Figure 1 Publishing

Food + Drink / Forthcoming

The Joy Bus Cookbook

Meals That Matter

By Jennifer Caraway
Foreword by Chris Bianco

75 nourishing and flavor-filled recipes that celebrate cooking as an act of care and compassion.

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Book Description

“I love what Jennifer and the gang at The Joy Bus are doing for people in The Valley. Keep feeding them that great food!”
—Alice Cooper

The Joy Bus Diner is a 100% nonprofit restaurant whose mission is to bring hearty, chef-inspired meals and uplifting encouragement to persons with cancer in and around the Phoenix Valley. Founded in 2011 by award-winning chef and Food Network Chopped champion Jennifer Caraway, The Joy Bus was named in honor of her dear friend Joy whom she lost to ovarian cancer. It embodies the idea that when people come together to support one another, they can build something remarkable—whether it’s a hearty meal, a warm moment of connection, or a brighter world.

Following the success of their first book More than a Meal, The Joy Bus Cookbook is filled with approachable recipes for imaginative comfort foods that combine bold flavors with simple preparation methods. From cherished dishes such as Princess Poppy Seed Pancakes to Kashmiri Chile Roasted Lamb to a Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Pie, each recipe tells a story of heartfelt generosity and of the diverse culinary influences of the community the organization serves.

Features:

  • A foreword by James Beard Award–winning chef Chris Bianco
  • More than 75 tried-and-true recipes designed for home cooks
  • An informative guide to healing foods
  • Stunning food photography and behind-the-scenes shots
  • Profiles of the farmers, producers and artisans who support The Joy Bus mission
  • All profits go directly to furthering The Joy Bus’s vital work

The Joy Bus Cookbook is a call to savor not just the flavors on the plate, but also the connections they represent, making it an inspiring and essential addition to any kitchen.

 

Author

Praise

“Jennifer and The Joy Bus organization continue to prove that food is more than just a meal; it’s also a way to bring joy and happiness to people in need. Cooking a meal for someone can fill their soul and heal in ways that nothing else can. Cook from this book and remember that your meal is more than just dinner.”
—Alon Shaya, two-time James Beard Award-winning chef

“What inspires me most about The Joy Bus is its deep commitment to serving real needs in the community with heart and intention. This isn’t just a meal delivery service-it’s a movement rooted in compassion, connection, and dignity. By recognizing the emotional and nutritional challenges faced by homebound cancer patients, The Joy Bus steps in with purpose and care. It’s a powerful example of how community-based solutions can transform lives, one meal and one meaningful interaction at a time. Supporting this mission means investing in the kind of world we all want to live in.”
—Mike De Luca, Co-Chair & CEO Warner Brother Motion Picture Group

BOOK DETAILS

  • Hardcover
  • 8 × 10 inches
  • 208 pages
  • 978-1-77327-269-6
  • $39.95 CDN / $34.95 USD
  • October 2025