I use it all the time, it works and it really is OP. A 40% health with Dwarven Stew as many times as you want in succession with a 1 AP point and the other attributes as well double. Didn't know people were having an issue with this.
I can see the appeal of that in the earlier stages of the game, but once you reach a certain point, or is an experienced minmaxer, chances are you won't be needing healing at all due to the armor system and the abundance of armor restoring effects in the game.
Any other foods you have had success with?
