A good book can make life taste better. You remember how The Secret Garden made you want to play outside and smell the fresh air? How The Famous Five added an air of mystery to the drabness of small-town life and inspired a million picnics?
So if your kids are real bookworms, you’re probably no stranger to being nagged into preparing some of the more colorful dishes from their favorite novels! Here are seven such recipes transferred into real-life terms to help that kitchen magic flow a little easier.
1. Butterbeer (Harry Potter)
The tipple of choice for the wizard out on the town, butterbeer is described in sickly-sweet terms that are sure to catch an avid young reader’s attention. In the Harry Potter books, butterbeer is just about alcoholic enough to get an elf drunk – so here’s an alcohol-free version to keep your head clear.
2. Porridge (Oliver Twist)
The idea of gruel in Dickens’ much-loved tale is that Oliver’s request for a second helping of the nasty stuff just goes to show how underfed the orphan is. You’ll need to spruce it up a bit for your own little ones then: syrup, creamy whole milk and a good mix of oats should do the trick.
3. Clam chowder (Moby-Dick)
There’s one good reason your kids are bound to ask you for a bowl of clam chowder while they’re working through Moby Dick: it’s a pleasure to say ‘clam chowder’ aloud! The fishy taste may be more of a challenge for Junior, but some meaty pancetta should get the balance straight.
4. Caraway seed cake (Jane Eyre)
A classic cake for a classic book. Miss Temple’s healthy cake is the perfect addition to any literary picnic – and you’ll be sure to find crumbs between the pages for weeks to come.
5. Lembas bread (The Lord of the Rings)
Tolkien’s elves guard this recipe jealously – but now it’s out! Sweeter than regular human bread, ‘Waybread’ also lasts longer (unless you eat it quickly) which makes it’s the perfect lunchbox filler for any great expedition.
6. Frobscottle (The BFG)
If they liked saying ‘clam chowder’ they’re going to love saying ‘frobscottle.’ They’ll enjoy drinking the stuff, too, since it’s easy to dye it bright green, and it’s packed with vanilla and raspberry flavors and plenty of sugar. One glass per weekend, huh?
7. Pepparkakor (Pippi Longstocking)
Even kids love Scandi chic. Well, they might not be into dull, identikit furniture but they love Swedish child superhero Pippi Longstocking – and they’ll love her recipe for ginger cookies, too.
Armed with these recipes, it could be a sweet smelling summer in your kitchen!
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