What Can I Bring?: Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life

Author: Casey Elsass
Series: Quick Lit December 2025
ASIN: B0DNNVKGQ6

This is such a fun cookbook! I enjoyed the beautiful photos, the storytelling, and especially the point of view. As the title indicates, this cookbook is focused on great recipes for guests to bring to other's gatherings; there are few mains, just appetizers, salads and sides, drinks, and desserts. As someone who often talks about surprise + delight in the reading life, I loved how Elsass seemed to be aiming for that same combo with many of his recipes, which were often just a little bit quirky: a cheez-it crust for quiche, gochujang in scones, a truly show-stopping Jello concoction. I'm here for it! This was a fun read and a book I look forward to baking from.

About the Book

Publisher’s Description:

AN EATER BEST COOKBOOKS OF SPRING 2025 • A VOGUE COOKBOOKS DEFINING THE WAY WE’RE COOKING IN 2025 • AN EPICURIOUS STANDOUT COOKBOOK FOR SPRING 2025 • A CHOWHOUND BEST NEW COOKBOOKS OF 2025 • A TERTULIA BEST COOKBOOKS OF 2025 • A GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER

In What Can I Bring?, veteran food and cookbook writer and guest extraordinaire Casey Elsass takes the stress out of the partygoer’s eternal dilemma with 75 recipes that will make you the talk of the party—for the right reasons.

In a room full of bags of chips, be the most desired dip with Golden Ratio Guac or Seven Onion Dip. Put down the $12 bottle of pinot grigio and pick up a tray of Jell-O Cocktail Shots. Discover a world of standout brunch dishes, such as Cream-Soaked Cinnamon Rolls or Bagel Panzanella. When you’re on dessert duty, choose from Buttermilk Brownies, Apple + Chinese Five-Spice Pie, Very Creamy Ice Cream, or death-by-chocolate Bruce Bogtrotter Cake. And when the host instructs you to bring yourself, come prepared with giftable treats like Seasoned Oyster Crackers or Homemade Hot Fudge. With plenty of options and adaptations for special diets and allergies, including vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free recipes, and detailed instructions for packing and serving for minimal stress on-site, this book is your road map for crowd-pleasing party fare. The only thing you’ll be taking home is the title of MVP—Most Valuable Partygoer.