The BA Summer Cookbook Potluck: Our Honest 2026 Review

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Look, I know everyone is obsessed with the new BA Summer Cookbook right now, but I wanted to see if the recipes actually hold up at a real-life potluck. So, I dragged my friends over last Saturday for a 2026 summer feast. We made five dishes from the book, and honestly? It was a wild ride of hits and total flops. I’m giving you the real scoop on what’s worth your time and what you should skip before you spend your hard-earned money at the grocery store.

The Good, The Bad, and The Burnt

The standout was definitely the charred peach and burrata salad. I grabbed the peaches at Costco for about $8.99 and they were perfectly sweet. You’ve got to use the Diamond Crystal kosher salt here—it makes a difference. The dressing is simple, just olive oil and a splash of sherry vinegar. I was worried it would be too fancy, but everyone inhaled it. Honestly, it’s the easiest thing to throw together when you’re running late. Just don’t over-char the peaches or they turn into mush. I learned that the hard way after my first batch looked like charcoal bricks. Trust me, keep an eye on the grill pan. It’s worth it for the rave reviews you’ll get.

Why the Peach Salad Wins

It’s all about the balance. The sweetness of the fruit against that salty, creamy cheese is basically summer in a bowl. Plus, it takes about 15 minutes to prep if you’re fast with a knife. You can skip the fancy garnish if you’re lazy, I won’t judge, but it looks much better with a little fresh basil on top.

The Main Event: Grilled Lamb Chops

Then we had the grilled lamb chops. These were pricey—I spent about $35 at Trader Joe’s for a decent pack—but they felt like a real celebration. The recipe calls for a specific herb marinade that I thought was too much effort, but I did it anyway. It’s annoying to chop all those fresh herbs, but the smell when they hit the grill is unreal. My only gripe is the cooking time. The book says 4 minutes per side, but mine needed closer to 6 to get to medium-rare. Keep a thermometer handy. Don’t eyeball it unless you want to waste $35 on overcooked meat. It’s a total crowd-pleaser if you get the temp right.

Don’t Skip the Herb Marinade

I know, I know, chopping herbs is a chore. But the marinade creates this crust that is just incredible. If you’re really in a rush, just toss them in some olive oil and garlic, but you’re missing out on the best part of the dish.

The Side Dish Disaster

Okay, let’s talk about the potato salad. It was… fine. Just fine. The recipe uses a weird mustard-based vinaigrette that felt a bit too sharp for a hot June afternoon. I think I’ll stick to my usual mayo-heavy version next time. It felt like they were trying too hard to be different. I spent about $12 on baby potatoes and fresh dill, and I kind of wished I’d just bought the pre-made stuff at Walmart. It wasn’t a total failure, but it definitely didn’t disappear as fast as the salad. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, this isn’t it. Save your energy for something else, like the dessert.

My Potato Salad Regret

The acidity is just too much. If you make it, cut the vinegar in half. Your guests will thank you, and it won’t leave such a weird aftertaste. Sometimes simple is better, and this recipe definitely overcomplicated a classic.

Dessert Saved the Day

Finally, we made the strawberry shortcake. This is the winner of the entire cookbook. The biscuits are buttery, flaky, and honestly, I could eat them plain. I used King Arthur flour and it made a huge difference in the texture. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a lazy Sunday. You’ll need a good food processor to keep the butter cold. If you don’t have one, just use your hands but work fast. Don’t overwork the dough or you’ll end up with hockey pucks instead of biscuits. Seriously, make this. Your friends will think you’re a professional baker, and it’s actually super forgiving for beginners.

The Secret to Perfect Biscuits

Keep your butter frozen until the very last second. I cut mine into cubes and toss them in the freezer for 10 minutes before mixing. It creates those beautiful layers that make the shortcake so addictive.

Final Thoughts on the Cookbook

So, is the BA Summer Cookbook worth the $30 price tag? Mostly, yes. It has some great ideas for when you’re bored of your usual rotation. The photography is gorgeous, which is a nice bonus for the coffee table. But not every recipe is a keeper. Just be prepared to tweak things as you go. Potlucks are all about having fun and not stressing out, so pick one big project and buy the rest of the sides if you have to. Life is too short to spend all day sweating over a stove in June. Just grab a drink, put on some music, and enjoy the food.

My Strategy for Next Time

I’m sticking to the hits. Peach salad and strawberry shortcake are definitely going in my permanent rotation. Everything else? I’ll probably skip it or wait until I have more time to mess around in the kitchen.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer for lamb; a $15 digital one from Amazon saves you from ruining expensive cuts.
• Save $5 on herbs by buying the big bunches at an ethnic grocery store instead of those tiny $4 plastic clamshells at big chains.
• Don’t over-process your biscuit dough; if it looks a little shaggy, that’s actually perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Look, at the end of the day, a cookbook is just a starting point. Don’t be afraid to change things if they don’t taste right to you. My potluck was a success because we didn’t stress the small stuff. Grab the book, pick the two recipes that sound the best to you, and just have fun with it. You’ve got this!