Emma Zimmerman of Hayden Flour Mills is Arizona's sole James Beard Award nominee in 2023
The James Beard Foundation announced its 2023 Media Award nominees — and Arizona made the list.
Hayden Flour Mills co-owner Emma Zimmerman is nominated for her cookbook, "The Miller's Daughter." Published in May 2022, it's an account of how she and her father Jeff took over the Queen Creek mill and their foray into milling ancient grains, along with 90 recipes for using ancient grains that were inspired by her favorite meals growing up.
"I’m in such disbelief," Zimmerman told The Arizona Republic. "There were so many great bread books that came out this year. So it is such an honor to have my book nominated. I'm so happy to see the work we’ve done here in Arizona reviving our grain economy to have a larger stage."
Emma Zimmerman: 'I'm in such disbelief'
Hayden Flour Mills focuses on resurrecting heritage and ancient grains and stone milling them. In addition to milling, the two also grow 400 acres of Sonoran wheat.
Zimmerman is the only Arizona-based James Beard Award nominee in 2023.
The James Beard Media Awards recognize work in book, broadcast media and journalism categories. Zimmerman's book appears in the bread category, which features "books and recipes focused on the art and craft of making bread, including ingredients, techniques, equipment, and traditions."
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The judges — a group of editors, authors, journalists, and culinary educators — vote on the submissions in two rounds. Round one determines the top 10. In round two, they select the top three as nominees.
“As the culinary world continues to evolve, it is essential that we celebrate and uplift diverse voices and perspectives,” said Erica Skolnik, chair of the James Beard Foundation’s Book Awards program. “With new categories this year such as Food Issues and Advocacy, we are thrilled to recognize writers who are using their platform to celebrate the art of food and beverage, while also advancing important issues in our industry.”
When are the James Beard Media Awards?
The James Beard Media Awards ceremony will take place at Columbia College Chicago on Saturday, June 3. A reception will follow. Find ticket information here.
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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hayden Flour Mills' Emma Zimmerman nominated for James Beard Award
