Don't underestimate the power of buffing food & potions !
I did so for a very long time, and it made my play so much harder (and consumed so much more healing food !).
For example, you can produce potions which protect against an element. Or, potions which buff "defense". Or food which buffs "attack". Or krit.
Makes fights against bosses so much easier.
You just need to fing out, which element the bosses use.
Or what their weaknesses are.