Cook Your Favorite Book: 15 Dishes Inspired by Literature
Books often take us on journeys to new worlds, but sometimes, they also make our mouths water! Many stories feature memorable meals that play a significant role in the plot or give us a taste of the characters’ lives.
From hearty breakfasts to delicate desserts, literature has inspired some fantastic dishes that can be recreated in your kitchen. If you’re a book lover and a foodie, why not combine your passions and cook up something straight from the pages of your favorite book?
Here are 15 dishes inspired by classic and popular literature. Get ready to bring your next meal to life, bookworm-style!
Turkish Delight from The Chronicles of Narnia
In C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Edmund Pevensie falls under the spell of the White Witch, thanks to a magical treat: Turkish Delight. This sweet, chewy candy is flavored with rose water or citrus and dusted with powdered sugar.
While Edmund may have been enchanted by it, you can enjoy it without any magical consequences! Turkish Delight is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, often flavored with pistachios or almonds.
It’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and can be a fun treat to make at home. Just be careful not to eat too much, or you might feel like you’re in Narnia!
Butterbeer from Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series gave us a glimpse of many magical foods, but Butterbeer stands out as one of the most iconic. This frothy, sweet drink is enjoyed by Harry and his friends at the Three Broomsticks pub in Hogsmeade.
While the books never reveal the exact recipe, fans have created their versions, typically combining cream soda, butterscotch syrup, and whipped cream. It’s a comforting and indulgent drink, perfect for a cozy night with a good book.
You can serve it warm or cold, depending on your mood. Either way, a glass of Butterbeer will make you feel like you’re part of the wizarding world.
Lembas Bread from The Lord of the Rings
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Lembas bread is an Elvish waybread given to the Fellowship for their long journey. This bread is known for being both filling and delicious, with just a small bite enough to sustain a traveler for a whole day.
While we don’t have access to Elven magic, you can recreate a similar version at home using simple ingredients like flour, honey, and butter.
Lembas bread is usually sweet, a bit like shortbread, and can be a great snack to bring on your adventures. Wrap it in a leaf (or some parchment paper) to feel like you’re in Middle-earth!
Green Eggs and Ham from Green Eggs and Ham
Dr. Seuss’s beloved children’s book Green Eggs and Ham shows Sam-I-Am persistently encouraging another character to try a strange dish: green eggs and ham. Though the idea might seem odd, you can easily create your version of this dish by adding some spinach or food coloring to scrambled eggs.
Pair the green eggs with slices of ham, and you’ve got a playful meal inspired by the book. This is a fun dish to make for kids or anyone who enjoys a bit of whimsy in their meals. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens!
Pooh’s Honey Treats from Winnie the Pooh
A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh is full of charming stories, but one thing is consistent: Pooh’s love for honey. The bear with “very little brain” always has honey on his mind, and it’s easy to understand why! You can whip up some delicious honey-based treats, like honey cakes, cookies, or drizzled honey over yogurt or toast.
Honey is not only sweet but also has a rich flavor that pairs well with many foods. Whether you make something simple or fancy, these treats will remind you of Pooh’s endless love for this golden nectar. Just be sure not to get your paws too sticky!
Peeta’s Cheese Buns from The Hunger Games
In Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games, Peeta Mellark is a skilled baker who makes a special cheese bun that Katniss loves. These savory pastries, filled with cheese, remind Katniss of Peeta’s care and kindness. You can bake your version of these cheese buns by mixing grated cheese into a soft dough and baking them until golden.
They make a perfect snack or side dish for any meal. These buns are comforting, warm, and a reminder of resilience, just like the characters in the story. Serve them fresh out of the oven for the best experience.
Stone Soup from Stone Soup
The classic folktale Stone Soup is all about sharing and community. In the story, hungry travelers convince villagers to each contribute a little bit of food to make a delicious soup—starting with just a stone. While you don’t need a stone to make your soup, you can use the idea to create a hearty, vegetable-packed meal from simple ingredients.
Start with a basic broth and add whatever vegetables, grains, or meats you have. This soup is filling and flexible, making it a perfect dish for using leftovers. The story reminds us that sometimes the best meals are made by working together.
Chocolate Cake from Matilda
Roald Dahl’s Matilda features many memorable moments, but the scene where Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat an enormous chocolate cake is unforgettable. While the cake was meant as a punishment, it looked so delicious that many readers have dreamed of having a slice themselves.
You can bake your decadent chocolate cake, rich and moist, just like the one in the book. This is a perfect dessert for celebrations or for craving something sweet. Top it with a thick layer of chocolate frosting for the ultimate treat. Just be sure to share it with friends—unlike Bruce!
Ratatouille from Ratatouille
While Ratatouille is primarily known as a Pixar movie, it also draws inspiration from French literature and culture. The dish itself is a simple, flavorful vegetable stew made with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and it’s as colorful as delicious.
You can make this at home as a light main course or a side dish. The story behind the dish teaches us that anyone can cook, no matter their background or skills in the kitchen. Serve it with crusty bread for a meal that feels both rustic and gourmet.
Tea Party Treats from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland features a quirky and chaotic tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter. At this fantastical event, they enjoy tea, cakes, and other whimsical treats. You can recreate your tea party with delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and plenty of tea.
Add in some fun shapes or colors to give your treats a Wonderland vibe. It’s a playful way to enjoy an afternoon snack, whether you’re alone or with friends. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the Cheshire Cat!
Hot Chocolate from The Polar Express
Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express takes readers on a magical train ride to the North Pole, where the children are served the “best hot chocolate you’ve ever had.” You can make your version of this indulgent drink by using rich cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
It’s a perfect beverage for cold winter nights or cozy reading sessions. The warmth of the hot chocolate will transport you straight into the holiday spirit, just like in the story. Don’t forget to sip slowly and savor each delicious moment.
Lemon Cakes from A Song of Ice and Fire
In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire (or Game of Thrones), Sansa Stark is fond of lemon cakes. These sweet, tangy treats are often served at feasts in the Seven Kingdoms. You can make your version of lemon cakes by baking small, moist cakes with a zesty lemon flavor and a sugary glaze.
They’re light and refreshing, perfect for a tea party or dessert. The cakes offer a taste of luxury and indulgence, just like the lavish world of Westeros. Serve them alongside a strong cup of tea or coffee for a regal treat.
Cherry Pie from Twin Peaks
While Twin Peaks is more of a cult TV series, it was heavily influenced by mystery novels and detective stories. One of the show’s most famous foods is the cherry pie enjoyed by Agent Dale Cooper. You can bake your cherry pie with fresh or canned cherries, sugar, and a flaky pie crust.
The sweet and tart flavors make it a perfect dessert, especially when served warm with vanilla ice cream. It’s a nostalgic, all-American treat that’s just as mysterious and comforting as the show itself. Slice into it and enjoy a moment of small-town intrigue.
Porridge from Goldilocks and the Three Bears
In the classic fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldilocks sneaks into the bears’ house and tries their porridge. You can make your own warm, creamy porridge using oats, milk, and a pinch of salt, just like in the story.
Top it with honey, fruit, or nuts for extra flavor. This dish is simple, healthy, and perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. It’s also a reminder that sometimes, we just need to find the version that’s “just right.” Enjoy it hot or cold, depending on your preference!
Beorn’s Honey Cakes from The Hobbit
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Beorn is a shape-shifter who lives in a house surrounded by animals, and he’s known for his honey cakes. These cakes are sweet, dense, and full of energy—perfect for long journeys like Bilbo’s.
You can bake your version using honey, flour, and butter for a treat that’s both rustic and delicious. These cakes are ideal for breakfast or as a snack with tea. The rich honey flavor will remind you of Beorn’s pastoral home and the simple pleasures of the Shire.
15 Secret Ingredients That Make Any Dish Healthier
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Sometimes, it’s all about adding a few simple ingredients to your favorite dishes to boost their nutritional value. These secret ingredients can enhance the flavor, add essential nutrients, and make your meals more satisfying.
15 Secret Ingredients That Make Any Dish Healthier
15 Foods Only The Wealthy and Elite Can Eat Now
Culinary trends are constantly evolving, and some foods have become more than just sustenance—they’ve become status symbols reserved for the elite.
