04/01/2019

The latest from Monroe-Cassel (World of Warcraft: The Official Cookbook) compiles dishes found across the land of Tamriel from the popular Elder Scrolls video game series. The names of the dishes are the most inspired element in otherwise common recipes. For appetizers and sides there are Baked Ash Yams (no actual ash is needed) and Hot Mudcrab Dip; for mains, Monroe-Cassel offers Seared Nordic Barnacles (scallops flavored with juniper and maple syrup), and desserts include the in-game sweet Honey Nut Treats (rolled balls of dates, raisins, almonds and peanut butter). Each recipe is marked with a video game–style health indicator detailing the difficulty level for preparing each dish: flaky chicken dumplings, a kind of British hand pastry (“a specialty of many an inn across Skyrim”), rates a six out of 10; the Argonian Swamp Shrimp Boil in brown sugar and molasses rates at three; the Lavender and Honey Bread requires a skill level of five; and a breakfast soufflé scores a seven. A drinks section includes recipes for brewing mead as well as making grog with, among other ingredients, rose hips and blackberries. More gimmicky than go-to reference, this cookbook will nevertheless inspire Elder Scrolls fans to create at least one feast. (Mar.)