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

by Casey Elsass

Regular price $24.00 USD
Regular price $30.00 USD Sale price $24.00 USD
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This book provides the answer to the universal "What can I bring?" question, with 75 recipes in all categories of portable, sharable food, for all skill levels.

The book consists of sections on techniques and tips for preparing, storing, and transporting food to a gathering, and provides guidance for what to bring depending on the kind of gathering. Each recipe is labeled with a level of difficulty, and all also include step-by-step instructions for how to transport and perfect on site. Infused with Casey's signature wit and wisdom, this book will turn you into your best guest self.

Book Details

ISBN
1454955341
Binding
Hardcover
Authors
Casey Elsass
Publisher
Union Square & Co.
Published Date
May 20, 2025
Language
English
Pages
240
Physical Info
1 in H x 9.3 in L x 7.5 in W (1.85 lb)
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  • 5 stars: 14 (70%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (5%)
  • 3 stars: 2 (10%)
  • 2 stars: 2 (10%)
  • 1 star: 1 (5%)
K
Kari Nelson
Buy this cookbook! Make these recipes! Be prepared to be the most popular person at the party!

I recently made both the seven onion dip, and the GF loaf cake (ketchup + spice) recipes for a potluck BBQ, and not only did people come back for seconds, thirds, fourths, they fawned over both dishes the entire party. I’m truly living my guest life, and excited to try more recipes!

C
C Whitcher
Style and Substance

This book is such a fun addition to my cookbook collection. The recipes are catchy and inviting. Everything that I’ve made so far has been fairly simple to execute and very delicious. The book is definitely a keeper for me.

J
Jason

Super accessible and doable recipes everybody will love! Lots of twists on classics and nostalgia baked in, with modern techniques and lots of tips! This book is a perfect gift and can BE the very thing you BRING when you're invited somewhere! Pictured below is the Shrimp Cocktail Ceviche served with Saltines. So so so good and a major crowd pleaser.

C
Courtney
A Great Find!

I so far really enjoy this book and I’m so excited to really get into cooking my way through it! I always struggle with trying to decide what to make for events/gatherings and this has provided me with a whole new set of options.I love the styling and writing of the book, along with the photographs accompanying the recipes. They seem easy to follow and for the most part not too overwhelming (but I do love the little system in the book for the difficulty rating).I’ve only had the opportunity to make one recipe so far, the Peach + Ginger Upside Down cake, and it was such a hit! My partner loves all things peach and/or ginger so it seemed like a match made in heaven. I always made the maple whipped cream to go along with it and I’m obsessed. That turning out so well makes me that much more excited to make other things!Definitely recommend this book!

J
Jacqueline Chen
Easy to use, great for making shareable dishes!

Beautiful well thought out tasty recipes that are great for sharing or snacking on yourself!! Great for all levels of cooking.

R
Robin T Preece
do not want it

Was not what I expected

n
n1cf2
What Shouldn't I Bring?

5 stars to Amazon Prime for the delivery and the condition of the item.The low rating is for the peculiar recipes in this cookbook. I was expecting classic, crowd-pleasing dishes that could be made ahead. This reminded me why, after 45 years of enjoyment, I had to cancel my Bon Appétit subscription. I'm all for creativity, but within the confines of traditional cuisine. Why alter a delicious recipe with unusual ingredients? Well, to each his own, but I was not impressed.

D
Dee Johnson
Dang good recipes!

Oh my goodness- love it!!!!Recipes are terrific and funny.

L
LD
Nice recipes, but most importantly, some really great tips throughout

There are some unusual and outstanding recipes in “What Can I Bring?” but for me, the sneaky tips were the real treasures. I have hundreds of cookbooks and have read them all, yet there were quite a few new ideas in this book to try. Thanks, Casey!

J
Janet Macones
This years Christmas gift

This is exactly what will get you invited back with a request and be known for!

S
Sally Lee
I didn’t think I needed another cookbook but this is a keeper

I have made so many things in this book, it is still out on my counter. RAVE reviews for pasta salad, birthday suit birthday cake was a HUGE hit, salsa verde (but no salt & vinegar chips @ that part).Love the tone and directions, especially the tips. Thank you for a fresh and delicious approach for gatherings. Highly recommend.

C
Carrol
Cookbook

Lpts of good recipes. Only tried a few so far.

M
Mrs Zena
Not a unprocessed food cookbook

Nice range of recipes, but lacks nutritional details, uses ingredients like msg, crisco, ketchup, & Sodium Bisulfite. Uses a combination of kitchen staples like can goods (tomatoes, beans, pumpkin) for shortcuts in recipes. I can't say it's a healthy low fat, low sodium or unprocessed cookbook.

M
Mitch G
This ate diva!

I saw a review that complained that this book was mostly desserts but I don’t really see the problem as someone who likes baking. A lot of the baking goes more savory as well. I think this book is great, the recipes are well written and Casey’s voice is very prominent and he answers a lot of preliminary questions someone might have about a recipe. The photography is beautiful too, I know photoshoots really take a lot of resources, time, and money, but it was totally worth it!

R
Rachel W.
The Cookbook I've Been Waiting For!!

What Can I Bring? is an absolute GEM of a cookbook! I’ve already flagged half the pages with sticky notes. Every single recipe is thoughtfully labeled with difficulty level (from “in your sleep” to “bragging rights”) and marked for dietary restrictions—so whether you’re cooking for gluten-free friends, vegetarians, or picky eaters, you know exactly what you’re getting into. It’s so intuitive and cook-friendly, I wish every cookbook did this!The recipes themselves are crowd-pleasers in the best way: vibrant, smart, and 100% designed to impress without stressing you out. From dips to desserts, everything feels fresh and doable. And can we talk about the visuals? STUNNING. The photos are not just beautiful, they’re inspiring. You can practically taste the dishes just flipping through.Whether you're a seasoned host or just trying not to show up to a potluck empty-handed, this book has your back. BUY IT. Then buy a second copy for your favorite friend.

M
Mave
Dessert Heavy

This book is very, very heavy on desserts…. And drinks… and heavy carb loaded items. I saw noInspiring recipes I would make and take.Unfortunately I will be returning it.

A
AJD
Perfect Addition to my Shelf!

What Can I Bring? is a gorgeous cookbook packed with heartfelt stories and mouthwatering recipes. The photography is stunning and each section feels like a warm invitation to connect over food. I especially loved the “Present Moment” chapter, filled with charming edible gift ideas like Seasoned Oyster Crackers (a nostalgic Christmas tradition with Casey’s mom!) and Homemade Hot Fudge. I’m also beyond excited to try the Bruce Bogtrotter cake—finally, a chance to live out my Matilda dreams in real life.You can feel Casey’s personality on every page—he comes across as a warm, thoughtful human, the kind we need more of in this world. This book is equal parts delicious and delightful.

R
Rob Azevedo
Come for the photos, stay for the recipes

This book is visually stunning and thoughtfully curated. Casey has a remarkable talent for highlighting the authors he’s worked with, and it's a pleasure to see the spotlight now turned on him.

A
Amazon Customer
Every recipe makes me want to host something immediately.

I love this book!As someone new to being gluten-free, I love how clear and easy it is to make swaps without losing any of the joy (or flavor) of almost every recipe included. The recipes are super approachable but still feel impressive — whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been cooking for years. And they are all just so pretty!This will definitely be my go-to gift for the host moving forward. 👏

J
Jeanne L
Not what I expected

90% of the time, I am asked or offer to bring an appetizer of side dish to a party or gathering. Was so thrilled to hear about "What Can I Bring?" as the solution to my dilemma as to what to bring. Unfortunately, this book was mostly a dessert book and drink book, with only a small section on "double dippers' which included appetizer10 dips and no passable or bite sized recipes. I was looking for fabulous ideas to bring to the many cocktail parties I attend. Also, book had a few uninspired salads and only one interesting potato salad recipe as a side dish.