I’m embarrassed to say that I got this for Christmas and (gasp!) finally got around to flipping it open this past week.

Better late than never, right?

Yes, I’m one of those people—the kind who practically devours cookbooks like good fiction. Like most things, I admittedly jumped on the Smitten Kitchen bandwagon way, way later than most, but I’m thrilled that I did. I can’t wait to try these recipes.

While her Smitten Kitchen blog is nothing short of extraordinary, I love this cookbook even more. The breathtakingly beautiful photography, not to mention the intriguing flavor profiles, are nothing short of spectacular. Plus when you factor in that everything’s being made in a very small kitchen in Manhattan, well, you love it that much more.

But what really won me over was Deb Perelman’s charming introductions to each recipe. I love, love, loved her snarky kitchen confessions, her borderline picky attention to detail and the unconventional way she came up with a few of the delicious creations she invented. Rather than saying, “hey, this is a great cookie recipe,” she makes a strong case for why this particular cookie will change your life. And yes, you’ll believe her and want to start baking immediately.

Now,  my major dilemma is what to try first? I’m thinking it might be the potato, bacon and feta frittata. I’m not usually a big egg person, but my mouth was practically watering when I read the recipe, and I know Will will dig it too. To him, breakfast is the best meal of the day, after all.