A B O U T

Hi! I’m Rebecca Firth, the food writer, photographer and creator of the desserts-focused blog, DisplacedHousewife and author of The Cookie Book and The Cake Book. I love to create dessert recipes that are delicious AND beautiful (and sometimes easy and quick). Think of this blog as a collection of your favorite homemade dessert recipes with some jazz hands and flair thrown in to keep things interesting.

I’ve been working in food for almost a decade now: first with some catering, then slinging scones and specialty items for a local bakery (helllooo Solvang Bakery!) to now creating recipes for my blog, cookbooks and favorite brands.

My most favorite flavors vary by the seasons, but generally you’ll find:

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins | Recipe via DisplacedHousewife Rebecca Firth

CURRENT TOP TEN FAVORITE RECIPES

My ten current favorite recipes are very indicative of 2020: comforting, not too fussy and completely delicious!

Sourdough Bagels

The time has come for you to make your own sourdough bagels!! Whip the dough up the night before and shape, boil + bake the next morning. SO GOOD.

Everyday Banana Bread

Banana bread isn’t dead my friends. Why everyone got miffed that this was the year of banana bread is beyond me — this beauty deserves its day in the sun. This one has a particularly crunchy and fabulous lid. You’ll die.

Granny Pete’s Chocolate Cake With Marshmallow Frosting

My grandmother, Granny Pete, aka Dolores Marshall, passed away at the beginning of 2020. We shared a deep love of everything sweet and chocolate-y and I made this cake in her honor. I talk a lot about what a wonderful person she was in this post — go read it!!!

Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies + intense espresso flavor — I don’t know what else you want out of life?! Go get it!

GF Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

You don’t have to be GF, DF or Vegan to like this cookie…I am none of these things and this cookies is FABULOUS. It’s my one and only copycat recipe on the blog and it’s a recreated version of Ererwhon market’s GF DF Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie. Don’t overthink this one, just make it!

Chocolate Coconut Cake

Mounds bar in cake form. Done. 

Fresh Lemon Cake

A choose-your-own-adventure citrus party. This one is made with lemon, but I also tested with orange, blood orange and lime and LET ME TELL YOU, the lime is the sleeper hit of the century. 

Favorite Blueberry Muffins

I love a classic. And here she is. Blueberries, lots of lemon zest and a sugary crust in all her glory. Breakfast sorted.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Bread

This little number is new to the lineup and she’s causing quite a stir. Think about all of the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls, with half the fuss and a dough and glaze that can be made ahead of time. I mean, stop already.

Cherry Jam Streusel Muffins

Quick cherry jam and a heady lid of streusel. You too could be living your best life.

 

 

 

Granny Pete's Chocolate Espresso Cake With Marshmallow Frosting | Recipe via DisplacedHoueswife Rebecca Firth

BOOKS + STUFF

My first cookbook, The Cookie Book, was released in 2018 and I was overjoyed with the response (so thank you to everyone that owns and loves it!). Food & Wine Magazine named The Cookie Book one of the top baking cookbooks to own (YAY!).

The Cake Book

My second book, The Cake Book, is out now and is loaded with classic cakes, casual cakes, breakfast cakes…basically all of the cakes I want to bake and eat, all of the time! I love it so much!!!

Casual Brags

I was a finalist of the 2017 Saveur Blog Awards (Baking & Sweets category; you can read about it a bit here). And my work has appeared in Tasting Table, Sunset Magazine, Buzzfeed, Teen Vogue, Saveur Magazine, Food & Wine and The Washington Post—just to name a few! I have a full list of press you can find here.

Salted Honey Pear Crostata | recipe via DisplacedHousewife Rebecca Firth

KEEP IN TOUCH

Could this be the start of a beautiful relationship? Idk, I hope! You can find me here, at my blog DisplacedHousewife. I update the site with new recipes 1-2 times per week, during what I like to call my busy season (who doesn’t like to bake obsessively from September through January?!?). During the rest of the year, I post once per week except for special occasions…sometimes I have a lot I want to say and share!

Newsletter

My newsletter subscribers get first notice of new recipes and book news, as well as subscriber-only giveaways (this is new, so if you’re a long-term subscriber, stay tuned). You can subscribe to my blog here. I love my blog subscribers, so thank you! And I will never sell your information, period.

Instagram

My love of Instagram knows no bounds, you can find my @DisplacedHousewife Instagram here. I post in the morning and it’s where you’ll hear from me the most frequently. You’ll also see behind-the-scenes photos of what I’m baking (not always that glamorous), what’s upcoming and what people in the DisplacedHousewife community are baking (I love reposting your DH recipes so always tag me @displacedhousewife #displacedhousewife on Instagram so I won’t miss them!).

Pinterest

How can you not love food AND Pinterest – so go follow me and let’s look at beautiful things together!! I’m obsessed with Pinterest and have boards for:

I also have boards for:

  • Doors (from around the world…I love them),
  • Garden * Outside * Happiness (gardening! chicken coops!),
  • Home (from floor boards, to battered hardwood, white kitchens, farmhouse sinks, wraparound porches (I die), bunk rooms, mud rooms…)

and other fun stuff. Let’s dream together, shall we?

Facebook

I’m also hanging out over on Facebook; you can find me by clicking here! I’d love for you to follow my page, show me what you’re baking…let’s just generally chat about it!

MY PHILOSOPHY

Baking should be fun, PERIOD. I try to make every blog post + recipe…

DELICIOUS

I want the photos to scream out: you must bake this RIGHT NOW!! And then I want the finished baked treat to be so delicious that you can’t wait to bake it again.

CLEAR

I strive for mega clarity in my recipes. What does it look and smell like at the various stages? How long will you be stirring? What should the final product look and taste like?

INFORMATIVE

I want you to leave with some new knowledge, but not in a teacher/student kinda way. More like I’m standing in the kitchen with you, perhaps we have some champagne and we’re chatting about the process every step of the way. I recently posted two very info heavy posts that I still think are fun and beautiful and hella useful: How To Make Your Own Vanilla Extract and How To Make A Sourdough Starter. Both belong on your weekend to-do list!

FUN

Are we laughing yet? Are you relaxed? This shouldn’t be stressful. If it is, let’s chat about it…

ACCESSIBLE

I’m here for you! I try to be quick in responding to baking questions, whether it be here on the blog or via Instagram. FYI I prefer the blog because it helps other people reference your feedback while they’re baking the same thing!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Macarons | recipe via DisplacedHousewife Rebecca Firth | heaps of tips + details
Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake

WANNA WORK TOGETHER?

I have the good fortune of working with the awesome people at Smith & Saint. Please reach out to Kaila McWilliams ([email protected]) for rates regarding collaborative social media + blog posts, brand retreats, appearances, photography and recipe development.

I use this blog as a way to chronicle my favorite eats + sweets, but I also want to make your life easier. I want you to have a little laugh, relax and make something delicious for you and your friends and family. If you have anything you’d like to see on DisplacedHousewife, just email me [email protected]. I try my hardest to respond to each and every email…if you need a quick reply, please resend, comment on the blog or slide into my DMs on Instagram. 

We’ll talk soon!
Rebecca Firth
xoxo

Representation
Business Inquiries: Kaila McWilliams, [email protected]
Literary Agent: Liz Parker, [email protected]

Ten Fast Facts

  1. Favorite cocktail: a fistfight between a Bone Dry Gin Martini (made with Hendricks) and a Negroni (also made with Hendricks).
  2. I have lived most of my life in California with time spent living in Hawaii (Hanalei, Kauai and Kameula, Hawaii) and Beijing, China. I chat about living in Beijing here
  3. I have two kids, Stella and Gavin…they are pretty fab 99.8% of the time. Their cute little kids hands are in lots of the older blog posts and throughout the pages of The Cookie Book
  4. I have my BA and MA in English Lit and it’s only by chance that I didn’t end up going on to my Ph.D…I still think if I’d choosen that path I would be deliciously happy. I love books and words and writing and the whole lot of it.
  5. Love love LOVE to make pizza. Join me on this gluttonous journey, won’t you?
  6. I’m a city girl living in a rural-ish part of California (Santa Ynez Valley). My favorite local things are: access to amazing fresh produce, wineries at every turn and parking less than 50 feet from the front of the grocery store. 
  7. If I live in another foreign city I would pick Hong Kong, Barcelona or London. Maybe all three?
  8. I love exclamation points, hyperbole, alliteration and all caps. I’m not yelling, just excited to talk about it. 
  9. I would perish without my electric stand mixer.
  10. My favorite two vacations ever were Argentina and Vietnam — if you get the chance, go!

If you’re feeling it, tell me about yourself in the comments below!!! Much love! xo

Comments

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

I love your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot, I look forward to chatting with you!

Rebecca xox

42 Comments

  • Katy February 6, 2024 at 7:33 AM

    Love you cookbooks. Clear instructions, great tasting goodies. Just made and ate the apple tea cake ( made in the tea loaf pan, love it). Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth February 6, 2024 at 7:58 AM

      Hi Katy! Thank you so much, this is the best message!! Enjoy your apple cake!!! xoxo

      Reply
  • Anne Borland October 30, 2023 at 3:13 AM

    I have just bought your Cake Book and have already tried a couple of your recipes with great success. Can you tell me why you are most emphatic about not using non stick pans in many of the recipes. Thank you

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth October 30, 2023 at 10:46 AM

      Hi Anne!
      I’m so happy you’re liking The Cake Book!! I am very emphatic about not using non-stick pans specifically when making angel food and chiffon cakes. Those pans have to be not non-stick and ungreased, otherwise the cakes won’t rise properly.

      I hope this has been helpful. Please reach out with anymore questions! And thanks for using and loving The Cake Book! xo

      Reply
  • Anne March 23, 2023 at 1:36 PM

    Hi Rebecca, I got your Cookie Book and had trouble with the five spice mooncake cookies. I let them cool in the fridge for over two hours but when I baked them, they spread enough to loose the shapes! My butter was not warm so this was a surprise! Any advice?

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth October 30, 2023 at 10:59 AM

      Hi Anne!
      I have a couple of tips for you…first, I would make sure you weigh your ingredients. Some recipes are more sensitive than others, and this one it helps to be really precise. I would also ask what type of flour you’re using (brand). I tested with that recipe with King Arthur Flour; so if you aren’t using it, you might want to give it a try. I hope this helps!! xoxo

      Reply
  • Mary Jo Carson April 2, 2022 at 8:45 AM

    Hi Rebecca,
    I just signed up for your newsletter. Sounds wonderful! Also, after reading your 10 Fast Facts, I feel like we would be great friends, maybe even sisters! Love words, reading, cooking and all culinary activities. Thanks and Look forward to receiving your Newsletter!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth April 2, 2022 at 9:30 AM

      Hi Mary Jo!!!! Well I have to say you sound completely fabulous!!! ;) Thank you so much for signing up for my newsletter!! I’m always available if you have any questions. I hope you enjoy the journey with me!! xox

      Reply
  • Brenda Blair December 26, 2021 at 5:35 PM

    For the cake recipes in The Cake Book that have dark chocolate do you use unsweetened, bittersweet, or semi sweet. Thanks.

    Reply
  • Alana July 17, 2021 at 9:28 PM

    Hi! Love following you in IG. I’m headed to Santa Ynez valley next week and would love your recs for restaurants & wineries. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth July 18, 2021 at 3:00 PM

      Hi Alana! Thank you so much, I appreciate it! Here are some quickie rec’s I just recently shared with a friend (that was staying in Solvang, so they lean that way)…feel free to ask more questions!!

      Ok…so here would be my ideal day (some ideas):

      Breakfast — Bob’s Well Bread (heaven)…in Ballard (not even 5 min from downtown Solvang)

      Lunch — Bell’s in Los Alamos OR Vaquero Bar in Solvang…both are hella delicious.

      Dinner — if you didn’t go to Vaquero Bar at lunch, I would pre-dinner there. Dinner at The Landsby (Mad & Vin) in Solvang OR SY Kitchen in Santa Ynez (delicious!). Also, Nella in Los Olivos—LOVE.

      Shopping — Los Olivos General Store and Global Art Collective in Los Olivos; Santa Ynez General and Forage Florals in Santa Ynez.

      Wine — Crawford Family Wine…there’s a cheese shop next store…another great idea for afternoon snacks and wine.

      Dana V—such a fun tasting room, lots of outdoor seating. There’s another wine place next door that always looks fun too.

      Love the bar at The Landsby—great cocktails.

      Get a shot of aquavit (skoal!) at the Bit O’Denmark (it’s so OG…I love the meatballs…you feel like you’re in an other country and decade).

      Solvang Bakery — eat some Sarah Bernhart’s and think of me ♥️

      If you need a coffee, smoothie, gelato…I love Dolce Cafe…

      **Update: I’ve had dinner at Vaquero several times and find it more than filling and the food is fab. Google the menu.

      Estate Tasting
      Wine tasting at Presquile is an event—you can have lunch or just apps…yummy food, great views…
      I don’t know if they’re doing walk ins again…worth a call.

      Estate Wineries on 246
      Peake Ranch, Spear, Pence, Melville

      Lompoc, the wine ghetto…great for just walking around a not very pretty place but tasting excellent wines.

      Los Olivos
      Carhartt back patio is so much fun…Larner (yummy; attached to Los Olivos General Store), Samsara, Liquid Farm (my fav Chardonnay producer in the valley); Blair Fox, delicious Syrah; Brewer-Clifton; Bien Nacido—this vineyard produces the best grapes

      Ballard Canyon…near Solvang (10-15 min), Rusack. The view is fab…I love drinking wine there with out-of-town guests…you could bring sandwiches from Paninos (the #9 on focaccia with extra honey mustard is my fav) or a cheese/charcuterie plate from Cailloux in Solvang or Lucky Hen Larder in Santa Ynez

      There are so many new places, this is definitely not everything!! Please reach out with any questions!!! You’re going to have so much fun!!!

      Reply
      • Alana July 18, 2021 at 8:12 PM

        Thank you soo much! This info. is so helpful and I will definitely be using it as a reference during my trip!!

        Reply
    • Rebecca Firth July 18, 2021 at 3:02 PM

      Also Crown Point is great for tasting, views…definitely need reservations…delicious wine! xox

      Reply
  • Jamie April 17, 2021 at 7:07 AM

    I really enjoyed reading your site, the passion is infectious,

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth April 17, 2021 at 7:07 AM

      Thank you Jamie!!! xo

      Reply
      • Jamie April 17, 2021 at 5:49 PM

        I’m not sure if you have been to my business in Solvang, but I was so impressed with your website that I wanted to ask you who did you work with on it?

        Reply
  • Ryan April 10, 2020 at 7:19 PM

    Thanks for sharing! Your site is fantastic. Love it!

    Reply
  • Susan Beckmen November 16, 2019 at 9:39 PM

    Hi Rebecca,
    I am not sure if this is the right place for a question but I’m giving it a shot. First off I love your cookie book. My friend Tina Grunzwieg turned me onto it and since last Christmas I’ve been busy trying almost every recipe! My question today is this. I am making your Peppermint Bark Shortbread Bites. The recipe calls for 3/4 cup crushed peppermints-divided. The divided part would indicate that their would be two applications but as far as I can see there is only one, and that is sprinkling on the perimeter of the cookie. Is there another application that I am missing? Thank you so much and I fully understand you must be insanely busy so if you can’t reply it’s not a huge deal.

    Reply
  • Ann M Godfrey March 10, 2019 at 3:45 PM

    Enjoyed reading your authenticity that is evident in your writing. I understand the single mom thing and your story of survival. You have made it girl! Congrats on your passion and love for food.

    Reply
  • Kimberley Bell June 23, 2018 at 12:29 AM

    Rebecca

    I have just stumbled on to your blog. The recipes look amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. Is there a cookbook in the works at all. I would buy it in a heartbeat!

    Reply
  • Lee April 19, 2017 at 11:35 AM

    Your blog and every single social media post looks AWESOME! You are a real muse. Great work!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth April 19, 2017 at 4:28 PM

      Hi Lee! Thank you so much for your kind words!! xoxo

      Reply
  • Coco in the Kitchen September 28, 2016 at 7:14 PM

    First off, that’s a beautiful photo, ginger hen and Fall in the background.
    Secondly, your moxie is catching. Love your style.

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife September 29, 2016 at 2:20 AM

      Coco–You’re funny!! And thank you. Red thanks you too. xoxo

      Reply
  • Shea Sisco September 1, 2016 at 2:00 AM

    Hi Rebecca!

    My name is Shea. I recently created a website called HOUSEWIFE: a curation of goods for the housewife & her home. It is a simple & lovely way to shop Amazon + Etsy.

    I came across your Instagram today and thought I would reach out to you. Considering we both have “housewife” in our names, I thought it could be fun to collaborate in some way. I’d love to write a blog on your website. I have also been doing a blog series called “Picking Favorites: Mother Wisdom.” Basically, moms choose their 5 favorite items from Amazon/Etsy – tell us why they love them – & offer a simple piece of mother wisdom. I’d love to feature you as well and plug your website/blog.

    Let me know if you’d be interested in either of those! Since I’m new to all of this I’m trying to build a following, so I would SO appreciate you sharing my site with your followers!

    FORTHEHOUSEWIFE.COM

    Talk soon,
    Shea

    Reply
  • Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com March 4, 2016 at 12:27 AM

    I knew I had to follow your blog when you listed lounging as your favorite activity and expressed your love of all things pig. We are simpatico. I’ve only read a couple of posts, but look forward to getting caught up. And start that book! Clearly it will be a must read.

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife March 4, 2016 at 12:32 AM

      You love lounging AND all things swine?!? Clearly, we are a match made in heaven!! I’m so glad you’re here!! xoxoxo

      Reply
  • Nadia@maisontravers February 15, 2016 at 2:43 PM

    What a great blog!

    Reply
  • MyThy Huynh March 30, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    When I first found your blog through Phyllis Grant’s post on Food52, I read through your blog in 2 hrs. You’re hilarious and any Tai Tai in Beijing would say “That gal is cray cray!”

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife March 30, 2015 at 1:38 PM

      Thanks for the compliments!!! I hope I’ve made my fellow tai tais proud!!! xx

      Reply
  • Monica Replogle February 28, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    After reading about you, I’m left feeling inspired.

    Reply
  • Amy K January 24, 2015 at 10:58 PM

    I like what you are throwing down! Keep it coming, please!

    Reply
  • Joy January 17, 2015 at 1:57 AM

    Hey, Tracey Porter likes you, so I am giving you a shout out for fun!!
    Joy

    Reply
  • Kathleen October 9, 2014 at 4:18 PM

    Lounging is essential – I prefer it to cooking….. but your photos and writing inspires me to get up off the couch and cook! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife October 10, 2014 at 4:26 PM

      Thanks Kathleen! xox

      Reply
  • Cheryl August 26, 2014 at 7:15 PM

    Love it! Keep writing, keep sharing!

    Reply