
open.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:26 AM
This week I wrote about moving into a community where newcomers like us are, understandably, not welcomed by all.
Also: l needed a chef’s knife — so I took you shopping with me.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Also: l needed a chef’s knife — so I took you shopping with me.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Today I'm launching a monthly series on renovation insights and tips from some of the most interesting people I know. Christine has made amazing real estate and design decisions over the years and I soaked up her advice like a sponge ...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Step inside The Guest Room, a new series
This month, Christine Muhlke shares how she renovated on a modest budget.
open.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Today I'm launching a monthly series on renovation insights and tips from some of the most interesting people I know. Christine has made amazing real estate and design decisions over the years and I soaked up her advice like a sponge ...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
We’ve all learned a lot about working from home — now Tad and I are integrating those lessons into our new home workspaces. Our approaches diverge; we’ve chosen to respect our differences. :)
Plus: a recipe from Dan Pelosi’s great new book, “Let’s Party.”
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Plus: a recipe from Dan Pelosi’s great new book, “Let’s Party.”
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
How to work near (but not too close) to your partner
Plus, a pantry dish that gives canned artichokes an herby, garlicky kiss.
open.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:20 AM
We’ve all learned a lot about working from home — now Tad and I are integrating those lessons into our new home workspaces. Our approaches diverge; we’ve chosen to respect our differences. :)
Plus: a recipe from Dan Pelosi’s great new book, “Let’s Party.”
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Plus: a recipe from Dan Pelosi’s great new book, “Let’s Party.”
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Three years ago, Tad and I set in motion a big life change. This week, I wrote about the no-turning-back moment of it all.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Messy middle? Try messy start
Or, how we demolished our house to build anew.
open.substack.com
October 4, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Three years ago, Tad and I set in motion a big life change. This week, I wrote about the no-turning-back moment of it all.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Whiskey Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies from The London Plane + laundry hamper picks. My kind of weekend read.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
This cardamom cold brew is my pumpkin spice latte
Plus, my laundry hamper pick, a new recipe project, and an ode to Swiss snacks.
open.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Whiskey Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies from The London Plane + laundry hamper picks. My kind of weekend read.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Do you love a pantry as much as I do? This week I nerded out on the pantry design for our Ojai house. Read on for sketches, inspo, lists, and opinions.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
My pantry design was decades in the making
Here's a sketch-by-sketch look at our layout.
open.substack.com
September 20, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Do you love a pantry as much as I do? This week I nerded out on the pantry design for our Ojai house. Read on for sketches, inspo, lists, and opinions.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
We had to trim 30% of our reno plan to meet our budget — so I’m sharing tips on how to do so without feeling bummed.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
How we cut 30% from our reno plan—and found silver linings
An exercise in “value engineering."
open.substack.com
September 5, 2025 at 10:20 PM
We had to trim 30% of our reno plan to meet our budget — so I’m sharing tips on how to do so without feeling bummed.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
I got industry intel on what to look for in bath towels.
I shared my guide to home stores (and food places!) in LA.
And I featured a recipe for Brown Butter Tomatoes. Right?!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
I shared my guide to home stores (and food places!) in LA.
And I featured a recipe for Brown Butter Tomatoes. Right?!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Here’s my pick for bath towels—with expert intel
Plus, 22 spots for the perfect shop (and food) crawl in L.A.
open.substack.com
August 29, 2025 at 11:34 PM
I got industry intel on what to look for in bath towels.
I shared my guide to home stores (and food places!) in LA.
And I featured a recipe for Brown Butter Tomatoes. Right?!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
I shared my guide to home stores (and food places!) in LA.
And I featured a recipe for Brown Butter Tomatoes. Right?!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
I wrote about another way to look at the long process of a home renovation.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
When will this renovation “just be done”?
Plus, a sweet bedding upgrade in a heritage home.
open.substack.com
August 23, 2025 at 1:06 AM
I wrote about another way to look at the long process of a home renovation.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Increasingly, homes are designed to shut out the world -- but I hope we won't forget about the importance of neighbors.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
On being a good neighbor
And the simple gift bag we brought to set the tone.
open.substack.com
August 16, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Increasingly, homes are designed to shut out the world -- but I hope we won't forget about the importance of neighbors.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
A salad dressing I’ll be making forever.
A request for opinions on kitchen stoves.
And a deep dive in mailboxes + the one we’re getting.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
A request for opinions on kitchen stoves.
And a deep dive in mailboxes + the one we’re getting.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Briny, citrusy, crispy—this salad recipe serves up peak flavor
Plus, I need your stove intel!
open.substack.com
August 11, 2025 at 6:42 PM
A salad dressing I’ll be making forever.
A request for opinions on kitchen stoves.
And a deep dive in mailboxes + the one we’re getting.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
A request for opinions on kitchen stoves.
And a deep dive in mailboxes + the one we’re getting.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Renovating requires a team mindset. This week, my contractor shared his tips for how to find a contractor you trust and how to be a collaborative client. Hope you enjoy the read — Evan is a gem!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
My contractor’s 12 tips on realistic timelines, transparent pricing, and how HGTV changed the industry
Plus, the summery tomato syrup I’m making for drinks and vinaigrettes.
open.substack.com
August 2, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Renovating requires a team mindset. This week, my contractor shared his tips for how to find a contractor you trust and how to be a collaborative client. Hope you enjoy the read — Evan is a gem!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Christine Muhlke and I had an unvarnished discussion about ambition, mistakes, and our own dynamic as colleagues years ago. Also, I highly recommend her substack, Xtine. I open every post as soon as it hits my inbox.
The Conversation | Amanda Hesser
open.substack.com/pub/xtinenyc...
The Conversation | Amanda Hesser
open.substack.com/pub/xtinenyc...
The Conversation | Amanda Hesser
"I have a lot of ideas, I like to make them happen, and I like to lead."
open.substack.com
July 25, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Christine Muhlke and I had an unvarnished discussion about ambition, mistakes, and our own dynamic as colleagues years ago. Also, I highly recommend her substack, Xtine. I open every post as soon as it hits my inbox.
The Conversation | Amanda Hesser
open.substack.com/pub/xtinenyc...
The Conversation | Amanda Hesser
open.substack.com/pub/xtinenyc...
I learned some really useful money-saving tips from Barbara Bestor, our architect, plus insights on how to find a great, undiscovered architect!
Also, if you want some inspiration from a woman who’s had a super interesting career, read on!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Also, if you want some inspiration from a woman who’s had a super interesting career, read on!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Weekend read: Meet our trailblazing architect
Plus, tips for saving money when building and how to find a great architect.
open.substack.com
July 5, 2025 at 3:50 PM
I learned some really useful money-saving tips from Barbara Bestor, our architect, plus insights on how to find a great, undiscovered architect!
Also, if you want some inspiration from a woman who’s had a super interesting career, read on!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Also, if you want some inspiration from a woman who’s had a super interesting career, read on!
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
For anyone who's dreamed of getting a pizza oven, I did a deep dive on options, and all the considerations. Thanks to Sam Sifton and Alexandra Stafford for their smart advice.
My pizza oven quest led me to the "neck tattoo" of options open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
My pizza oven quest led me to the "neck tattoo" of options open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
My pizza oven quest led me to the "neck tattoo" of options
If it's good enough for Sam Sifton...
open.substack.com
June 27, 2025 at 10:41 PM
For anyone who's dreamed of getting a pizza oven, I did a deep dive on options, and all the considerations. Thanks to Sam Sifton and Alexandra Stafford for their smart advice.
My pizza oven quest led me to the "neck tattoo" of options open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
My pizza oven quest led me to the "neck tattoo" of options open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Reposted by Amanda Hesser
@amandahesser.bsky.social 's classic The Cook and The Gardener is being republished this April to celebrate the book's 25th Anniversary. Read a bit about this title and enter our worldwide giveaway to win a copy: bit.ly/4ifI3cB
@wwnorton.bsky.social
@wwnorton.bsky.social
March 10, 2025 at 6:52 PM
@amandahesser.bsky.social 's classic The Cook and The Gardener is being republished this April to celebrate the book's 25th Anniversary. Read a bit about this title and enter our worldwide giveaway to win a copy: bit.ly/4ifI3cB
@wwnorton.bsky.social
@wwnorton.bsky.social
Renovations can be hard on a couple—here are 3 ways we resolve tension
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Renovations can be hard on a couple—here are 3 ways we resolve tension
Plus, a Father’s Day dinner menu, with recipes.
open.substack.com
June 14, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Renovations can be hard on a couple—here are 3 ways we resolve tension
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
I never really knew the difference between a landscape architect and a garden designer. Jenny Jones, of Terremoto, explains the difference in my q&a with her about how Terremoto is working to change the field, and what her plan is for our house in Ojai.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
Meet our landscape architect (she loves a vintage pool)
Plus, her creative (and striking) solution to access plants throughout the property.
open.substack.com
May 24, 2025 at 12:51 AM
I never really knew the difference between a landscape architect and a garden designer. Jenny Jones, of Terremoto, explains the difference in my q&a with her about how Terremoto is working to change the field, and what her plan is for our house in Ojai.
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...
open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...