“Why am I like this?” wonders Ella Quittner on her cookbook’s cover. She is charmingly obsessive — forever aiming to discover the fluffiest pancakes, the crispiest potatoes, the juiciest chicken. Her latest cookbook, Obsessed With the Best, is filled with recipes, but also engaging photos and expressive essays, making it double as a coffee-table book. Here’s a playful Q&A with Ella…
What surprised you about writing a cookbook?
It’s truly a communal effort. Had I done this on my own, it would have been a black-and-white printout with my scribbled handwriting.
And here you collaborated with talented photographers, stylists, and designers.
Usually, I write solo, but this project was like organizing a circus or a debutante ball.
How long did it all take?
Three years. It’s such a detailed book. I spent a year and a half traveling everywhere from an Iowa bacon fest to Rome to rural Japan. Between those trips, I was doing the head-to-head testing at home.
The process sounds like such a thrill.
I actually realized on set that everything appearing beautiful and simple is hard to create. That’s true for weddings and babies and family photos – and a cookbook. Just off frame is chaos, distress, emotion, tension, and three fried eggs that didn’t look right.
The shoots sound intense.
Our set was even more intense than usual because we had to get head-to-head shots of, say, 20 to 30 scrambled eggs or pancakes that had to look perfect at the same time — so the food stylists’ assistants are totally grinding, cooking six things at once with arms you didn’t know they had — and we did this all in my apartment’s 85-square-foot kitchen.
What were you like as a kid?
Extremely obsessive. I would go through phases where I’d focus on one topic and learn everything about it, which was not ideal for maintaining a normal social life. For instance, I’d memorized the 100 most dangerous sharks. My older sister introduced me to mummies and King Tut. I had a Lisa Frank phase; I put her stickers all over my closet and considered it a profoundly magical zone.
Do you have favorite recipes from the book?
Please adjust this to sound less megalomaniac, but I primarily cook from my own book. I mean, I do cook from friends’ books and read recipes, but every time I want to create something, I know the version I adjusted exactly to my preference and texture profile: braised tomato-butter cabbage, comté caramelized shallot eggs, my overachiever chocolate chunk cookies, and the vodka sauce I make at least every two weeks.
The typography is also beautiful.
We collaborated with Renata De Oliveira at HarperCollins and Chris Cristiano, an excellent creative director. I wrote an essay for the beginning of each chapter, so we thought, how would The New Yorker format these large blocks of text so it would be engaging and not seem like homework that puts you to sleep? We hired Olivia de Recat, who illustrates ‘Shouts and Murmurs,’ and her illustrations kept me grounded.
Tell us about the giant bowties?
There are two whimsical shots of pasta: one is an unusual pasta tower with a meatball on top and the other is these bowties. We had an absolute blast on set because we felt like we were channeling high fashion. It could be a Celine ad! Not that it could, but we felt that way!
The whipped cream photo was also a highlight.
One day, our set designer Kalen Kaminski, who’s a real breath of fresh air, asked, ‘Would it be crazy if I rented a bust from a bust warehouse in New Jersey?’ And we were like, DO IT. We named the bust Deb and gave her the personality of a sort of prim disapproving Victorian lady that was mad that we were doing silly stuff with her.
That’s hilarious.
After we covered her in whipped cream and took a photo, you then see her on one of the nightstands angrily turned away from me. We were genuinely sad when Deb had to go home.
Now that the book’s finished, do you feel the book blues?
I was just discussing this last night with another cookbook author! I heard it can happen after the book tour. But as a huge introvert, sometimes I’m relieved for the big stuff to be over, so I can put my sweatpants back on and watch Grey’s Anatomy.
Thank you so much, Ella! Congrats on your remarkable book.
P.S. Nine cookbooks that earn their keep, and behind-the-scenes of magazine covers.
**Title: Exploring the Delightful World of Banana-Themed Cuisine: A Unique Cookbook Experience**
In the realm of culinary arts, where creativity knows no bounds, there appears a distinctive and exciting cookbook that has captured the hearts of food lovers and banana enthusiasts. This banana-themed cookbook is not just a collection of recipes; it is a celebration of one of the world’s most beloved fruits, the banana. With its vibrant yellow hue and versatile flavor profile, the banana takes center stage in this culinary journey, offering a delightful array of dishes that are as innovative as they are delicious.
**A Culinary Adventure with Bananas**
The banana-themed cookbook invites readers to embark on a culinary adventure that explores the full potential of this tropical fruit. From breakfast to dessert, and everything in between, the cookbook showcases an impressive variety of recipes that highlight the banana’s versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to experiment, this cookbook provides a treasure trove of ideas that will inspire you to think beyond the traditional uses of bananas.
**Breakfast Delights**
Start your day with a burst of energy by diving into the breakfast section of the cookbook. Discover recipes for banana pancakes, banana oatmeal, and even banana-infused smoothies that are perfect for a quick and nutritious start to your morning. The cookbook also features creative twists on classic breakfast dishes, such as banana-stuffed French toast and banana bread waffles, ensuring that your breakfast table is always exciting and flavorful.
**Savory Surprises**
While bananas are often associated with sweet dishes, this cookbook challenges that notion by introducing savory recipes that incorporate bananas in unexpected ways. Imagine savoring a banana curry with a perfect balance of spices, or enjoying a banana salsa that adds a refreshing twist to your favorite grilled dishes. These savory creations demonstrate the banana’s ability to complement a wide range of flavors, proving that it is not just a fruit for desserts.
**Decadent Desserts**
Of course, no banana-themed cookbook would be complete without an array of decadent desserts. From classic banana pudding to innovative banana tiramisu, the dessert section is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. The cookbook also offers recipes for banana ice cream, banana cream pie, and even banana-flavored macarons, ensuring that every dessert lover finds something to indulge in.
**Health-Conscious Options**
For those who are health-conscious, the cookbook includes a selection of recipes that focus on nutritious and wholesome ingredients. Discover how to make banana energy bars, banana chia pudding, and gluten-free banana muffins that are both delicious and good for you. With an emphasis on natural sweetness and nutrient-rich ingredients, these recipes allow you to enjoy the flavors of bananas without compromising on health.
**A Celebration of Banana Culture**
Beyond the recipes, the banana-themed cookbook delves into the cultural significance of bananas around the world. It explores the history of bananas, their journey from tropical regions to becoming a global staple, and their role in various cuisines. This cultural exploration adds depth to the cookbook, making it not just a collection of recipes, but a tribute to the banana’s impact on global food culture.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, this unique and exciting banana-themed cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves bananas and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. With its diverse range of recipes, from sweet to savory, and its celebration of banana culture, the cookbook offers a delightful culinary experience that is both informative and inspiring. Whether you’re looking to add a new twist to your meals or simply want to indulge in the deliciousness of bananas, this cookbook is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary library.
