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Seriously, So Good: Simple Recipes for a Balanced Life
Delicious, satisfying recipes that are good for your health, heart, and mind by the beloved blogger and creator of Brocc Your Body .
Self-proclaimed SoCal beach girl Carissa Stanton first earned her nickname Brocc, not because of an obsession with broccoli (though she thinks it’s a damn good veggie), but because she hosted weekly girl’s nights with her friends who loved to cook, eat—and move their bodies. With Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” in mind, she combined her love of food and created @BroccYourBody to start sharing her favorite recipes on Instagram.
Now, Carissa shares with her hundreds of thousands of followers how cooking for yourself after a busy day of work can be just as exciting as relaxing with friends over cocktails and apps. Seriously, So Good reflects her philosophy of feeling good about what she’s cooking and eating by making smart choices without depriving herself of carbs or a splash of cream here and there. She wants to remove the anxiety around food by helping us all feel more confident in and out of the kitchen. She shares her recipes and balanced outlook to motivate others to experience a stress-free cooking approach while enjoying mouth-watering meals alone or with loved ones.
The 100 flavor-bomb dishes, which are approachable, nourishing, and always fun, include all-time favorites such as her viral Greek-Style Lemon Chicken Soup, a better-for-you take on fast food with her “Fried” Chicken Sandwich with Special Sauce, and more
-Pan-Fried Brie with Pistachios and Rosemary Hot Honey
-Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Turkey Burgers with Jalapeño Tzatziki
-Brown Butter Lemon Halibut with Asparagus and Olive Oil Whipped Potatoes
-Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits
-Spicy Rosé Spritz
-Flourless Espresso Brownies
Carissa describes her recipes as healthy, but not too healthy because health isn’t just about being able to run a marathon or eating “clean.” It’s about living your life to the fullest.
Self-proclaimed SoCal beach girl Carissa Stanton first earned her nickname Brocc, not because of an obsession with broccoli (though she thinks it’s a damn good veggie), but because she hosted weekly girl’s nights with her friends who loved to cook, eat—and move their bodies. With Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” in mind, she combined her love of food and created @BroccYourBody to start sharing her favorite recipes on Instagram.
Now, Carissa shares with her hundreds of thousands of followers how cooking for yourself after a busy day of work can be just as exciting as relaxing with friends over cocktails and apps. Seriously, So Good reflects her philosophy of feeling good about what she’s cooking and eating by making smart choices without depriving herself of carbs or a splash of cream here and there. She wants to remove the anxiety around food by helping us all feel more confident in and out of the kitchen. She shares her recipes and balanced outlook to motivate others to experience a stress-free cooking approach while enjoying mouth-watering meals alone or with loved ones.
The 100 flavor-bomb dishes, which are approachable, nourishing, and always fun, include all-time favorites such as her viral Greek-Style Lemon Chicken Soup, a better-for-you take on fast food with her “Fried” Chicken Sandwich with Special Sauce, and more
-Pan-Fried Brie with Pistachios and Rosemary Hot Honey
-Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Turkey Burgers with Jalapeño Tzatziki
-Brown Butter Lemon Halibut with Asparagus and Olive Oil Whipped Potatoes
-Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits
-Spicy Rosé Spritz
-Flourless Espresso Brownies
Carissa describes her recipes as healthy, but not too healthy because health isn’t just about being able to run a marathon or eating “clean.” It’s about living your life to the fullest.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 16, 2024
75 people are currently reading
8157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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June 3, 2024This author looks EXACTLY like a hockey player’s wife I follow (Ryian montour) — to the point where my husband asked “are those different people?” when I showed him. It was really quite distracting.
November 21, 2023
Miigweetch NetGalley and Simon Element for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
"Seriously, So Good" by Carissa Stanton, the culinary mind behind Brocc Your Body, falls short of its promise to deliver delicious, satisfying recipes that are good for your health, heart, and mind. While the author's Instagram account boasts an impressive following, for me, this cookbook fails to live up to the hype. Carissa's attempt to combine flavor and health in her recipes results in an uneven balance, leaving many dishes lacking any ‘wow’ factor.
Despite the book's promise of nourishing and approachable recipes, the execution often feels uninspired and doesn't fully deliver on the flavor-bomb concept. While Stanton's philosophy of enjoying food without strict dietary restrictions is commendable, the recipes in "Seriously, So Good" often miss the mark in terms of taste and innovation. The author's effort to create healthy yet enticing dishes is apparent, and a few recipes, like the Pan-Fried Brie with Pistachios and Rosemary Hot Honey, may pique your interest.
Given the lukewarm reception, I recommend borrowing "Seriously, So Good" from the library if you're curious to try a couple of recipes without committing to a purchase. While there are a few gems hidden within the pages, the overall value of the book doesn't justify adding it to your personal collection. Kudos to Carissa for her efforts, but this cookbook falls short of leaving a lasting impression in the world of culinary literature.
"Seriously, So Good" by Carissa Stanton, the culinary mind behind Brocc Your Body, falls short of its promise to deliver delicious, satisfying recipes that are good for your health, heart, and mind. While the author's Instagram account boasts an impressive following, for me, this cookbook fails to live up to the hype. Carissa's attempt to combine flavor and health in her recipes results in an uneven balance, leaving many dishes lacking any ‘wow’ factor.
Despite the book's promise of nourishing and approachable recipes, the execution often feels uninspired and doesn't fully deliver on the flavor-bomb concept. While Stanton's philosophy of enjoying food without strict dietary restrictions is commendable, the recipes in "Seriously, So Good" often miss the mark in terms of taste and innovation. The author's effort to create healthy yet enticing dishes is apparent, and a few recipes, like the Pan-Fried Brie with Pistachios and Rosemary Hot Honey, may pique your interest.
Given the lukewarm reception, I recommend borrowing "Seriously, So Good" from the library if you're curious to try a couple of recipes without committing to a purchase. While there are a few gems hidden within the pages, the overall value of the book doesn't justify adding it to your personal collection. Kudos to Carissa for her efforts, but this cookbook falls short of leaving a lasting impression in the world of culinary literature.
September 17, 2025
Looking at this cover you can see how I thought this would be a diet book. But no! There’s one healthy chapter and the rest is quite rich. My kids raved about most of these recipes and demanded I make them again. I appreciate Stanton’s views on balance in life and letting go of the idea that you have to have a body that is a certain shape. Thank you for the gifted copy, Simon Element.
👏
Here’s what I made:
🍫 Flourless Espresso Brownies- I’m giving this recipe a free pass because I’d never used my new oven before and the temp could be off, but they never cooked to solid in the middle for me. They were decadent and tasty though!
🍄🟫 Date Night Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce- the sauce was really good. I worried about the juice of a whole lemon in there but it balanced the cream and cheese flavors well. Gave the rice great texture and flavor too.
🍔 Mom’s Smashed Burgers with Mac Sauce- a million times better than a real Big Mac! Great cheese to meat ratio. The Mac sauce was awesome. Wow!
🍝 Twice-Baked Cheesy Spaghetti Squash- I did not know you could fit this much cheese into a squash shell with the squash still inside. So intense and filling. Loved the garlic bread crumbs on top.
👏
Here’s what I made:
🍫 Flourless Espresso Brownies- I’m giving this recipe a free pass because I’d never used my new oven before and the temp could be off, but they never cooked to solid in the middle for me. They were decadent and tasty though!
🍄🟫 Date Night Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce- the sauce was really good. I worried about the juice of a whole lemon in there but it balanced the cream and cheese flavors well. Gave the rice great texture and flavor too.
🍔 Mom’s Smashed Burgers with Mac Sauce- a million times better than a real Big Mac! Great cheese to meat ratio. The Mac sauce was awesome. Wow!
🍝 Twice-Baked Cheesy Spaghetti Squash- I did not know you could fit this much cheese into a squash shell with the squash still inside. So intense and filling. Loved the garlic bread crumbs on top.
July 13, 2025
From looking at Carissa Stanton’s Instagram, it’s clear that the creator of Brocc Your Body has a loyal following. It’s always fun to see someone’s on-line success shift into another level which hers has with this debut cookbook.
Covering Dinner in 30 to Feel Good Food to Restaurant Remakes, the overarching theme of this book is cooking is fun and you can have fun while cooking. With the detailed pantry and kitchen essentials section, this would be an especially good cookbook for someone who wants to cook but maybe isn’t quite sure how to get started.
The recipes are approachable and have some interesting go-togethers like Bacon, Date, and Goat Cheese Dip or the Carbonara Risotto. If you get this book and are looking for a pretty much guaranteed win of a recipe, I recommend starting with the Chicken Satay with Kale Salad, and definitely double the dressing so you’ll have leftovers.
If you’re a new or want-to-be cook, this could be a good addition to your collection, but it was missing a “wow” factor for me. This could be a good cookbook to give a test run from your local library before buying.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
Covering Dinner in 30 to Feel Good Food to Restaurant Remakes, the overarching theme of this book is cooking is fun and you can have fun while cooking. With the detailed pantry and kitchen essentials section, this would be an especially good cookbook for someone who wants to cook but maybe isn’t quite sure how to get started.
The recipes are approachable and have some interesting go-togethers like Bacon, Date, and Goat Cheese Dip or the Carbonara Risotto. If you get this book and are looking for a pretty much guaranteed win of a recipe, I recommend starting with the Chicken Satay with Kale Salad, and definitely double the dressing so you’ll have leftovers.
If you’re a new or want-to-be cook, this could be a good addition to your collection, but it was missing a “wow” factor for me. This could be a good cookbook to give a test run from your local library before buying.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
January 23, 2024
Fantastic cookbook. So many no-nonsense, yet impressive, recipes from an author who wants to “show you just how fun cooking can be.” Be sure to read the introduction You will connect with Carissa immediately. These recipes are doable with all the options (fish, pasta, beef, chicken, beans, pork turkey, etc.) Carissa “AKA” Brocc, provides a VERY wide range of options from 30 minute meals to “restaurant remakes”.
Seriously, So Good is a “staple” cookbook that would be a great gift to someone starting out on their own or for a seasoned cook to keep in their arsenal to re-boot!
Thank you Simon and Schuster for the ARC.
Seriously, So Good is a “staple” cookbook that would be a great gift to someone starting out on their own or for a seasoned cook to keep in their arsenal to re-boot!
Thank you Simon and Schuster for the ARC.
November 6, 2023
I received a sample of this book from Netgalley. This sample did not include any recipes but it did include a ton of useful information. Pantry, fridge, and freezer staples. Kitchen essentials like pots and pans, appliances, utensils, etc. She also gives reasons for needing all these things in the kitchen. The photographs included are beautiful and the food looks great! I'm excited to read the full copy when it comes out.
April 24, 2024
Really enjoyed this cookbook! All of the recipes are extremely accessible, but not too simple where I felt like the cookbook was pointless (which I have experienced before!). A few of these have the potential to make it into my regular rotation. Great appetizers and an entire section on soup… Perfect for me!
June 12, 2024
This cook book is so average. None of the meals are spectacular. Everything is missing something. You have to build off of them as a base or skip it all together. They’re pretty much all inspired by defined dish,
and her meals are so much better. Save yourself the time and go get Alex’s cook books.
and her meals are so much better. Save yourself the time and go get Alex’s cook books.
July 27, 2024
I LOVE a good cookbook! The recipes in this one are great! Something for everyone! Some good basics and some more complex recipes, vegetarian options and full carnivore style as well! I made the ginger green lemon tahini sauce, bowls, and they were pretty darn good! The Smashburger sauce was also hit at my house!
December 8, 2024
A great beginner-friendly cookbook that seasoned cooks will enjoy too. Carissa Stanton provides useful information, including tips, lists and tools, to keep cooking easy and fun. My husband and I especially enjoyed the Jammy Ribs and Hawaiian Chicken Bowls. Not all of the essentials and information mentioned will apply to everyone, but the delicious recipes will.
April 28, 2024
My new staple cookbook!!! Carissa did such an amazing job on this. Not only are the recipes easy, beginner friendly, and freaking delicious; the cookbook is so aesthetically pleasing and so easy to navigate. 10/10!!!
July 19, 2024
Some of the recipes had a few too many ingredients for me, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that they all looked absolutely delicious. Now to just find the time and patience to actually make them.
December 22, 2024
Did not know you could rate a cookbook but I will because this one is my favorite!! Easy to follow and delicious recipes, at no point does she require something in a recipe you will buy and never use again and I appreciate that so much!
January 12, 2026
Hands down my absolute favorite cook book! I’ve tried about 10+ recipes at this point and each one has been a success. I’ve never had a cookbook where all the recipes are so consistently delicious and my entire family loves her food.
May 8, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up for the soup chapter and the soup chapter alone. All the other recipes were run of the mill and completely unremarkable.
May 27, 2024
This cookbook has a lot of healthy recipes that I'm anxious to try. I'm most excited about the Pesto Meatballs with Whipped Ricotta!
June 7, 2024
So many good recipes. I’ve made several and all are DELICIOUS! We love the date night chicken, and the cheese and bean enchiladas. She makes cooking easy and fun and ooooh so yummy!
July 28, 2024
I obtained this cookbook from a giveaway and to my surprise, it's my new favorite go-to when I'm meal-planning each weekend. All the recipes I've tried have been delicious!
August 26, 2024
Lot of recipes I want to try, but I will have to do some shopping first for ingredients I don't normally have on hand.
September 5, 2024
Make the damn carrots! Seriously, the carrots are amazing. I haven’t worked through every recipes but the ones I have made are incredible. Especially the carrots.
December 3, 2024
Really nice cookbook with a very detailed basic grocery and cooking tips section. Have tried a couple of the recipes so far and tasted great! Nice and easy quick recipes.
December 31, 2024
Great cookbook! I actually got book with my FabFitFun subscription,so glad that I selected it.
January 2, 2025
Amazing recipes! Follow on IG!
January 4, 2025
Couldn’t love this more!! Has been my go-to cookbook all year and is something I enjoy re-reading and exploring on a weekly basis
January 27, 2025
Beautiful cookbook, easy and delicious recipes!!
August 20, 2025
Very excited to try several recipes now that I've read through all of them...starting with the Hawaiian-Style Chicken Bowls with Pineapple and Macadamia Nut Slaw this weekend!
January 16, 2025
I use this cookbook on a regular basis. There are several recipes I have made over and over. The ingredients are accessible and not overly complicated. As a busy Mom I appreciate the quick weeknight meals section. Carissa is worth a follow on IG! She shares a lot of recipes on there and her blog which give a good taste of what her cookbook is like.
January 23, 2024
Fantastic cookbook. So many no-nonsense, yet impressive, recipes from an author who wants to “show you just how fun cooking can be.” Be sure to read the introduction You will connect with Carissa immediately. These recipes are doable with all the options (fish, pasta, beef, chicken, beans, pork turkey, etc.) Carissa “AKA” Brocc, provides a VERY wide range of options from 30 minute meals to “restaurant remakes”.
Seriously, So Good is a “staple” cookbook that would be a great gift to someone starting out on their own or for a seasoned cook to keep in their arsenal to re-boot!
Thank you Simon and Schuster for the ARC.
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Seriously, So Good is a “staple” cookbook that would be a great gift to someone starting out on their own or for a seasoned cook to keep in their arsenal to re-boot!
Thank you Simon and Schuster for the ARC.
Edit Review
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews