Obsessed with the Best: 100+ Methodically Perfected Recipes Based on 20+ Head-to-Head Tests

I have really enjoyed this book so far. The recipes are usually a little bit more fussy, but it's kind of a fun project when I have the time. I made the pancakes (they were fine), the chocolate chip cookies (a little bit more work than your normal cookies but great texture and flavor), the chocolate mousse (fantastic - love that it uses milk chocolate), the chocolate chip cookie bars (great flavor), and the strawberry shortcake (a bit of a project but DELICIOUS). I can't wait to cook more recipes from this book. I like that she's already did the work and research for us. I get that its subjective, but still fun to make!

So far, I am really enjoying the Obsession. The author is clever and entertaining. I’ll let you know how I liked it when I finish it. I suspect I will be much older. The good news, it is really enjoyable as a break from the routine. I will attempt to make something, but truth be told if the friends think I’m making food to bring, they ask for condiments. This book didn’t come any too soon! This author would be enjoyable to strike up a conversation with, albeit short if she wanted to compare cooking notes.

Approachable recipes with amazing results. Finding myself reaching for it over and over again when I need some dinner inspo

Absolutely smitten with this book, which is something I never thought I’d say about a cookbook before. Every recipe looks and sounds delicious, the book itself is beautiful, and Ella’s writing is equals parts hilarious and compelling. I’ve already made two recipes - the Under-Pressure Flaky Biscuits and Depression Pudding, which were both fantastic - and I’m overwhelmed with what to cook next simply because I want to make everything. As someone who is extremely picky when it comes to purchasing cookbooks, I implore you to buy this.

Got 1 star for: The writing. The author is a very talented food writer who clearly loves food. There’s more writing in here than nearly every other cookbook I own, but it was enjoyable to go through. Got 1 star for: The desert section of this book. Some delicious recipes. Lost 1 star for: The ‘best’ macaroni and cheese recipe having kale in it. Lost 1 star for: The packaging, which is a misnomer because there was none. Mine arrived scratched and had a corner smushed. For the cost of this cookbook, publisher needs to make this a priority. Lost 1 star for: The page space devoted to (some) elevated recipes and rare ingredients, without being honest about it in the marketing. The food chosen for the cover photo set the tone that the premise of the book is finding the best of the best recipes for the simple, everyday staple recipes. You do (mostly) get that but along with it, you’ll get recipes like Miso-Banana Pudding Trifle and calls for ingredients like Thai bird’s-eye chile.