What Can I Bring? - by Casey Elsass (Hardcover)

About the Book

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 Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"As two people who often get asked the big question, Casey's MVP book is where we'll be sending our guests for smart recipes that would be a dream at any gathering."
--HAILEE CATALANO & CHUCK CRUZ, TikTok's favorite couple

"This book is utterly brilliant! Casey makes being a good guest an art with transportable, doable, and (unapologetically) scene-stealing recipes for everything worth bringing."
--DEB PERELMAN, author of Smitten Kitchen Keepers

"This stunning book is full of electrifying, easy-to-follow recipes that will be talked about for years to come. I'll be arriving in ruffles of Scrunchy Bread."
--KIM CHI, RuPaul's Drag Race legend and makeup mogul

"I want to live in Casey's world of cozy dinner parties, backyard hangs, and birthday bashes where the food is beautiful and delicious."
--YOSSY AREFI, author of Snacking Cakes

"Casey packs up all of his secrets in Tupperware, tosses them in his tote, and serves everything you need to be the guest who always gets asked back!"
--DAN "GROSSY" PELOSI, author of Let's Eat

"Casey has solved the what-to-bring problem delightfully and deliciously. All that's left to us is the fun of turning up at someone's door with dishes they'll love."
--DORIE GREENSPAN, author of Baking with Dorie

"What Can I Bring? seriously brings the party. Each recipe gets me more excited than the last, and I can't wait to cook everything!"
--JUSTINE DOIRON, author of Justine Cooks

"What Can I Bring? is overflowing with irresistible, easy-to-make dishes that scream 'party hero.' Get ready to impress, indulge, and live your best guest life!"
--ANDY BARAGHANI, author of The Cook You Want to Be

"An invitation to relax with friends should be cause for excitement, not stress, and luckily, we have the talented and openhearted Casey with delicious solutions for every scenario!"
--NATASHA LI PICKOWICZ, author of More Than Cake

"What Can I Bring? is your new go-to for perfect cocktails, elevated salads, best-ever dinner rolls (hello, Thanksgiving!), and crazy-good cakes. Casey has the ideal recipe for every occasion!"
--TIEGHAN GERARD, author of Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy

"What Can I Bring? is a gorgeous guide to winning 'best party guest'! Casey knows exactly what to bring for every occasion, with approachable, sophisticated recipes."
--RICK MARTÍNEZ, author of Mi Cocina

About the Author

Casey Elsass is a food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author living in Brooklyn, NY. Known among his collaborators as the "cookbook doula," Casey has helped birth over twenty titles, as coauthor, ghostwriter, friend, and unlicensed therapist. He's a regular contributor to Bon Appétit, and his recipes have appeared on Food Network Kitchen, Delish, and Food52. In his free time, he enjoys attending the opera, eating his way around the world, and RSVP-ing yes to every party invite.