Seriously Delish Cookbook Review: Discovering Jessica Merchant’s Beloved Recipes & Must-Try Chicken Pitas

The culinary world has been buzzing with anticipation, and the day has finally arrived! My dear internet friend (who has since become a cherished real-life companion) Jessica Merchant, the creative genius behind the wildly popular blog How Sweet Eats, has officially released her much-awaited cookbook, Seriously Delish. For anyone who follows the food blogging scene, this book is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a vibrant extension of a personality that has captivated countless readers.

I recall vividly the first time I stumbled upon Jessica’s blog, though the exact moment escapes me now. It was years ago, shortly after I began my own blogging journey, and I was immediately, irrevocably hooked. Her unique blend of wit, warmth, and culinary innovation was unlike anything I had encountered. From her engaging writing style to her stunning food photography and, most importantly, her incredibly imaginative and delicious recipes, everything about How Sweet Eats resonated with me. It quickly became one of the few blogs I made sure to read every single day, often with a steaming mug of coffee in hand, ready to be inspired.

Jessica’s infectious passion, unwavering integrity, and remarkable work ethic are truly inspiring. She has cultivated a fiercely loyal following, and it’s easy to see why after spending just a few minutes on her site. This woman genuinely knows her way around the kitchen and has a knack for making even the most complex-sounding dishes approachable and fun. Little did I know when I first started reading that a few years later, our online friendship would blossom into real-life adventures – from sharing breakfast in Pittsburgh to navigating fly-ridden grilled Caesar salads in Kansas City, and even late-night texts about my bizarre pregnancy-induced mac and cheese sandwich cravings.

If you’re fortunate enough to meet Jessica Merchant in person (be sure to check her book tour details here!), you’ll quickly discover that she is precisely as she appears on screen and now, on the printed page: authentic, hilarious, warm, and brimming with passion. Oh, and yes, she’s also just a little obsessed with neon, sprinkles, and bacon – charming quirks that make her even more relatable and lovable.

So, you can truly imagine my immense excitement when I finally got my hands on her highly anticipated cookbook! I honestly don’t think I’ve been this thrilled about a book release since I was a middle schooler eagerly waiting in line for the next *Harry Potter* installment – a slightly embarrassing but undeniably true comparison. Having had the pleasure of keeping *Seriously Delish* in my kitchen for the past two weeks and reading it almost cover to cover, I can confidently say that this cookbook flawlessly captures everything that made me fall head over heels for Jessica’s blog and recipes all those years ago.

This isn’t just any cookbook; it’s a culinary treasure trove. It boasts 150 brand-new recipes, none of which have ever been shared on the blog, ensuring fresh and exciting discoveries for even her most devoted followers. Each recipe is accompanied by beautiful, mouth-watering photographs taken by Jessica herself, further enhancing the appeal. But what truly sets *Seriously Delish* apart is its incredible personality. I can sincerely say I’ve never encountered a cookbook with this much character and charm woven into every page.

One of my absolute favorite sections is the main introduction. Here, Jessica openly shares the captivating details of how she ventured into the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, world of food blogging. She provides glimpses into her family life and childhood, recounting how she first fell in love with cooking and the art of recipe development. And for those who appreciate her signature humor, there’s even a delightful section aptly titled, “Why I can’t live without bacon.” Her signature wit and charm shine through not only in these personal anecdotes but also in the clever table of contents and recipe categories, such as the playfully named “Salads, Soups & Vegetable-Like Things (ugh, if we must)” and “Stuff to Sip on (the happiest hours).” Even the individual recipe introductions read like mini blog posts – they are so fun, engaging, and utterly unique, providing context and humor before you even begin cooking.

And then, oh man, the recipes themselves! These are far from ordinary, folks. They are the kind of innovative, crave-worthy creations that will have you immediately scrambling for a grocery list, eager to get into the kitchen. Imagine indulging in baked black raspberry oatmeal with a decadent brown butter drizzle, savoring spiced autumn crostini, or delighting in slow-roasted chicken tacos topped with gorgonzola slaw. For something sweet and refreshing, how about a banana macaroon smoothie? Or perhaps a wedge salad adorned with pomegranates, chives, and toasted almonds? The book also features comforting creamy spinach and spiced chickpea-stuffed sweet potatoes, and a truly inventive coffee and doughnuts ice cream. I could literally go on and on, eventually listing the entire contents of this phenomenal book. It was genuinely tough to decide which recipe to share with you all because, quite frankly, I wanted to eat *everything*!

Ultimately, I couldn’t resist the allure of something from her “Tex-Mex, Burgers, Pizza, & Everything Else” section – quite possibly my all-time favorite category. My chosen recipe to highlight is her incredible Homemade Chicken Pitas with Jalapeño Whipped Feta and Quick Tzatziki. Seriously, guys, I could easily devour these chicken pitas multiple times a week, perhaps even daily. The jalapeño whipped feta is mind-bogglingly good – a perfect trifecta of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors. Honestly, I could probably just live on that spread alone! When you combine it with her perfectly refreshing tzatziki and the wonderfully marinated chicken, you get a meal that makes me one very happy person.

As Jessica herself notes in the book, don’t be daunted by what might appear to be a long ingredient or instruction list. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: the chicken can be marinated and prepped the night before, allowing you to assemble the entire satisfying meal in less than 45 minutes on a busy weeknight. It’s a testament to her genius for creating dishes that are both deeply flavorful and surprisingly achievable.

In conclusion, *Seriously Delish* is more than just a cookbook; it’s a celebration of joyful cooking, vibrant flavors, and the unique voice of a truly talented individual. Jessica Merchant has crafted a culinary guide that is as entertaining to read as it is inspiring to cook from. Whether you’re a long-time fan of How Sweet Eats or simply looking for fresh, creative, and utterly delicious recipes to elevate your home cooking, this book is an absolute must-have. And if you take one recommendation from this review, let it be these incredible Chicken Pitas with Jalapeño Whipped Feta – they are a perfect encapsulation of the delightful, bold, and utterly addictive flavors that await you within the pages of *Seriously Delish*.