Jessica Merchant, the blogger behind How Sweet Eats, is everyone’s favorite best friend. For 7 years, she’s been in her readers’ inboxes, in their feeds, and on their cell phone screens every single day. She’s been there for her audience consistently in the way that only your most reliable girlfriend can be—that is, if your girlfriend were a passionate cook, a talented baker, and all-around great at planning parties.
The Pretty Dish has the fun, personable voice that Merchant’s readership has grown to love, and the recipes are for you to cook for and with your very best friends. Her first book, Seriously Delish, covered all of Jessica’s favorite food, but her new book is much more than a cookbook: It’s filled with 150 brand-new recipes, along with themed menus, DIY beauty projects, party ideas, and killer playlists. It’s an extra hand guiding you in the kitchen suggesting the perfect side dish for your Korean short rib tacos (mango salsa, of course), showing you how to make a boozy root beer mojito, and telling you the coolest way to make a DIY avocado face mask while you plan your weekly menu on Saturday morning. The mouthwatering recipes (think: falafel pizza, toasted quinoa chocolate bark, pistachio iced latte) are all quick and easy, are family—and weeknight—friendly, and, most importantly, are made with the unique but relatable flavor palate that How Sweet Eats has become famous for.