When I first cracked open Marjory Sweet’s latest book—over breakfast, of course—I found myself unexpectedly moved to tears. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a lyrical celebration of the most cherished meal of the day. Equal parts poetry and recipe collection, the book is filled with beautiful, evocative odes to breakfast and stunning photographic snapshots that capture its quiet magic. Holding it in your hands, you realize it’s a work of art—an object as thoughtfully crafted and lovingly composed as the recipes it contains. This, I’ve come to understand, is the hallmark of everything Marjory creates: whether it’s her recipe books, her lovingly restored rental homes, or the delicate pastries she bakes, each one is a testament to her unique blend of artistry and heart.
Marjory describes herself simply as “a farmer, cook, and writer—in that order.” She shares a little of her journey with us: “I was born and raised along the rugged coast of Maine. After a brief period working with artists in New York City and a transformative year and a bit in Italy, I spent 11 years in New Mexico managing small organic vegetable farms. Cooking—and writing about cooking—grew naturally out of that farm life.” She pauses, then smiles, “If you take all of that experience and fold it together like layers in a perfect pie, you arrive at where I am now: back in Maine, cooking food every day at Cafe Grazie, which I co-own and operate with my business partner, Marcy Taubes.” And her newest book, Romantic Chicken, has just been released—exclusively available at The Post Supply in Maine, a beloved local favorite and Remodelista pick.
Today, Marjory shares a glimpse into her world: her dream home (“I’ve been a Judd fanatic for years,” she confesses), her biggest kitchen pet peeve, and the surprisingly “sneakily neutral” color she’s currently loving. Plus, she’s kindly included some mouthwatering photos of summer cakes that look almost too good to eat.
You’re invited to dinner. What’s your go-to gift?
“Candles, always,” Marjory says without hesitation. “Here in midcoast Maine, Danica candles are a local favorite—they come in a dazzling array of colors and sizes. But even more special are the hand-dipped, delicately twisted candles made by my friend Kate, also local. They’re wonderfully fragrant and make the perfect little gift to accompany a bouquet of fresh flowers—simple, thoughtful, and just right.”
What’s on your bedside table?
Marjory paints a vivid picture: “Several pairs of Ursa Major earrings I’ve remembered to remove before drifting off to sleep, my trusty 64-ounce water bottle—which I literally can’t live without—and a towering stack of books I’m both reading and ‘reading’ in a more leisurely way. Right now, that includes Circe, which I’m nearly finished with; The Magic Mountain, which I’m actively tackling but finding a bit of a slog; and A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin, whose short stories are among my favorites. I dip into those intermittently alongside the other two.” She laughs softly. “Oh, and I never forget my coffee cup—this morning’s was a vintage Snoopy mug that reads, ‘At times life is pure joy!’ I abandoned it right there on my nightstand after the last comforting sip.”