Well-Read: Amanda Maiorano

Must-reads from a recipe developer and food stylist.

It’s Well-Read time again, and this week fellow Substacker/recipe developer/food stylist/content creator, Amanda Maiorano talks self-help and the “pure joy” of Julia Child.

Her own Substack, At Home With Mandy, is a veritable feast and wildly useful place on The Internet to find inspiration if, like me, you’re an average cook. But for now? Book recommendations.

Tell me a little about yourself and what you like to read

I’m Mandy, a recipe developer and content creator. I started Made by Mandy in 2017 while on holiday in Italy with my grandparents, where I fell in love with taking photos of food (and of course, there was plenty of that in Italy!). I kept at it while studying nutrition and dietetics at uni, but things really took off in 2021. That’s when I started getting more clients and truly understood what it takes to run my own business, creating recipes, styling, and photographing food.

Over the years, my love for recipe development has evolved into a love for content creation in general, with travel, fashion, and beauty now making their way into the mix. I have a vision board in my room that I look at every day—on it are images of Martha Stewart, Donna Hay, cookbooks, cooking shows, and of course, Paris and Italy! My dream is to inspire people to find joy in everyday cooking, whether through cookbooks, cooking shows, or even hosting international cooking retreats. I’m someone who’s happy to put in the work to get where I want to go (as cliché as that sounds!). It’s a blend of ambition and passion, and I’m confident that with time and effort, things will come together.

What are your must-read books?

My Life In France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme

This book made me want to pack my bags and move to Paris! Julia is so likeable, curious, and so obsessed with food in the best way. Listening to her describe meals, France, and cooking in such rich detail is pure joy.

How To Fail by Elizabeth Day

I'm surprised this is the only self-help book I’m listing, considering I went through an entire self-help phase after uni! This one is like a pep talk from a wise, funny friend who reminds you that failure is not just normal, it’s necessary.

Anna Wintour by Amy Odell

As someone who loves a bit of fashion and pop culture, this scratched every itch! It’s part Vogue history lesson, part masterclass in building an empire, and an unfiltered glimpse into the world of high fashion. Loved it.

What are you reading next?

I’ve had Beauty by Bri Lee sitting on my bedside table for a while, so that’s next on my list!

Enjoy!