Benny Blanco’s debut cookbook Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends is a chaotic, humorous, and heartfelt venture into the culinary world, perfectly aligned with his eccentric personality. Known for his hits in the music industry, Blanco brings the same irreverence and creativity to his culinary endeavors, making this cookbook a unique, entertaining read for both foodies and casual cooks alike.
At first glance, Open Wide seems unconventional. The structure of the book is built around themed menus, each packed with recipes that evoke a sense of playfulness and spontaneity. Sections like “5 Dishes to Get You Laid and One for the Morning After” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” reflect Blanco’s love for throwing memorable dinner parties and infusing his personal life into the food. His narrative voice is brimming with anecdotes from his experiences, from growing up with a single working mother to his adventures with friends like Eric André and Ed Sheeran, adding a layer of storytelling to the culinary journey.
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One of the standout elements in Open Wide is Blanco’s unapologetic embrace of his non-professional status as a cook. Throughout the book, he pokes fun at his lack of formal culinary training, even admitting that he was surprised he was allowed to write a cookbook in the first place. This self-deprecating humor is not only endearing but also empowering for readers who might feel intimidated by more traditional cookbooks. Blanco makes it clear that food is about fun and connection, not perfection.
The recipes themselves are equally eclectic, ranging from nostalgic comfort food inspired by his Ashkenazi Jewish roots, such as his mom’s kugel and latkes, to quirky creations like “Lose Your Mind Lobster Rolls” and a three-ingredient queso perfect for satisfying late-night munchies.
While some of the dishes lean heavily into indulgence and whimsy—like a deep-fried Rolex, which he hilariously recounts cleaning off after Ed Sheeran dropped it into a fryer—the book also contains more straightforward recipes, such as his favorite chicken and waffles, that can easily become part of any home cook’s repertoire.
Blanco’s focus on dinner parties and communal experiences gives the book a lively, social energy. Each menu is designed to bring people together, whether it’s for a relaxed poolside gathering or an elaborate evening event. This reflects his philosophy that food should be about sharing and making memories, something he repeatedly emphasizes throughout the book. His advice on hosting, from selecting the right glassware to setting the vibe, is as practical as it is entertaining, making this book not just a collection of recipes but a guide to enjoying life through food.
Despite the humor and irreverence, there’s a personal depth to Open Wide as well. Blanco’s inclusion of Jewish recipes and stories about his family highlights the emotional significance of food in his life. His reflections on eating at Jewish delis with his father and the treasured (and sometimes hilariously flawed) recipes passed down from his mother and grandmother add a touch of nostalgia and cultural heritage to the mix. This balance of the ridiculous and the heartfelt is what makes the book so engaging.
Open Wide is not your typical cookbook. It’s a mashup of culinary experimentation, absurd humor, and genuine passion for food. Blanco’s ability to blend these elements makes this book stand out in a crowded market of celebrity cookbooks. It’s perfect for readers who want to have a good laugh, try something new in the kitchen, and learn a few hosting tips along the way. While you may not become a Michelin-star chef after reading it, you will walk away with a sense of culinary adventure—and probably a few wild stories to tell.
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There’s a clear understanding throughout the book that food, much like music, is about expression and connection. Blanco’s creative background as a music producer shines through in his approach to the recipes. Much like his work in music, where he blends genres and collaborates with different artists, Open Wide mixes different culinary traditions and flavors. Whether it’s an over-the-top dessert like his Key Lime Pie at a pool party or Jewish comfort food in the section “Kibitz and Complain,” the recipes embody Blanco’s diverse tastes and experiences.
Another aspect of Open Wide that makes it stand out is Blanco’s inclusion of friends and collaborators. The recipes aren’t just his own; he brings in contributions from people like Eric André and Ed Sheeran, which injects even more personality and humor into the book. It’s this collaborative spirit that emphasizes Blanco’s belief that food is something to be shared with others.
This communal approach makes the cookbook feel more like an invitation to a wild, unforgettable dinner party than a simple collection of dishes.
The irreverence of the book is contrasted by moments of genuine culinary expertise and passion. While Blanco constantly jokes about his lack of professional training, there’s no doubt that he understands flavor and balance in his dishes. Recipes like his “Chicken Cutlets with Honey, Peppers, and Parm” or the “I Hope We Didn’t Make a Baby” Breakfast Burrito are both fun and delicious, offering a mix of simple techniques with bold flavors that anyone can try at home.
Even the novice cook will find something in Open Wide that they can attempt without feeling overwhelmed.
Blanco’s philosophy of cooking mirrors his laid-back attitude toward life. He emphasizes that you don’t need to take cooking too seriously to make great food or have a good time. His personal stories, whether they involve childhood memories of his mother’s questionable cooking or laugh-out-loud moments with celebrity friends, add a personal touch that many readers will find relatable. The narrative isn’t just about food—it’s about the experiences and connections that are built around it.
In summary, Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends is an invitation into Benny Blanco’s world—a place where cooking is an expression of joy, humor, and community. It’s a cookbook for those who don’t take themselves too seriously in the kitchen, who love experimenting with flavors, and who value the stories behind the food as much as the food itself. Whether you’re in it for the over-the-top recipes, the hosting tips, or just to get a good laugh, Blanco delivers a cookbook that feels fresh, inclusive, and packed with personality. For anyone looking to elevate their dinner parties or simply have fun cooking, Open Wide is the perfect companion.