Want to get ready for the box office release of “The Hunger Games” on March 23 with a truly memorable event? Host a dinner party, featuring foods inspired by the ” The Hunger Games .”
Bread: Light Rye Sourdough with Seaweed
The Fresh Loaf’s Light Rye Sourdough with Seaweed reminds me of District 7’s salty seaweed bread. To make it salty, I would sprinkle the loaf with coarse sea salt before baking.
Salad: Bitter Greens with Dried Cranberries, Goat Cheese, and Spicy Maple Vinaigrette
This Bitter Green Salad from French Revolution Food incorporates many of the foods that Katniss had access to at her home in District 12: greens and berries from the forest, goat cheese from Prim’s goat, and maple syrup, which we learned that her father was able to harvest.
Main Course: Lamb Stew with Dried Plums
A Pot Roast Carbonnade recipe like this one from Melissa d’Arabian may have been the inspiration for the Lamb Stew with Dried Plums recipe that Katniss adores during her time in the Capitol. You can make this recipe as is, or substitute lamb for a more authentic Capitol version. I would also add more dried plums to the recipe, after all, Katniss probably would. Serve with a red wine, Katniss style, with a little honey mixed in.
Dessert: Honey Vanilla Pudding and Pine Needle Tea
One of Katniss’ Capitol meals ended with “Pudding the Color of Honey,” so it is right for you to end your meal with this Spanish Honey Vanilla Pudding from the Food Network. Pair your honey pudding with a steaming hot cup of Pine Needle Tea for an ironic pairing of the Capitol luxurious flavors with the taste of survival in the arena.
Want More “Hunger Games” Recipes?
The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook by Emily Ansara Baines has 150 recipes inspired by all three books of “The Hunger Games” trilogy. Whether you want to try your hand at making a version of the raisin nut bread that Peeta gave Katniss or see what grosling tastes like, this book will increase your culinary appreciation of the “The Hunger Games.”
The San Jose Mercury News is also hosting a “Hunger Games” recipe contest, get the full list of entries here .
About the Author: Michelle is a former English teacher, full time mom, bookworm, food aficionado, and author of the blog: The Princess and the Jedi .