Magic on the Plate: Cookbooks Inspired by Sci-Fi and Fantasy Worlds

Nowadays, more and more cookbooks inspired by sci-fi and fantasy worlds are hitting bookstore shelves. These books offer a unique way to bring the magic of your favorite stories straight into your kitchen. Whether you're a fan of elven dishes from Middle-earth, wizarding delicacies from Hogwarts, or exotic meals from Azeroth, you'll find recipes that anyone can prepare. These cookbooks aren't just collections of recipes; they're a way to experience beloved worlds in a new light and share your fandom with friends and family through delicious food.

The Elven Cookbook

Most inhabitants of Middle-earth don't spend much time thinking about food. Except for hobbits, who are true connoisseurs and devotees of regular, hearty meals. No second breakfast, no life! A typical elf usually gets by with lembas (referred to by its older elven name, coimas, in the book). However, it's certain that a typical elven cook has invented a whole range of interesting recipes over their immortal career.

The Elven Cookbook contains over 80 recipes inspired by the elves and their culture, as envisioned by J. R. R. Tolkien. The book includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and standard recipes, so there's something for everyone. The recipes aren't particularly complex, require minimal exotic ingredients, and are easy to prepare in our conditions. The book is richly illustrated, though unfortunately, not every recipe comes with a photo.

World of Warcraft - The Official Cookbook with a Pinch of Humor

World of Warcraft is a phenomenon that has been with us for 20 years. Over that time, many interesting recipes have appeared in the world of Azeroth. The author of the book, Chelsea Monroe-Cassel, runs the culinary blog The Inn at the Crossroads (inspired by Game of Thrones) together with Sariann Lehrer, where they publish fantasy-inspired recipes. They have cookbooks under their belts from the aforementioned Game of Thrones, as well as Star Wars, The Elder Scrolls, Star Trek, and the game Overwatch.

The author approaches the recipes with a sense of perspective and humor. This is clearly evident in the official World of Warcraft Cookbook and its loose sequel, New Flavors of Azeroth. Together, both books contain two hundred recipes, complemented by illustrations, photos, and often witty details and commentary. The recipes aren't complicated, and even a beginner cook can handle them.

Recipes According to Harry Potter

Food plays an important role in the world of the wizarding apprentice Harry Potter. Just picture the tables in the Great Hall groaning under the weight of delicacies. It was only a matter of time before cookbooks appeared. Several have popped up. For Czech readers, they have the disadvantage of not being translated yet, so we have to settle for the English originals.

Official (licensed) titles include Harry Potter: Official Christmas Cookbook and Harry Potter: Festivities and Feasts. Both are beautifully crafted, image- and photo-packed books that, in addition to dozens of recipes, contain behind-the-scenes info on the magical kitchen, as well as tips on dining and decoration.

As the name suggests, the first book focuses on Christmas recipes and the holiday in general. In addition to classic dishes, you'll find recipes for various sweets and cookies. The authors didn't forget about alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks either. The book Harry Potter: Festivities and Feasts isn't a cookbook per se. It contains guides and tips for hosting a party, wedding, or gathering in Harry Potter style.

Unofficial titles include The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook for Hungry Vegan and Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. These are English-language titles that, while lacking an official license, will definitely satisfy fans.

The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook for Hungry Vegan contains recipes for those who don't indulge in meat and meat products. The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook is a classic cookbook that, while not as polished as the official ones, offers classic recipes that even a regular Muggle can cook.

Unofficial Stranger Things Cookbook

In this beautifully crafted Unofficial Stranger Things Cookbook, you'll find over 60 recipes. These include classic American dishes like donuts, pancakes, or fried chicken, as well as recipes inspired by the Upside Down. Even a Demogorgon gets a craving for something tasty sometimes! As for what Vecna eats for lunch, I wouldn't dare guess…

The Necronomnomnom: Recipes and Rites from the Lore of H. P. Lovecraft

Finally, I've saved two unconventional cookbooks. Hidden under the tongue-twisting title The Necronomnomnom: Recipes and Rites from the Lore of H. P. Lovecraft is an unconventionally crafted book of recipes inspired by the terrifying world of H. P. Lovecraft. It's definitely not just about tentacles and cold fish bits. The authors have selected 50 funny, often bizarre, and even spooky dishes. Just look at the names: The Deep Fried Deep One, Nog Sothoth, Cthus-Koos!

Ultimately, these are dishes you can cook at home. You just need to be prepared for a higher level of English proficiency and the trickiness of imperial units and their conversion to the SI system (like kg, liters…) for those of us mortals surviving in the cruel decimal system outside the reach of the British Empire.

Alien: The Official Cookbook

It's a classic scene – a character is eating contentedly at a table with their colleagues and friends. Suddenly, they collapse onto the table, their shirt staining with blood. A moment later, another extremely hungry diner is born. That's not exactly an ideal dinner invitation, but fans of Alien will be in seventh heaven.

In Alien: The Official Cookbook, you'll find over 50 recipes primarily inspired by the life cycle of this popular xenomorph. Avocado xenomorph eggs, chicken facehugger cordon bleu, or pepper quiche with a sausage chestburster are just a few examples waiting for you in the book. But behind the witty names lie realistic recipes.

As you can see, you can cook practically anything today. Every major brand will sooner or later get its own cookbook. Tomb Raider, Destiny, Diablo, God of War, or Friends are just a few examples. Plus, at the turn of this year, the Mytago publishing house will release a Czech translation of The Witcher: Official Cookbook. We've already tested a few recipes on our own taste buds, and it's certain that you have a lot to look forward to!

author Karel Krajča