The Good Stuff Cookbook - Softcover

"With The Good Stuff Cookbook, Spike Mendelsohn applies his limitless imagination to classic American comfort food."
—Tom Colicchio, chef/owner of Craft restaurants and Colicchio & Sons

"I am a self-proclaimed queen of burgers, and it looks like Spike is on his way to becoming the king. I am obsessed with all things between the bun and have really enjoyed eating my way through the Good Stuff. Spike knows how to bring the fun to bun."
—Rachael Ray

One of the most popular contestants ever on the hit television show Top Chef, Chef Spike Mendelsohn is one of the hottest celebrity chefs on the scene. His new restaurant in Washington, D.C., Good Stuff Eatery, has been a resounding success and even claims First Lady Michelle Obama as a fan. In The Good Stuff Cookbook, he serves up fast, fun, and fresh recipes for classic fare like burgers, sides, shakes, and desserts, as well as menu suggestions for all types of events, from big parties to casual family dinners.

You'll find old favorites with a twist: unique and tasty sauces and mayonnaises like Good Stuff Sauce and Curry Mayonnaise; fan-favorite sides like Baked Sweet Potato Fries and Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus; the famous Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake, malts, and floats; and, of course, Chef Spike's crowd-pleasing burgers made with beef, turkey, chicken, pork, and even lamb.

• The book features 120 fresh and delicious recipes and 140 full-color photos
• Mendelsohn is one of the hottest up-and-coming chefs on the food scene with two new restaurants, a new web-based show on Food2.com called "By The Book, Off The Hook," and a number of other projects in the works
• This is the perfect all-American cookbook for anyone who loves great casual comfort food like burgers, fries, and shakes, but wants to shake things up with a gourmet touch

Just in time for Independence Day barbecues and summertime cookouts, The Good Stuff Cookbook offers a fresh and inventive take on classic American food.

Recipe Excerpts from The Good Stuff Cookbook

Spike Mendelsohn and Rachael Ray: Author One-on-One

This, ladies and gentlemen, is more than a simple cookbook. It is a rallying cry. It is a whoop, a holler, a hail, and a salaam. In The Good Stuff Cookbook, former Top Chef star Chef Spike Mendelsohn takes all-American comfort food and spices it up. Based on menu items from his wildly popular new restaurant, Good Stuff Eatery, these 120 mouthwatering recipes offer a fast, fun, and completely fresh approach to classics.

"Good times and good friends" is the motto when you're making these signature recipes that are perfect for groups of any size. For a starter, you can bring the wedge back with a twist and try a fresh Fennel, Orange, and Pomegranate Wedge salad. Everyone will love these crowd-pleasing recipes for beef, turkey, chicken, pork, and lamb burgers, especially when topped with Chef Spike's one-of-a-kind Good Stuff Sauce or spicy Curry Mayonnaise. Try the amazing hand-cut fries or shake things up with Baked Sweet Potato Fries or Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus. Don't forget to finish up with a handspun milkshake, malt, or classic float and everyone will leave your table with a smile.

You'll also find a section of hip and simple party dishes that includes luscious treats like decadent Cinnamon Twisted Donuts and cold, refreshing Margarita Slushies. With lists of vital pantry items and must-have kitchen tools, you'll have everything you need to eat simple, fresh, and great food, whether you're hosting a big crowd or just cooking for one.

Chef Spike believes in American comfort food made from the very best farm-fresh ingredients. The Good Stuff Cookbook shows you how to add that gourmet touch to the traditional burger-and-fries combo to create good food and good times. This is an aspirational, inspirational cookbook for enjoying the good stuff in life—handmade burgers, hand-cut fries, and handspun ice cream you'll crave again and again.

Start spreading the goodness . . .