Nailed It! – Putting Cookbooks to the Test

Welcome to Nailed It!, my new monthly blog series where I put cookbooks to the test— trying out a recipe and sharing the verdict.

So, what does Nailed It! mean? It’s that perfectly satisfying moment when you attempt something—whether it’s baking a cake, styling a bookshelf, or recreating a gorgeous cookbook recipe—and absolutely crush it. It turns out just right, maybe even better than expected. It’s a win, a success, a “look what I did!” kind of feeling.

Of course, in the kitchen, Nailed It! can also go the other way (cue the Netflix baking fails). But in this new monthly blog series of mine, I’m here to test recipes from my favorite cookbooks to see if they truly deliver—and hopefully, help you find your next favorite dish or cookbook along the way.

The Cookbook: Pretty Delicious by the Food Dolls

If you’re looking for a cookbook that makes everyday meals feel effortless yet elevated, Pretty Delicious is a must-have. The Food Dolls blend Middle Eastern family favorites with nostalgic Midwestern comforts, all updated for the modern home cook. Their recipes strike the perfect balance between convenience and crave-worthiness, whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting an elegant gathering.

What makes Pretty Delicious stand out?
✔️ Fewer ingredients, bold flavors
✔️ Smart pantry stocking & time-saving tricks
✔️ Gorgeous styling tips for effortless entertaining

This book doesn’t just teach you how to cook—it shows you how to make everyday meals special without the stress.

The Recipe I tried: Upside-Down Walnut & Honey Banana Bread

I’ve been following the Food Dolls on Instagram and Facebook for ages, constantly drooling over their easy, flavorful, and beautifully photographed dishes and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sent their recipes to my husband via Messenger with a “We have to try this!” (He humors me by heart-reacting every time.)  Naturally, when they announced their cookbook, I preordered immediately.

When it arrived, my husband and I had one of those “we need to make this” moments, flipping through pages and bookmarking recipes. But here’s the twist—it was his idea to try a recipe first. Over the weekend, he picked up the book, landed on the Upside-Down Walnut & Honey Banana Bread on page 54, and said, “Let’s do this.” So we did!! When he pulled out the banana bread from the oven and it looked exactly like it did in the cookbook, the idea for a blog series called Nailed It! was born.

The Verdict

This recipe delivered. If you love banana bread but want to take it to the next level, this is the one. The Food Dolls transform this recipe into something special — it’s like a cross between banana bread and sticky toffee pudding, as the honey and walnuts create a caramelized topping, giving it a rich, nutty crunch, while the banana bread itself stays moist, fluffy, and just sweet enough. Bottom line is It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you haven’t been making banana bread this way all along and it definitely makes you feel like you’ve been baking at a cozy café in the Mediterranean. My husband, son and I devoured it as soon as I had finished taking photos of it for this blog series.

Would I make it again? Absolutely. Would I serve it at brunch and pretend I spent hours on it? Without a doubt!! It’s

✔️ Easy to follow
✔️ Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
✔️ Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat

I can confidently say… we nailed it!

The Food Dolls Cookbook showcase’s a collection of easy, flavorful dishes perfect for any home cook and this recipe was the perfect way to kick off my Nailed It! series. If you love banana bread but want to level it up, this one’s a must-try. And if you’re looking for a cookbook full of drool-worthy, foolproof recipes, I highly recommend grabbing a copy.

Let’s Keep Reading & Cooking Together!

Have you tried any amazing cookbook recipes lately? Drop your favorites in the comments! I’d love to hear what you’re making.

Until next month’s Nailed It! Challenge —live well, read often, and eat deliciously.

Love,

Emma