Jessica Secrest brings her signature “hostile humor” and viral personality from social media to the printed page in this long-awaited debut. Of Course It’s Good! is an unapologetic celebration of low-effort, high-flavor cooking that rejects culinary pretension in favor of meals that are quick, affordable, and undeniably satisfying.
Who Is This Book For?
This cookbook is strictly for the pragmatic home cook. It is ideal for:
- Busy Parents: Who need to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes without a fight.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Readers looking to stretch a dollar using accessible grocery store ingredients.
- Beginner Cooks: Those intimidated by complex French techniques or massive ingredient lists.
- Fans of Comfort Food: If you believe cheese and potatoes are their own food groups, this is for you.
Of Course It’s Good!: Jessica Secrest’s Aggressive Comfort Food Cookbook
Key Takeaways or Themes:
- Convenience is King: Secrest champions the use of “shortcuts” that other chefs might shun—think pre-shredded cheese, canned soups, and frozen tater tots.
- Aggressive Encouragement: The book retains the author’s unique voice, “loudly guiding” you through the process. The theme is that cooking doesn’t have to be gentle or smiling to be delicious.
- The “No-Frills” Approach: There are no hard-to-find spices or expensive cuts of meat here. The focus is entirely on accessibility.
- Versatility: The recipes span from weeknight chaos management (Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip) to cravings control (Fried Pickle Quesadillas).
What Makes It Stand Out:
What separates this from a standard “quick and easy” cookbook is the Voice. Most cookbooks aim for a nurturing, idyllic tone (think Ina Garten or Martha Stewart). Jessica Secrest flips this script with a persona that is hilariously aggressive and relatable. It feels less like a textbook and more like a funny friend yelling instructions at you from the living room.
Additionally, the book leans heavily into “trashy good” cuisine—dishes like Taco Potato Tot Casserole or Sloppy Joe Fries—which acknowledges how real people often want to eat, rather than how they should eat.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Highly Accessible: You likely already have the ingredients in your pantry or freezer.
- Entertainment Value: The headnotes and instructions are genuinely funny, making the reading experience enjoyable even when you aren’t cooking.
- Family Friendly: These recipes are designed to please picky eaters and children (e.g., The BEST Baked Mac and Cheese).
- Clear Instructions: The recipes are stripped of jargon, making them impossible to mess up.
Cons:
- Health Considerations: This is heavy comfort food. Those watching sodium intake or looking for whole-food, plant-based diets will find very little here.
- Reliance on Processed Foods: If you prefer cooking everything from scratch (making your own stocks or sauces), the reliance on convenience items might not appeal to you.
Reader Reviews Snapshot:
As a #1 New Release, early buzz around the book highlights the following sentiments:
- Positive: Fans of Secrest’s social media love that her “chaotic” energy translates perfectly to the book format. Many appreciate that the recipes are exactly as advertised: easy, cheap, and tasty.
- Critical: Some readers looking for “elevated” cooking felt the recipes were too simple, noting that many dishes rely heavily on packaged goods like biscuit dough or frozen potatoes.
Of Course It’s Good!: Jessica Secrest’s Aggressive Comfort Food Cookbook
Of Course It’s Good! is a refreshing antidote to perfectionist food culture. It doesn’t pretend to be gourmet; it promises to be delicious. If you are tired of meal planning, on a tight budget, or just need a laugh while making dinner, Jessica Secrest’s debut is a valuable addition to your kitchen shelf. It is best suited for the home cook who wants results without the ritual.
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