Transcending decades and creating some of the biggest fans the world has ever seen, Star Wars is without a doubt the most epic collection of movies to have graced the silver screen. When you think of the movies you think of its legendary characters and story lines, hundreds of lines spoken by its cast that you find yourself quoting on a daily basis, but one thing you might not think of is the food and drinks that come from the movies. I don’t know about you, but I was surprised at the role food and drink played in creating some of its most memorable scenes (blue milk, anyone?). When it came time to create the food and drinks that would eventually be served in Galaxy’s Edge, Disney Imagineers often referred to the Star Wars movies for inspiration.
The Kingdom Insider has obtained an exclusive look at a new Star Wars cookbook written by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel and Marc Sumerak. Inspired by the stories and cuisine from Disney Park’s most ambitious land, The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge- The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook, brings the magic of Disney and epic adventures of Star Wars into your kitchen and onto your table. The cookbook is written from the perspective of Strono “Cookie” Tuggs, former head chef at Maz Kanata’s Castle on Takodana. After his time on Takodana, Tuggs went on to operate a food freighter (known as “Tugg’s Grib” – a ‘traveling diner for diners traveling’) serving countless planets from across the galaxy. Tugg’s is now sharing his vast recipe collection with cooks of all ages and all levels.
What makes Galaxy’s Edge so epic is that Disney Imagineers found a way to bring life to a world where, up until the Summer of 2019, we had only been able to read about or watch on the big screen. It’s a chance for all of us to become completely immersed in our surroundings while single-handedly making us feel like we’re actually on the planet Batuu. The Galaxy’s Edge Cookbook is an extension of that, where we have the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich history of Star Wars cuisine from the comfort of our own home.
If you’re hesitant to pick up the cookbook because your skills might be lacking in the kitchen, don’t be. I tried several recipes in the book and by no means am I a master chef. However, if there’s one thing Yoda taught us, it’s that- fear is the path to the Dark Side. Don’t doubt your cooking ability, whatever it may be, and don’t be fearful to try any of these delicious recipes. I even had my children assisting me with a few of the recipes, they’re meant for anyone to cook and enjoy.
The cookbook itself is extremely aesthetically pleasing and the recipes are presented to you with colorful pictures and captivating descriptions. The cook times are displayed at the beginning of each recipe and with most recipes taking just 15-20 minutes to complete from start to finish, it goes without saying that it especially appeals to this busy working mom. If I can serve up quick and delicious meals to my family that come from our favorite movie, it’s a win for everyone!
The Galaxy’s Edge Cookbook is broken up into several chapters, some being; Sides, Snacks and Starters, Soups and Stews, and get this- there’s an entire chapter devoted to bread! Come on, does it get any better than an entire chapter of various bread from different planets in the galaxy? Another feature I found especially helpful was that there is a chapter devoted to condiments, sauces, and garnishes. I really enjoyed the ways you could incorporate any one of them into various recipes throughout the book. You’ll find that any of the small plates you cook up from the sides, starters and snacks chapter, are just as filling and as satisfying as any of the main courses. Maz was right, size can be deceiving, and the recipes from this chapter pack a lot of flavor into a small portion. Much like how you can incorporate the condiments, sauces, and garnishes into different recipes- all of these sides can be incorporated into all the main course meals. The cookbook has a great cohesiveness and flow to it, further giving you the ability to succeed with its recipes.
We covered food, now let’s get to the galactic drinks. Anyone will tell you that it doesn’t matter what you’re serving if you don’t have a quality beverage to go along with it. You’ll find drink concoctions that are easy to make and the cookbook provides you with drinks that contain alcohol, and drinks that don’t. I have two little boys, so you can guess which drinks I chose to make at the end of long the day. That being said, any of these beverages would rival the entire menu at Oga’s Cantina.
Perhaps what sets this cookbook apart from anything else out there, is the section devoted to various dietary considerations. The page lists every recipe in the book and marks it V (Vegetarian), GF (Gluten Free), V+ (Vegan). Recipes marked with a V*, GF*, and V+* are ones that you can easily make vegetarian, gluten free, and/or vegan with simple alterations in the recipes. Disney Parks is on the cutting edge when it comes to accommodating its guests with food allergies and restrictions, and I truly admired the way this cookbook lets you know what each recipe is and marks where you can alter it to meet your needs.
When it comes to Galaxy’s Edge, Disney Imagineers found a way to make an entire imaginary planet come to life. Following in their creative footsteps, Chelsea Monroe-Cassel and Marc Sumerak successfully found a way to bring the imaginary food and drink items from the movies and land to life and onto our tables. Perhaps we’re starting a new “Park to Table” trend? Their knowledge and gift of storytelling combined with Tugg’s expertly curated list of recipes, allows for the Galaxy’s Edge Cookbook to fill your heart with joy and your stomach with some out of this galaxy food and drink. In this digital age, where we’re so quick to google a recipe on our phone, the Galaxy’s Edge Cookbook makes you believe in the concept of a cookbook again. You’ll want to open it up, look at the pictures, follow the minimal step recipes and create delicious meals for your friends and family.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge- The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook will hit shelves in November, just in time for the holiday season. For more information and to purchase, check out Insight Editions.
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