The Sussman Brothers Have Fun in the Kitchen

Working as a chef is a job, with long hours and little time to relax. But for Eli and Max Sussman, the time in the kitchen is also about having fun, something that is exemplified in their latest book, “Best Cookbook Ever.”

The brothers, who live in Brooklyn, said they wanted to write a cookbook that had a balance of accessible recipes, while also mixing in their own brand of humor. “Cooking should be fun and an enjoyable thing,” said Max on the brother’s recent visit to the Bay Area. “It should be something that brings people together.”

Those ideas resonate in their cookbook, the third book the Sussmans have written. It is split into fun and unique chapters, from “Hangover Cures” to “Just Add Bacon” and “Captain Dinner Party.” There are fun little anecdotes from Eli and Max with each recipe. “That was part of the difficulty with this book,” Eli said. “We not only came up with and tested the recipes, but also wrote the additional content. But we felt it was important that the book represented what we are all about. We wanted it to be our thoughts and ideas that were written down on the pages. That was important to us.”

Chorizo Breakfast Tacos

The recipes are laid out in a simple fashion and are easy to understand for the home cook. The brothers describe the dishes as food they enjoy on their days off, simple and homey, yet rich in flavors. “We really feel like food and cooking should be worked into your life, something that is simple, easy and fun when you get home from your job - and not another job,” Eli said. And that shows in not only the way the book is written, but through the photos as well.

Although their cooking styles may differ (Max is a bit more on the ambitious side, often pairing ingredients that you normally wouldn’t think to combine together; Eli on the other hand often works with familiar dishes, but trying to execute them better, in his own way), the Sussmans said their “brotherly instincts” take over when they’re cooking or working together on recipes for the book, which makes for great teamwork in the kitchen.

”Best Cookbook Ever” is a lighthearted and fun read for cooking enthusiasts from a pair of very talented chefs.